Pages

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Are You a Slave or a Son?

A Son or a Slave in the Father's House

"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever." John 8:34-35

The following sermon is from Bro. Ian Robson at CFC as he teaches on the difference between living as a servant versus a son to God.  In this teaching, he addresses:
  • Are we resentful & angry in what we do or do we intend well seeking to please the Lord with what we do?
  • Are we jealous when others around us are blessed or can we truly rejoice at the goodness of God shown to others?
  • Is our labor one of compulsion & obligation or is it a labor of love unto the Lord?
  • What is the spirit of your obedience to God? Is it the spirit of a slave or a son?
  • Do we have a complaint against God as if He owes us something or do we truly serve Him joyfully from the heart in gratitude for who He is?
Just the other day, I wrote on the issue of having integrity in all we do and being aware of the little foxes. Bro. Ian touches on a few of these things as well.   It is always amazing to me how God sends confirmation for words He has given.   He IS an awesome God!

As Bro. Ian asks in the message, will we decide to live as a servant or as a son for Almighty God?  I pray we will understand the calling to be and live as His sons and daughters.

Friday, April 29, 2011

A Pure Bride

The Shallow Glitz & Glam of False Religion

Only in "religion" could two fornicators be heralded as a "fairy tale" couple while they participate in a grand, royal wedding - with the whole world enthralled - presided over by a pedophilic priesthood as other fornicators, adulterers, idolaters, drunkards, and homosexuals join them at a "church" full of idols to celebrate the occasion.

God says in His word that the inhabitants of the earth would become drunk with the fornication of the harlot with the kings of the earth.  Such is certainly true.  Only in Sodom and Gomorrah could that which is defiled be exalted as being honorable.

Is all it takes for us to forget God and His ways a pretty dress?  A handsome couple? An ornate cathedral?

I am not picking on any person(s) in particular.  I am pointing out how very far the values of men have strayed from God's values.  Man routinely calls good what God calls evil...and thinks nothing of it (Isaiah 5:20).

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Getting Ready For The End Of All Things

It Is Harvest Time, and the Harvest is HIS

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."  I Peter 4:7-8

We have often referred to Min. David Wilkerson's sermons and devotions on this site and - while there is some sadness in my heart at his passing last evening - I rejoice as I reflect on his life of service to the Lord.  His ministry has been a tremendous blessing to our family for years as he has encouraged us to continue and grow in the faith.

What perhaps strikes me most is a conversation I had with a sister in the Lord two days ago.  She shared how her mother began to struggle with bouts of depression as she fought against cancer near the end of her life.  In that time, she shared with her mom that really, no one knows the day or hour when their life will be required of them.  Even though one may struggle with a life-threatening disease, another who seems otherwise healthy can still die at any time.

Min. Wilkerson had mentioned recently being in prayer for a couple of family members fighting cancer and his seeking and hoping for God's healing in their lives.  Yet this morning, he is the one no longer here.  Yesterday, hundreds of individuals died in severe storms across the United States, and how many knew that April 27th would be their last day here?  Truly, tomorrow is not promised to anyone

We know that not one child of God will pass before it is God's will.  Our lives are truly in His hand and He is in complete control.  At the same time, we need to each individually be ready.  As such, I am posting Min. Wilkerson's sermon entitled, "Getting Ready for the End of All Things".  Even yesterday, I was studying I & II Peter, and Bro. Wilkinson uses these texts in this sermon to impress upon us Peters final words to the churches upon his pending death.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Books of I & II Peter

Strangers to This World

"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you." I Peter 4:1-4 

The following notes are taken from pastor Zac Poonen's sermon on the books of I & II Peter, which may be found here.

Peter addresses the Book of I Peter to those who are "strangers" scattered about.  I believe that this is because the ways of God (His love, His mercy, His grace) are indeed strange to this fallen world.  The way that we are called to act and interact in this wicked world might even seem strange to us, until God gives us a true understanding of for whom we live (Acts 17:28).

