|
People of The Living God |
|
April 2010
AS GOES THE CHURCH
Leonard Ravenhill
Incandescent men are needed for this midnight hour. The Flame of the living God became the Flame of the human heart to the glorious company in the upper room. The Church began with men in the upper room – agonizing, and is ending with them in the supper room – organizing.
We began in revival; we are ending in ritual. We started virile; we are ending sterile. The charter members of the Church were men of heat and few degrees; we end with many holding degrees, but no heat!
Ah, brethren, Flame–hearted men are the crying need of the hour!
Men to be pillars of fire. God–guided men to lead a misguided people. Passionate Pauls to stir timid Timothys. Men of Flame to outshine and out–burn men of name! We need knights of prayer to lead nights of prayer. We need true prophets to warn of false prophets. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
The rock–a–bye–baby attitude of many conference preachers is a tragedy in this end time. The cry is, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly – Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep!” (Joel 2:15–17)
The ice–clad peaks of the Alps are warm compared to a heart that has known the Fire of the Lord, and allowed that Fire to go out. Metal is molten only while the fire burns. Remove the fire and the metal is solid. A heart without the heat of heaven is an iceberg.
The preacher’s study becomes a laboratory for dissecting doctrine and developing lifeless dogma, if the Spirit is absent. Teaching needs anointing. Truth must be trenchant; and comfort must kindle.
Inspired men are desperately needed! Believers with Spirit–generated souls are indispensable to this degenerate generation. The gale of end–time iniquity will blow out mere human flame and snap fleshly sectarianism’s feeble candle — as a dry reed cracks in a storm. A rushing mighty wind of false religion and lukewarm Christianity is lashing the world at the moment. Having been warned by Fireless men of false fire, we settle for no fire at all!
Being unable to detect what is flesh and what is Spirit, the religionists of the hour are heralding a new boom in spirituality with banner headlines. The good has again become the enemy of the best. The wise will understand. Be alarmed! The conflict gets stiffer! This is the night of blight and plight. God help the nations, ruined with man–made religion, cursed with man–made cults, and doomed with man–made doctrine! Was there ever such an evil hour? Reiterated effort is the price we have to pay for progress.
As the Church goes, so goes the world! If the watchmen sleep, the enemy takes the city! The preacher should give at least one day a week to prepare his sermons, and yet another to prepare the preacher to preach the prepared sermons. Inspiration is as mysterious as life. Both are God–given. Life begets life by its very nature. Inspired men — inspire — by the same token.
We need Joshuas to lead the Lord’s people into the Promised Land of Spirit–empowered living. Like Israel, we have escaped Egypt and Pharaoh, which in our experience means the world and Satan, but Israel failed at Kadesh–Barnea. What was to become a stepping stone, became a stumbling block. What should have been a gateway, became a goal. What could have been a thoroughfare became a terminal.
Think of it! For forty years these chosen people had no miracles, no answers to prayer. Nothing but death, droughts and darkness. And all because of unbelief. “The giants are too great for us!” was their cry (Num. 13:17–33).
This is our cry today, too. “Look at the might of this, and measure if you can the strength of that!” The reply is, “Lord, I pray thee, open his (the young man’s) eyes” (II Kings 6:17). Is the Lord’s arm shortened, that He cannot save? (Isa. 59:1) Shall we but consider Him as the God of the past, the God of prophecy, but not the God of the present?
Blind unbelief is sure to err. Have not we, too, stumbled at Kadesh–Barnea? We have come out of the poverty of the world, but not yet entered into the Canaan of His riches.
Peter’s Pentecost sermon was as scorching as it was searching. Truth became alive. “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel!” (Acts 2:16) The inspired man found that the Sword of the Lord had a new edge, and the listeners were cut to the heart.
Men are ever saying that people need comfort in these trying days. Agreed, many do. The sick, the sad, and the suffering are in this bracket. Let none fail to realize that it is criminal to keep silent while a house is burning. He is no comforter who lets his neighbor sleep, as he watches a criminal move to the door with a gun. This is not overdrawing the picture of the peril of this hour.
Shall we wilt before the men of straw of our day, who decry our blood–honoring, incarnation–believing, hell–fire evangelism? To do this would reveal us as sawdust Caesars. The legions of hell are great, but the legions of heaven are greater. The devil is mighty. God is Almighty. The stakes are high. The price is great — and the prize is great!
Some declare that Patrick Henry did more to pave the way for freedom and liberty in America than any other man in its history. Hear him, fired with passionate devotion for his people, as he speaks at the Virginia Convention, March 23rd, 1775:
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” Could Cato or Demosthenes surpass that oratorical gem? Can we translate it?
The fearful bondage and slavery that exists in the world, and threatens the rest of mankind, is no fairy story! If Communism should conquer the world, terrible and unimaginable as that might be, there is a greater horror to the true child of God — that of eternity in an endless hell for the unrepentant!
Perhaps we should get near Patrick Henry’s language this way: “Is life’s span so dear, and are home comforts so engrossing, as to be purchased with my unfaithfulness and dry–eyed prayerlessness? Shall the perishing millions at the final Bar of God accuse me of materialism, coated with a few Scripture verses?
“Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me Revival in my soul, in my heart, and in my nation, or give me death!”
THE WATCHMAN
Randall Walton
In Ezekiel 33:1–9, the Lord declares the mission of one whom He calls a watchman, or one who is on the alert for impending trouble or adversity or danger: in this case the Lord refers to the disturbance as “the sword,” which is a term denoting judgment or punishment.
God’s standard of responsibility is set forth most plainly here in Ezekiel. God holds the person who sees danger or calamity coming responsible to make known the fact: he (the watchman) is to “blow the trumpet and warn the people.” If he shirks his responsibility and harm comes to anyone, God says “his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.”
