What more can a man expect to receive than a reasonable wage for his efforts? Is man today never satisfied with the labor of his hands or the pay he receives at the end of a week? Does an employer use his staff to make a profit without sharing the fruits of labor produced by those whose backs he broke?   If men are free then why do we allow ourselves to become enslaved all over again? If a laborer is worthy of his wages then why do men playing on fields earn more than the soldier who fights for freedom? Why are actors on a stage worth more than doctors saving lives? When did money change from being a tool and resource to becoming an objective and measure of wealth? Is a husband never content with the reliable decency his wife returns for all his devoted labor? Are wives not satisfied with the love and obedience their husbands return? Are children today so neglected that they must play "cops and robbers" with real guns to get an elders attention? Why is disciplining children regarded as abuse in our homes and schools?   Is the "good life" we once desired so mundane that we must create more evil to bring out the slumbering good hidden deep within human hearts? How has love become such a reckless emotion when it was first understood as commitment and obedience? Why do marriage contracts begin with an escape clause?   How did the fear and sting of death maintain its power after Christ afforded us eternal life? If our souls are eternal then why do we mourn for the dead as though we are still yet mortals?

If opposites attract in nature then why do we seek sameness with one another?   Why is justice absent in our courts of law when it once was regarded as a necessary ingredient to peace? If criminals rob others of their freedom, justice and honor why do we restore the same for those who denied the innocent? When did the transgressors become more protected by the laws that were originally designed to enforce their discipline?   Why is truth no longer etched in stone but relative to individual viewpoints? Why when Congress ratifies do judges suspend and others amend? Why does a country give away its wealth and prosperity to other nations without first sharing it with those who prospered it? If America was once a Republic then when did Democracy over rule it? If we truly are self-governing then why do we elect governors to rule over us and make decisions on our behalf?   Why do men still prefer men and women still prefer women in intimate relationships when all they seek and desire is contrary to their natural design and order? Why do some men prefer wearing dresses and women prefer short hair? How do women becoming like men and men becoming like women equate to the truth – "All Men are Created Equal?"  

Why are unnatural chemicals and pharmaceuticals legalized and prescribed as medicine and remedy yet the natural is regarded as illegal? Why is humanity so opposed to the natural order of things? Why must mankind prefer the unnatural to the natural?   If this is what became of all our increased knowledge then when did wisdom become a sacrifice? Has man forsaken wisdom and regarded her as unimportant in the pursuit of knowledge? Was wisdom put to death when Christ was crucified on the stake?   If the appearance of evil was something to be avoided, why is society so entertained by magic, sorcery, death and destruction? If rape and incest are still immoral by today’s standards and sexual harassment is not tolerated in the work place, why do women expose the cleavage between their breasts tempting men to look beyond their scanty covering? If the body is beautiful why do we mar it with tattoos and pierce it with symbols of slavery?   If the word Christian denoted Disciples of Christ then why do Christians prefer selfish pursuits and sin to selfless sacrifice and redemption? If the name of a bookstore indicates the kind of books one may purchase, how is it that Family Christian Bookstores across America sell porn and promote idolatry?   If the first Disciples of Christ were Jews who became Christian then what in the world is a Messianic Jew? If ritual bathing was for Jews and Baptism is for Christians then what is accomplished by baptizing a Jew if he remains a Jew? To baptize anyone in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is to witness a new birth but to baptize an unbelieving Jew only produces a wet Jew.   Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" KJV Romans 6:16 "Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death or of obedience resulting in righteousness?" NAS