The ways of the world are to defend yourself, promote yourself, and live for yourself.  Yet the ways of Christ are diametrically opposed to this. As Peter takes times to outline what it really means to walk in God's grace, I pray we each consider ourselves and the lives we are leading.  Are our lives "strange" to this world or do we fit right in with the motivations and principles of this world (II Peter 1:10)?

May God continue to pour out His Spirit and give us the will and the strength to live as He lived in this earth...for His glory and His honor.  I thank Him even now for doing so each day.

I Peter
  • The entire purpose of this letter is to define the "true grace of God" (5:12).  This means that there is also a counterfeit grace, so we should endeavor to know the difference.
  • The first example of God's grace is election. God chooses us according to His foreknowledge (1:2).  He chose us because He knows the end from the beginning based on who responds to the call of the Gospel.
  • By God's grace, The Father chooses us, the Holy Spirit sanctifies us, all so that we may obey the Son of God, Jesus Christ (1:2).
  • One who comes under the true grace of God will be distressed by various types of trials in order to prove their faith (1:6).
  • One object of the true grace of God is to make you pure, like gold tried in the fire (1:7).
  • Our souls have a corruption from Adam (i.e., selfishness, pride, defiled desires) and we need to be saved from that (1:9). 
  • As we obey the truth that God reveals to us day by day, our souls are being purified (1:22).
  • If we are really born again, we will have a longing for the word of God - our spiritual food (1:23-2:3).
  • The true grace of God will not allow you to live an individual Christian life, but you are compelled to be built together in fellowship with other believers being representative of God's house (2:5).
  • The true grace of God calls us to show forth the praises & light of God.  We do so by keeping our behavior excellent among the heathen and by submitting to proper authority (2:9-16).
  • A man who has experienced the grace of God has no problem honoring others; it is a mark of his submission because he understands that he is first a servant.
  • Submission is also seen at your place of work or school, in respecting those in authority above you...even those who are unreasonable (2:18-20).  It is in darkness that a Christian's light is seen most.
  • The true grace of God allows one to suffer, even unjustly.  Such a person does not rail aginst or threaten those who treat him unrighteously, but he entrusts his case to the Lord who judges righteously (2:21-25).
  • The true grace of God allows a wife to submit, even to an unbelieving husband (3:1-2).  [I know personally that this is true!!!]
  • A woman who has experienced the true grace of God will have a gentle and quiet spirit (3:3-6).
  • A husband has experienced the true grace of God when he knows how to live in an understanding way with his wife, honoring her as the weaker vessel (3:7).
  • The true grace of God means having control over our own tongue (3:9-16).
  • How do we gain power over sin?  Determine that you will suffer the way Jesus suffered (4:1-2).
  • Those who experience the true grace of God are large-hearted.
  • A Christian puts others first in everything except judging, where he puts himself first (4:17).
  • The church of God needs shepherds or elders, and those elders who have experienced the true grace of God will perform these duties cheerfully without seeking for money.  Neither will they boss over people, but will be a Godly example (5:1-3).
  • Young people who have experienced the true grace of God will submit to elders (5:5).
  • The "mighty hand of God" is all the circumstances that God sends into your life, but is also the same power that raises you of above and out of those circumstances (5:6).
  • When we humble ourselves in these ways, we can resist the devil (5:9). 
  • After this - having experienced the true grace of God - God will "make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (5:10)  AMEN!!!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Anoint My Eyes

No More Jaundiced Eyes

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."  Revelation 3:18

There was much wrong with the Church at Laodicea, but a number of their issues stemmed from a lack of spiritual sight.  They could not see their own condition, therefore they thought they were somewhere that they weren't.  Neither could they see clearly around them, which is why they had become lukewarm.  They could not perceive the reality of the spiritual war they were in, so there was no urgency or fervor towards the Lord.  They were indeed spiritually blind.

