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• WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
• “TILL HEAVEN & EARTH PASS”
• VITAL, VIBRANT AND INVIGORATING CHRISTIANITY
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• GOD NOW HAS A NATION
• ALTERNATIVE TO THE RAPTURE

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September 2023

 

 

 

 

WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS

STRAYING FROM GOD’S ORDER

Alfred King

        “In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth…” (Gen.1:1). These first words recorded in scripture set forth an often undetected, forgotten, dismissed, and even rejected truth. God, who exists in the realm of eternity, far beyond anything human minds can conceive and certainly beyond anything in His creation to which His heavenly existence can be likened. This God is so infinite, holy, pure, and omnipotent and possesses a glory so stupendous that for a human to behold would take his very life from him. This omniscient God who is the very personification of wisdom, knowledge and infused with all the heavenly attributes which make Him God, is above all other heavenly beings and exalted above all any could imagine a God to be. There is no God like this God who created the heavens and the earth in a mere six days.

        The last verse of this same chapter in Genesis, gives us a glimpse of God’s satisfaction with the world He had just created: “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day” (Gen.1:31). These words coming from the very mouth of the One who created it all reveal the perfection and excellency of God’s handiwork before the fall. What God is actually proclaiming in these two short verses are some very important and precious truths. Considering thoughtfully all that God created takes us beyond His establishing the earth, the seasons, and the animals, sea creatures or even man, who was created in the image of God; it takes us into the very mind and character of God. It reveals that along with His wonderful universe, He set in motion laws which are critical to the proper function of His creation. There are laws which govern the galaxies, the planets, the sun and moon, days and nights and seasons, and those divine laws have kept His created universe working in harmony since the day of creation. God masterfully designed and created this world to be a place where His divine will would be accomplished. God did not create all these things on an impulse or because He was bored and needed something to do. No! He created it all for a purpose. It is called in scripture, God’s “eternal purpose” (Eph.3:11).

        With the laws which govern the harmony and balance of heavenly bodies, there are also laws which are divinely ordained in order that men can live in peaceful harmony one with another and achieve the best existence possible. Those divine laws established for the governing of men, societies, governments and nations are found in God’s word. When men follow those God-inspired laws, laws that emanate from the very character and heart of God, they can obtain the best life possible in this world and the world would be a place of peace, joy, prosperity, love and justice. I guess it could be said, “It would truly be a utopia”.

        Sadly, with the fall, Satan has been allowed to work in opposition to God’s ultimate design. This is not to say that the fall caught God by surprise. In fact, the fall, strange as it may seem, was necessary to accomplish all that God’s eternal purpose required. However, Satan’s evil and deceitful influence entered into God’s creation and has worked now for over six thousand years bringing forth evil in every generation since that time. The divine laws established at the time of creation for man’s good have been cast aside and man, being deceived, has set himself up as the one who decides right and wrong and what is acceptable and what is not. Man has made himself god and he determines the best path for his life. The more we see God’s word and laws rejected, the more we see chaos, confusion, and discord. There have been wars since the beginning of time and millions have died in useless battles, none of which would have existed had men followed God’s laws and walked in the path He set before them and designed when He created the world.

        Let’s take a few moments to examine how this works in men’s hearts: It is baffling to many of us when we think of the reasoning of men and women in today’s world, especially in the case of some of our modern politicians. God’s order in the day He created man and woman was for them to be joined together in marriage in order to replenish the earth. It was in this divinely ordained union that children were to be brought forth and they be reared and taught the precepts of the Lord. They were to be instructed how to be productive in society and to love and respect all those with whom they came in contact and to live above reproach. This was a divine principle which Jesus emphasized in Matthew22:39b, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” It was a part of the law of God which accompanied creation.

        It is astonishing that, in our world today, this obvious and logical order is ignored and men have determined in his ignorance that same sex marriage is okay. So far have men strayed from God’s order that they have cast aside all evidence of truth and embraced blatant falsehood. Now there are so many different letters to include all the perverted sex terms that we have gone from LGBT to LGBTQIA+. It won’t be long before we will have to use every letter in our alphabet to cover all the different titles these people want (demand) to be called.

        What is more grievous in this delusion is that many in our churches are embracing those who practice the trans-lifestyle. The reason many ministers are accepting trans people into their congregations is that they have met too many “nice homosexuals” that they feel they should be included in their church, not only as members but as elders and deacons and even ministers. What happened to the foundational principle trumpeted by the Reformers, “Sola Scriptura”? It was scripture upon which all church functions and doctrines should rest. The further society turns from God’s order and the church sets aside clear teaching of scripture and gives over to feelings, the more America and the world will slide down the slippery broad way that leads to destruction.