Now, we have seen the “sword” coming, not only as evidenced in the word of God, but in the prevailing circumstances in ecclesiastical circles, in society, in political affairs, and in economics. Mankind is about to reap what he has sown through his greed, selfishness, unbelief, disobedience, and arrogance toward God. Mankind in general has defied (and is defying) the living God, and he will surely pay the price.
Not only that, but Jesus declared that a time of trouble and judgment would come as a snare “on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:35). This is not a local or parochial affair, but worldwide calamity, a horrible time of suffering, starvation, persecution, and devastation. The nations are already preparing their arsenals and weaponry for the conquest and subjugation of the great masses of humanity throughout the world.
And while all this preparation is going on, there are many “watchmen” who are giving false signals by declaring that they and God’s people will not be here to witness the horrors of that evil day. They read out of context Paul’s word that “God has not appointed us unto wrath” and infer from this that they will suddenly be translated (raptured) to heaven in order to avoid the greatest cataclysmic event in the history of mankind.
Rather than “blowing the trumpet and warning the people” they are lulling them to sleep – the sleep of death and destruction. Apathy rules in most Christian circles today because of the unfaithfulness of the watchmen who have seen the sword coming and refuse to warn the people.
Friends, let us frankly state again: the Scriptures do not teach that there will be a general exit of the church from this planet before nor during a time of great tribulation and devastation. Not only does the word rapture not appear in the Scriptures, such a trip is nowhere described nor discussed! The whole idea is a hoax concocted by a “seducing spirit,” (I Tim.4:1) a “doctrine of devils.”
Calamity and chaos are coming and few people, it seems, are concerned about this impending time of judgment. “And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth” (Isa. 2:19).
We expect to be here when this shaking takes place. This involves more than earthquakes, floods, and natural disasters. According to Revelation 17 and 18, the entire ungodly systems of man’s confusion called “Babylon” will crumble and fall. Man has built a “city” in contrast to God’s holy city, “Jerusalem which is above which is the mother of us all” (Gal. 4:26).
This Babylonian city includes man’s religions (which are many), man’s governments, man’s society, and man’s economics. Man has attempted to “go it alone,” that is, without God, or God’s word. He believes that he somehow possesses the ability to conduct his affairs sans help from above. In so doing, he has put together an anti–Christ system — not just against Christ, but instead of Him. It is amazing how the “Church” has gone along with the Babylonian ideology. It apparently walks hand–in–hand with this carnal and ungodly substitute for God’s way of holiness, purity and truth.
Babylon, worldwide, will be brought down. The verdict is clear; the judgment of the great city is near. God admonishes His people to leave the city (system) lest they become involved in its sins and consequently suffer its punishments (Rev. 18:4).
What Do We Do; How Do We Do It?
The most important issue for God’s people at the present time is to be led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14). All of man’s ideas about survival and withdrawal are futile unless God is leading and directing. We urge people to seek the Lord as never before. This is no time for playing religion nor being involved in religious games and entertainment. It is time for repentance, for turning back to God, for obeying the words of the Master, for becoming most serious about God and His will. He will lead those who are willing to follow Him.
Building bomb shelters, storing away food supplies, hiding out in the mountains or forests are vain attempts at self preservation. There is no profit in any of those efforts. First and foremost in this hour is to have a close relationship with the living God so that you can hear His voice. Let Him direct your way.
Be A Watchman
You can become an effective voice in warning others of this “sword” which is about to strike. Tell your neighbors, your friends, your relatives, or whomever. We only wish we had the means to reach more people with the alarm. We realize that the majority of people will not believe the warning, yet it is incumbent upon us to “cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice as a trumpet” (Isa. 58:1). If we can help to deliver but a handful, it is well worth the effort and the expense to do so. Every soul is valuable and worthy of our help. But there must be a response on their part to the message of truth.
In our limited efforts, we are able to mail approximately 9,000 copies of this paper each month. If you know of anyone who may be interested in receiving this paper, please send us their names and addresses so that we may reach them while we yet have the opportunity. This message must go and time is short. We must sound the alarm while it is day, for “the night cometh when no man can work” (John 9:4).
THE DAY OF SALVATION
Randall Walton
“I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in THE day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time: behold, NOW is THE day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2).
The first part of this verse is a quote from Isa. 49:8. Then Paul informs us that Isaiah was referring to our time, or the era when the New Covenant is in force, this time which is known by many as the “church age,” or the “day of grace” which began with the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
It is this period known as now which is the day of salvation. There are those who teach that now is a day of salvation, but not the day: they claim that there will be another day, another time, during which millions of people will be saved. This notion is, of course, predicated upon a literal interpretation of Revelation 20:1–6, and has absolutely no credibility anywhere in the Holy Scriptures.
In fact, the above quotation from II Corinthians totally obliterates the possibility of any future time or day of salvation. For all humanity, it is now or never!!
It is now that the Holy Spirit is convicting mankind of sin and leading them to the cross and the precious blood of Jesus. This is the time when people are being “delivered from the power of darkness” and are being “translated into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13).
Yes, this is the kingdom age when, as citizens of the kingdom of God, we are “heirs of God, and joint–heirs with Jesus Christ” (Rom. 8:17). We admit that we are “strangers and pilgrims” on this earth, just passing through on our way to glory. This world is not our home, for we are heavenly people (I Cor. 15:48) sent here for a specific purpose (John 20:21).
Jesus made it most plain in His parables of Mathew 13 that this age will come to a close with a great harvest of souls whom He called “the children of the kingdom.” He said the harvest will occur at “the end of the world” (aion Gk. = age) (Matt. 13:38–39). The eternal purpose of the Heavenly Father will be finished, completed, fulfilled, perfected when THIS AGE ends!
And that is the beginning of eternity when “the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matt. 13:43). Notice, there is no interim, no period of an earthly utopia, no second day of salvation, no setting up a thousand year political, material, worldly, visible kingdom upon this planet. The work of redeeming souls is NOW. At the close of this period a separation occurs and judgment is rendered, the tares (the wicked) shall be cast into a “furnace of fire” and be burned up, while the kingdom children begin an eternity of bliss.