Many times, we can be like this Church.  We see ourselves and others according to the flesh, judging things by physical/outward appearance rather than spiritual insight because our eyes can become jaundiced.
jaundice: yellow discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, etc., due to an increase of bile pigments in the blood, often symptomatic of certain diseases, as hepatitis; a state of feeling in which views are prejudiced or judgment is distorted, as by envy or resentment.
Our second child was born with jaundice.  Her complexion and even her eyes were tinged yellow.  Do you know what they gave her for treatment? Prolonged exposure to light!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Little Foxes

Learning to Live for God in ALL Things

"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; " Colossians 3:22-23

About 13 years ago, I became a manager at a Firm where I was afforded some liberty in my duties and the management of my team.  However, I sometimes took advantage of this.

One way that I did so was by padding my expense reports.  I didn't want to just be reimbursed for my expenses, but I wanted to be enriched by them.  Whenever I traveled, I wanted to come back ahead of the game; which to me meant not only paid for expenses but making money off of traveling.  Therefore, every expense report usually had from $5.00 - $20.00 of "padded" expenses.

One day as I was filling out my expense report - doing as I usually did and what I was sure most others did as well - God spoke to me and asked, "Do you not have faith in me to provide you with $7.14 if you need it?"

Startled, I answered, "Yes, Lord.  Of course I do."

"Then why are you trying to get $7.14 from this company unrighteously?" He asked.

"Well see God," I replied, (this is the part where you get to fall on the floor laughing at my ignorance as I try to justify myself to God.), "I am not doing this because of any lack of faith in you.  I believe you will get me anything I need.  It is just that this company sticks it to us in so many ways.  I figure they also owe me for the effort in traveling and being away from my family.  Plus, they have a lot of money and you should see the ways in which the Partners waste it, so these little amounts won't hurt them.  And by the way, everyone does it; they probably even expect it."

"When you do this," God said "You are demonstrating a lack of faith in me and you are taking what you have not earned.  You are lying and you are stealing."

I was shocked.  I didn't think these actions had anything to do with God.  This was after all "just work".  And He called this little thing stealing?  Wasn't that a bit much?  Besides, everyone was doing it.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Train Up A Child - Full Series

A Review of Education in America

A few years ago, I did a series entitled "Train Up A Child" which examined the historical and present condition of education in America...and beyond.  These videos have now been consolidated into one and updated slightly.

Part 1 - What Has Happened?
Why has education in America continued to decline in global rankings? What U.S. trends/policies (like declining graduation rates, giving children mind-altering drugs, and paying for performance) are contributing to this crisis in education? What is the objective of the education system in America? How has "rat psychology" or Behaviorism being used to reform public education?

The purpose of education is no longer about intellectual development, but changing behavior. The U.S. educator training initiative "Behavioral Science Teacher Education Progam" (BTESP) trains teachers to become Behavioral Scientists in the classrooms.  What we have historically known as education has become mind control.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Babylon as Christian Cults

Continuing the series entitled, "Know Your Enemy" by Mark Fairley of the Fuel Project, this selection of videos addresses the various Babylonian religions which masquerade as being "Christian".

While Mark discusses a few of these in the videos below, he does an in-depth study on Catholicism, which may be found here.  I am also linking to another resource, a book by Pastor Gary Price entitled "The Jesus Cult" which goes into this in more detail.

The "enemy" is not a person or even a group of people for we wrestle not against flesh & blood.  The "enemy" is Satan who exerts himself as a spiritual force against that which is of God.

There are a number of videos in this series, so feel free to use the arrows on the left and right of the video screen - or the listing of videos at the bottom of the screen - to navigate to the particular topic you wish to review, as listed below:

Part 72 - Mormonism
Founded by Joseph Smith Jr. who was born into and raised by a high practicing masonic family.  He was also a freemason himself and plagiarized much of freemasonry in the forming of his own religion: Mormonism.  As a true indicator of its roots, Mormonism teaches its members that they can "become" or evolve into Godhood themselves since God Himself was once just a man.  Therefore, they believe in multiple gods.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Babylon Rising

Continuing the series entitled, "Know Your Enemy" by Mark Fairley of the Fuel Project, this selection of videos addresses how the one world government Scripture foretells is being forged right before our eyes.