        Take careful thought about some of the reasons why sin is being accepted, such as that above where ministers meet nice gay people. Is that a reason to condone their lifestyle or to make it acceptable in our churches? What about “Sola Scriptura”? Does it no longer matter what scripture teaches? Does it no longer matter what God’s order was at creation? Has He changed the order He originally established? The clergy today are doing much the same as the Catholic Church has done. Their Pope has the power to speak for God. As the Pope (supposedly) has the power to usurp the word of God, so church leaders change the law of God. They are arrogantly assuming the authority of God and attempting to change the order which God established in the beginning. Today two men or two women can be married in direct contradiction to God’s original design. Man has become his own god. Scripture sets forth God’s order of the sexes and sets the standard for men and any who oppose His order oppose God.

The Reasoning Of Men

        I have read several statements recently about surgeons, psychiatrists, and psychologists who are promoting gender changes in young people, some as young as ten or twelve. Their reasons: so the child will not commit suicide or so they will have a better quality of life. Hmmmm! What they don’t tell or even seem to consider is the number of those who, after being mutilated, have committed suicide and others who claim their lives have been destroyed all because they were lied to and deceived into thinking something was wrong with them when it was just a stage many young people go through. It is interesting that for centuries humans have existed without the help of the modern-day psychiatrists and somehow survived. Listen, God’s ways and God’s order are always the right way. He created us and He knows what is best for us.

        Seriously consider how man’s carnal reasoning goes contrary to scripture and is often fueled by sympathy and compassion that is blind to actual truth and is not in keeping with God’s design. Take the homelessness in some of America's largest cities. In some of our major cities, politicians are considering giving the homeless money every month. This is irrational compassion, short sighted and certainly not reasonable. Do these people need help? Certainly. Do they want help? Some do. Scripture tells us to help the poor and John tells us that we who have this world’s goods should not shut up our bowels of compassion from the poor (IJohn3:17). However, biblical love is not just giving financial support; it is helping the homeless find Christ, get on their feet and provide for their needs. Scripture, especially the book of Proverbs, teaches that men are created to labor with their hands and provide for themselves and their families. This is also confirmed in the New Testament. (See 1Tim. 5:8; Pro.6:6,9; 13:4; 20:4; 26:16)

        The hypocrisy of many of those who are promoting these things is astounding but not surprising. When immigrants are sent into the neighborhoods of our politicians and the rich, who are most able to provide for them since they are wealthy, they have them moved out, all the while claiming themselves to be “Christian.” How can one live with such hypocrisy? How blind can a man become? How can one promoting these issues be so inconsistent? Paul gives us the answer saying when men reject God’s law, God shall send them strong delusion that they would believe a lie and be damned because they did not love truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (IIThess.2:10-12).

        Many homeless people are there by no fault of their own, but most are there because they are either on drugs, lazy, or have some mental or emotional problems. Do they need help? Most obviously, but genuine love doesn’t just throw money at the problem. They get involved. If politicians would follow the teaching of scripture, they would find answers to the dilemma that face many of our major cities. But they would rather use their own fallible wisdom than the wisdom of God.

        This same scenario is seen in the immigration influx and the problems which America is facing. Men have felt compassion (at least this is what they say) and want to help people in other countries who are suffering. Bringing them all to America is not the answer but instead will bring about a crisis from which America may never recover. Jesus gave the answer to this problem when He told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He said to teach them to observe everything He had commanded them (Matt.28:19-20). He never told them to bring everyone to Jerusalem and give them a better life. The better life is found in Jesus Christ and His teachings. If the poor of this world find Christ, He will show them how to make their societies a better place. Until this is re-discovered, men will continue to make things worse for themselves and for the world.

Rejection Of Truth

        In Isaiah, God warned of a time when “truth is fallen in the street” (Isa.59:14). In light of this scripture, consider how men are redefining words today or using certain words to say things that the word doesn’t actually say. For instance: We hear a lot today about equity and equality. They are used very often as though they mean the same thing. However, they don’t. Equality means that every person is given equal opportunity to what this country offers. We all start out on the same plain. It does not mean that we all have the same background, but we have the opportunity to improve our situation if we so chose. Equity is that every person ends up with the same standard of living, because this is “fair.” So, if one person works hard to become a doctor or lawyer or CEO of a large company and another who is slothful and goofs off his whole life partying and being a general nuisance, he should have the same lifestyle as that of the doctor. Man has deliberately changed the meaning of words to accommodate their prejudices and they are attempting to impose them on the rest of humanity. So determined to undermine God’s word are they that they can no longer define what a woman is. (Actually, they can but they refuse to do so.) Their agenda is to defile everything of God’s order.

