Volume II No. 17                                    Nicholas Scrolls                              November 5 2005

His Spirit Alone is Indispensable
A Report on our Recent Mission

Greetings brethren, friends and neighbors,

The month of October was filled with purpose and discourse, as this Scroll will reveal. Rita and I had taken the opportunity to visit some of our brethren in Colorado and also travel between Tampa and Daytona Beach Florida. Being led by the Spirit of our Father above, we enjoyed several fellowships and found ourselves praying for some who are sick and afflicted as well as contending for our faith in Christ Jesus against those who regard themselves as patriots defending American freedoms. We were invited to an interview on live radio with Vyzygoth on the Grassy Knoll at AM 1350 WDCF Radio in Dade City. This radio program will be archived on our websites under the title, "Democracy vs. Christianity." Some of you may recall that this was the same radio station where I had the opportunity to run my program, "The Hour of Apostasy Revealed." These programs are also available for your hearing on my website at http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com.

The following begins with a discourse between myself and a brother named James R. from http://www.libertyofchrist.com who wrote me regarding the "The 6000 Years" article published on our website. Torstein Langesaeter of Norway first wrote this article. In the absence of being able to make contact with Mr. Langesaeter, I responded to James' questions based on the discernment and understanding I possess and validated it with scripture and the understanding of another God fearing brother in Christ, Jamma Mokriby of http://rapturewatch.cephasministry.com . The following are only excerpts from the entire discourse and are provided here for your edification.

In the most recent part of our discourse, I appealed to James;

My dearly beloved in Christ, hearken not to the many disputes and speculations by the unbelievers and those professing a different faith than that of Christ Jesus. There are those among the Jews who are considered to be trustworthy in their claim but are most often not recognized by the people of their own camp. Case in point was the Jewish historian, Josephus. True, his writings are not part of the recognized cannon but he was a man whose sole purpose was to record the things that were and in that context, without the bias of religious virtue. For this reason, his writings can be deemed reliable from the context of recorded historical accuracy. This kind of reporting is rare today but I am sure that you can appreciate good unbiased reporting when it is offered. Today, most reporters among the mainstream media and scholars of religious camps are puppets and pawns delivering only portions of what is actually occurring because there is a great deal of partiality and Church/Government sponsored censorship and it is becoming more widely known that "dis-information" is a matter of US policy shared by many other neighboring nations as well. I for one am thankful for the unbiased approach Josephus took in recording historical events. As for the many divided houses of God, they practice partiality of every sort, allying themselves with the corruptible rather than clinging to the incorruptible.

Regarding your statement, "Another case in point against leaning on the History Academia, I have read arguments between TOP NOTCH historians still alive today, disagreeing over VERY critical mile stones in history! As expected, on the one side of this tussle are the bible believing academics, and at the other end, secular atheists employed as history professors." Scripture makes it clear that knowledge apart from wisdom, "puffs up." That is what you are seeing when it comes to hearing the many arguments presented by so-called, "TOP NOTCH" scholars. Then also scripture provides that "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." James, do these that argue and contend over words fear the Lord? I contend that they do not even though they may say, "Jesus is Lord." So then it becomes evident that knowledge gained in the pursuit of understanding eschatology is not so necessary as you proclaim. Many have the knowledge today yet they couldn't choose to fight their way out of a paper bag even though the end was wide open no more than they could agree on the eternal words of Christ Jesus our Lord. "For they have eyes yet cannot see and hears yet they are unable to hear." Why, you may ask? Because the Lord our GOD made it so for them that fear Him not. Knowledge is useful but only as a tool to aid in understanding. But even then understanding is rare if the student has no fear. Scripture proclaims; 2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Fear comes by way of acceptance that the Word of GOD is true and there is no reason to doubt the things that were, that are or are still yet to come. Why, because God Himself has visited you and made His presence known to you and you see more clearly now because He has wiped off the scales from your eyes. If we who are God fearing are then bias, we are bias because the Lord Himself has revealed to us His very being and has shown us that in Him, there is no error nor fault and His Word proves itself to be true. For us, there really are no reasons to search beyond the scriptures accept to validate our growing faith. But if our search beyond the scriptures adds to confusion and precipitates doubt, then we are being led astray and we are further told to avoid such things! Paul warned the Romans with such; Romans 1:21-22 "because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools," Scripture further declares; 2 Timothy 2:23-26 "But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strife. And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will." And if we subscribe to the avoidance of such things, abstaining ourselves from all such divisiveness then we will become sanctified and made useful to our Lord. 2 Timothy 2:21-22 "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work. After righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Regarding your statement, "I am yet obligated to continue searching the scriptures more thoroughly for the direct word of the Lord on the matter." I applaud your effort but know that the indirect revelation given in the written Word is so that what is left to be revealed will be revealed in its appropriate time according to our Lord's will. It may also be of some significance that the Lord reveals to whomever He wills according to their own preparedness and maturity. This is evident in two passages. John 16:12 "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now."  See also in the book of Hebrews 5:12-14 "For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food is for full-grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil."