The "enemy" is not a person or even a group of people for we wrestle not against flesh & blood.  The "enemy" is Satan who exerts himself as a spiritual force against that which is of God.

There are a number of videos in this series, so feel free to use the arrows on the left and right of the video screen - or the listing of videos at the bottom of the screen - to navigate to the particular topic you wish to review, as listed below:

Part 61 - The European Union "Rome Reborn"
The Scriptures indicate that "Rome" will be a great empire again at the end times. I would simply add that, unlike presented in the video, I do not think that the EU is the end time Rome depicted in Scripture, but a precursor to the global model. While the "seven hills" upon which the whore sites certainly is a reference to Rome (Revelation 17:9), it is also is a reference to the seven continents of the world. I believe Scripture indicates that this end time empire is worldwide, incorporating the whole world under one governing arm. While Rome & the EU are included, that is not the whole of it.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Conquering the Nations of Men

Continuing the series entitled, "Know Your Enemy" by Mark Fairley of The Fuel Project, this selection of videos addresses the how Satan has used political upheaval and financial enslavement to change laws and mold nations.  In watching these videos, one truth becomes astoundingly clear, "The whole world lies in wickedness." (I John 5:19)

The "enemy" is not a person or even a group of people for we wrestle not against flesh & blood.  The "enemy" is Satan who exerts himself as a spiritual force against that which is of God.

Please also know that when I highlight a particular video as recommended, it is not to say that the others videos are not worthy of your attention.  It is simply to point out videos that I believe you should make time to watch if you cannot watch them all...however, my primary suggestion would be to watch them all.

There are a number of videos in this series, so feel free to use the arrows on the left and right of the video screen - or the listing of videos at the bottom of the screen - to navigate to the particular topic you wish to review, as listed below:

Part 50 - The French Revolution
The Illuminati's first attempt to overthrow the existing monarchy and establish their ideals for a science dictatorship, a Republic. The revolution itself identified all of the hallmarks of a mason-inspired contrivance. After this revolution, the legislative assembly officially rejected God as the object of man's worship. Then, the National Convention paraded around an idol of a woman called the "Goddess of Reason" through the streets and enthroned her at the Notre Dame Cathedral. The revolutionary government also began a massive killing spree called the "Reign of Terror" in an attempt to eliminate those "useless eaters" who were almost all comprised of those from the lower and working classes. Christianity also came under attack as churches were closed, clergy deported, and public/private worship and religious education outlawed.

The French Revolution laid the foundations for later ideologies such as socialism, communism, and fascism. This first attempt at establishing a scientif dictatorship eventually descended into bloodbath as many of the revolution's conspirators were slaughtered by the mobs they had created. Yet the symbol of this movement - the Goddess of Reason - remained and was the inspiration for France's gift to the United States of America as a sign that the conspirator's plans were to continue there. And "Lady Liberty" still stands in America today as a testimony to the these continuing masonic goals.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Conquering the Minds of Men

Continuing the series entitled, "Know Your Enemy" by Mark Fairley of The Fuel Project, this selection of videos addresses the philosophies and tactics being used to control the mind and limit the thinking of man in order to mold him to the new world order ideologies.

The "enemy" is not a person or even a group of people for we wrestle not against flesh & blood.  The "enemy" is Satan who exerts himself as a spiritual force against that which is of God.

This is also a very important selection of videos which will help people to understand the satanic roots of what makes up most of the global policy we see in affect today.

There are a number of videos in this series, so feel free to use the arrows on the left and right of the video screen - or the listing of videos at the bottom of the screen - to navigate to the particular topic you wish to review, as listed below:

*Part 45 - Republics (This one I particularly recommend)
The preferred type of society the Illuminated ones desired to set-up were Republics. The classical Greek philosopher Plato summarized these objectives in his book entitled, "The Republic" where he used the mysteries to form the basis of his ideal society. Plato believed that society should be divided into a heirarchy of three classes: the ruling elite, the auxilleries, and the workers. Under this republic, it was assumed that the average individual was incapable of running his own life and should therefore submit unquestionably to the ruling elite. The auxillery class existed therefore, not as a separate social class from the workers, but to impose the will of the ruling elite on the people (i.e. the army, police, etc.).