Don’t take my word for it: read it for yourselves in Matthew 13:24–43. Jesus clearly interpreted His parable of the “tares and the wheat” which establishes God’s program for these last days. “Who hath ears to hear,” He said, “LET HIM HEAR.”
Any interpretation of any other prophetic Scripture which contradicts these plain words of Jesus is in error! There will be no second chance for anyone, no special dispensation for the wayward, the rebellious, the apostate, nor the heathen. It is and has been possible for the past 6,000 years for mankind to make peace with God, the living God who has revealed His “eternal power and Godhead” to every person how has ever lived “so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:17–20).
What About Equal Opportunity?
It is true that not all people have equality of circumstance and societal benefits. However, if all are without excuse, it follows that all have equal opportunity before God, i.e., equal access to Him, equal availability of His goodness, mercy and love.
It is also true that “the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice (the heavens and the firmament) is not heard.
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psa. 19:1–4).
All of humanity, wherever they may be found upon this globe, have “heard” the voice and the “words” of God’s creation. But the majority of humankind have turned their backs against God by saying He doesn’t exist, or that the creation is a result of some mysterious “big bang,” or they have made gods and goddesses out of the creation. They worship the creature rather than the Creator.
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psa. 14:1). A fool is a fool whether he’s educated or an ignorant pagan. An educated fool is no better than an ignorant fool. When man declares his belief that “there is no God,” he disqualifies himself as being eligible for salvation. God is not obligated to grant him another or a second “chance.” To do so would be a denial of His own integrity, the efficacy of the Blood of Jesus, the integrity of His law and His word, and it would undermine the foundation of His eternal kingdom of justice, righteousness, and truth. The lie would prevail that it was not good enough!
So far as equal opportunity is concerned, there is an unquestionable advantage in the availability of the Scriptures. However, many millions have had access to the Word of God who nonetheless reject it and its Maker. Moreover, the Holy Spirit in His work as an intercessor is not limited in His ministry to those who alone have a Bible, or access to one. He works as effectively in the darkest jungles of Africa or Brazil as anywhere else. He searches the hearts of all mankind for a spark of cognizance, a response of the soul (if only weak) that help is needed above and beyond one’s own ability to supply.
Furthermore, knowledge begets responsibility. Or, as Jesus put it: “For unto whom much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). God rightfully expects, yea, demands, much more of people who have been blessed with the Scriptures and have enjoyed the benefits of a faithful ministry, as well as the energizing of the Holy Ghost. The more one receives from heaven, the more accountable he becomes.
This is why the so–called “enlightened nations” such as the United States, Britain, Germany, etc. are deserving of “much sorer punishment” (Heb. 10:29) than those who have not had such abundance of knowledge. Ours is the greatest condemnation of all.
Our unmatched liberty has enabled us to print millions of Bibles while systematically banning them from educational facilities (yet permitting pornography at said facilities). It has sanctioned our debunking God’s mega–power in creation while substituting an unscientific and degrading fable called evolution. So who is worthy of greater punishment, the pagan who unwittingly bows down to wood and stone, or the proud and arrogant “know–it–all” who defies God and hopes to influence the rest of the world to do likewise?
Will we, as a nation, pay for this permissive rape of liberty in the name of education? Of course, we shall! And only rightly so. Any nation which rejects God and His word invites judgment and the wrath of God.
Standing At The Door
The church of Laodicea (Rev. 3:14–22) is poor, wretched, blind and naked, and does not realize it. It claims to be rich and powerful and in “need of nothing.” Apostasy is a way of life of this latter day institution.
This is the reason an appeal is made to the individual: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: IF ANY MAN hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him; and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20). In this, the day of salvation, Jesus knocks at the door of everyone’s heart and will continue until the person either opens the door or makes a once–for–all–time decision against Him.
The knock is really an invitation to allow Jesus to enter one’s heart and establish a blessed relationship, to eat and drink (sup) with Him and enjoy the most precious fellowship possible to man. It is an invitation to become a new creature, to receive forgiveness for past sins, to discover joy and peace in this life that one never knew was possible. It is also an embarking upon a new way of life, learning to follow and obey a new Master through self–denial and surrender.
Receiving salvation is not contingent upon one’s joining a religious organization. Every person who allows Jesus Christ to enter his being and who surrenders to His will is inducted into the genuine church of Jesus Christ. He doesn’t need his name on the membership rolls of man’s institution, for his name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20) by the Lord Himself.
Many people have experienced this transformation in their home without benefit of clergy or other “helpers.” They responded to the knocking upon the door of their heart and received Jesus Christ into their heart by faith and experience. This is real salvation – this being born again; the new birth; regeneration; conversion. And this is NOW, for salvation is a now experience.
If you have never experienced this wonderful salvation, why not open your heart’s door today? You can do it now wherever you are. Your past life is no hindrance, for when you confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you, He will forgive and will also forget, for He has promised that “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 8:12). He is waiting for you to open the door. Won’t you do it today?
“WHAT MUST I DO?”
Harry Miller
This is a personal message to every man or woman who makes any claim of being a Christian. It is an attempt to bring you face to face with certain facts which you may have overlooked. These issues, if met squarely, can change your whole way of life.
At the time of your conversion did you not have a comprehensive knowledge of complete devotion to your Lord? In your heart you dedicated your all to God: the things of this life, plans, ambitions, possessions, hopes, all were unrestrainedly cast at the feet of Him whom you loved. Perhaps you have not had an experience such as this. If not, I advise you to seek the Lord in prayer until you do have such an understanding.
Has Christ ever been MANIFESTED to you? You, too, can receive such a knowledge of the presence of the Master. God is no respecter of persons. IF you will seek to know Him by experience you can obtain that experience by complete obedience to His Commands.