So what must we rely upon then if our own knowledge is insufficient to help us apply what our Lord wills? The answer is simple and is given away in many passages throughout the New Testament. I offer only one here for your edification because it is complete by itself. John 16:13-14 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things so ever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you." For this reason my friend I contend with the statement on your website that the "study of eschatology is indispensable." What should only be regarded as indispensable is the abiding Spirit of our Father granted as a promise and bringing with it all the necessary knowledge and understanding we require to live holy and blameless lives before GOD.

Again I declare in agreement with scripture that knowledge puffs up but the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. Let me put it another way. If all a man did was agree to accept however blindly he may appear to others, that man would acquire the kind of wisdom that stumps the wisest of all men and even those who think themselves to be righteous but are not. Why? Because all GOD requires of us is simple obedience and practical application. It starts with hearing the true Word in its proper context and then accepting what you hear thereby becoming convicted in your heart leading you to a sincere and genuine repentance and then being able to bear witness by and through your practical application. I further declare that the onset of wisdom does not come into play until one is able to take the knowledge he has gained and learns to apply it properly. Then wisdom becomes your friend. I declared in my book, Apostasy Revealed, that "the Word is so simple by design that my own children have learned how to obey yet theologians and scholars are still choking on it" Did Jesus not declare that "unless we become like one of these, (speaking of little children) we will in no wise enter the Kingdom of God?" That is where our faith must be and it then becomes the kind of power that is able to shut the mouths of lions and even move mountains. I am praying that because you too have children that you are able to understand from what context I am speaking.

Proverbs 4:1-13 "Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding: For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law. For I was a son unto my father, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; Keep my commandments, and live; Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth; Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote thee; She will bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her. She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; A crown of beauty will she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; And the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in paths of uprightness. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life."

Here is a glimpse of what my faith in Christ reveals. Of the 144,000, this speaks only of the Jewish remnant, which will at last be saved and given a new heart. They are those that come from the scattered tribes of Israel which are to this day, still very much scattered. If you are like me being of Gentile background, then we are or will be counted among the great multitude of Nations who are before our King's throne and some of us will have been martyred because of our unrelenting faith and obedience towards Him. Regarding the year of my Lord's birth, I say that He became flesh in the latter part of 5 BC to the early part of 4 BC because of the historical evidence I provide below and have already given much prayerful attention to. Regarding eschatology (the study of end-times) and Hermeneutics (the art & science of biblical interpretation), I was once a Bible student whilst part of a religious order (Four-Square/Pentecostal). Since that time the Lord has revealed to me that I had sharpened my skills while in school but the knowledge I acquired was a direct result of my properly aligned faith (trust) I maintain in the Father and Christ Jesus above. Furthermore, some of that which I acquired in my education does become useful to our Lord when tested by fire, that which remains is found to be useful and acceptable by God but that which does not bear fruit is cut off like the vine that bears not. As some of you may relate, James, a brother in Christ from China wrote, "I have been faithful in that which is another man's, may God now grant me to do that which he has prepared for me (Luke 16:12) from before the foundations of the world." The Spirit in me bears witness and agrees.

