My Halloween Awakening Free Reprint Article

NotifySnack

Christian Articles for All of your Publishing Needs!

LIKE US

Translate this Page Here

Word Count: 1050

Send Article To Friend

Print/Use Article

Contact John Owens

My Halloween Awakening

by John Owens
10/31/2018 / Christian Living

My bedside clock read 2:00 AM. It was October 31, 2018, and I was totally unable to go back to sleep.

The fear that had gripped me earlier was a terrible awakening to the reality of what it was like being ushered into an eternal separation of horror – One could call it the Halloween awakening.

In that place the peace and knowledge of a loving Protector was gone. So alone. Completely helpless. Words from the Bible came to mind that “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb 10:31) All human companionship and comforts were gone.

I was lying in bed, struggling in my mind with this terrifying perception of aloneness, grasping at verses I had memorized from God’s written word. One came to mind, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (Jesus speaking, John 5:39)

How great was the danger, it suddenly occurred to me, of making this however brief earthly existence an end in itself – of living for self while ignoring the One who created me, as in a dream state or hypnotic trance oblivious to the soon waking reality of facing judgment. No room for reincarnation – “It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Heb 9:27)

There were salvation texts I had read and claimed in the Bible, even taught to others; but when that envisioned time came, the thing that most mattered and had to kick in was faith – “For by grace are you saved through faith;” (Eph 2:8) Apart from Jesus Christ there was absolutely no chance of help. God allowed me to experience what it was like, no longer connected to a merciful God.

It was like the reality of the Bible I had heard and read was suddenly in a new and interactive dimension. Before, I could turn my attention to other things; but now it had me. Nowhere to turn. Like a soldier who had been sitting through training films, I was now thrust into a consuming fire without armor.

My eyes were wide. I got up and poured myself a glass of milk, thinking that it might smooth over the emotional shock and enable me to go back to bed. But it didn’t. God wanted it recorded for whatever purpose. God’s message came next.

Don’t play around with God. “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God…toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness:” (Romans 11:22) Our time remaining here is a lot shorter than we think.

Does the presence of evil confuse you? There is a powerful fallen angel and his host of dark forces who are doing all they can to keep mankind in a deceived state of slumber while he steals, kills and destroys.

Wake up and recognize the real enemy – It’s not flesh and blood, even though there are those who have given themselves consciously or unconsciously over to the devil’s control. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Be a good soldier, not entangled with all the stuff and distractions of this perishing world (2 Peter 4). Ask God to search your heart and get you battle-ready (Psalm 139:23-24). Don’t give ground to the devil (Eph 4:27). God has us still here for a reason. And the greatest weapon is love, but not for the devil.

Do not fear. Knowing that “perfect love casts our fear” and “God is love”, take time to soak in the evidence for that love – the cross – and just what happened there. Not only were your sins paid for in full by the perfect human sacrifice. Jesus took our punishment by the shedding of His sinless blood. But we died with Him to that old carnal nature. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are made new.” (2 Cor 5:17)

But I’m not good enough to get into a perfect place like heaven. Exactly. “All have sinned.” (Romans 3:23) That’s why Jesus imparts His righteousness to us, so that we can be accepted by a Holy God through His beloved Son. (2 Cor 5:21) Have we received it all as a free gift from a loving Father? This is where we do business, face to face with God. Then hook up with some other true believers.

Still bothered with questions? Like why hasn’t Jesus come back yet to clean up the world. Could it be that God is waiting for more people to turn to Him for salvation, that He really doesn’t want to have to punish people for their sins? According to 2 Peter 4, that is true. He is not slow about His promises, but patient and long-suffering, giving more people time to repent, not wanting any to perish. And apart from Jesus Christ, they will. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Heb 2:3)

What about all the world religions? Disturbing, isn’t it. Jesus was disturbed over His own religious flock for failing to recognize Him. Even after fulfilling ancient Biblical prophecies to the letter concerning His life, death and resurrection (supported by over 500 eye-witnesses), many refused to believe, and still do. Stick with the main Book of books (The Bible) – the one the devil tries to keep out of countries - and the main message of the cross. It also wouldn’t hurt to check your fruit now and then (Gal 5:22). As I read it, a remnant will be brought out of the final struggle, those who kept the faith.

This earth-ship is like the Titanic, steaming for the fatal iceberg. While the days are shortening, too much of the church is busying itself rearranging deck-chairs when it should be helping passengers to locate their Jesus life-line.

And don’t worry when you get a frightening vision. It could be just one of those practicing witches or new-agers doing a little out-of-body astral projection, messing with the saints. Just use the power of the blood and pray for them. Hopefully, they’ll wise up, change loyalties, and become a powerful voice for the Lord Jesus, before it’s too late.

John L. Owens and his family were full-time missionaries to the former USSR in the early 90's. He continues to write and minister to truck drivers from his home in Coastal Georgia. His website, www.TheNinthGeneration.com, with two published novels and latest book, AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW