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Greetings brethren, friends and neighbors, This will mark the first Scroll I have written since my return from Israel and Jordan. I will share more of my journey through the Holy Land in future Scrolls but this Scroll must of necessity be written at this time to help correct a long disputed aspect of the end days. It involves the argument existing between Pre-Tribulationalists and Post - Tribulationalists. You've heard me say it before that Satan is the one who fuels this argument thus ultimately keeping God's children at enmity with one another. It is for this reason that I must address this controversial matter in an attempt to allow the full council of God to speak and judge the matter. I do this because many Pre-Tribulationalists say that without the hope of a Pre-Tribulation rapture, all they would have to look forward to is great pain and suffering and many cannot tolerate the idea of a just and merciful God putting His children through such torment. The Post-Tribulationalists on the other hand say that everyone must suffer and that no one will escape the aforementioned doom - in other words, all must die. Both sides have strong arguments to support their claims but there is much error coming from either side when you allow the pure and undefiled Word of God to so speak and judge the matter. It is true that through humbling circumstances and humility that a hardened people can be softened to approach God in their time of need. Through great suffering are we drawn closer to a merciful God. Secondly, some of the most ardent Post-Tribulationalists condemn Pre-Tribulationalists for their view and declare anyone not in agreement with them will perish in hell for speaking lies. People, this is not how the children of God should act or behave towards one another on this matter which is one that can only be upheld by one's own faith. Those who condemn others for a weaker faith justified by the Word of God should be careful lest the accusers receive that very judgment upon themselves. Simply put, " Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Though I take a strong stand here, I condemn no one! Though Cephas Ministry favors a Pre-Tribulation view, I am neither "Pre" nor "Post" regarding this argument. There is direct evidence from Scripture that indicates both have merit to some degree but the arguments presented defending one side or the other are somewhat out of focus and lacking proper context. I caution you up front, this is a difficult and complex study and for that reason, one must decide for his/her- self where their faith should be grounded. I say this because the clearest evidence Jesus offered us is that there are two resurrections not one and the Jews who were first will in the end be last. I believe in this instance that whatever God has placed on your heart by way of strong conviction, it shall be true for you; especially if the Word of God supports your belief. Did Jesus not say that whatever you believe by faith, for you it will be so? Simply put, I believe in two resurrections, the first occurring late during the tribulation and the second resurrection occurring late in the period of Christ's millennial reign just after the Devil is loosed from prison and cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity. I will show you that the Word of God describes Armageddon as marking the end of Tribulation and that the much debated "rapture" event takes place just prior to Armageddon but not before the tribulation period. The first resurrection (rapture) is pre-millennial. When Jesus was speaking about the promised tribulation and
telling of the signs that would show the time is near, He promised
these days would be cut short; Matthew 24:20-22 "But
pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the
Sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as
was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor
ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there
should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days
shall be shortened." This therefore indicates
that a number of God's Elect will still remain and be on earth
through the period of tribulation for He says, "except those days should be shortened, there
should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days
shall be shortened," thereby indicating that
some are still yet to be saved. "Those days" that are
being cut short refers to the length of time for the tribulation;
that being seven years. Logically speaking, seven years is but
a moment in time compared to the two thousand years that have
since passed in man's history of great wars, bloodshed and religious
persecutions since Christ's crucifixion. Furthermore, He indicates
that some among the living shall be saved because He says, [lest]
"no flesh be saved." Jesus, addressing when He shall return and what shall happen upon His return said in Matthew 24:29-30 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken; (This being a result of the greatest tribulation that ever was) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: (returning but not yet arrived) and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, (Because He takes us up to meet Him in the air). This therefore indicates that the first resurrection will be at a time indicated to be "immediately after the tribulation." The resurrected will meet Him in the air and clouds of glory at His returning. The Hour of Judgment Beginning at Revelations 14:6, the Angel with the eternal Gospel appears and announces "the hour of judgment has come." In Revelations 14:14-20, the Angels who are reapers are commanded to go out and reap for "the hour of the harvest has come." The great bloodshed and destruction witnessed by many on the planet will undoubtedly encourage many people towards repentance. Revelations 15 describes a scene in heaven where the Temple of God is shut up and no one may enter until the seven plagues are finished. The seven plagues occur in Revelations 16, which describe the latter part of the tribulation period ending with the gathering at that place called Armageddon. It is here where I would like to draw your undivided attention. Verse 15 in Revelations 16 gives an important clue proving that moment in time that the first resurrection will take place. Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Where else have you seen this declaration? Even though all red letter Bible editions do not render this verse in red, these are the faithful words of Jesus indicating that time when He shall gather up His children. Please take note that this is the time when all the Kings are being gathered to that place called Armageddon. Elsewhere in Scripture, it clearly tells us that when He comes as a thief in the night, that will be the time when He takes us up - the faithful dead first and then those who are among the living that are faithful. Remember only those deemed faithful at that time and all those who died for Christ's sake are considered saints and shall be part of the first resurrection. The Harvest is At the End of this World Remembering there are different angels with differing functions, another type is dispatched to destroy the wicked. When God sends them, what will they do and when? Jesus answered this in explaining the tares, Matthew 13:37-43 "He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." Regarding "the harvest being at the end of this world…" is speaking of this moment in time just prior to the battle to end all battles (Armageddon). The world as we know it is about to end because the millennial rule will establish a reign of peace for 1000 years, something that is still yet foreign to us in these current troubled times. When Christ defeats all His enemies making of them a foot-stool for His feet, He takes His seat as King upon earth and it will be quite a different planet indeed. Therefore, the world that once was no longer is. However, I caution you, do not confuse this with the new heaven and earth still yet to come. That event has not happened yet because we are still talking about the things that take place at the end of the tribulation preparing the way for the new millennium. Every King throughout history that battled against his enemies did not take his seat upon a throne until his enemies were defeated. Again, we are discussing the throne that Christ takes upon earth establishing His millennial rule. Note that the time for these angels to be dispatched is at the end because Jesus said, " the harvest is the end of this world." Note that this passage makes no distinction between Jew or Gentile but does indicate by it's reference to "children of the kingdom," that all who are part of this group