In time, the Spirit reveals what the Father gives it to speak and whisper in our ear but it is the Word of God being our judge in the last day that confirms and validates what we are being told by GOD. If what we think is spoken by GOD and is not confirmed in scripture then we need to avoid following after such for there are many spirits but there is only one Holy Spirit and it is He that will guide us into all truth in the appropriate time according to the Lord's will and most assuredly our own maturity. Remember He desires that we become useful and not be a roadblock or contradiction to what will be fulfilled in the last time.

The Birth of Christ & 6000 Years since Creation

There has been speculation all over the board on this issue, which was seemingly irrelevant to the early Christian gatherings (churches). The early Church rightly celebrated the "death and resurrection" of Christ that made salvation possible for both Jews (all tribes) and Gentiles (all Nations). Thanks to the Romans and their pagan idolatries, we have a less than perfect measure of time employed today. It is important to understand how this came about before I can answer the question as to the most probable date of Christ's birth. The Romans had made several changes over the last two millenniums causing further confusion as to the date of our Lord's birth.

The Roman calendar originally had 10 months given to a year, as the month of December implies (decem = 10). This system was based on the annual lunar cycle of 354 days. In 46 BC, Julius Caesar rectified the discrepancies in time by establishing a new calendar based on the annual solar cycle of the Sun being 365.25 days. This "Julian Calendar" largely remained in effect with some exceptions until 1582 AD. In 1582 AD, a commission under Pope Gregory XIII corrected some inaccuracies of the older calendar.
In 312 AD, Emperor Constantine I who had converted to Christianity began a process by which the Christian faith (Roman Catholic) came to exert growing influences on the course of Roman and European history. This fact still very much remains with us today in state government, religious order as well as institutions of church though our paradigm is American.

In the successive years of Roman rulership, other Emperors exercised their influences based on their Christian faith. In 525 AD, Pope John I asked a Monk by the name of Dionysius to prepare a standardized calendar for the western Church. Unfortunately, Dionysius was off on his calculations by at least 4 years. He established the division of history into AC meaning ante Christum natum, meaning the years before the birth of our Lord. He assigned AD, anno Domini meaning number of years from the birth of our Lord. AC was later replaced with BC to mean "before Christ" in the English language.

Now that we understand the source of the time line discrepancy, let's look at some other scriptural details that indicate the more probable year of our Lord's birth. The gospels tell us that Jesus was born shortly before the death of Herod the Great. Herod's death can be fixed with certainty whose reign was between 37 BC and 4 BC.
 
Josephus, the ancient Jewish historian, records an eclipse of the moon just prior to Herod's death. This eclipse occurred on March 13, 4 BC. Josephus also records that Herod's death was just before the Passover anniversary. This feast took place in the same year on April 11, 4 BC. Josephus records other details, which validate the death of Herod occurring between March 29 and April 4, 4 BC.

By the above references indicated in scripture and the historical renderings of Josephus, I am certain that Jesus was born no later than 4 BC but could have been born as early as 5 or 6 BC. I prefer the latter part of 5 BC to the early part of 4 BC because of the above references made. Surely we are near the end of the sixth day since creation and that being the case, we have less than 30 years before the anniversary date of our Lord's redeeming sacrificial death. In fact, I can tell you confidently that the third day since His death is about upon us for the Spirit in me exhorts, "We are in the last hours, even moments of the second day. Soon, the morning of the third day will dawn. What happens on the morning of the third day oh son of man?" Since a day in the Lord is as a thousand years to man then we can be confident the above prophetic utterance spoken by this messenger is true. See Apostasy Revealed by Nicholas A. Stivers published by Mountainview Publishing Company available on our Cephas Ministry book offerings.