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21). Here He has promised to manifest Himself to any man who will love Him. This is what is known as having the “witness” within yourself (I John 5:10).
If you have no knowledge of the indwelling presence of God, you are still dead in trespasses and sin, for the Lord Himself taught plainly that you MUST BE BORN AGAIN. Merely ACCEPTING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST will not save a man. Even the fact that you confess Him as your Saviour will not save you. You must be a new creature. This is accomplished by an act of God, through the Spirit.
Don’t trust in your church membership to save your soul. When you die you will be given a nice funeral, and your poor remains will lie in the church cemetery; but if church membership is all you have, your soul will be eternally lost. Salvation is not bestowed through the institutions of men. Only in the KNOWLEDGE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD abiding in our lives can we feel secure.
Many people have the “born again” experience with their Lord, but they fail to walk on with Him. Remember SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL. “If we walk in the light…the blood of…His Son cleanseth us” (I John 1:7). “If a man abide not in me, he is CAST FORTH” (John 15:6).
Now hear this: “Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14). “But,” you say, “Wasn’t that spoken to the apostles? Why apply that to people here near the end of time?”
“Teach all nations…to observe ALL THINGS whatsoever I have commanded you…unto the end of the world”(Matt. 28:19,20). Here is the last command of our Saviour. It is for YOU today. Yes, brother, these words were spoken that YOU might know that there is duty, and obligation, due our Lord.
The commands of Christ have been too lightly considered by many present–day Christians. Do you know that every Christian has a very specific and definite call to minister? I do not mean that they are all called to preach. There are many other ways of ministering besides preaching. The 25th chapter of Matthew teaches that CHRISTIAN SERVICE IS IMPERATIVE. It is a prime requisite in receiving the commendation of our Lord. Even the reward of eternal life rests upon faithful service (Matt. 25:41).
Many people think that since they are not especially qualified for a public ministry, they have no call from the Lord for Christian service. They become satisfied church members, giving a little money and a little of their time. They think that this is sufficient. But consider these things: Christians are called to present their bodies a “living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1). They are told not to live the REST OF THEIR DAYS to the lusts of men but, to live for the Lord.
Paul, a great New Testament teacher, said, “Be ye followers of me…as I teach every where in every church”(I Cor 4:16,17). If you will follow in the footsteps of Paul, you will surely know a real life of service and devotion. However, our Lord said in very plain speech that “whosoever doth not bear his cross, and COME AFTER ME, CANNOT be my disciple”(Luke 14:27).
Friends, it is time to quit merely playing at Christian religion. Anything less than complete devotion to the service of Christ is but a mockery.
We are told that at the coming of Christ the condition shall be “as it was in the days of Noah” – NOT MANY MEN WENT INTO THE ARK. WHY? BECAUSE MEN DID NOT WANT TO SERVE THE LORD in the Lord’s way.
WHEN I THINK OF AMERICA
Attorney David C. Gibbs, Jr.
I think of a nation with the highest divorce rate in the world. Approximately half of all American marriages will end in divorce.
I think of more than 1.6 million babies who are murdered by abortion each year. I also think of the 1.5 million families waiting to adopt children.
I think of the 3,500 churches which close their doors every year.
I think of a nation where nearly three out of four convicted criminals are not incarcerated.
I think of the thousands of homosexuals who demonstrated openly in our streets while we received phone calls from Christians who were arrested for witnessing.
I think that in a seven–year period, more Americans died from drug reactions and overdoses than died in battle in the Persian Gulf War, the Vietnam War, the Spanish–American War, the Mexican War, the War of 1812, and the Revolutionary War combined.
I think of the two out of every five children who do not live with their biological father.
I think of the 70% of Americans who don’t believe in absolutes.
I think of a nation that now ranks sixteenth in the world per capita in sending missionaries overseas.
I think of the 270,000 students who carry guns to school every day.
I think of how every 64 seconds a baby is born to a teenage mother.
I think of the median prison sentence for murder which is only approximately fifteen years.
I think of the CLA telephones which rang nearly 45,000 times last year because churches and Christians were in need of help.
I think of the 258 million residents, 181 million of which are unchurched.
I think of how our rate of violent crime is higher than that of any other industrialized nation.
I think of the churches which are going to trial next week.
I think of a nation where separation and divorce will disrupt the lives of over one million children this year.
I think of a nation where one criminal offense occurs every two seconds, where one violent crime occurs every sixteen seconds, and where a violent act of murder occurs every twenty–one minutes.
I think of the average American who works two hours and forty–six minutes out of each eight–hour day all year long to pay federal, state, and local taxes.
I think of the Godly people who will be forced to defend the Bible, the church, and Jesus Christ before the courts.
I think of the average child who will witness over 15,000 murders on television before he reaches the age of eighteen.
I think of a nation whose juveniles are arrested for homicide eight times more often than its adults.
I think of how every five minutes a baby is born to a teenage mother who already has at least one child.
I think of the five million people who will be the victims of violent crimes this year.
I think of a nation where about 500,000 teenage pregnancies end in abortion each year.
I think of a nation that lost a total of 1,160,581 lives in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War combined. This same nation has lost over 40,000,000 lives to abortion.
I think of a nation which has turned her back on God Who made her great.
(From: Minutemen Alert, Christian Law Assoc.)
A REMNANT SHALL BE SAVED
R. Walton
“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth” (Rom. 9:27,28).
It is most apparent that the Lord’s “short work” is in progress at the present time. He is “sifting the nations” (Isaiah 30:28) for the purpose of bringing forth His desired product, i.e. His royal family. For six thousand years the energies of heaven have been expended for this glorious event which Peter described as “that….ye might be partakers of the divine nature” (II Peter 1:4).