are or have become true believers who have responded to the sowing of Christ in their hearts. This therefore indicates that those who will be harvested (at the end of this world), will be saved from the fire because it is the "tares" that are cast out and burned in the fire. This is also that time when all things that offend are taken out and destroyed. The skies will be filled with smoke making it hard to see the sun, moon and stars. Evil things like idols made by man and the unrepentant people are what is destroyed by fire for Jesus declared, "all things that offend." I perceive that the great cities of the world and the apostate churches will be set ablaze. Now Paul, describing the mystery of resurrection, ministering largely to Gentile Christians in Greece, states in 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." The promise here is that not all will die (sleep) but that all (meaning both the dead and living) shall be changed. The promised change Paul is speaking of here is the receiving of our new resurrected bodies, which are said to be immortal and incorruptible. Please note that the above epistle and others were written in Greek, a common Gentile language of the day, thereby indicating that the promise of resurrection was also for the believing Gentiles and not the Jews alone. So, whether we are dead or alive at this moment in time, those deemed faithful will all receive new resurrected bodies in the first resurrection. In order to fully appreciate and confirm the above verse you must also look at the same usage of words in their appropriate context as seen in the book of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. "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." Our New Bodies There are two important Greek words used in the above verses. The first is harpagesometha, translated as "caught up." This refers to a specific moment in the future when Christ Jesus will catch up believers as He descends from heaven. The other word is "meet" translated from the Greek phrase eis apantesin (1519, 539) which means "to come into the presence of, to meet." This occurs after the dead have been raised (I Thess 4:16-17). Then the bodies of those who are alive will be transformed into new bodies (See II Cor. 5:1). 2 Corinthians 5:1 "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." So the hope that Paul was sharing was neither in preserving our current physical bodies nor escaping the first death but the hope is centered on receiving new bodies, which shall not die nor be corrupted. The hope therefore is in receiving the new life and not in preserving the old life or corrupted body of flesh. Understand this! "... if our earthly house of this tabernacle (tent)..." What Paul is saying here is that the Spirit is the real person found in the body. The body is represented by the Greek word skenon (4633) meaning "tent" which refers to the material portion of a person. Paul continues to explain that though this earthly body ("house") will be "dissolved," God has promised that there will be a "building of God." Though this is a literal description of the death of a mortal body, it is intended for the believer to be encouragement as he looks at death. The word that is translated as "building," is the Greek word oikodomen (3619) which means "the process of building something." The basic idea here is that God is building a new house for the believer's spirit, which will be disembodied at the point of death, leaving the body remaining on earth. This indicates that God will create something "new." John 14:2 "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you." Then Paul uses the word, oikian (3614), "dwelling place," which refers to the completion of the "eternal body." There are two qualities of this new body that must be understood. First, it will be similar to the present one and identifiable, yet not identical because it is not going to be made by human hands, but God will produce it. The word translated "not made with hands" is acheiropoieton (886). This is the same word that the Lord used in Mark 14:58 when He spoke of "destroying the temple," Which was made by the hands of men, and in three days, building another not made by the hands of man. Though Christ was literally speaking of His body during the resurrection, He was also speaking of a pattern and type of the "body of believers" that would also be risen in three days. For we who are gathered unto Christ are "the Church of the first born," not mere believers but the very "temple" in which God chooses to dwell. This is confirmed by the prophet Hosea 6:1-2 "Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight." Do Not Be Ignorant Apostle Paul reaffirms his faith when speaking of the "dead in Christ" in his address to Thessalonia; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 "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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." Pre-tribulation Bible Scholars all say that the above statements by Paul describe the rapture of the Church thereby ending the Church age or when the "time of the Gentiles" is completed. These same scholars say that after the Church is "taken up" God will then turn His attention back to the remnant of Israel. This in part is true but the problem with the "pre-trib" view is exposed in the given signs and details of when and in what order the faithful are gathered and taken. Paul said "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." The key elements and sign here is the Lord descending from heaven "with a shout, with a voice of the archangel and with the trump of God." Paul makes it clear that before the living are taken up, the dead are raised first. This is known as the first resurrection. Jesus made it clear that this will be at the time when " all the tribes of the earth mourn, (because of the terrible destructions, plagues and pestilence) and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory…" Furthermore, Jesus said that His angels will be dispatched at this time with the sound of the trumpet to gather together all His Elect from the four winds and that this event would take place "immediately after the tribulation." In the entire Bible, where does it ever indicate that the Lord comes back a third time? That is what some of the pre-tribulationalists would have you believe if you took their view. But the Bible describes Christ's "Second Coming" and nowhere does it make reference to a third coming. Those who are referred to as the Elect in this verse are the ones who shall rule and reign with Christ for a thousand years. The Day of the Lord and the Day of Christ And when do these things happen? According to Jesus, He said that these things will happen "Immediately after the tribulation…" Now, in regards to the conflict between pre-tribulation vs. post-tribulation, Paul states in referring to the "Day of the Lord," in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." The above specifically states that God's children are not appointed for wrath but to obtain salvation. This verse specifically relates to the first resurrection and the destruction of all remaining evil on earth. Even those who are now dead await this day for we are told some remain in the bosom of Abraham and other (martyrs) souls await the day of vengeance beneath God's altar. Paul makes it clear that we should not be concerned about whether we are dead (asleep) or alive because the promise is that "we shall live together with Him." The "Day of the Lord" holds a special place in prophecy. Amos declared that the "Day" signified judgment for Israel (Is 2:12-24, Ezek. 13:5, Joel 1:15; 2:1, Zeph. 1:14, Zech.13:1). Several Old Testament prophets refer to it as God's "Day of Judgment" upon individual nations such as Babylon (Is. 13:6-9), Egypt (Jer. 46:10), Edom (Obad. 1:8) as well as many other nations (Joel 2:31; 3:14; Obad. 1:15). Thus, the "Day of the Lord" represents the occasion when God the Father will actively intervene to punish all sin. During this time period, the Day of the Lord, there will be those who truly repent and become "saved" but those who remain unrepentant, whether Jew or Gentile, shall be enemies of the Lord and they will be punished. The New Testament describes the "Day of the Lord" as being related to the Second Coming of Christ. So also is the phrase, "the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1Cor. 1:8, 5:5; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; 2 Thes. 2:2). Both of these expressions refer to a time of judgment by Christ. It is clear that the Day of the Lord will include the time of the Great Tribulation (Rev 6-20). It also refers to the liberation by Christ of His faithful ones (a.k.a. Church). Zechariah 