Two God Fearing Men Agree on the 6000 Year Timetable 

Another dear brother in Christ, Jamma Mokriby who runs Rapture Watch Ministry, writes the following from his piece entitled "Finding One's Place in Time." This also includes time indicators regarding Christ's return and no doubt will be useful to you in your studies and understanding
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"In the grand picture we know that from the time of Genesis God established a 7-day cycle in His majestic plan for creation. All through the Old Testament God demonstrated these Sabbath cycles through the Jews in patterns of days, months and years, always holding to the demonstration of the 7th being the time of rest and the completion of things.
In Psalm 90:4 & II Peter 3:8 God reveals that this same pattern holds true for one (1) thousand year periods. Six (6) thousand years is about to end. Four (4) thousand years passed until the birth of Jesus Christ and the final estimated (2,000) two thousand years since then are about to expire.
Hosea 5:15 & 6:1-2 in the Old Testament are an example of the prophetic texts that verifies that Christ will return after 2,000 years to redeem His people and raise the dead to life. Jesus demonstrated this truth with numerous examples during His earthly ministry.
In John 4:40-42 it is notable that Jesus ministered to the Samaritans for 2 days before returning His attention back to the Jews on the 3rd day. Jesus was resurrected on the 3rd day of His burial and in Luke 13:32 demonstrated by this that the 3rd day would be the day of perfection. In John 2:1 Jesus specifically attended the wedding feast on the 3rd day (compare to Rev. 19:7) and in John 11:6 Jesus purposefully waited 2 days before raising Lazarus from the dead. There are many more of such examples, which could be cited, and we are without reservation proclaiming that "the great day of the Lord is at hand."

"There are countless other specific time references given throughout the Bible. This fact separates its absolute uniqueness, like heaven is from earth; when compared to all other so-called holy books. No other writings of demons and men dare to be so specific. Past timetables prophesied of in the Bible, which have all been fulfilled, have established it as the one and only true Word of God. Any attempt to do likewise in any other writings would continually expose them for the frauds that they are. Of what good are gods who by their omissions divulge their vast ignorance? Men should think long and carefully before trusting their eternal future to the shallow words of prattling charlatans. Remarkably, most of the world prefers these false gods and their prophets to the Holy One of Creation. It is just one more manifestation of the pride and rebellion of mankind, which exalts corruption in order to justify his own imperfect nature."

In I Corinthians 15:50-58 & I Thessalonians 4:14-18 we are told of the extraordinary day when Jesus Christ will change both the dead and the living who have trusted in Him into glorious beings and will catch them up to forever be with Him in heaven (see Jn. 14:2-3).
In Matthew 17:1-8 the Lord gave us another wonderful clue as to when we should expect the day of our transformation and deliverance when He revealed the day the Jews will be resurrected. In this passage of Scripture Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. There before their eyes Jesus was transformed into His celestial state. We are told that the Lord's face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light. Then, Moses and Elijah, two men who had been dead for ages past appeared along with Jesus in transfigured forms. We are not told what Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus about during this incredible demonstration of God's plan to resurrect and glorify believers, but a special hint as to the time of our own transformation was given in verse 1. To fully appreciate the importance of what may seem to be an insignificant detail to the casual reader a believer must start to read from the previous verse in Matt. 6:28 then on through verses 1 & 2 of Chapter 17. Remember that the Bible was not originally written with divisions of chapters and verses, but these were only added much later for convenience sake.
We quote, "Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom." Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, brought them up on a high mountain by themselves, and was transfigured before them."

"God gave a grand picture in Genesis 1 & 2. On the 4th day He created the Sun, on day 6 He gave life to man and on the 7th day He rested. In Malachi 4:2 God called Jesus Christ the "Sun of Righteousness" who would "arise with healing in His wings." The word sun is spelled “sun” not “son” as one might expect. This is a wonderful prophetic clue. On day 4 of God's 1,000 years equals a day timetable, Jesus Christ "the Sun of Righteousness" was born into a world of darkness to bring light (see Jn.1:4-5).
At the close of day 6 of this same Divine calendar, mankind will once more be restored to life with His God. He will in fact have completed 6,000 years or 6 days of labor and toil. On day 7, those that have been born again by trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins will be granted the glorious blessing of entering into God's Sabbath day of rest (Heb. 4:1-10).
Consider the sample of biblical prophecies that we have shared; the intricate and the grand and to what extremes God has gone to demonstrate His knowledge, power and love for us. The days of accounting and triumph are almost upon us"
The above article can be viewed in full on our web pages featuring Jamma's Ministry at http://rapturewatch.cephasministry.com