Nature itself seems to have been apprised of this monumental accomplishment which has been the object of God’s labors for the past six millennia (Rom. 8:18–22). The whole economy of the kingdom of heaven is geared for this spectacular, earth–shaking achievement. The angels themselves are commissioned to oversee and aid in this mammoth production of the ages (Heb. 1:13,14) which already seems to loom in the not too far distant future.
The Scriptures are very plain that “many are called, but few are chosen” to be partakers of this “high and heavenly calling” (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 3:1), for the simple reason that most are unwilling to pay the price to participate in that extraordinary undertaking. Few, it seems, have caught the vision of the purpose of God’s creation and the “short work” which He is doing in the earth, in order to complete and finish His desired end.
An Ongoing Process
In order to be “partakers of the divine nature” it is absolutely necessary that the carnal nature be obliterated – destroyed. The carnal nature is that human element within our beings with which we were all born. It is called the old man, the flesh, the carnal mind, self, the will. It stands in opposition to God and His standards, and insists in having its own way. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8:6,7). The only remedy for this condition is total surrender to Jesus Christ and His word, which will result in death. Or as He stated it: “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34).
This, then, is the price one must pay to follow Jesus Christ, and such a cost is too much for most people. The average professing Christian does not see the necessity of adhering to the teachings of Jesus and therefore they do not “deny self, take up their cross, and follow Him.”
Self becomes their god: self–love, self–esteem, self–glory, self–exaltation, are all by–products of this present day philosophy of SELF (the carnal nature, the flesh, the old man, etc.).
God has provided the means for the abolition of this mortal enemy. Every one who comes to Jesus Christ is subjected to a process of discipline, correction, purification, cleansing – a cross (Heb. 12:3–11). Many refuse and reject this “chastening of the Lord” and choose to walk in carnality. By so doing, they disqualify themselves as candidates of the heavenly calling.
John the Baptist referred to this process in Matt. 3:11,12: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and WITH FIRE: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
This is descriptive of a genuine walk with God. The fire is supplied as the means by which the carnal nature is consumed. It is not always a pleasant experience, but it is more tolerable when one understands the purpose, or reason, for the burning.
Peter elaborates on it with these words: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings” (I Peter 4:12,13). This Brother informs us that fiery trials are sent to us deliberately – not accidentally. There is a definite reason for God to allow the fire to burn and sizzle: “He will baptize (immerse) you with the Holy Ghost…and with fire.”
It is the Father’s good will that everyone of us “come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). This is God’s plan; this is His eternal purpose. This is why we were created, converted, consecrated, and cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. Heaven intends that this goal be reached and, therefore, has pledged its resources to ensure that it be accomplished.
Few, comparatively speaking, are interested in God’s plan and purpose. Multitudes want to be saved, to be religious, to be members of a “church of their choice,” but they care not for the costly “strait gate and narrow way,” the way which demands complete surrender to the will of God, and obedience to the words of the Master, the only way which leads to life everlasting.
No wonder the Lord said that a remnant will be saved. We admonish you to become involved in the Master’s plan, to rededicate your life to Him and His service, and to submit your will, your mind, your nature to that which is divine.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What does the Bible say about UFOs, aliens, etc., and how do we Christians reach those who have fallen for this UFO religion?
Also, many ministries are telling folks to flee to the mountains to escape the new World Order. What is your feeling on this?
Thank you for any light you can shed on this.
D.F.
Dear D.F.,
The Bible says nothing about Unidentified Flying Objects and visitors from other planets, although several ministers have “interpreted” parts of the Bible saying that it means UFO’s.
It does seem possible that the U.S. Air Force has the capability of building some type of hovering/high speed vehicle which could fit the description of a U.F.O., but this is pure conjecture on our part. So far as flying saucers from other planets is concerned, forget it.
I personally resent the movie–makers’ productions of space travel with characters with bulging foreheads, contorted faces, long pointy ears, etc. The entertainment industry seems bent on degrading and deforming the human body and its features as if they are improving on God’s handiwork.
There is little doubt but that the promulgation of U.F.O.’s and extraterrestrial beings is the work of the enemy to harass and vex mankind. Satan will use any gimmick to help people turn their attention away from God and His word. Fear is not of God, nor is terror. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He has given us His peace. “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7).
Since Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), I would direct people’s attention to HIM, not to science fiction, nor fanciful foolishness. Without Him, people will perish irrespective of U.F.O.’s and E.T.’s. “He that “followeth me,” He declared, “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Tell them to forget the U.F.O.’s and turn their eyes upon Jesus. He is mankind’s only hope.
About fleeing to the mountains: this too is the work of fear mongers who, while they may be sincere, are giving poor advice to innocent, trusting people. There are many good reasons for God’s people to flee from cities, but unless God directs them about where to go, they flee in vain. I should emphasize the word God. Unless God tells them where to go, they have fled needlessly and hopelessly.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Here is a truth which every child of God should fearlessly embrace. If God does not tell you what to do and where to go, you should stay where you are, and fast and pray until He does tell you! Don’t move just because others do; don’t flee just because a preacher says you should. Every individual should know personally from Jesus, who is the Head, what steps he or she should take.
There is no doubt but that the large cities are becoming cesspools of corruption, crime, and carnality. Many people “feel” this in their own spirits, and they desire to leave. But the larger issue is where does God want His people to be? We know of groups who are excavating caves in mountainous areas and are storing up drinking water, canned foods, grains, etc., in anticipation for a coming disaster.
Unless the Lord is directing such plans, they will all fail. It is close to impossible to hide from civil authorities in this electronic age. Besides, we are to be “the light of the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.” That description does not fit cave dwelling, does it?
God has a plan for His people for these last days; we urge every child of God to seek Him diligently that He might reveal to them His plan. God does speak to those who have “ears to hear.” The scriptures bear record of the many ways the Lord used to communicate with His people. And He still does. We encourage everyone to spend much time in prayer and seeking the Lord for direction, leading, and counsel. He is faithful to answer.