14:1-4 indicates that the events of Christ's Second Coming are included in the program of the Day of the Lord. This indicates that the Day of the Lord and the Day of Christ occur almost simultaneously. For the faithful, it will be the resurrection (rapture) and for the unbelieving world, it is the beginning of judgment. The scriptures do indicate that God's children will be sparred the worst of the Great Tribulation and be Resurrected just prior to a final cleansing of the planet when Christ Jesus will set foot on the Mount of Olives cleaving it into two parts. The Day of the Lord therefore is that time when God finally begins to deal with Israel after the First Resurrection. This time of judgment for all the remaining dead will continue through the millennium reign of Christ because those who are part of the first resurrection will be judging, ruling and reigning with Christ as priests of God for the promised 1000 years. The Millennial Rule- A Time of Final Judgment Revelations 20:1-15; describe Christ's millennial Kingdom. There are a number of prophetic references describing a time when Christ Jesus will establish a Kingdom on earth (2 Sam 7:14-17, Ps 24:1-10, Is 2:1-4, 11:5-12, 35:1-10 and Dan. 2:44). It will be at this time that the remaining dead shall be judged according to all they had done. Revelation 20:11-15 "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." But those who received the first resurrection (the dead first followed by the living) are protected from this second death and shall rule and reign with Christ as priests of God. Revelation 20:6 "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." Loosing Your Life for His Sake According to the writer of Hebrews, the sound of the trumpets shall not cause us any fear as it does those who have many fears for those who tremble wish not a word more should be spoken. They fear for their very lives as do those without hope. But we who are among the righteous shall glory at the sound of the Shofars for the day of our salvation is nearly complete and all God's Angels are near to help fulfill the last. This is why Paul says we must comfort one another with the hope of our resurrection. Hebrews 12:18-24. For what can death do to us or what power does death hold against us? Shall we fear our deaths? May it never be! In the Book of Revelations, chapter 7 makes the distinction between the remnant of Israel and the children of Resurrection. The Angels of wrath are warned not to harm the earth nor any living thing until the remnant of Israel is sealed which are the much debated 144,000 comprising the 12 tribes of Israel. They are still on earth. They will undergo that time described in the Old Testament as "Jacob's Trouble." Remember that Jacob was later given the name, Israel and he had 12 sons, which began the legacy of the 12 tribes of Israel. But right after seeing this, John was shown a "great multitude." The great multitude we are told are believers from all nations, tribes, tongues and peoples of the earth (namely - Gentile Christians) who are before our Lord's throne clothed in white robes giving praise, glory and majesty unto our Lord. The Angel answered John when he inquired from where did they come and he was told, "from out of the great tribulation." The "white robes" they wear should be the clue to how they arrived at the Lord's throne worshipping Him. This latter group are also identified as the tribulation saints where the first group are identified as being pure and undefiled for they are virgins. Nowhere here is it indicated that saints get taken away prior to the tribulation but being slain on account of the testimony of Christ Jesus is evident. As well, it appears that the 144,000 are protected because we later discover they are seen on Mt. Zion (Sion) with our Lord. All the righteous martyrs who had ever died for Christ are told by God to wait a while longer for the Day of Judgment and vengeance. Each was given a white robe and these are those souls whom are safely kept beneath the altar. They are told to wait until the last of their brethren are slain as they were. Again, this indicates that the righteous still live upon the earth during the great tribulation and that they shall be slain on account of their faithful witness and testimony of Christ Jesus (the Word of GOD). This more accurately describes what is commonly referred to as the Church. Please note that these who are before our Lord's throne had died and were not taken up prior to the tribulation but were slain during the tribulation. Revelations 6 and 7 are cohesively tied together. Revelation 6:9-11 "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." When the Angel answered John explaining from where these came, he also indicated that "their robes were made white in the blood of the lamb." This statement is to say more plainly that each had given his life for the sake of Christ and though each lost their life, this scripture clearly indicates that each had gained eternal life in so doing. Thus, one who gives up his life for Christ's sake receives a white robe and as Christ also died cleansing us of our sins, so too does our righteous death in Christ cleanse us for we were obedient - even unto death! For all who have and will die in this manner, great will be their reward for the Angel promised in Revelation 7:15-17 "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Faith and works are not separate but inexorably tied together. I am not preaching works here but testifying to you a profound truth. That truth is that all who are faithful will be faithfully tried, accused, persecuted, hated and all such manner because our new life in Christ becomes a continuing reproach upon unbelievers and fulfillment of the Word of God. Jesus promised we would be hated on account of Him not loved by the majority. All who desire eternal life must forsake their own lives thus dying unto themselves and pick up their burdens (crosses) to follow Christ. Our new life starts with the death of ourselves not unlike a seedling dying and sprouting a new vine that reaches up towards the light. Is that not what Baptism shows us too? Are we not baptized from death into life? I tell you truly that Jesus would not have demonstrated and taught so much about death if there wasn't the promise of resurrection. So therefore, our life begins with our death and that is the only way the Holy Spirit can safely abide in us. We must be dead to ourselves! The pristine white robes represent "righteousness" as in finding the unblemished lamb for atoning for ones sins in the Old Testament. That righteousness is of Christ and not of our own making. The "white robes being dipped in the shed blood of Christ" are representative of sharing in Christ's suffering and represent sacrifice and may eventually lead one to be martyred depending on His gifts and calling. Whether one is martyred or not is not the whole issue here. The real defining essence of true salvation is the duty and responsibility one must attend to if he or she is truly saved. Like I said, faith and works are inexorably tied together. The preachers that are fallen today are not fallen because they keep trying to imitate Christ. They are fallen because they are completely out of sync with Christ and Christ's selfless pattern of behavior and all His teachings. That is why so many preachers today follow mainstream ideologies. This is apostasy! They have fallen from grace because of their disobedience resulting in sin. It is plain as day to me! They are fallen because they are simply religious men and not men who were filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Their faith is based on works and their heads are puffed up with the corrupted knowledge of human religion. Remember Brethren, not all receive the Holy Spirit. Peter declared this (See Acts 5:32) and it is true that only those who obey receive the Holy Spirit. So therefore those filled with the Spirit are fully surrendered and submitted and those without the Spirit are still carnal and full of worldliness and tempted by all kinds of passions, lusts and deceit. You either have the Spirit or you don't. You are both dead to yourself and alive to Christ or you are alive to yourself and dead to Christ. Which is it? Death is crucial in order for life to be truly eternal and received. So who has Christ presiding in their hearts? Is it those who delude themselves thinking they are saved without doing anything with what God so gifted or is it those who prove themselves doers of God's Word by following Christ's selfless and redeeming example? You cannot have works without faith and faith without works is dead and unfruitful. What did Jesus say about loosing one's life for His sake?