Matthew 18:19-20 "Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Democracy vs. Christianity

On Friday October 14, 2005 Rita and I were interviewed on live radio. The program was aired on AM 1350 WDCF out of Dade City; Florida. The program was called "The Grassy Knoll" with talk show host Vyzygoth. After a humorous and fun introduction, Vyz pretty much let us speak to the issues that were heaviest on our minds and hearts. We cited the paradox of the selfish gospel being preached and practiced throughout mainstream evangelism versus the selfless gospel we see evident in the New Testament of our Bibles. I pointed out that the newer fad developed by Rick Warren, the "Purpose Driven Life" and "Purpose Driven Church" has become a vehicle for promoting the faddish health, wealth and prosperity schemes infesting the whole of western Christianity and influencing our foreign neighbors into practicing idolatry.

The line of questioning quickly moved to the meat of our program with comparisons of the common Christian right experience and its involvement in government and politics contrasting it with the selfless, sacrificial value of the witness we see evidenced in scripture through Christ's pattern and teachings and the apostolic witness of New Testament Scripture. I boldly declared President Bush to be misrepresenting the evangelical faith he purports for the purpose of gaining Christian support. I further stated that scripture makes it clear the words of man reveal his character yet if his deeds which bear witness did not match up to the words he professes then that man is deceived and is deceiving. I believe I said more plainly, "He is a liar!"

Among the main points I expressed was that if we call ourselves a Christian people who are submitted to Jesus whom we call Lord and King, then what are we doing allowing our alliances to be divided by serving other Masters in participating in an American political system of hidden agendas which only divides our beliefs and tears down the very fabric of our faith? I made it clear in my line of reasoning that when we become a part of divisive politics which is a divided house in every camp, we will inevitably see the fall of that house. According to Jesus we should have nothing to do with dividing our alliances. I testified that when I was younger and tried to live this way, I felt like very much blood was on my hands and that I was being forced to choose between the lesser of two evils. Well, if “evils” are evil then are we not supposed to resist it that it may flee from us? The other case I made about the purported freedoms we enjoy in America was that the early Americans involved with establishing this new government evidently did not feel like the liberties, which are granted us by Christ Jesus, were sufficient. So, they developed a Constitution which today is being torn to shreds by the continuos changes and amendments being made by men in politics which only rob a God fearing peoples of their liberty and freedom and grant more freedoms to the transgressors of society. The only freedom that is being protected in this country anymore is the freedom to sin and it seems that no one really cares about what offense this is to a devout peoples who practice what is right and just in the context of love (an unwavering commitment).

The paradox then is as Americans are being led to believe there exists a separation between Church and State, there actually is clear evidence of a marriage between the two. I pointed out that this has existed every since Constantine I of Rome legalized a form of Christianity and married the politics of government together with the politics of man's Church. Rita pointed out that there is an abundant support coming from the government to pour in millions of dollars into the religious sector to promote the political agendas of both conservative and liberal houses. All this under the "faith based initiatives."

The question of Tyranny was raised and we all agreed that there is much evidence to support that the USA and its current administration is bulldogging its way into Middle East politics to promote democracy. Again, I raised the paradox of the so-called Christian agenda of taking a system of government to peoples who have practiced their faith for many more centuries than America has been around. I pointed out that except those who embrace western culture, Americans are largely hated because of our obvious hypocrisy. What business do we have in helping other nations to support western democracy when we can't even keep our own house clean? Vyz made a point that President Bush like others before him are but pawns and subject to a larger plan of dominion through the New World Order scheme and Rita also brought forth the relationship of Freemasonry and its relationship to the American political agenda. I declared that when GOD had given man to have dominion over everything beneath his feet, it was not so that man would have dominion over mankind yet this is what we see being made evident. I said, "We have made ourselves gods!" Clearly because these things are being made evident, there appears to be an acceleration if you will, of the prophetic Word coming to pass and we see evidenced all around the planet signs that are indicating we are very close indeed to the tribulation that Jesus and His Apostles spoke of.