        God has an order for His church and we must find it and live by it even if it means we have to stand up to the society around us. It does not mean that we are to be contentious or combative. We must show love, but it must be the love of God that inspires and influences us and be the motivating force behind all our actions and not emotions devoid of reason, common sense, and contrary to God’s word.

        The Great Commission is as important today as ever and if there ever was a time when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people (Isa.60:2) it is today. More and more churches are caving to the demands of the world’s standards. We have excused provocative dress, been silent as our church members dress immodestly, refuse to speak against premarital sex and divorce and are silent on a host of other biblical standards. There is no longer a holy reverence for the house of God. People use to wear what they called their “Sunday best;” today they come unashamedly in clothing that was too suggestive to wear in public anywhere fifty years ago. All these are signs that God’s judgment is soon to come and it will not be good for America or for her churches. It is time for those who see the handwriting on the wall to seek God, for God said, “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). Let us who are thus minded return to God’s order.

 

 

 

 

“TILL HEAVEN & EARTH PASS”

Matt. 5:18

Randall Walton

        These terse words were spoken by none other than our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father’s only begotten Son. He evidently knew something that many Bible “experts” don’t know anything about in this present hour, the fact that the heavens and the earth shall pass away, or cease to be (Read also Matt.24:35; IIPeter3:10-12).

        But in the context of this verse, He spoke of the longevity of God’s law, that not one little dot nor the smallest stroke of a pen would disappear from, nor lose their significance from, the law until the heavens and the earth pass away. Just a few minutes ago I looked outside and the moon and the stars were visible in the night sky, and sure enough, the ground, the soil, the trees and the hills were all there as they have been for many past millennia, all of which tells me that not even the smallest detail of God’s law has been dropped, altered, changed, abolished, nor done away.

        And with those divine words, Jesus has made liars out of multitudes of preachers, teachers, scholars, professors, and Bible expositors. Of course, He gave them all fair warning in verse 17 where He stated: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill (to do, or keep, or observe).” Then He struck out with the astounding statement that, as long as there exists a heaven and an earth, God’s law would remain intact!

        It matters not what modern men of the cloth think of His words; it matters not how they attempt to make Bro. Paul circumvent His statements. What really matters is the fact that Jesus Himself, the Creator, the King of kings, and Lord of lords uttered this profound and declarative sentence.

What Law?

        Such an earth-shaking statement as His gives reason for us to ask what law He was referring to. Certainly He would not be including all laws which were given to ancient Israel, for many of the statutes of God were given for specific purposes (circumcision, animal sacrifices, temple worship, etc.). But it is plain from the context that Jesus was referring to none other than the Ten Commandments, for He alluded to killing, adultery, and covetousness within the same message (the Sermon on the Mount), all of which are a part of the Decalogue.

        Are we to believe, then, that Jesus was stating that the Ten Commandments would remain viable and applicable, and effective until the heavens and the earth pass away? Absolutely - why not? He couldn’t have said it more plainly than He did.

All Ten?

        What a disturbing question to ask! You see, the majority of “Christians” will agree that the Big Ten are based upon pure and righteous principles, except for number Four: we shouldn’t bow down to idols, nor use God’s name irreverently, nor steal, nor kill, nor live immorally, nor mistreat our parents, nor be envious of our neighbors, etc. But number Four, that is something else. Number Four only has relevance for the Jew or Israel (take your pick).

        Now, as far as “jots” and “tittles” go, Number Four has quite a few of such. Makes us wonder if Jesus knew there were jots and titles in Commandment Number Four. Most professing Christians don’t know it, and what is even worse, they don’t care. Literal reams have been written, published, and promoted in a monumental effort to excoriate once and forever that detested Commandment Number Four. But why?

Lawlessness Abounds

(Matt. 24:12)

        In Matthew5:19, Jesus spoke of “one of the least of these commandments,” and of those who break them and teach others to do the same. It may be that Number Four is one of the least of the Ten. Now, it seems reasonable to assume that if the least of the Ten is viciously attacked, derided, and relegated to the trash bin, the Greater ones are not being observed either. Man naturally gravitates to the path of least resistance. So, it seems perfectly obvious that if God’s command to “Remember The Sabbath Day To Keep It Holy” is openly, blatantly, cast to the ground, the greater ones aren’t being kept either.