Did He not say, "Take no thought
for Mark 8:34-36 "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" John 12:24-26 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor." John 15:12-14 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." 1 Corinthians 15:36 "Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:" In plain language here, Paul is saying that what is sown does not come to life unless it first dies. Are we not supposed to be dead to ourselves and the ways of the world and mortal precepts? Just five verses prior to this one, Paul protests and declares, "I die daily!" He further clarifies this with the analogy of a bare grain of wheat or a seed of some sort. When one plants (sows) a seed, the seed dies and from it comes new life. Why then is it so difficult for Pre-Tribulationists to accept the first death, which is promised all men? John 11:25-26 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" The proper context of this statement is that Jesus is speaking of the resurrection of life. In other words, though we will die a mortal death - we shall live! Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" The correct context here is that all men are appointed to die a mortal death and it will be after their resurrection when they shall be judged. Judgment is already favorably passed for those who are part of the first resurrection but remains to be determined for all who are part of the second resurrection. Revelation 14:13 "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." Now, the real question to be asked is who shall be a part of the first resurrection? John describes his understanding in Revelation 20:4-5, "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection." Does this passage not speak of those who died in Christ and were given life and the promise of reigning with Him for a thousand years? This passage does not indicate a pre-tribulation rapture. It does however speak to a passage of time through the tribulation because those who died without ever taking the mark or worshipping the image of the beast are part of this first resurrection, taking place as Jesus said, "Immediately after the tribulation." If this then describes the first resurrection then the second one is indicated to take place after the 1000-year rule of Christ for John states, " But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished." There indeed are two resurrections. In speaking of resurrection, Jesus was quoted in the Book of John 5:28-29 "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." No More Need to Re-Populate Now know this, that a special promise awaits those who will become children of the first resurrection. When Jesus answered the disciples regarding the woman who had survived several husbands, who she would be married to; He gave us some deeper insight into what life will be like during the millennial reign. He said in Luke 20:34-36 "And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Some pre-tribulation scholars argue that the resurrected church will be the ones to re-populate the whole earth during the millennial reign of Christ. These same scholars argue that the saints can't be raptured at the end of the tribulation period if they are already with Him. They don't understand the first resurrection being almost simultaneous with Christ's Second Coming. Scripture refutes their latter claim because they're are a number of souls being kept beneath God's altar already awaiting the "Day of Vengeance." These are obviously those who will return with Christ upon His "Second Coming" after the last of their brethren are slain on account of their testimony of Christ Jesus (the Word of GOD) during the tribulation. This indicates that all have died on account of Christ Jesus and their faithful brethren and fellow servants must also be slain prior to the Lord's Second Coming. Note that we are most assuredly talking about the faithful in Christ (a.k.a. the Church) and not of Israel because the faithful Church are the ones who hold to the testimony of Christ Jesus while Israel still rejects the Messiah. The above passage in Luke further gives light by stating, "they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead" thereby speaking of the ones who shall "inherit the world" and be worthy among those who obtain the resurrection of the dead - again, speaking of the first resurrection. Please note that according to Jesus statement here, none shall marry or be given in marriage therefore making the argument for repopulating the planet erroneous. Jesus further states that neither shall they die anymore for they have become equal unto angels; meaning, that we are to become eternal beings at that point upon our resurrection thus we no longer need to re-populate because we are already eternal and the second death has no power over us. Jesus entirely qualifies whom He is speaking of here by finishing with, the statement that we "are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection." Marriage and sexual relations were all part of God's first design to populate the whole earth by raising children. There will no longer be a need for this during Christ's millennial reign or the forthcoming new heaven and earth because we shall be eternal beings. Apostasy Revealed 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8 "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away (apostasia) first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:" Pre-tribulationalists suppose that Paul's warning in 2 Thessalonians is indicating that the Church is responsible for withholding the revelation of that "man of perdition" and when the Church is "taken up" then the evil one will be revealed. Paul begins by stating that no one should allow himself to be deceived that the "Day of Christ" has come because he says that day shall not come until the Apostasy is first revealed. Well friends, let me be totally honest with you - the apostasy is already being revealed today and the signs of the "so-called" churches judgment are everywhere. The problem here lies in misunderstanding the uses of the word, apostasia. Does not scripture declare, "Judgment begins with the household of God?" Since the Churches are so plagued with apostasy, as many do agree, it cannot be the church that now withholds the revealing of the man of perdition. It must for obvious reasons be the Holy Spirit that withholds the knowledge of the evil one for the Holy Spirit only acts and performs as the Father wills. In our current times, the Holy Spirit is revealing that the apostasy is centered in human religious circles commonly referred to as modern day churches beginning with the influential Catholic Church. Therefore, the logical conclusion one should make is that the man of perdition is one that will influence man's religious matrix in such a way that he will be perceived as a "peacemaker" and thereby bring all religious factions together for a common cause; that is, peace. This man of perdition is the final antichrist. Now, pre-tribulationalists argue that when the Church is taken up, so the Holy Spirit will be taken with it and there will be no place found where the Word exists. They argue, that if the Word cannot be found then the Holy Spirit must have at this time been returned to God and will not be found anywhere on earth. It is true that Paul is referring to the Holy Spirit as the restraining force in this world having restricted many "little antichrists" as well as the final Antichrist. However, in verse 6, the Holy Spirit is called to' kate'chon (3588, 2722) or "that (which) withholdeth." This uses the neuter gender and corresponds to the phrase, to' Pneuma (3588, 4151), "the Spirit," also in the neuter (John 14:26). In verse 7, it is ho' kate'chon, "he who letteth," denoting that the Antichrist will never be able to do anything without the specific permission of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, verse 7 does not refer to a departure of the Holy Spirit, but to the removal of His restraining power. This therefore will allow Satan and the Antichrist to have free reign on the earth for a little