I had the privilege to teach a bible study in Pakistan today. Thank you, Suleman Joel and Sajjad Anwar for the opportunity. Of course, it was virtual and we had an interpreter. It was also very early morning because of the time difference and I had a late night from a speaking engagement. But this was important and so are the people in this picture.
I spoke on the importance of names and why it is a significant thing to pay attention to the name changes in the Bible. When the name was changed by God it was because they had changed and their name warranted change because of that.
For instance: Simon to Peter Simon means “he heard” and Peter means “rock” or “stone”. Simon was a follower of Jesus. When he confessed that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus changed his name to Peter to show that this faith would be the foundation of the church, like the foundation stone for a house (Matthew 16: 16-18). Jacob to Israel Jacob means “he holds the heel” or “treacherous”. Israel means “he fights with God”. Before God changed his life, Jacob was deceitful and treacherous but one day he struggled with the angel of God. That day, his life changed and he became a different man. Therefore, God called him Israel (Genesis 32: 27-28).
But the virtual part is what I want to focus on. Look how much has transpired in the last 100 years. Even more so with technology in the past 20 years. Communication and transportation have never been easier or faster. For those of us that believe we are called to spread the Word of God and Good News to the ends of the earth. Once that is accomplished Christ will return. I am sure that every generation has thought Christ’s return would be in their lifetime and man wouldn’t that be great if it happened in ours?
Look how much has transpired in the last 100 years. Even more so with technology in the past 20 years. Communication and transportation have never been easier or faster. We have gone from horses to cars, airplanes, jets, and space travel. We have gone from letters to phones, to the internet, to virtual communication. This technology is what is going to make the Word of God easier and faster to get even closer to the most remote areas of the world. Once that happens God’s Word is clear that Christ will return. The last prophecy of the Bible will be fulfilled.
Don’t believe in prophecy? Check it out for yourself. Prophecy has been foretold since before Christ. It is a proven fact. Even most of the revelation has transpired, being transpired or soon to be transpired. John saw a glimpse of the future and wrote about it. What he saw has happened. We believe what the history books taught us in school so why do people have a hard time believing in this? The Bible is the best history book out there. It is the best prophetic book out there. It is the #1 best-selling book and It is the best self-help book you can get. It has the best relationship and life instructional book you will ever find. As Christine Walters said, “You have tried everything else, why not try Jesus?”
It has changed my life and it will change yours too. My change is why I do #BTBY and encourage others to change their mindset, change their actions, and then they can change their life. You don't have to be "religious" to change your life. But you need to always strive to be the best version of yourself. However when you add Christ to that equation? It is a GAME CHANGER!