Sincerely, R.W.
Dear Bro. Walton,
There has always been a question in our minds as to why God did not approve of Cain’s sacrifice (Gen. 4:3–5). Cain was not a herder of animals as was his brother, Abel. As he was a cultivator of the soil, he gave some fruits of his occupation as did his brother, Abel. They both offered products of their occupations as a sacrifice to GOD, although apparently, no sacrifice was required at that time.
In your article, “The Disintegration Of Family,” in number 393, August 1996 issue, page 19, bottom left par., you gave the explanation that it was because God said to sacrifice an animal and not vegetables. I don’t understand this explanation, as the first command of animal sacrifice that I can find was given many hundreds of years later, after the “great flood,” and after animals were given as food for mankind (Gen. 9:1–4), and the value and sanctity of blood was given to mankind.
We will deeply appreciate an answer to this question, either privately or in the T.O.T.
Sincerely, R.R.T.
Dear R.R.T.,
Our belief concerning Cain is based upon several Scriptures as well as the premise of God’s impartiality and justice. “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34).
It is inconceivable that God would punish or even censure anyone for an act done in innocence. We therefore conclude that Cain surely knew the type of offering which was acceptable to God. The first shedding of animal blood was done by God Himself: “Unto Adam and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Gen. 3:21). As you remember, this first couple had provided a covering for themselves of fig leaves. God’s choice was animal hide.
After the Lord “had no respect” for Cain’s offering, God said to him, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, SIN lieth at the door” (Gen. 4:7). Cain’s offering was sin, or “transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). Had Cain not known God’s will concerning offerings, then God Himself would have been unjust and would have been guilty of partiality toward Abel. But it is very clear that he knew God’s requirement. He evidently did not believe that God meant what He said.
This has been one of man’s problems from the very beginning: he just can’t believe that a loving God would condemn anyone for disregarding the laws and commands which He has given. The principle of “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” has been a fact since the days of Adam and Eve.
Cain is mentioned three times in the New Testament, each instance without compliment: “Not as Cain, who was that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous” (I John 3:12).
“By FAITH (belief, obedience) Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God TESTIFYING OF HIS GIFTS: and by it he being dead yet speaketh” (Heb. 11:4). Abel heard the same message from God which Cain did, and he responded in the only right and justifiable way: do what God says to do. How does he yet speak? That obedience to the voice of God is the only way to obtain God’s respect. God does not accept substitutes no matter how nice, beautiful, and pleasing they appear to be.
“Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain” (Jude 11). The way of Cain is the way of carnality, rebellion, and hatred. His offering to God was the fruit of his own works rather than the sacrifice of the shedding of blood. This was the ONLY acceptable sign of the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.”
It is noteworthy, also, that the first thing Noah did when he and his family left the ark was to build an altar unto the Lord: “and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt–offerings on the altar” (Gen. 8:20). Why? How did Noah know to do these things that caused the Lord to smell “a sweet savour” (Gen. 8:21)? We can only assume that the Lord had instructed him in the matters of the altar and the sacrifice of animals earlier.
Never has He enticed men to sin against His own laws. Cain certainly had no excuse for offering a substitute for God’s order. Whatever reason he used for avoiding God’s bloody sacrifice was insufficient for avoiding God’s hand of discipline and punishment. We certainly maintain that Cain, the wicked one, knew exactly what God required!
Sincerely, R.W. (ed.)
Dear Mr. Walton,
I am writing to you to, first of all, thank you very much for sending me the Testimony of Truth.
I am also inquiring of you to know if you can direct me to a fellowship group that may be associated with People of the Living God? After 25 years of Bible study I have come to the same conclusions as you folks, i.e., state of the dead, the kingdom of God is a present reality, Sabbath, pagan holidays, etc.
I am really not free to share what I believe, and frankly that bothers me. I guess I can go on as I am, but it sure would be nice to be with brethren of like mind. If you can help me I sure would appreciate it. Thank you and God bless you all.
M.B., Flint, MI
Dear M.B.,
It was good to hear from you. I wish we could help with your problem, but unfortunately, we have no one in your state who is a part of P.L.G., and we know of no one there who teaches as we do.
One solution might be for you to move to McMinnville, TN. Besides being close to P.L.G., our winters are not nearly as severe as Michigan’s. And any time you have opportunity to visit us here for fellowship, we will be glad to have you come.
We regularly pray for all you people who stand alone and have difficulty finding others of like faith. It is very disheartening to feel as if you are isolated right in the environs of an urban setting. So we pray for you and shall continue to remember you that God will give you strength and courage to stand tall in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. God bless you greatly.
In Christ’s name, R.W.
THE DRAGON WAS WROTH (ANGRY) REV. 12:17
Randall Walton
The “woman” of this twelfth chapter of Revelation toward whom the dragon (the devil and satan) is viciously angry, is none other than the “general assembly, the church of the first born” (Heb. 12:23), that great worldwide remnant of saints known as the “body of Jesus Christ,” or the “called out” ones who have responded to the mighty voice of the living God; they are those who “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” They constitute the TRUE church, though they be scattered abroad and are without membership in any certain religious organization.
This woman is the bride of Christ, or the “Lamb’s wife,” the one who is so loved by her husband that He gave Himself for her (Eph. 5:25). She it is who brings forth a “man child,” or a “male son” (Grk. [a super son]), then flees into the wilderness where she is protected from the dragon’s wrath. It is there in that secluded place she will be “nourished from the face of the serpent.”
There are several Scriptures which speak of that place of safety for the people of God during the time of tribulation. “There shall be a tabernacle (dwelling place) for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain” (Isaiah 4:6). This fourth chapter of Isaiah is a chronicle of events which will take place “in that day,” a term which refers to the time of the end or that era which is called “the day of the Lord” (chapter 2:2,12,20).