while thus satisfying fulfillment of these verses. It is Satan that causes division and it is Satan that orders war for the pursuit of wealth, power and ultimate dominion in the name of peace. Therefore, the apostate church is that which stands apart from the example and pattern established by Christ Jesus. While the apostate churches promote safety, security, peace and prosperity, the true Church of Christ Jesus upholds humility, long suffering and contentment in one's circumstances. Apostasy literally means standing apart from. It does not mean "falling away" as many still believe. #646 Apostasia; from aphistemi (868), which is from apo (575), from, and histemi (2476), to place, stand. Occurs in Acts 21:21 translated forsake and in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 falling away. In the majority of occasions the verb is intran. Meaning that a person does not depart from where he is to go somewhere else, but stays away having chosen from the beginning to stay away, not to believe instead of believing, in which case the verb, histemi (2476) is to be interpreted not as departing but as standing away, placing oneself away; with the prep. Apo (575), to stay away from. In Acts 21:21, the new Christian believers among the Jews decided to stand apart from the Jewish practices of Moses for they were in a new dispensation. They were not Judaizing Christians but Christians standing apart from Moses. Having departed from Moses and coming to Jesus Christ, they decided that they should stay apart from Moses, that is, his Judaistic practices. Therefore, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 the word apostasia does not refer to the Christians who would depart from the faith, but those who would reject Christ or stand apart from Him. As in the Days of Noah Jesus said that the end days would be much like it was in the days of Noah. Matthew 24:37-41 "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." Scripture indicates that the earth's first baptism was by water (the flood) when all evil was at that time cleansed from the earth. Scripture declares in this same context that the earth will undergo a second baptism by fire (a.k.a. Armageddon); again when all evil shall be cleansed from the planet. The Angels of wrath that Jesus called the reapers are the ones who will ultimately gather the tares to burn them with fire or crush in the great "winepress of wrath." As it was for Noah and his family, so it shall also be for God's faithful. All perished who were not saved on the Ark and all will die a mortal death who are not part of the first resurrection. The first resurrection is to save all faithful children (the Church), the Elect and Chosen. The second resurrection is to sort out the lambs from the goats from all the dead that the earth and sea give up. Each will receive either eternal life or eternal damnation depending on the "works that follow them." A stark contradiction of understanding is evidenced in the claims made by some post-tribulationalists. Some have declared that the ones who are left behind (in the field and at the mill) are those who would be saved and the ones "taken" are those who will perish. Well brethren, this just does not add up contextually. In the first place, the entire passage of Matthew 24 establishes well the proper context. There is no reason to try and read between lines or discern differently from what the story of Noah indicates. We know that a few were saved and many perished. We know that Noah was called to do differently than everyone else and we know that Noah demonstrated obedience to God's dictate and command while everyone else appeared to ignore the warning signs. In the right context, Noah and his immediate family members are the ones who were taken and those left outside the Ark are the ones left behind. The words, "shall be taken" is in the Greek, #3880 - paralambano - from 3884 and 2983; to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); to assume an office; fig. To learn, receive, take (unto, with). Some believe that the rains started after the Ark was loaded with all the animals and Noah's family. In truth, the rains started as the animals were being loaded onto the Ark. It took a little while before the people started to panic and realize that their lives were in danger because the damages caused by a torrential rain are progressive and worsen as the rain continues to fall. God gave Noah seven days to get loaded up and in Genesis 7:7, it states, "And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood." This shows that the rains had already begun and Noah and his family had to work quickly. Then in verse 10 it says, "And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth." I wish to share with you the kind of damage that torrential rains can cause. The following is what I have witnessed and experienced in my region of the country; the Northwest - November 2006. From the beginning of the month, the rains were continuos and torrential. At first, it was terribly bothersome and even depressing. As the rains continued, the ground softened in places and roadways began to crack and hillsides began to give way (landslides) stopping traffic and trains in many places. As the rains continued still, the rivers were progressively rising causing major flooding in towns located along our many rivers. The rising waters began to erode away the soils surrounding various bridge columns causing them to collapse and wash away entire sections of roadway, bridges and railroad trestles. Then something unexpected happened! Two of our major rivers actually changed course which caused entire neighborhoods to be completely wiped out! Whole houses went floating down the raging rising rivers only to be utterly destroyed. This all occurred in the first two weeks of November 2006 and the devastation these rains left behind was enormous! Despite all the prior warnings, many people were left stranded on newly created islands in the middle of raging waters and hunters in the forest unable to evacuate without the help of helicopters. People always say, "I never expected it to be this bad." But we are not in darkness brethren! Therefore, it is safe to judge that in these last days described, people shall be chosen and taken out of the promised peril (prior to Armageddon). Remember that the taking away does not occur prior to a tribulation of sorts but infact, occurs during the turbulent rainstorm in Noah's time. Noah, being prepared and attending to God's direction, did what was expected of him to prepare his-self and his family for the forthcoming deluge. This therefore establishes that in the "end of days," there will be turbulent times and great adversity and it will be those who are ready and prepared for such that shall be saved during the tribulation. Those who are prepared and have the necessary faith shall be saved because of their selfless acts of Godfearing obedience. This therefore establishes that just before the aforementioned Armageddon, we shall be "taken" which describes the first resurrection. But one must remember that the dead are raised first and except for a precious few, there is no indication of escaping the tribulation unless one has already died prior to the promised events. The context of this passage indicates clearly that the tribulation has already begun. Sixteen verses before, Jesus already said that the tribulation will have begun; Matthew 24:21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Then in verse 29, Jesus contextually addresses what occurs "Immediately after the tribulation" saying in Matthew 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:" The Rapture is Prior to Armageddon This correctly establishes that the rapture (first resurrection) will take place immediately after the Tribulation but prior to Armageddon. It is during the war to end all wars known as Armageddon that the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give her light and when the stars will fall from heaven. There is absolutely no evidence to indicate that there will be a rapture event prior to the tribulation but instead the rapture