        And, in truth, this is the condition which exists throughout the earth. The words of Jesus are despised and rejected by the majority of professing Christians today! They fit Jesus’ description of a king’s citizens who brazenly declare: “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke19:12-14). They want His salvation and blessings, His grace and benefits, but all without obligation, without the slightest hint of gratitude via obedience to His words.

Who Gave The Big Ten?

        It may come as a great surprise to many people to learn that Jesus Himself was the One who inscribed the Commandments in stone with His own finger and handed them to Moses! He it was who dined with Moses and Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and seventy of Israel’s elders (Ex.24:9-11; Ex.31:18). “And did eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (ICor.10:3-4). “Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted…” (ICor.10:9).

        John makes it most plain in the first chapter of his gospel that Jesus was the creator of all things, and that “without him was not anything made that was made” (John1:1-3, 10).

        So, He not only made the two stone tablets upon which The Ten were engraved, He also authored the Commandments themselves. Furthermore, He warned of the consequences which would come to all who might have the gall to break one of His commands and teach others to do likewise. Jesus contrasted two kinds or classes of people: 1) the least, and 2) the greatest.

        He stated that the commandment breaker would be in the “least” group. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand the fate of the least group - those who break one of the least of His commands, and tell others it’s okay to do the same. The “least” group certainly have no inheritance in the kingdom of God!

The Big Ten Today?

        It is truly amazing how far modern man has gone in his attempts to bypass God’s holy, just and good law (Rom.7:12).

        Bro. Paul did not teach that the Ten Commandments were done away. He never once suggested that God’s eternal, moral laws (including number Four) were canceled, obliterated, nailed to the cross. Had he done so, he would have been guilty of insubordination of the teachings of his Master and Savior, a state which was unthinkable for that man of God.

        He did speak of “ordinances” having been nailed to the cross, but there was a grand distinction between those temporary ordinances and those distinctive and most honorable laws known as the Ten Commandments.

        It is as sinful today for mankind to disregard the Big Ten as it was back in the days of ancient Israel. It is still as sinful to disregard and dishallow God’s Holy Day as it is to commit adultery, or to steal, or kill or lie, or bow down to idols. Who said so?!

        Jesus did, that’s who. And He is the Head of His body, the church, and possesses all the rights, privileges, and jurisdiction of the Divine Monarch which He is. His words are truth and true; everlasting, steadfast, irrevocable; those who really love Him will strive to please Him by obeying and following His words, even to the jots and titles (He put them there.).

        It is high time for people who are serious about their salvation to reassess their theology and Biblical teachings. Walking in obedience to the commands of Jesus is not a joke nor a game. It is a vocation, a way of life which involves every aspect of man’s being: thoughts, desires, actions and activities. It is full time with no time off for other pursuits. The world has seen enough of the shallow, half-hearted religious prankery known as Christianity. It has a right to demand that professing Christians live, act, and obey Christ as Christians ought to live, act, and obey. To do otherwise is to deny the faith and to reject Jesus Christ and His words (John12:48). It is the way of the “least.”

 

 

 

 

VITAL, VIBRANT AND INVIGORATING CHRISTIANITY

Billy Linthicum

 

Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:20b-21KJV

        The depth of Paul's love and enthusiasm for His Lord can be clearly seen in the verses quoted above. Those are not the words of a man who merely professed to be a Christian, but one who was charged with a burning passion for the One who provided redemption through His sacrifice on a cross.

        Because of his enthusiasm for the faith, Paul’s profession, "For to me to live is Christ" only validated that he was convinced that living for Christ demanded a total surrender of self. Similarly, Paul embraced the idea of death with a relish that was commensurate with his conviction that “to be absent from the body” meant being “present with the Lord” (2Cor.5:8).

        Paul’s vigorous commitment to Christ drove him to ensure that the Church remained pure and undefiled, like a virgin. His zeal was propelled by a life lived by a vital Christian faith that was vibrant and alive. His clarion call to present day believers is challenging, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1Cor.11:1). His faith was alive! Is yours?

        In this modern day, we need to be infected by the same contagious exuberance for the Christian faith that Paul exhibited. Over time, the Church has been lulled into a lethargic state of complacency. Distracted by our own accomplishments, our elaborate buildings, our iconic preachers and our purpose-driven programs, we have become lukewarm in our affections and devotion to Christ.