I believe that open letters to various men and women in ministry should be implemented when error is uncovered. I have done this myself to many teachers, pastors and evangelical leaders - even written letters to the President and Governors - but much of the time it seems that our pleas fall on deaf ears. So the next step is to take it to the congregation (Internet format) allowing others to consider crucial aspects and dangers thereby allowing believers to judge the matter for themselves and if appropriate, take necessary steps and make a stand. Paul reminded us that it is in the nature of the true Church (biblical gatherings) that we judge one another within leaving the matter of judging outsiders up to God.   I think it no harm to name an individual involved with the particular error in question because we should be addressing one another by name avoiding vagueness and various ambiguities. Though on the surface we appear to be fighting - one brother against another - the reality is that we are fighting the fallen spiritual principalities influencing men and women. It is our duty and obligation to address individuals by name and bring the matter before the true Church so that when informed, the "named" may consider more carefully and perhaps choose a course of repentance. But before such a matter is brought before the Church to judge, the transgression or offense must be dealt with privately in the hopes that a sincere appeal may lead a brother to repentance before public shame come upon him.

Confession between brothers is a private matter unless the one sinning refuses to repent. If after two or three witnesses are unable to appeal to a brother to repent of his transgression then the Church among you must be notified.   This is in fact an act of love towards our fellow man and not necessarily unbalanced hatred or prejudice. There too is the necessity to be clear like with Rick Warren's Purpose Driven heresy because of the all too common nature of men and women following men and women rather than all being followers of Christ alone. Therefore, all should be openly warned and given every opportunity to back away from falling into dangerous pathways. One of my favorite quotes, "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."   All who are called must not only seek the truth but live by it so that our fellow man may not just hear but also see the witness of Christ in flesh made possible by the Father's indwelling Spirit. Remember too that though we appear to many people to be judges, it is not really us who are judging but it is the Word of God that judged our own person and after conforming to it - it also judged all things and systems around us. So, the Word remains our judge and it is by that which we must live and remain surrendered. This well enables the image of God's Son to be reflected back to the Father from us who obey the pattern of Christ. Therefore, no man may boast in anything but in Christ crucified for all the glory and honor belongs to Him who saved our own wretched lives. Hallelujah, AMEN

The parable of the 10 virgins is about the rapture and does bear its own evidence regarding the timing of the rapture. We already agree that the oil of the lamps is representative of the Holy Spirit and anyone without sufficient oil to keep their lamps lit will be left out and not allowed in for the wedding feast. That's the easy part to discern. What takes a little more prayerful consideration to understand is the timing of when the virgins are let in. Lets look at that directly...  

Matthew 25:1-13 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins , which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish . They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut . Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."   Notice first that half of those who came to see the groom's wedding were left out in the dark because they were unprepared. Elsewhere in scripture, this is referred to as "outer darkness." Then Jesus reveals a significant sign by saying, "the bridegroom tarried..." What else can be derived from this statement other than the fact that it will appear to us the Lord tarries? In other words, it will seem that he delays in his coming as I know he will for those who are unaware and not prepared for the long, long night. This is most significant because it indicates pretty clearly that we will not be "let in" (taken up) until after a delayed period. Now, take that and compare with the other scriptures I have offered you and you'll see agreement that the first resurrection does not happen while the night is young (as in pre-tribulation) but instead happens well into the night - somewhere between midway of the tribulation (midnight) and the end of evening (as in the morning or dawn of a new day).  

Notice too that after the prudent five were let in and the door was shut leaving no more chance for anyone else to get in. That should be a strong warning and further clue to how important it is not to depend on an early entry as in pre-tribulation thought because the night is long and there will be many caught off guard and when the resurrection does occur, it will be too late for them because they will already have expected to be taken in but instead the delay will have caused them to loose their faith, their hope and even slumber while waiting instead of doing everything possible to make sure that they were well supplied with the oil of the Holy Spirit.   Furthermore, the depleting supply of oil is representative of a depletion of energy as in what fuels our faith and keeps the light in us burning brightly. You see, undergoing the necessary trials of the tribulation will be what tests and measures each and every believer. These tests and trials are absolutely necessary because no one who is not well supplied by the oil of the Spirit will make it through in the first resurrection. It is a way to separate the wheat from the chaff and glean only the golden grains that Jesus expects in His first harvest. Putting it another way... nothing but the best!