“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity” (Isa. 26:20,21). Note the term, ‘thy chambers.” It is here upon this earth that the church will find refuge from the storm of fury which will be unleashed upon mankind.
“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zeph. 2:3). Three important messages stand out in this passage: 1) It is the day of the Lord’s anger (remember that satan is angry also.) 2) Being hidden is conditional – “it may be ye shall be hid. ” 3) Seeking righteousness and meekness is a prime requisite.
Seeking righteousness and meekness is a measure of preparation, or causing oneself to become eligible, or to become a candidate for acceptance into that special hiding place. And we must confess that there is very little righteousness and meekness seeking going on in this pleasure–mad generation of professing Christians! Entertainment, better known as, and erroneously called, worship seems to be the order of the day in most gathering places in this present hour!
Consider Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matt. 25:1–13. The key to this parable is “PREPARATION,” for “they that were READY (prepared) went in with him to the marriage: and THE DOOR WAS SHUT.” And what about those who were not ready?
It is evident that they were saints, or saved folks, for they were “virgins,” a condition which speaks of purity, or having experienced being washed in the Blood of the Lamb. Could these be the same as the “remnant of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ”? Are these the poor people who are on the wrong side of the door when it is shut? Are they the ones the dragon engages in a fierce way and overcomes? It is most likely that Matt. 25:1–13 and Rev. 12:14–17 are relating some of the same events which will yet take place before Jesus returns.
In Rev. 12:6 and 14 two verbs are highly significant concerning the woman who goes into the wilderness: “the woman fled,” and “that she might fly.” Strong’s says that fled means to escape, run away, or flee. The use of the word “fly” indicates a supernatural move of God such as we find in Exodus 19:4 where the Lord spoke concerning Israel’s leaving Egypt, “how I bare you on eagle’s wings.” This cryptic language lets us know that it was only the mighty power of God which deposited Israel’s masses dry and safe on the other side of the Red Sea.
So will it be with many of God’s people in the last days. God Himself will provide the means of travel for those who have made the appropriate preparation. It is no accident that Jesus warned us to “Remember Lot’s wife”!
Mrs. Lot was not ready to move out of Sodom. It seemed unrealistic to her that Abraham’s God would destroy such a nice place as their adopted city. This “well–watered plain” was a beautiful site, “even as the garden of the Lord” (Gen. 13:10). With her husband holding a notable position in the city (Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. Gen. 19:1), there were many luxuries to be enjoyed. It didn’t matter that the “men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly” (Gen. 13:13). There could not be found even ten righteous persons in the entire city (Gen. 18:32). But Mrs. Lot was comfortable and content with the evil and the hellish environment. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21).
Like many people today, she could look the other way while the Sodomites practiced their ungodly, unnatural, fiendish sexual orgies. She may have believed in the principle of “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” so popular today, a position which really means, “don’t butt in to other people’s private business.”
It is most evident that she and her husband did not object to the social mores of Sodom, for the angels of the Lord had to fairly drag the Lot family out of the city at the last minute: they didn’t want to leave! Sodom appealed to their fleshly desires. Prestige, prosperity, popularity; all was theirs in that great city of moral filth: they even had their own HOUSE! (No tent for the Lots.) So at ease were they with the men of the city, Mr. Lot addressed them as brethren! Sound familiar?
Once the Lots reached the city limits (at the behest of the angels), Lot argued with the angels’ directions for a safe retreat. He brazenly insisted in going to a little city rather than to a mountain for safety. But when the fire of destruction began falling upon Sodom, Gomorrah and the other wicked cities of the plain, it was too much for old lady Lot. The angels had said, “don’t look back,” but her home, her house, her belongings, her whole way of life was “back there.” Surely, one last look wouldn’t hurt anything would it? After all, these angels didn’t understand how much her possessions meant to her, did they?
But God said don’t, and she did, and that one act of disobedience to the word of God cost her everything!
Now, consider how materially minded most Christians are today. Many men work two jobs, and in many, many cases both husband and wife toil at secular work in order to maintain a certain level of affluence and living standards. Much of their wealth is spent for what they want, desire or crave; they never stop with only that which they NEED.
How will they react to the voice of the Lord in the day of the Lord’s anger? Will they argue with God as did Judge Lot? Will they twist their necks to have one last look at their amassed treasures? We should all ask our own selves these simple questions. Where do we stand in relation to the cares of this mundane life?
The “day of the Lord’s anger” and the “wrath of the dragon” are elements of judgment upon earth’s inhabitants because they have so blatantly and unashamedly rejected both God and His word. This nation, the United States of America, is especially vulnerable for the wrath of the Almighty because we have so loudly proclaimed that this is a Christian nation founded upon Judeo–Christian ethics and standards. But our immorality and disdain for truth and righteousness deny our claim.
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be, of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous SCARCELY BE SAVED where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (I Peter 4:17,18)
We have read recently of the terrible persecution which is going on in Communist China at the present time. It is hard to imagine that in this early part of the twenty–first century Christians are being tortured, beaten, and killed wholesale by a ruthless, savage and despotic government, but it is taking place right now. We smug and self–assured Americans insist it could never happen here, but let us not be deceived by the unbelievers. This nation is on a downward slide ethically, morally, spiritually, physically, economically, politically, educationally and religiously.
For the past seventy years the federal government has been growing at an alarming rate. And with this growth has come control and intrusiveness into the lives of the citizens to a degree unimaginable just one hundred years ago. The trend, of course, is for more control, more regulation, more personal encroachment upon people’s activities, not less.
In the name of expediency and non–discrimination people are being compelled to do things they do not really want to do. According to the Good Book this trend will continue, for “it was given unto him (the dragon, the beast) to make WAR with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over ALL kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Rev. 13:7).