        We live in an age where false teachers have thrown off their masks and dare to contradict the proclamation of God’s Word…like never before. It is the duty of every born-again believer to live the example Paul established to maintain the standards of the faith and the unity of the church. The ungodliness, worldliness and false doctrines that have infiltrated the churches have intensified, demanding a commitment and fervor from every believer to fight to maintain that same degree of separateness and holiness that Christ desired for the Church from the very beginning.

        Let us guard against just gathering in the name of Christ only, but be unified in our desire to commit to Him, individually and corporately. This will be accomplished when each believer possesses a vitality and zeal for the faith that emulates that of the early Church, whose sole unifying feature was its vital devotion to keeping the Christian faith and continually encouraging one another in that devotion.

        Is your faith one that is exhibits a vital, vibrant and invigorating Christian experience? If not, then separate yourself from everything that is not stimulating that sort of life within you. Begin changing your priorities and your motivations. Seek out other believers who not only know Christ but their lives are completely surrendered to His will. And, examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5), and if not, surrender your life to Christ today! (2 Cor 6:2)

        Knowing Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior should be the most exhilarating experience of one’s life. It all begins when we surrender our right to ourselves and exchange our will for His! Then, with Paul, we can proclaim, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

 

 

 

 

CLIMATE CHANGE

Alfred King

        Climate change is one of the greatest dangers the world is facing today; so we are being told by those in the “know” and governments are in a state of panic as they attempt to address this “growing” problem. The sixteen year old climate activist, Greta Thunberg’s warning to the U.N. Climate Action Summit in 2019 claiming that life on planet earth would end by 2023 has proven to be false, as are most of the other warnings regarding climate change. (She recently retracted that prediction.) Governments are attempting to spend their way out of what they consider the end of the world if something is not done. Even many scientists have jumped onto this bandwagon and claim that somehow man has to solve this growing problem. (I have to wonder how much ‘money’ has affected these scientists’ claims.) I recall the Bible says something about this in Psalm2:1-5. Let’s look at it: “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure” (emphasis mine)

        The Hebrew word for derision defined by James Strong is: “la`ag (law-ag'); a primitive root; to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly”. I especially like the last phrase: “to speak unintelligibly.” I realize that many Christians are concerned about climate change and I don’t want to be disrespectful, but if you truly believe scripture, only God can change the climate. God promised Israel that if they would serve the Lord and obey His voice He would give them rain in due season and He would bless them in their storehouses and would be with them in every part of their lives. Consider just a few scriptures on this point.

Deut.11:13-14: “And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.”

        Jesus gave a wonderful promise to those who would seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness. He said that all our needs would be met. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt.6:33).

        In Deut. 28, God promised Israel that if they would serve God and obey His voice that His blessings would overtake them (Deut.28:2). He promised to bless their crops with rain in the time of rain. This has to do with weather or climate. Deut. 28 also speaks of all the curses that would fall upon Israel if they disobeyed His laws. He said their fields would be cursed (Deut.8:16). (I would advise our readers to read the whole 28thchapter of Deuteronomy).

        What we see in scripture is that if men will honor God and serve Him (live according to His laws) climate change will not be a problem. Climate is controlled by God and He uses natural causes to control the climate. Man is attempting to solve a problem they see with warming temperatures in their own wisdom with the false idea that they can change it. While things men do can affect the weather, men cannot control the weather, only God can.

        One of the great concerns of the environmentalist is that the oceans are warming and the Artic ice is melting. Is this happening because of automobiles? Is it because the ozone is being depleted in the atmosphere and the sun is more intense? Or is it because of other unknowns or things not factored into the equation, such as volcanic activity, specifically those volcanos that are present on the ocean floor. There are hundreds of what are called “submarine volcanoes” because they exist on the ocean floor. These submarine volcanoes are some of the volcanoes that form “the ring of fire,” as explained by “PMEL EARTH-OCEAN INTERACTIONS PROGRAM.” “The “Ring of Fire” is a circular arc of active volcanoes that surrounds the Pacific Ocean basin. Much is known about the volcanoes on land within the Ring of Fire (including the Aleutians, the Cascades, the Andes), but little is known about the submarine volcanoes, simply because they are hidden underwater. The Submarine Ring of Fire program aims to explore this poorly understood realm and catalyze research into the extraordinary diversity of subduction zone hydrothermal vent ecosystems.” (Website:

        https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/eoi/ring-of-fire.html)

        According to National Geographic, in an article entitled, “Geology of the Deep,” submarine volcanoes don’t usually erupt as those which are on land. This is because of the weight or pressure of the water above them. They therefore release the lava into the ocean and the lava spreads across the ocean floor. I am not a geologist nor a scientist but one who judges things from scripture and I try to apply some common sense. It appears to me that this volcanic activity on the ocean floor can certainly warm the oceans. And there has been, recently, more volcanic activity among the submarine volcanoes, particularly in the Pacific. (https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/geology-deep/)

The Real Culprit

        According to scripture, sin is the real cause for whatever problems climate is presenting. Consider a few verses in Isaiah24. Verse one: “Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.”