That is also why these who are part of the first resurrection (rapture) will be assigned various positions of authority in the new millennium because Jesus said, they will rule and reign with Him. I have pointed out on numerous occasions that only those deemed most faithful and true will be a part of the first resurrection (rapture) beginning as Scripture indicates clearly... with those who died faithfully holding to the testimony of Christ crucified.   I know that there are a number of you still holding to the false hope of a pretribulation rapture. Though your faith is relative to what you believe, truth is not relative to faith but is a steady constant. Being eternal, it is the same yesterday "today and forever " AMEN.

To you who believe this way, I say, "Sooner or later, The light will shine brightly again on this subject for you and you will see God is in fact doing a work through me for you and others. I am thankful that I am not nearly as alone in this understanding as I first thought I would be. It has already been the cause of some division between me and some of my closest associates. Though I am saddened by this outcome, I must not waver in my duty to rightly divide the Word of God. Over time, some of you will come to realize that I spoke not from my own understanding but from the council of God.

As a Scribe receives instruction from the Kingdom, he being like the head of household brings out of his treasure things new and old. Perhaps my Lord is using me to assist you a little?   John 21:18 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not."   What people often desire or think they'll get is not always exactly what God delivers. I learned that lesson many years ago. I will always be ready and instant in season and out to respond to any inquiries you have. If we are to continue "growing from glory to glory," we must of necessity be as moldable and teachable as possible for the Holy Spirit to achieve the Father's desired results in us. As a matter of fact, going back to the beatitudes... I believe that is how the word - meek is defined... "Teachable." So those who will inherit the earth should be teachable.   Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."  

The Wisdom of Suffering: Preparing us for the trouble ahead  

I do believe it doesn't matter what you're afflicted with or what degree of persecution you suffer because to each is given a measure of grace which allows them to battle and contend with adversity thereby making them stronger and more refined. Everyone suffers to some degree and some suffer more than others it appears, but no one suffers more adversity than what they are capable of handling, which is a sure promise that God keeps. You may see how your own circumstances have brought you closer to a living relationship with God, which has true meaning and afforded you great significance? Do you not depend on Him even more now? I think that is in part, the Lord's wisdom.   I believe that many of us have and are enduring much tribulation in our lives now and this in large part is what has drawn some of us into a more meaningful relationship with God. So you see, suffering reaps great benefits. Many people of the "pretribulation rapture" view hold tribulation to be the wrath of God but it is not.

They view the "Blessed Hope" as being taken out or away before the trouble begins. This just does not stand up to the scrutiny of scripture as a whole. Understand that man and those whom he chooses to govern in his life are what brings on the "trouble." This of course will be most pronounced when the final antichrist appears but will largely be unseen by the patriotic types and mainstream religious groups. Most, I dare say, will think of him like a type of savior that comes to restore peace between warring factions of both International political and religious camps.   I think that the antichrist's remedy might already be taking form right now - as in the development of the New World Order involving a one world religion, globalized education and political restructuring into10 regions of economic power over the whole earth. You know what that means don't you? No more America. No more sovereignty but a corrupted form of democracy that puts to death any remaining constitutional rights of American citizens. The Bush Administration has been openly promoting this NWO since Sr. was in office and the whole world is aligning with this kind of globalized thinking.

Add to that the global catastrophes and adverse meteorological and geological activity and now there is good reason for global communities to pull together and work in unity. Can you see this happening? It's all unfolding before our very eyes and there is nothing we can do to stop it or even slow it down. No matter how we feel, the Word will be fulfilled and soon we will see a closure of the end days. Yes, very soon!   I remind you all again that since President Bush has been in office, we have seen over a 300% increase in global volcanic and seismic activity - the whole planet over. One month after President Bush Jr. took office, the Northwest was hit by a 6.8 Nisqually quake February 28, 2001. I was just one of several Godfearing messengers who started declaring God's divine and just recompense upon America two years prior if she did not repent and turn from her ways. Five major national and local broadcast companies would not acknowledge my attempts to share God's prophetic warnings.