will take place just prior to Armageddon, which marks the end of the tribulation. It is therefore my conclusion that in order to escape the forthcoming trials (tribulation period), one must have already lived out his life and have died prior to the seven year tribulation. The good news for those that have already died, they are at rest and their souls are being kept for a future resurrection as Jesus promised in the Book of John 5:28-29, "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." How you live your life now and how you apply yourself to your profession of faith means everything to how you will be so treated and judged on the day when all that are in the graves shall hear His voice. Not one soul that ever lived will be neglected for all shall have an opportunity to gather before God's throne. It will be in the end at the Great White Throne Judgment where all shall be reckoned. It will be there that God pronounces His judgment and it will only be favorable for those whose names are recorded in the Book of Life. Jesus described this in a parable depicting a scene from the Great White Throne Judgment. The proof here is that Jesus is sitting upon His "throne of glory." Matthew 25:31-46 "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." Revelation 20:12 "And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works." Revelation 20:15 "And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire." Jesus established for all of mankind that we were to suffer with Him and bear our enemies reproach thereby validating the awesome price He paid for our eternal salvation and true redemption. Faith and works are inexorably tied together. The indwelling Spirit of God is busy and active and is not complacent. The Holy Spirit of God is not at rest but is productive and getting things accomplished in peoples lives making them useful to God. A person who has faith but is not busy going about his Father's work is lazy and not very productive. Like the parable of the talents, we are supposed to act and respond (that means do something) and that means that we should be very busy engaged in our Father's work. But this is only true for those who have the Holy Spirit and are responding to its directive and command. This is not true for those who say they are saved but are unable to prove themselves doers of God's Word. Does not scripture declare, "prove yourselves doers?" As the above verses declare for those who will be part of the second resurrection, they shall be judged according to the works that follow them. Please note that this verse does not apply to those who were already part of the first resurrection. Do not confuse the two. The first resurrection will be all the faithful and the second resurrection is purposed so that God may judge those who were without the Holy Spirit because verse 20:12 says, "according to their works." Presumably this will include all the remaining dead that ever lived throughout the course of man's history. This second resurrection will also include those who are in hell and will be after the Devil is cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity. The authentic gospels are of selfless virtue and do not indicate selfish preservation or temporal gain or religious intolerance. The real defining essence of the gospels is understood in the acceptance of suffering brought on by others (long suffering) and the willingness to sacrifice self for the greater good and causes of mercy and forgiveness towards those who hate you without cause. And this we should accomplish with great boldness and unwavering commitment. Jesus commanded and promised all those who truly followed Him that this would be so. 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Nothing great is ever truly achieved apart from suffering and sacrifice. The story of Christ and all the accounts given by His most obedient followers declare the same. This leads me to question the validity of westernized Christianity where suffering is almost non-existent. A man's character is best defined by how he meets suffering, tragedy and sacrifice in his life. If we trust the promises Jesus made, then those who suffer little gain little and those who suffer much inherit much. So, our attitudes toward Jesus in our worship and admiration of Him determine the outcome of our life's works and fruit born thereof. How far are you willing to go to serve an awesome God? How much faith do you have in His preserving of your soul for eternal life? Do you wish to gain or preserve what you have now thereby risking and loosing out on your promised inheritance or do you desire to gain the most by offering yourself up as a living and holy sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable to God? (Romans 12:1-2) There are two kinds of suffering humans will experience. One is the suffering that comes by way of their own doing or choosing and the other comes by way of their faith and present circumstances in God that ultimately gives Him glory. The first exhibits the weakness and frailty of our human condition and flesh and the second demonstrates our ability to overcome suffering in our lives thereby giving glory to God. Often times the first is associated with rebellion and/or disobedience but is not exclusive to that alone. The second is associated with accepting the terms and conditions that God has called you in and learning how to overcome those trials. But it is true that all suffer to one degree or the other. Either they suffer by their own hand or by the hands of others. Again, I say that there are two kinds of suffering. Do not confuse one with the other. When I made that statement directed at "westernized Christianity" in the above text, I am again stating a profound truth. That truth is exhibited by the existing contrasts between those who consider themselves saved but do nothing to invite that promised persecution upon themselves and the unceasing trial and tribulation people like myself undergo because we are stepping out in the forefront of the battlefield to engage hypocrisy, idolatry and all sorts of varied sins within the known Church. I am talking about the differences between what disciples of Christ are doing verses what many of the common mainstream evangelists are doing. The contrast is sharp and distinct as the darkness of night is to daylight. I believe I have adequately defended my position and understanding of what the Word of God establishes. You cannot ignore one part and accept another. You must accept the whole part, that is, the full council of God. The Word defines and interprets itself and requires no scholarly effort on our part. It only requires our simple acceptance thereby gaining and achieving understanding. This should summarize well for you that they're are indeed two resurrections. Additionally, when the Bible speaks of resurrection, it first speaks of resurrecting the dead. I have also clearly shown you that the first resurrection is prior to Armageddon because as the Kings of the earth are all being led to the valley of Armageddon, it is there where Jesus interjects once again His famous declaration, "I shall come as a thief in the night." Understanding this can only be possible for those whom are sensitive to the discerning Spirit of God. I can truthfully confess that this has remained a mystery to me until this time because a certain degree of maturity had to take place in me before I could see it. Now I know, this is what I must do next in helping to prepare believers who will listen to reason. We must shatter the illusions that the devil has so successfully portrayed. None of us are immune to the tests that the devil may instigate because even Peter was sifted by permission. Receiving and accepting this revelation should not be a painful event neither should it bring you and others any shame. The only shame would be in rejecting that which the Word of God clearly establishes. We are called to be overcoming. As my name "Nicholas," implies, I am overcoming and that is what we are all called to do… Overcome! It is for Christ's Sake I want to thank all of you for expressing your deep concerns.