        Isa.24:5-6: “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” (emphasis mine)

        Isaiah sums up the real issue in just a few words. However, throughout scripture God had proclaimed over and over the repercussions which will follow sin and rejection of God and His word. In the New Testament Paul declares, “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (IIThess.1:7-9). Men would rather listen to a sixteen year old Swedish girl than to hear what God has to say.

        But Paul doesn’t stop there, he continues: “When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day” (IIThess.1:10). (emphasis mine)

        The real problem here is “Cultural Change.” Our culture has rejected God and His word and God is attempting to wake His people up. The church is asleep when they should be watchmen on the walls crying out and warning the world that God is displeased with the direction we are heading. God is very merciful and, if America and the church will repent and return to God, apply His word to our lives and stand against the onslaught of the powers and influences of hell, things can change. However, scripture foretells of these days in which iniquity will increase and “the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt.24:12).

        I end with a portion of scripture from Ezekiel nine and verse 4. “And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” It is a time for God’s people to sigh and cry for what we see taking place in our modern world. It is those who will receive the seal of God and will be saved in the time of God’s judgment.

 

 

 

 

GOD NOW HAS A NATION

Harry R. Miller

        The present day Zionist movement should not be construed to mean a seal or evidence of a heaven sent gathering. Many Bible scholars have made the mistake of interpreting the Scriptures to show a special kind of redemption for the Jew. Some have even gone so far as to say that in these latter days the Jew will return to the so-called “holy land,” and will set up animal sacrifice as in the days of old, and then the Lord will reveal Jesus Christ to them. The latter part of the book of Ezekiel is used for “proof” of such conclusions.

        New Testament scriptures plainly disprove any future restoration of Jewish covenant rights. There are many of us who believe that “the BOND WOMAN and her son” have been CAST OUT (Gal.4:22-31).

        In looking back through the book of Genesis we find the account where Sarah said: “Cast out this bondwoman, and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son” (Gen.21:10). Paul, in speaking to the Galatians, said that this Hagar “answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children” (Gal.2:25).

        According to the great majority of present day prophets the city of Jerusalem is not only going to be restored, but it is to be the head of all the nations of the earth. We are told that here in this earthly city the Lord Jesus shall set up His throne, and for one thousand years He shall reign over all the earth. At this time the Jews supposedly shall be the head of the nations, and a special dispensation of salvation shall be for the Hebrew. Such interpretation is diametrically opposed to many PLAIN STATEMENTS of scripture.

        Jesus Himself said concerning national and natural Israel: “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out” (Luke13:28). This, Jesus spoke to Jews. And in Matthew, when He marveled at the great faith of the Roman centurion, He said, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt.8:10-12).

        The Lord said concerning “Israel after the flesh”: “I say unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matt.23:43).

        It is very evident that the kingdom of God was taken away from national Israel, but today few people seem to understand that GOD NOW HAS A NATION that is His ELECT, and in that “nation” walk His chosen people. The apostle Peter, in writing to “the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, ELECT,” he said: “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an Holy Nation” (IPeter2:9). And to further identify this people he says, “Which in time past were not a people, but are now THE people of God” (verse 10).

        Paul in the book of Ephesians (chapter 2) makes it plain that THE PEOPLE OF GOD are ALL of the converted folk, whether they be Jews or Gentiles: “Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace who hath made BOTH ONE, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us – for to make in Himself of TWAIN ONE NEW MAN – that He might reconcile BOTH unto God in one body by the cross…And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (The Gentile) and to them that were nigh (The Jew). For through Him we BOTH have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

        The carnal man, the man of this world, is very devoted to THINGS. He loves to worship that which he can SEE and FEEL. In Palestine today there are hundreds of “sacred” spots in this so-called “holy land.” Many of these places have become shrines, where thousands do obeisance before wood and stone. Jerusalem, to millions of people is still “the holy city’” but according to the angel who gave the book of Revelation to the apostle John, the city of Jerusalem has a very bad name. In chapter 11:8 John writes of the city “where our Lord was crucified,” and he says “it is SPIRITUALLY called Sodom and Egypt.”