The churches I attempted to speak out in my local area shunned me and asked me not to return unless I was willing to keep my mouth shut! All my warnings fell on deaf ears and President Bush failed to answer - even acknowledge any of my letters sent to him since January 27, 2001. Little did I know at the time, my first letter to him was a precursor to 911 which is now being revealed as having been an inside job to justify an American Middle East incursion. It was all part of a larger plan and humans are largely the puppets performing for fallen angelic powers and principalities. I strongly believe that many, not all, who participate willingly in this subversion are among the "unsaved" regardless of their claims of Christian affiliation. At the very least, they are among the deceived. There is however, for the humble and contrite, a sufficient grace made available for those of us who live by a correctly aligned faith (unwavering trust in God's Word and Christ's pattern).  

Just since the start of the second Middle East War, we've seen a flurry of earthquakes in the Middle East - the strongest quakes being in Iran, Pakistan and Indonesia. We saw not only multiple volcanic eruptions in SE Asian waters but also the Indonesian Tsunami two years ago killing hundreds of thousands. We saw Florida get battered two years in a row by strong Hurricanes ending with Hurricane Katrina last year demolishing the SE Gulf Coastline of the US. The flurry of annual tornadoes ripping through the Midwest has increased with number and ferocity since 2001. Just this winter alone, another series of devastating tornadoes rips through northern-central Florida ripping apart whole neighborhoods in a three countywide area. Hundreds of homes destroyed and at least 20 lives were lost in this event. More recently, other tornado systems moved through southeastern States targeting Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas taking the lives of children destroying schools, homes and many businesses.   Just look at the storm systems battering us this year from Washington to Kansas.

We are getting wave after wave of strong Pacific storms blowing through this year breaking every record in the books; rainfall, snowfall, wind velocities and resulting damage not to mention the storm related deaths, extended power outages etc. etc. etc. Indeed, these events all mark the beginning of the beginning of the end of times. I do believe our Lord's return is imminent and I also believe that the tribulation we must endure will be short lived by comparison because Jesus said, "On account of the Elect, these days shall be cut short."  

The first thing I wanted to point out is that the tribulation is not wrath as held by many with a pretribulation view. Thus it is a true statement that God's faithful ones (a.k.a. church/body of believers) will not experience the "Wrath of God." The wrath many fear is of God and not of the antichrist. The "wrath" is the victorious result of Christ defeating all His enemies concluding with Satan being thrown in prison. The antichrist will certainly be the source of increasing trouble and rebellion on the planet.

The two witnesses God dispatches will likely bring about much recompense upon those who are swayed to follow that "man of perdition" but these events that describe the tribulation are only "troubling times" of great adversity testing each and every believer's faith.   Yes, many saints will be killed in the tribulation for their unwavering faithful witness and testimony of Christ Jesus just as the two witnesses will also be killed. Our (the faithful church) destiny won't be any different than that of God's other faithful servants throughout time. Ask yourself, "How can any saints be killed in the tribulation if God raptures His faithful Church before the tribulation?" No, it is the pretribulation rapture that does not make sense contextually. You gotta jump way too many hurdles and make way too many "leaps of faith" in order to make sense of a pretribulation rapture.  

As I said before and have written many times over since my return from Israel, the wrath of God will be poured out on all His enemies in the valley of Armageddon during that aforementioned war to end all wars. What many call the rapture - I identify as the first resurrection - and that will take place almost simultaneously with His returning in the clouds of glory with many angels. Unfortunately or fortunately, the timing of these end time events are as pieces of a scattered jigsaw puzzle and probably for good reason. Only the most discerning and Godfearing will understand and accept God's judgment as right and just.   Accepting the promised suffering gives more glory to God - can you see that? Has your life been a long comfortable one? Are you not intimately familiar with long suffering as I? Why do some of us still differ?   As I pointed out, the children of the resurrection will have glorified bodies and will be unable to copulate, as it will be unnecessary - they are already eternal beings; like unto angels Jesus declared.