Vyz asked what I thought about the common precept that exists out there that the prophesied end-times are about the conflict between Islam and Christianity and he wanted to know if I agreed with that. I stated that it was clear that is the common thinking today and it reminds me of the claim made by others who said they were children of Abraham. Jesus answered this when the statement was made, "But Abraham is our Father." John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father thereof." I paraphrased this and summarized what Jesus said, "If you were children of Abraham then you would do the things that Abraham did but you are not therefore you are children of the devil." Even today, the Muslims declare themselves to be children of Abraham through Ishmael and I believe it so. But Jesus saw beyond the genealogy and pointed out that we are expected to do the things that He commanded if we ever want to realize our place in the Kingdom which was given Him by His Father in Heaven. Clearly, God calls us unto Himself as sons and daughters of faith after the pattern of His Son, Christ Jesus. This raises the question, "Who is like Jesus?"

While Rita was giving her testimony of coming out of the Mormon Church after 20 years of indoctrination and lies and making parallels of that with her experience in Germany as a Hitler youth, we took two callers on the program. The first caller made a point that though these things are taking place in our world today, there is not much we can do to avert or stop it from happening because as Vyz said, "it is God breathed." The second caller was Kelsey Hatcher from Tucson, Arizona who wanted to encourage both Rita and I on the work we are doing at Cephas Ministry. Kelsey and I go way back from our days in Retail Management and he made it a point that God's Word never returns to Him void. Kelsey recalled the earlier days of my success pursuing the American dream and remembers how God took all that away from me leaving me with nothing to lean on but God Himself. Kelsey equated that with our lives having a greater purpose and when we answer God's calling, He is faithful to see you restored to some degree and equipped to perform His mighty works and continue the works that Jesus started. Kelsey indicated amazement how a man like myself who was once into "Pink Floyd" music and the belief of "Aliens" could be changed and transformed into such a God fearing man with unwavering tenacity to defend the faith that was once delivered unto the Saints.

I think the above can be summarized with the sentiment that "God can take all things and make them work together for good."

The above was only a summary of the radio interview. In time, we will have this program archived on the Cephas Ministry sites http://www.cephas-live-media.com/ including  click Nicholas Scrolls and The Grassy Knoll. You will find a plethora of subject matter in both media archives and I hope you will visit us and take advantage of this free resource we have made available to you. If you are interested in receiving your own MP-3 copy of our radio program "Democracy vs. Christianity," we will be happy to send you a disc provided you make a heart felt "free will offering" a.k.a. "donation" to Cephas Ministry indicating your interest and making sure you provide us with your mailing address. This CD would be useful for some of you who are conducting gatherings and hosting Bible Studies as it brings to the surface the question, "What should our response be to the increasing adversity all around us?"

My Appreciation and Thanks for Our Brethren in Christ Here and Abroad

Having met with some of you while on our trip gave me the feeling of utter joy over your reports of the work that Christ is doing through you to minister to the needs of God's children in places like India, Pakistan, Australia, China and here in America. I find it utter joy to share in our fellowship and wish I could be there with each one of you but cannot at this time because of heavy cost restraints. Remember that we are a very small ministry that provides witness to the world through Internet and we do not fleece the flocks for their hard-earned money because the gospel is not for sale. Because Cephas Ministry is run this way, we must fund our own work. What free will offerings we do receive we use to support the cost of materials and supplies for the many books, tapes and videos we offer to the poor as well as the server costs and maintaining computer equipment to stay in touch with our brethren abroad.