        Every Jew in Christ’s day looked for a Messiah who would sit upon the earthly throne in the city of Jerusalem. Some have even said that in the days of His flesh He offered Himself as their king. But this is not true, for they once tried to take Him and force Him to be their king.

        Apostate Israelites rejected Christ because He did not possess their earthly throne. Is there any reason to believe that when He returns again He will this time fulfill their carnal desires, and before all the world will sit upon their throne, and rule them for a thousand years? Is this the city that Abraham looked for? Is this where he and his sons will sit down in the kingdom of God and take communion with our Lord?

        Ah, No!

        “But NOW they desire a BETTER COUNTRY, that is, an HEAVENLY: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city” (Heb.11:16).

        Abraham “looked for a city…whose BUILDER and MAKER IS GOD” (verse 10)

 

 

 

 

ALTERNATIVE TO THE RAPTURE

(Part One)

Warren Berry

Introduction:

        It has been said that because People of the Living God teach against the Pretribulation Rapture, that we teach heresy. After thinking about this accusation, several thoughts have come to mind; one regarding the word heresy. I recall in scripture that the word ‘heresy’ is used, so I first went to this reliable source for a biblical definition and understanding of the word, not just taking how it has been so often used when one Christian or Christian organization disagrees with another. Anyone can label another with different understanding of scripture a heretic with no substantial reason other than they disagree with a certain topic of doctrine. It matters not that the one upon whom the label is placed is living a Christian life or not; it lies merely in a difference of a doctrinal position.

        In Acts24:14 the Apostle Paul is accused of heresy by the Sadducees because of his teaching on the resurrection. “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” After considering Paul’s statement and thinking about some of the early church fathers and those stout believers before and during the Reformation who were martyred for their faith, People of the Living God may be in good company.

        A couple of other scriptures which might be beneficial in considering this word are:

        Acts 24:5: “For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.”

        Acts 28:22: But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

        The Greek word used in these verses are translated heresy and sect. It’s the same Greek word.

        But not taking this lightly; when accused of false teaching, we must take seriously the accusation, examine and reexamine the doctrinal position we take and be certain it is founded upon God’s word and not on a teaching or position of a particular church or denomination.

        The word ‘heresy’ is used four times in the KJV New Testament, the Greek word “hairesis” is used nine times and is translated heresy, heresies, or sect. Joseph Henry Thayer, in his “Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament” defines it this way:

        1. act of taking, capture

        2. choosing, choice,

        3. that which is chosen, a chosen course of thought and action

        4. a body of men separating themselves from others and following their own tenets (a sect or party)

        5. dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims:

        Taking Thayer’s definitions in relation to our topic of heresy, we conclude that heresies are a position in Biblical doctrine which one chooses to believe. That choice should be based solely and strictly upon scripture and not on some commentary, biblical scholar, bible teacher or preacher, nor on a “Christian” organization, whether it be well known or obscure. Yet this is what most Christians do; they rest their doctrines and possibly their eternal destination on what their church teaches and never consider that they might be wrong. In many cases, the doctrine may not be a salvation issue, but there are many teachings that are and this is where the real danger rests. It is for this reason that I desire to set before you an alternative to the Pretribulation Rapture, for if there is not to be a Pretribulation Rapture; then what does the Bible teach? Many who hold to the Pretribulation Rapture have never heard of another view, much less considered that the Bible might just teach something different.

The Common Teaching On The Rapture

        Before we delve into God’s divine plan and what will take place during the last days, I want to give a brief overview of the Rapture doctrine.

        Summarizing the teaching of the Pretribulation Rapture: At any time Jesus may return and “rapture” or catch away all Christians, taking them to heaven where they will be spared from the Great Tribulation which will then fall upon those left on this globe. Believers who have passed away before this time will be first resurrected and will, then, along with those who are still living, meet the Lord in the air and be taken to heaven. There are several different views which vary from church to church and in some cases, national Israel comes into this equation and has a part to play in this scenario. However, whatever the additions to this teaching are, if the fundamental teaching is wrong, then everything resting upon it falls apart.

        Many believers have grown up being taught Pretribulation Rapture doctrine and have never heard or considered that there might be another teaching that is more biblical and serves a greater purpose in God’s divine plan. So many who hold tenaciously to this teaching seem to miss the fact that God is not going to take to heaven every “Tom, Dick and Harry” that claims to be Christian. He will have a holy people, a people who daily take up their cross and follow Him. A people who love Him with all their hearts, soul, mind and strength. The modern idea is that as long as I continue to attend church, then I am one who will be raptured out and will escape the Great Tribulation. This is false and is where the real danger lies in this unbiblical teaching.