As for repopulating the earth, I did leave room for that possibility regarding survivors of the nations including Israel but we know very little about what that will entail or look like. Some believe that many of them will be children and I'm ok with that but the earth will be made new at this point and it is my understanding that because the leaves from the tree of life will heal the nations, the sin factor will be reversed and it will logically take a thousand years to complete the renewal process. We will be under the long awaited divine and sovereign guidance of Jesus - Christ made King. It seems a great many possibilities exist for believers at that time but much of it remains purely speculative on our part.   Fortunately, I don't believe that a man's salvation hinges on these critical matters however, one will be doubly accountable for teaching error so I have taken a firm approach and stand by my word allowing the Word of God to judge the matter. The Word is my defense and stronghold in all my selfless ministry application. I speak out of love...that is my unwavering commitment to God and obedience to all of Christ's selfless pattern and teaching. This is not a man’s work but the result of God's empowering grace in my life. I will defend this to my death - so help me God!   I did rightly make the distinction between the two different resurrections and my analysis is strictly according to the Biblical context. I think that some of you who disagree are mistaken and have confused some of what describes the second resurrection with elements of the first. Though Jesus didn't make that entirely clear, Paul did and so did the Angels of Revelation.

So, the controversy between us then is in matching up and correlating these scriptures to form the bigger picture. Is the picture painted by pretribulationists consistent with the entire history of "long suffering" portrayed by scriptural accounts? The answer is no! Is the picture painted by the post tribulationists' view consistent with the portrayal of suffering and selfless sacrifice by all scriptural accounts? Generally speaking yes!   The Word is the same yesterday, today and forever my friends. Scripture is full of repeating patterns and accounts and Christ's own parables paint us the clearest imagery of what it is like for us who desire to enter into His Kingdom. It is not that I desire to suffer tribulation but that I acknowledge I do even now and this has strengthened me even more today. I do not believe that all the suffering I have already endured in life is vain but rather believe that it was necessary to prepare me for the worst of trouble yet to come.   Many, many people will be caught off guard and unawares when they see themselves in the midst of great persecution - not having been raptured out from it.

These believers will need Godfearing men like me to minister to them in their distress so that they do not fall from grace by rebelliously accepting the mark to save their own butts. A great many will be tried and tested but the pretribulationists are at greater risk moreso than anyone else. My faith is continually tested and I am ever being refined and made stronger for more difficult times to come. I should be so blessed to be killed on account of this, my faithful witness and testimony of Christ in me. How' bout you? Are you ready to die today?   May all of us achieve our Father's perfect will and accomplish that which He has given us to do. Where we error, may He continue to be merciful towards us as we too practice mercy towards one another. Grant as I pray oh Lord, in the name of Christ Jesus - our only Lord and King and mankind's only true Savior. To Him who was, is and will always be... all glory honor and dominion here now and everafter. AMEN

After pleading my case and new understanding of the proper order of resurrection within my ministry group and various fellowships, the Lord my God spoke to me this wonderful parable regarding differences...   He said, "The blossom remains as it is because God created it that way. Apart from genetic manipulation, it remains as it has since the dawn of creation. The flower is immutable. A man may graft one branch of an apple tree to another apple tree of a different kind but this does not change the fruit that the grafted branch bears. Several types of apple branches may be grafted onto one type of apple trunk and the same roots nourish all but each branch bears its own fruit; each according to the seed from which it originally came.