There were some among you who gave generously and without provocation from us and we are ever so happy to receive your offerings as it helps to lighten the financial burden each of us must carry in order to be faithful in our application of the true gospel. We are so thankful that you and the gathered ones remember us in prayer here at Cephas Ministry as we also hold you up in prayer daily. The work that many of you are doing is essential and crucial at this time. What some of you in foreign lands describe being up against is not much different than what we are battling here in America. For us in the west, there are hundreds of counterfeit Christian cults that serve no purpose but to preach a different gospel which the Apostles Paul and John warned of.

2 John 1:7-11 "For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things, which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward. Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting: for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works." Beware of these men and the American women who preach and teach health, wealth and prosperity doctrines for some are evil and seducing many who are poor to receive a different gospel than the one that Jesus sanctified for our sakes.

Apostle Paul speaking on this said to the Corinthians... 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 "I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators; not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world: but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat. For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves." In other words... do not associate with the "so-called" brethren, those who are pretenders seeking only to take your money and empty the widows houses. You will be doing well if you admonish them, rebuking their heresy as though they were brethren. After all, we are called to love one another; everyone in this manner.

My dear brethren in Christ, words and knowledge are not enough and are empty apart from the righteous example much in the same way as "faith without works is dead." Guard yourself and the brethren from the many idols of your countries and do not be afraid if the Lord speaks in you to “reprove, exhort and rebuke with all authority” that the people to whom you reach out to are convicted of their sins and led unto a genuine repentance. Learn to speak when the Lord speaks and learn to be silent when no word is given.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 "I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." The works you do, you do in the Lord and not of yourself for you belong to the Lord. Remember that God's Word promised us suffering and this is our trial and testing that we may be refined, made perfect, called a holy people unto the Lord. 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

We appreciate your ongoing updates and testimonies. Please keep us informed on your progress and pray without ceasing. Remember that the Word of God is preached and given unto the poor so that they may become rich in faith. Faith is the greatest healer, the greatest medicine and the greatest gift from God to humanity. Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes us truly united with GOD Almighty. In Him, though there may be a little pain for a moment in time, there is no shame! We think of you often and look forward to hearing from you. Please continue to use our Internet resources and copy the materials to distribute as often as you need. I hope that you also share in my offerings of Scrolls and Exhortations at http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com . These epistles are for all the brethren who are looking to be inspired and grow with courage. May the Lord bless your hunger and thirst abundantly with wisdom, discernment and courage. AMEN

Finally, I ask each one of you to join me in prayerful agreement for the divine healing of God's grace to touch our brother Jamma Mokhriby who has been diagnosed with Cancer and is undergoing painful treatments in the hopes of bringing this deadly disease under remission. It is my selfless prayer that God uses this opportunity to glorify Himself with such a healing that the medical establishment will be confounded with the power of faith as a healing remedy. I am in part, sustained by the works of such brethren in Ministry and further inspired to carry on and bear with each of you the pain and suffering we all must undergo. I believe that we cannot afford to loose anymore fellow-workers in the fields of harvest as there seem to be so few of us already. So my request is a selfless request and one that requires agreement with other fellow believers. When visiting Jamma and his family, we also prayed together and joined hands and I asked God for a little more time so that his works by faith may be completed. We also lift up our brother Jim in the mountains of Colorado who operates a long standing radio Ministry called, "Cultivate Ministries." Agree with me if you will that Jim's heart be strengthened by grace as God's Word prescribes so that he too may carry on fulfilling the mission he has been given. Glorify yourself Lord in us that the world will bear witness we serve the living God and that there are no other gods to serve. We worship you Lord in Spirit and Truth and ask these things according to your will. Though we cannot now fully know you we understand that we will eventually be fully known by you as we continue to accept and apply ourselves to the righteous standards patterned by your Son, Christ Jesus. Grant as we pray oh Lord in your precious name. AMEN

May we each be fully known in Him! With all sincerity and love for the truth and our scattered brethren who are still in the remotest parts of the earth,

Nicholas A. Stivers, a humbled God fearing man, scribe and messenger.

Author; Apostasy Revealed published 2003 by Mountainview Publishing ISBN: 1-928602-92-4
http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com
http://abide-in-truth-events.cephasministry.com/
http://cephasministry.com

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