        Naturally, the question then arises: If there is no Pretribulation Rapture, what is to transpire? This is a very important question, especially for those who will be living when the last days fall upon us.

Rapture Defined

        Merriam Webster: “an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion. Often when capitalized: the assumption of Christians into heaven during the end time according to Christian theology.” From these definitions we see that the word ‘rapture’ actually is a sense of extreme joy and excitement at a joyous occasion. It is from this definition that theologians have taken this word, capitalized it and brought it into Christian theology. The word “rapture” is nowhere found in scripture. That alone does not make it unscriptural, for the word is used as a title or label for a specific teaching and, when used, everyone knows what is being referred to.

Scriptures Used To Support A Pretribulation Rapture

        The most common scripture quoted to support this teaching is found in IThessalonians4:13-17 and reads: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

        When studying any scripture we must define the words used, especially those used in the KJV because it is written in Old English and many words don’t have the same meaning to us as they did when the King James Bible was translated in AD 1611. And to make it more difficult, scripture uses terms in ways we might not today. In these verses we have this situation. The expression here “them which are asleep” does not mean they are taking a nap but that they are dead and in the grave as we see later in these same verses. The word “prevent” as translated by our translators doesn’t mean exactly as we think of the word today. It actually means “precede” or “to go before.”

        There is one other very important point that needs to be remembered and that is: when scripture speaks of a group of people, we must determine from the context to what group it refers. For instance: is the context referring to all people, good and bad? To believers only? To sinners, only? This is crucial or we will certainly come up with a false understanding.

        In these particular verses, recognize to what group Paul is referring and keep that in mind as we go through these verses.

        IThess.4:13:“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” Paul is writing to believers and speaking of believers only. Sinners are not referred to at all in this passage. He writes to those who apparently had lost some close friend or relative and were concerned about their passing and eternal state. These are those which he says are asleep in Christ. He encourages them that they will be resurrected someday.

        Verse 14: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” Paul gives great hope here to all believers who have passed from this life. He declares clearly that they will not always lie in the grave but will come with Him when He returns. (There are some questions regarding this verse in that Jesus will bring with Him those who have died, but later in this same section, Paul states that they will be resurrected from the grave first and then will meet the Lord in the air. This may seem contradictory but it is not. The most common explanation for Paul’s words here is that believers' spirits or souls will come with Jesus and their bodies will be resurrected and the souls reunited with their bodies. When Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise,” it presents a wonderful truth: that while the man’s body was placed in the grave, his spirit or soul went to a heavenly place, which Jesus called “paradise.”)

        Verse 15: “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” Keep in mind that Paul is speaking only of believers, those alive at this time and those who are in the graves when Jesus returns. The word “prevent” as mentioned above means “precede” or go before. What Paul expresses is that those who are in the grave will be resurrected before those which are alive are taken up. It is after the dead in Christ are resurrected that all of them together will be caught up and will be forever with the Lord.

        Verse 16: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” Jesus returns with a “shout,” with the “voice of the archangel,” and with a trumpet. This doesn’t sound very secret. It sounds like a great display of noise, shouting and a blaring trumpet and voice of the archangel (whatever that might mean). When this noise is heard the dead arise.

        Verse 17: “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Let us now list, as best we can, in order the events mentioned in these verses.

        1. At the time this event takes place, there will be some believers who have died and there will be some who are still alive.

        2. The Lord comes in the clouds of glory with His saints and with great noise.

        3. At this noise the believers who have died will be resurrected “first” or before those alive are taken up. Those alive will not be taken up before those who are resurrected.

        4. Those resurrected will be joined together with those who are alive when this takes place and all of them together will rise to meet the Lord in the air.

        In this portion of scripture, sinners are not mentioned. But let us consider a couple of verses where Jesus stated that both good and bad are resurrected. The first verse we will consider is found in John5:28-29: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” Jesus here informs us that at the resurrection all will be resurrected at the same time. It is “the hour.” (emphasis mine)

        Now consider another portion of scripture, IIThessalonians1:7-9, where in these verses Paul speaks only of sinners. “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” Believers are not mentioned in these verses and any attempt to include them would be foolish, for it is very evident that only sinners are mentioned. Likewise, to bring sinners into IThessalonians4 is not wise.

        So, we see according to Jesus’ words that there will only be one resurrection. Paul writes of what will take place at this resurrection in regard to believers and in regard to unbelievers. However, what happens to believers and nonbelievers takes place at the last day.

(To be continued)