Many of you are not alone in your views. As for me, I have no
fear but one fear and that is the fear of my Lord. Not very many
people (believers) are commissioned to do what I am commanded
to do but I am not without brethren who understand this all important
task of delivering God's final warning to the latter day Churches.
You must understand that we are commanded to judge with a righteous
judgement and not avoid or abstain from judgement. Please do
not believe the misinterpretations that mainstream hirelings
have espoused over the years making believers weak and mediocre.
Pre-tribulation rapture is one such lie making believers weak
and confused. The very word "Christian" has no other relevant meaning than that of being a disciple (student, pupil, and follower) and following the very pattern of thought and behavior, teachings and commands that Jesus (the Son of God) patterned for our lives. But if there are 5000 differing congregations in America all claiming to be Christian, then there are 5000 different views and applications of what being Christian truly means. We at Cephas, most especially myself, believe that though there are many differing cultures in the Gentile arena, there is but one way and one pattern to follow when it comes down to becoming sons and daughters to God. That simply put is to die to the vanity of cultural pride and selfish virtue and allow God to clothe you with the attire of His selfless Holy Spirit - God's essence living in you and working through you. This of course means to totally let go of self and everything associated with self and be sincere in your repentance (turning away) of the selfish and vain life you once lived. To be anything other than a seriously committed disciple of Christ is to miss the mark and fail in one's appointed duty, calling and commission. To do this does not necessarily make you so foreign that you cannot live in this current world system of greed and corruption but it does mean that everything you do as a new born again creature takes on a new life, meaning and purpose. I once had a career (business management/operations) but abandoned that for something more edifying years later. Now instead of a career I have a duty and service in the secular part of my life and in my case it involves saving peoples lives and property in distressing situations in the marine environment. So my career transformed from being a job to a duty and responsibility to society serving the real needs of humanity and fulfilling in part, a tangible role that disciples must attend when following a Lord and Master. This was not something I designed or engineered in my own life but God led me to it from out of the ashes and ruins of my former life. Over the years, I transformed from being a mere believer to becoming a Godfearing man and devout disciple of Jesus. So if I judge those who seem not to fit the bill with us at Cephas as not being qualified to teach, lead or guide me then who is my rollmodel you may ask? None other than Jesus Himself. But surely there must be some men of accountability to model after? Yes, there are the original disciples and later came Paul whom I can most identify with being raised in a Gentile culture (American) which is very similar to the Roman culture Paul was associated with and in service to. Then who are the ones, who seem to be at the brunt end of our relentless rebuke and admonishment you may ask? For the most part they are the "hirelings" so used by God to feed the milk and pabulum of the gospel to a very immature humanity. A babe must suckle the sweet milk of his mother's breasts before he teethes and later is able to eat solid food. Likewise, all infants must first learn to crawl before toddling and then later learn to walk and then run. Does not God's engineered creation in nature show us time and again that maturity is natural and expected of all animal life forms? Does a chick not get fed by it's mother and later get taught to fly so that it may one day leave the nest to go off and make it's own abode on another limb or rocky cleft? Maturation is part of the natural growth expected by God in our spiritual development as well as our physical development. The problem we have is that people (believers) are being kept on the milk and in worse cases (bad formula) for many years while sitting upon their pews listening to some preacher glorify himself with all his great knowledge - while fleecing the multitudes for their hard earned money. The inherit problem with such a system is that the preachers do this for pay and if the congregates mature and leave then there always exists the threat that the incoming monies will dwindle and there will be less funds to fleece. Mainstream churches today are addressing this problem by continuing to modify and add alluring programs and entertainment to their agenda to keep the people coming in all under the pretense that they represent the gospel of Christ Jesus. Many millions buy into this lie of Satan and support the subversion because it is entertaining and a great way to enhance one's social life. This is the "feel-good" gospel and it lacks any semblance of deep conviction evidenced in early Christianity. There is very little if any convicting sermons being preached from the pulpit anymore because conviction is not a comfortable feeling. So the hirelings have devised many ways to keep people interested and coming in. This all serves self and pride and has nothing to do with the true gospel of Christ crucified. The majority of all mainstream Christianity, especially westernized Christianity, is a false gospel precipitated by a deluding influence brought on by God simply because they have chosen to believe lies over the truth. In essence, the majority of Christians in America and around the world in wealthier nations have "rejected the love of the truth" and that is why the deluding influence is strong in divisive religion and politics. I practice no other judgements in my life other than what is prescribed for us in the New Testament teachings and commands because Christ Jesus and all that He exhibited is the only trustworthy measuring rod and plumbline to gauge one's life by. Being a true witness means to first allow oneself to be measured, tested and judged by the Word of God - conform to it thereby becoming a new creature - thereby becoming an effective witness of Christ in flesh. I measure myself against no man but measure all things by Christ's pattern and teachings. I am no leader but am a follower - a disciple of Jesus the Christ. The world and all humanity has been judged and its up to us to allow ourselves to be transformed and renewed by the convicting Spirit of God - His Word which He said was the Spirit of Truth. So you see, there is a strong message to take hold of in the gospel but who can muster the strength to bear it? Who has the courage to read the Word for themselves and abide it? Who will dare to leave all and forsake much for the pearl of great price? Who understands that that there is no life worth living but the selfless life of Christ Jesus? I address the issues of suffering as symptomatic and oftentimes necessary for maturity and growth. For the most part, there is a universal invitation for all who suffer to approach and embrace the grace that was afforded us on the cross by Christ. Essentially, one kind of suffering is replaced by another but we are not left without the power (grace) to overcome and be victorious in the end. I exhort you to please be mindful with a Godly fear that you
cannot accept one part of the scriptural message and throw out
other portions merely because you disagree with the implications
of suffering, sacrifice and relentless rebellion towards God.