Look at the world today and you will see what is called the "Middle Class" is being eradicated through higher taxes and greater debt burdens. The elite bankers caused a global financial crisis, but were themselves bailed out. The result was a greater gap between the ruling elite class and the worker class, with the elites not having to adjust their lifestyles at all.

The individual has no intrinsic value of his own, but exists solely to benefit the State. Molding the minds of the individual to conform with the these beliefs was critical to the success of of the Republic and necessitated diminishing parental influence over minors. Eugenics (population control, selective breeding & abortion) should also be used to limit the numbers of the undeseriables and maintain the control of the elites.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Occult & Secret Societies

The crest of the Vatican featuring a dragon/serpent.
The word Vatican literally means "divining serpent".
Continuing the series entitled, "Know Your Enemy" by Mark Fairley of The Fuel Project, this selection of videos addresses the occult and secret societies as extensions of the Babylonian mystery religion.

The "enemy" is not a person or even a group of people for we wrestle not against flesh & blood.  The "enemy" is Satan who exerts himself as a spiritual force against that which is of God.

While I am posting a number of videos from this series, these particular ones I happen to believe are some of the most important for Christians to watch.  I hope that you are able to take time to watch them.

There are a number of videos in this series, so feel free to use the arrows on the left and right of the video screen - or the listing of videos at the bottom of the screen - to navigate to the particular topic you wish to review, as listed below:

*Part 23 - Roman Catholicism (This one I particularly recommend)
When Christianity reached Rome, it dropped into a city completely under the spell of Babylonian worship and whose emperor was the current high priest of the mysteries as denoted by the title "Supreme Pontiff". This is why Rome was so intent on brutally persecuting and exterminating Christians. Never underestimate just how much Satan hates God's people nor to what lengths he would go to harm us if he had the power to do so. Because persecution had only made Christianity more formidable, Satan - through Rome - switched to a tactic of manipulation.

In 312 AD, Emperor Constantine signed an edict of Milan which allowed tolerance of Christianity. However, Constantine only did this for political gain and even engineered a false conversion to allow him to use Christianity in furthering his objectives. He appointed leaders in the church as his political advisers and worldliness and corruption began to seep into the church in Rome. Eventually, the title "Supreme Pontiff" which had been reserved for Ceasars in denoting them as the high priest of the mysteries was bestowed upon Damascus, the Bishop of Rome.  This remains a title of the pope of the Roman Catholic church until this day. He is still called the "Supreme Pontiff" as the head of the pagan religion of Babylon, the mystery religion, the fount of satanic worship.

To increase the spread of its mystery religion, the RCC continued to compromise Christian principles in order to attract pagan converts. The RCC simply became a mystery Babylon religion with a Christian facade.

Monday, April 4, 2011

God's Plan of Redemption

And Satan's Plan of Deception

Continuing in the series "Know Your Enemy" by Mark Fairley of The Fuel Project, these collection of videos examine God's plan to redeem mankind from the realm of the fall as well as what Satan has attempted to do through time to prevent man's redemption.  The "enemy" is not a person or even a group of people for we wrestle not against flesh & blood.  The "enemy" is Satan who exerts himself as a spiritual force against that which is of God.

There are a number of videos in this series, so feel free to use the arrows on the left and right of the video screen to navigate to the particular topic you wish to review, as listed below:

Part 11 - God's Masterplan
God chose Abraham to be the patriarch of a great nation through which He would usher in His plan of redemption. He revealed Himself to them so that He could reveal Himself to the world through them. The animosity the Arabs have towards the Jews goes back to the animosity Ishmael felt towards Isaac. The Hebrew nation eventually grew and moved to Egypt during a great famine. When God determined to bring His people out of Egypt, He sent ten plagues which directly attacked the false gods which had originated in Babylon.