As Christians today vary in form, one from another, we are each fed from the same root - "the root of Jesse" (meaning Jesus).   Jesus is therefore the root from which we derive our nourishment whether we are Christian or Judean. How then will the branches recognize the nourishment each receives as coming from the same root? Will not some of the branches bearing no fruit be cut off and cast into the fire? Show me your fruit," declares the Spirit of God in me.

 

Another Parable if you will...

  Think of it like this. A person sets a pan of cold milk on the stove to heat it up. Being inattentive and distracted by many other things, he/she forgets to turn the burner down on the stove causing the heat to rise rapidly. If the milk gets too hot too fast or sits on the burner too long, it will curdle and separate making it useless. Doing this would destroy the milk and also the Church. If he/she were to turn the burner down however and allow the milk's temperature to rise more slowly, the milk will not burn and he/she can remove it from the burner before it gets scorched and boils over. This accurately describes what God is doing with His Church. As the temperature rises slowly on the milk, so too does the heat of tribulation rise on the Church. But God promises us that He will remove the milk (Church) from the burner before it burns and boils over. Remember Jesus said, "I desire you be hot or cold rather than lukewarm..." God is going to take the milk off the burner in sufficient time before it is utterly destroyed.

 

 

Transiting on an Uneven Keel

  Take it from me, a well seasoned mariner, Captain and sailor. A Powerboat a.k.a. motor yacht must stay on an even keel lest everything sitting on the salon tables and shelving fall off onto the floor decking while underway. But Sail boats on the other hand must heel to efficiently move through the water with speed. A sail boat that is upright while underway makes slow progress in getting from point A to B. A power boat on the other hand must keep it's keel level though it may plane while increasing speed. Are you more like the confident yachtsman cruising at a constant speed through life or like the sailor continually adjusting to his present circumstances?   I am by nature a sailor and prefer transiting under wind and sail for the peace and calm, romance and adventure of getting to my intended destination. I do however also own a classic motor yacht and though it is roomy to live aboard - it's noisy and less fun transiting to my intended destination. Traveling in motor yachts is predictable while sailing somewhere involves many variables. I therefore prefer the "uneven keel" approach because my journey is always more eventful and full of unknowns making the experience more exciting and less predictable.  

 

When I journey on a powerboat anywhere, I know what time I'll arrive and can travel at predictable speeds making the journey less challenging and uneventful. But when I'm under sail, I have to calculate for the speed and direction of wind as well as tide flow and the direction of current. The route a power boat takes is direct like the flight of a bird but a sail boat almost always travels at apparent angles to the wind making for more distance between points of travel thus increasing the time traveled. The only exception to this rule is when one has the wind on his back. There are many more variables involved with sailing just as there is in living the Christian life.   Thus the question to be answered is do we who disciple after Christ travel straight passage ways at consistent speeds knowing our time of arrival having more control over our lives - or - are we more like sailors having to account for so many more variables thus depending on and managing forces beyond our control? Has it not been said that a life with adversity is a journey and worth living?

 

Down here on the docks we have a saying, "For people who use power boats, their adventure does not begin until they have arrived at their intended destination. For Sailors though, our adventure begins when we hoist the canvas and begin to harness the wind."   You can expect to experience every variable the scriptures promise but your life will be more interesting as a result and you will become more skilled like the sailor enduring hardship and overcoming challenge at sea. Anyone can get into a motor yacht and start the engines and go places but how many of them actually have the courage and skill necessary to make them a "seasoned mariner?" Seasoned mariners are skilled because of the adversity they met with and overcame. Anyone who does not experience adversity and challenge in their life lacks the wisdom to understand and the grace to overcome. It is the adversity and the conflicts we experience and the battles we fight that make us "strong in the Lord." The journey therefore is what enables us to grow and mature thereby becoming better witnesses of the indwelling Spirit of God in us. Such not only builds character but also proves credibility.  