Suffering is most often precipitated by our own rebellious nature
which often times leads us to seeking self glory rather than
learning to be selfless towards our fellow man. Arguing in favor
of a pre-tribulation rapture is rebellion towards God. The main
reason why the Christian camps are still very much divided on
this issue and many others today are because of the selfish nature
of man promoting pride and the refusal to let go of selfish pursuits.
Prejudice is still a strong emotion in humans and that limits
the ability of many to see the light of truth through darkness.
Imbalanced hatreds are the fruits of ignorance. What many have described in their letters and statements was abuse which led to feelings of guilt brought on by the heavy weight of condemning sermons and beliefs delivered by others. That is why it is so difficult for so many to change their view or misperceptions. They often times questioned the suffering in other peoples lives and perhaps their own out of context. If they were feeling condemned at any time, perhaps they were confusing the deeper feelings of conviction, which the Spirit of God puts in us to set our pathways straight. Conviction leads to increased awareness and wisdom bearing or leading to the fruit of love and obedience. Condemnation on the other hand leads to guilt and many hidden fears and ultimately leaves one feeling hopeless and utterly depressed. This however does not diminish the need for Godfearing men to deliver warning and recompense to others who are not obeying the pattern of behaviors exhibited by Christ and His maturing disciples. Maturity is KEY here. Reproof and rebuke are absolutely necessary because humanity is still very immature and selfish. Mankind is still full of pride and prejudice and these enmities need to be killed off. I understand what many of you experienced earlier in life because I too shared like experiences within the realm of man's religious institution called the church. In my growth over the years I have discovered what is commonly referred to as the Church (whether Catholic or Protestant) is not really the Church described for us by Christ and witnessed by the early Apostles. Man still builds temples in which to worship putting on the pale face (image) of weak systems of belief. But in the midst of all the divided houses of god (developed by hirelings), God Almighty pulls out certain ones to continue the work that Jesus patterned for us so that humanity can one day ultimately arrive at a real Godfearing maturity. These men and women are the disciples of the risen Lord - Christ Jesus. These Godfearing creatures (men and women) are the ones mostly identified by mainstream shepherds as apostate and dangerous. Why? Because we reject the religious formulas that man continues to divise and reap great material wealth from and remain steadfast to the only trustworthy pattern of behavior and teaching we have in Christ Jesus and His Word. Just look at how much money is being made in movies and books developed around the "pre-tribulation rapture." This has become a popular fiction worth millions of dollars. We who understand this and submit to the full council of God's Word are the disciples that were called and though our numbers are few by comparison to the reported two billion Christians on earth, we continue to pattern and witness the true gospel of Christ crucified and we still to this day suffer a great deal by it because the "religious elite" still do not recognize the truly Spirit filled members of Christ's body - THE REAL CHURCH. So that all shall be Fulfilled I have discovered that what is indicated in the New Testament Word by Jesus, the promises and the warnings of various hatreds and persecutions, are all true and indeed come to pass for the individuals that surrender and submit to the pattern and teachings of Christ Jesus. Fulfillment takes place and we begin to realize that these various fulfillments are proof and confirmation that we are indeed on the "right path of sanctification." In simple words, it is often not "pretty" and it won't look any different in any persons' life than what Jesus described and promised... that is... if you are on the prescribed path. Today's Gentile Christian Pastors, Priests, Bishops and Preachers
are not much different that the Jewish Pharisee's and Saducee's
of 2000 years ago. They still practice partiality and carry with
them deep bitterness and resentment and so many have decided
to live "fat" off the people who gather to hear them
boast of their great knowledge. Elitism is alive and well today
and I tell you truly - is as much hated by God TODAY as it was
when Jesus delivered His strong rebukes two millennia ago. That
leads me to the last critical aspect of God's fullest definition
of love. True love as defined by the whole of scripture cannot
be made complete without also embracing God's hatreds. This is
crucial and fundamental to us in the maturing process. We cannot
afford to be found loving or embracing what God so hates. His
list of hatreds is short and simple and made clear in the Old
Testament Proverbs and also Christ's New Testament teachings.
I do happen to know that there are a few of my brethren on earth that take the commands of our Lord and Savoir seriously. I know a few of them personally but our numbers are very small. The words of Jesus said that there would be few and the Apostles all warned us what to watch out for and abstain from when it came to differing gospels. In order to judge with a righteous judgement dear beloved friends, you must first allow yourself to be judged and conform to the likeness and image of Christ before you can practice righteous judgment. First and foremost - a man must bear witness that Christ is in him and only then can the witness of Christ Jesus be evident. Everything else is just a sham and a waste of time if not just utter vanity. Kill the enmity within you and join us for a productive harvest in the fields which are ripened, won't you? "We are in the last hours, even moments of the second day and soon, the morning of the third day will dawn. What happens on the morning of the third day oh son of man?" declares the Spirit in me. Prepare yourself brethren, for the great and terrible day of our Lord is soon coming upon us. Will you be ready and clothed in the right attire? Will you remain faithful unto death? Will your lamp be filled with the Spirit of our Lord, the very oil of God Jesus was so anointed with? The choice is all yours and no one is accountable for that choice other than yourself. I have done my part and spoken truth to you so that you may have no excuse on the last day. Think not that a mere man has spoken but know that a prophetic messenger was commanded to speak to you that you may be saved. I am just a mere servant in the King's court. It is not I you should follow or even listen to necessarily but it is the Word you should read, know and apply yourself to. There is no one else most worthy to be obeyed other than Christ Jesus who gives us life through the example of death to self leading to the resurrection and newness of life. That life begins here and now while we yet remain on earth. Be selfless in all your ways and pray unceasingly in the days of growing adversity. We need God fearing men to join us in the harvest and soldiers of righteousness. The fields we work and tend are not suitable for weak and mediocre application. Won't you fellowship with us? With all sincerity and love for the truth and our scattered brethren abroad, Nicholas A. Stivers, a humbled God fearing man, scribe and
messenger. |