It appears then that he will be given divine authority to carry out his diabolical schemes against the saints, for they are his prime targets. It appears that individuals will be faced with making a serious decision: to stand true to their convictions and face death (martyrdom), or to compromise and face reality on the judgment day. We are here considering the fate of the unprepared, the foolish virgins, who, though they are saints, are on the outside of the door when it closes shut.
There are various groups of people who see this trouble coming and they are stocking up food, water, and clothing in bomb shelters and caves in places which they believe will afford them a measure of safety, but if God is not directing them, all these attempts are futile. In this day of super satellites, high powered cameras and lasers, it is nearly impossible to hide physically. The only true solution is to be prepared spiritually, walking close to God, being led by His Spirit, and being totally dedicated to Him and His will.
God is able to protect His own no matter what the circumstance may be. Jesus fed 5,000 men plus women and children with a boy’s lunch and had a surplus of leftovers; He is able to duplicate this even yet, and can do it every day, if need be. He fed and clothed Israel for forty years as they wandered about in the wilderness. Can He repeat this gigantic task? Of course He can. Nothing is impossible with Him.
The question we all must answer is: “Are You Ready?” Are you so grounded upon the Word of God that nothing can move you? Do you really know Him? Are you willing to lay down your life for Him, if necessary?
Friends, the countdown to disaster has begun. We are on the brink of a cataclysmic upheaval on a scale which will be unparalleled with any other time. For those who are ready to go in through the Door before it is shut, there are glorious days ahead, for God will use His sanctified people to finish up the work of the harvest in these last days. May we encourage you to “trim your lamps” now, and prepare yourselves for this great end–time work, lest you find yourselves outside the door.
SECTARIANISM
A.W. Tozer
Protestantism is becoming more and more union conscious. A number of major organizations are busy trying to unite separate communions into one super–organization. To some of us it seems that it is not organizational union that we need today but a spiritual unity.
The history of Christianity shows that mighty uprushings of moral energy came when men of courage and vision dared to preach what they believed to be the Word of God for their day, asking leave of no one. Some of these may have been a bit narrow, and sometimes we wished they had been a little more charitable towards those who did not accept their message. God honored them nevertheless, not for their faults but for their fearless insistence upon one or another great truth which they felt themselves bound to declare. Their message did not unite existing religious factions. Often it divided them further. But the effect of their preaching was to expose hypocrisy, reveal the unreality of Spiritless Christianity and arouse the sluggish multitudes to the facts of salvation and judgment and sharp immediacy of the Kingdom of God.
It is not too much to say that we of latter times owe our knowledge of saving truth to these post–New Testament prophets who came bringing not peace but a sword. They kept alive the evangelistic emphasis which alone can bring men to true salvation.
True unity is the union of the hearts and minds of Spirit–born men and women. Its practical power over the life begins when the individual believer received the vision of his essential oneness with every member of the household of God on earth and in heaven. With the coming of this blessed illumination there can never again be a feeling of religious exclusiveness. Such a believer knows what he means when he says, “I believe in the holy universal church and in the communion of saints.” He takes to his heart the whole family of God and asks from his brethren no further marks of identification than a resemblance to the Father of the family.
The true spiritual unity of believers is not something waiting to be achieved. It has been a fact since the Spirit came at Pentecost. We do not wait for the fulfillment of our Lord’s words. “That they all may be one.” They are now one. Their oneness is stated thus by Paul: “One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God.” Separation of the members in time does not separate them in fact, nor do geographical distances divide them, nor the various organizational compartments in which they may by force of circumstances have been placed.
It remains for each one of us to feel and practice this unity. And we will be wise also to seek that group which best expresses it in practical common living here on this earth. This must be done in utter humility and self–rejection, knowing that God has no favorites among His children and that in His heart of love He holds one group as dear as another. Any feeling that our particular group is superior to others is a spiritual evil more destructive to the sense of unity in the body of Christ than outbroken sin could ever be.
Sectarianism is one of the most noxious ills that can afflict any church or denomination. Never should we allow a spirit of exclusiveness to enter into our lowly and loving fellowship of all the children of God.
The “communion of saints,” so dear to our fathers, is a precious doctrine almost unknown to Christians in our day. It should be revived. The sense of spiritual oneness with the universal Church of God is something so wonderful to the heart and so profitable to the soul that we cannot afford to neglect it much longer.
PASSOVER 2010
We made an error last month regarding the dates for Passover. The first day of Passover is on Thursday, April, 29, 2010! It starts the night previous, or on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. We will not work on either Thursday, April 29, 2010, nor on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.
Sorry that we got the dates wrong in the March issue. This account is correct. Please take special note of this fact! R.W.
AN EXPLANATION OF PASSOVER
Randall Walton
We have had several people write us about why Passover this year is so late. The answer is quite simple!
Leviticus 23 states the time for the Passover to be held. The 10th and 11th verses of that chapter state that, “When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the priest. And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.”
If we kept the Passover one month earlier (March 29), there would be no harvest to wave before the Lord. In order to provide for the harvest to be cut and ready to be offered to the Lord, we have to have the Passover according to the pattern set forth in Leviticus 23.
We follow the New Moon in our reckoning of the time of the Passover. The New Moon in April occurred on the 14th day at noon. So we start counting on the 15th day. When we add 14 days to the 15th day, we come to the 29th day of April. That means that the 29th day of April is the first day of Passover this year, which begins at sundown on the 28th day.
Many people have written to us who follow the Jewish calendar, but the Jewish calendar is entirely wrong. Remember, the exit from Egypt was done at night when the moon was full and the people could see. God had planned their leaving Egypt by moon light so that their leaving was in conjunction with the full moon, or 14 days past the new moon.
The 29th of March was much too cold for a harvest to be cut and waved before the Lord. By the time of the 29th day of April, there was a plentiful supply of harvest to be cut and waved before the Lord.
If you have kept the Passover at any other time than this, you need to redo your accounting and change the day that you keep.