 

A man I know recently confessed, "I know I may be tempted to self-righteousness or accusing the church, which is not what the Lord would do. I am reminded of Job's attitude, but I know I've not suffered for my faith like Job did."   I replied, "If you were self righteous you would be God and you certainly don't appear to me to be anything close to self righteous. You said that the Lord would not accuse the Church but this is an error. The truth is that He judged the Church as we are expected to do among ourselves and becoming the better example for us - He provided the pattern of righteousness we are all expected to follow. Where you see sin in life you are first expected to abstain from it and if it is in you, then you must sincerely repent from it. Afterward it is your responsibility to lead in the example of holiness (in any or many different areas) and continue to call out sin when and where it rears its ugly head. But your responsibility does not end there. You must also be able to pattern the same righteous standards that Christ led you into and make known among all peoples what is right and just and more pleasing to God. I dare say brother you cannot do this unless you are of good courage and continue calling out sin when the light of God's Word exposes it. You must also be there to minister proper and effective remedy to those whose hearts are convicted by your valid witness. Do not be afraid to judge but rather practice the only form of righteous judgment Jesus patterned for our lives."  

 

Like the sailor who meets with adversity at sea, we make many mistakes in life and sometimes error in our judgment. If you're feeling timid about the challenge that faces you, I say pick yourself up off the deck mate and secure that rigging that just came loose! Don't fear, for a wise sailor tethers himself to the boat so that if he falls overboard he can pull himself back in. Take the proper precautions and do the right thing always but don't second-guess what the Lord has given you to do next. At times, the sailor needs to reef his main and reduce other sails when the wind is blowing hard. Do this and know that your boat will stay afloat and likely weather the storm better than you. Have faith and you will overcome many fears in life.   You must have faith to know that God is leading you and directing your steps and the devil has no more power over you than what the Father permits for your strengthening and refinement. Therefore - the battle is within you and you must continue to trust in the sure pattern of behavior and righteousness that Christ patterned for you. Do not call good what is evil and evil what is good. Make no more excuses for man's corrupted institutionalized churches. The churches of man are completely corrupted and rather than being separate from the world they have allowed the world to influence and pattern their religiosity.

 

Matt 5:48 "Be holy (perfect) as your heavenly Father is holy (perfect)." To do this you must understand that holiness is literally being separate unto God. You become a distinctively new creature in Christ and are no longer under the subjection of fallen men and their religious ways. For you belong to Christ and He is your Lord. No one - not even the evil one can harm a hair on your head so live like an overcomer and be the Godfearing disciple you are called to be.  

Do this and I promise you will suffer like the Apostles and devoted Disciples of Christ did before us. I do and am well accustomed to being hated and persecuted. If you become tolerant of sin and make excuses for these brainwashed folk that call themselves Christian you're doing them no good whatsoever. They must be warned and their hearts must experience conviction before they will ever find that place of genuine repentance. You therefore must judge with a righteous judgment and continue calling out sin when it becomes exposed in the light of God's unchanging Word.   I know some of you know these things but perhaps you needed to be reminded of them again. Take courage brethren and let God truly live in you so that the mission can be fulfilled. Be as the sword is to a brave warrior and remember how sharp both edges of the blade are. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."   Stay tuned brethren. The next coming Scroll entitled, "The Acceptable Year of the LORD" will detail the most prolific and profound evidence our Bibles offer to prove the timing of the first resurrection. From the Book of Genesis to Revelation, God has consistently provided a repeating pattern to help us understand when we can expect the resurrection of all His faithful Church, His imminent return and promised wrath. You won't want to miss this one. If you're like me, it will be of such profound significance that you'll want to run to the rooftops and shout it out for the whole world to hear. Until then, be safe and secure in knowing that God never wavers in keeping His promises. Follow Christ's pattern and be selfless in all your ways. AMEN

 

With all sincerity and love for the truth and our scattered brethren abroad,

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://nicholas-scrolls.com

http://abide-in-truth-events.cephasministry.com/

http://cephasministry.com