Part 12 - The Plagues
When humans create idols, a real demon is assigned to become the object of their affections. Satan encourages idolatry in order to direct worship to the angels who fell with him as a fulfillment of his promise to make them gods. With each plague against Egypt, God was showing his superiority over their demonic idols (the fallen angels). At the end of time, God will again show Himself supreme over the "hosts of heaven".

Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Birth of False Religion

The next few posts on the blog will highlight a video series entitled, "Know Your Enemy" by Mark Fairley of The Fuel ProjectKnow Your Enemy attempts to look at the world (events, countries, media, policies, religions, prominent figures, etc.) through a Biblical view.  The "enemy" is not a person or even a group of people for we wrestle not against flesh & blood.  The "enemy" is Satan who exerts himself as a spiritual force against that which is of God.

This first section of videos highlights the roots of false religion and the satanic lies which make up the secret knowledge of mystery religions.

There are a number of videos in this series, so feel free to use the arrows on the left and right of the video screen - or the listing of videos at the bottom of the screen - to navigate to the particular topic you wish to review, as listed below:

Part 2 - Lucifer 
Who does Scripture say he is? Where is he now?  How does he operate?  He disguises his appearance. He is a created being and therefore not equal to God.  Satan deceived by claiming you could attain godhood by obtaining knowledge. Satan wants to be worshiped.

Part 3 - From Adam to Nimrod
How the nephilim is evidence of the demonic invasion of humanity. Who is Nimrod?

Part 4 - Babylon
God utterly despises Babylon and is symbolic of Satan's city. It was established by Nimrod's empire.  Babylon occurs frequently in Revelation, even though the physical city would havebeen long gone by that time.

Part 5 - Semiramis
Nimrod's wife who in some respects may be a more important figure than Nimrod.

Part 6 - Tower of Babel "The Mountain" (This one I particularly recommend)
The goal of the constructors of the Tower of Babel was the same as Satan's goal to sit in the mount of the assembly in Isaiah 14:13-14. The idea to use religious authority to secure temporal authority seems to have come from Semiramis.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

What Can We Know About the Rapture?

As part of another article, a discussion arose about the Rapture and its timing.  The purpose of this article is not start debate or condemn any particular belief.  It is merely to examine the Scriptures on this subject for your own personal study time.

From God's word, we can know the following about the rapture:
  • It does not happen in secret, but is announced with the voice of an archangel and the sound of a trumpet. (Matthew 24:29-31; I Corinthians 15:51-52; I Thessalonians 4:16)
  • It happens after a period of tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22, 29-31; Mark 13:24-27; )
  • It occurs after the sun has turned dark, the moon turns to blood, and the stars fall from the sky (Joel 2:10, 31; Isaiah 13:10; Matthew 24:29; Luke 21:25-28; Acts 2:20; Revelation 6:12)
  • It occurs at the same time as the coming "day" of the Lord (Matthew 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:27-28; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; II Thessalonians 1:6-10)
As I started to write the article, it was something I had to leave in draft mode for a while because the topic is so expansive that it really takes time to spell out.  However yesterday, Chris White posted a video on this very topic and reviewed most of what I felt led to communicate (and beyond). Chris addresses such things as:
  • What is the "Day of the Lord"? 
  • What are the signs of its coming?
  • What has to happen prior to the Rapture?
  • What is the difference between the "wrath of Satan" and the "wrath of God"?
  • What is the "Doctrine of Imminence" and is it Scriptural?
  • How do the four horsemen of the Apocalypse fit into the timing of the Rapture?
  • Is Matthew 24 only relevant for the Jewish believers? 
  • Who is the one who "restraineth" the revealing of the Anti-Christ in II Thessalonians 2:7?
So, in appreciation to the Lord foremost for always providing, I am posting Chris' video below called "The Prewrath Rapture".  It is primarily a scholarly review of the topic vs. a sermon, but is rather straightforward.  Again, this is not cause fear or discord, but to enable us to do exactly what God says we should.

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  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.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." I Thessalonians 5:4-11