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Greetings brethren, friends and neighbors, We have been undergoing some difficulty lately in getting my Scrolls out to all of you that are on my mailing list. In the event you have not heard from me lately, I apologize. If you have missed out on any recent mailings, please log onto my web site at http://nicholas-scrolls.com to get caught up on my most recent work. I would of course like to hear from you letting me know if you are still receiving my Scrolls and hear any feedback you may offer regarding my latest insights and revelations. My hope is that you are still with us and will dialogue with me as time permits. Please accept my offerings of peace and grace this holiday season to all that are called to a true Christian faith. The following Scroll comprises my edited responses in a long discourse between a large group of men that are part of Jack Hook's fellowship and Ministry, http://babylonthegreatisfalling.net/ The subject matter dealt with the aspect of militant Christianity whether justified or not and American patriotism. There also arose the opportunity for phone conversations and a great deal of witnessing on my part. Jack Hook was appreciative of my participation and I was edified to have played a role in this lengthy dialogue. Except for a few responses from others provided in this Scroll, the majority of text is my response to issues that were raised during the lengthy dialogue. Not all agreed and about half a dozen men were offended by our strong biblical stance and later opted out of this discourse. For the most part, I found myself being in agreement with Jack and a good number of participants also were edified by our unwavering stance for Christ-like application. I hope that many of you will also be as edified in my sharing and consider more carefully what level of obedience is required of us as sincere Christians. Addressing Jack in my first letter, I wrote, Once again, I am in awe of your understanding and for the most part, am in agreement with your unwavering position. I just got off the phone with Sandy after speaking with him for about 45 minutes or so. It was a delightful sharing and out of it came one important question. Does a "saved" person loose out on his salvation when he engages himself in things which are contrary to the teachings and patterns of Christ like war-time participation? You are correct in your understanding and stance of America being not unlike Rome and war being contradictory to the teachings of New Testament Scriptures. Your assessment of Evangelist John Hagee was also correct in my view that he is blinded and leaves one to question the validity of such a person's salvation. I believe that many American Christians fall into this unfortunate category and do risk degrees of punishment and discipline coming from God unless they can quickly find a place for repentance. But does this mean that they might loose out on their salvation? When I was asked that question by Sandy, I responded that one probably does not loose out on his/her salvation short of being guilty of blaspheming the Holy Spirit which we know and agree is entirely unforgivable. However, remembering that God portions to each (believer) a measure of faith (what he trusts) and each will do according to the faith, which is in them, then each person shall be held accountable for their measure of obedience in faith. I said, "In this instance, true ignorance is easily forgiven because they truly did not know any different. However, those who teach contrary to what they know and believe by faith will be held more accountable by God than those who merely believed but were not responsible for say, the shedding of blood in this instance." Remember the understanding in the parable of the sower? Despite where seeds are sown, the sower is responsible for an increased measure of growth or gain. It is in this context that Jesus reveals when upon being received in the Kingdom, some will produce thirty fold, some sixty fold and some more than a hundred fold. Matt. 13:8, 23. Therefore what is likely to happen for those of us who did not achieve all that we could have, our reward will be commensurate with the lesser degree of good (gain) that we did achieve. The parable of talents (Matt. 25:14-30) tells us that we may loose out on some of our reward because we could have done so much more with what God freely gave. This remains a continual concern of mine. Jesus made it clear that each will receive back a portion according to that which he produced. Furthermore, the teachers will be held doubly to account for what they did or more importantly... what they did not teach and witness to. Both parables relate to growth and responsibility. These leave to question that when we do what is contrary, are we denying our conscience and what the Holy Spirit is trying to convey or are we truly ignorant and not responsible for our bad choices? Does God not allow us to make poor choices and suffer the consequences so that we may come out on the other end being made stronger and perhaps more well refined? Are not all the mistaken choices you've made in your life part of your stronger foundation of understanding today? Could you know today what you bear witness of without having made those mistakes of the past? The answers to these questions may seem numerous but scripture simplifies them. It is Christ's merciful love and forgiveness that covers a multitude of sins and therefore that is where we need to stay focused in our combat against the evil principalities of this world and human government. Jack, don't you sometimes feel like you're more responsible for people's lives as you witness the deeper more profound truths of God's Word? Have you ever felt like bringing some up to speed in the deeper understanding of truth and divine revelation will invite further trouble in their lives? Are some just not given to know these things? Is ignorance then not a form of protection for some? These are the questions I am led to ask when witnessing harder truths to other believers. I confessed to Sandy that men like us who understand the sense of duty and responsibility in rightly dividing the Word of God and witnessing our understanding to others are held more responsible for what we achieve or don't achieve than those who merely believe. You and I know we can't lift a hand against another and because we know this, we are obliged to be true witnesses of it. This I said is the maturing nature of discipleship and maturity is what Christ and all His Apostles call for. We therefore need to remember that it should remain our focus to help brethren increase their fruit and encourage and strengthen their faith leading them into a closer more intimate relationship with God through the practical application of His Word and genuine fellowship with the Holy Spirit. You and I know that obedience is key here but does everyone understand love and obedience are synomonous? They are one and the same! I think that if more believers understood that truer definition of love then more would willingly shirk their "feeling" (false concept of love) and embrace an unwavering commitment to the selfless pattern of Christ and all that He commanded of His followers. As far as the "increased adversity that is promised to follow this level of obedience..." God protects His chosen disciples until their appointed mission is completed and then we are granted rest from our labors. In the end, how a man overcame adversity and remained steadfast to his love and faith is what gave testimony of God's Spirit in flesh thus glorifying God Almighty. Whether we live or die by faith, we do this in Christ thereby giving glory to GOD the Father. I stand with you as a convicted Godfearing man willing to witness and teach these deeper more profound truths that His Word reveals. I consider it our duty and responsibility to remain steadfast in these things. Because there is a fine line between condemnation and conviction, I think that we need to continually address the differences between the two so that our fellow believers and workers in the Lord don't feel like we judge them unrighteously. Rather, they need to understand that the Word of God has already judged us and it is to that which we must be utterly surrendered to in order that our hope remain intact. May each one set aside his patriotism and political alliance to embrace the fullest possible measure of grace and mercy afforded those who step out in the forefront of the battle arena surrendering themselves as holy sacrifices unto God proving the selfless virtues of eternal love. It is better to die with clean hands than with hands stained by the shed blood of humanity. Stand firm Jack! I admire your tenacity. Addressing a patriotic friend of Jack's, I wrote, Like Brother Jack Hook, I too get the same insults directed towards me when exhorting truth. "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." I know what it is like to be called anti-American and un-patriotic. I love the same freedom we all embrace and thanks be to God for the freedom we still have and enjoy. But wanting America back? I fear that this is vain and futile for the enemy within is all about and has already fully infiltrated every level of government and almost every corporate infrastructure. The numbers of God's enemies far outweighs the number of righteous Godfearing folk despite what the surveys and census statistics tells you. Western mainstream Christianity and all their many "divided houses of God" are certainly no good indicator either. Furthermore, there is no prophetic indication that America will stand. The New World Order is already well underway and if anyone has been paying attention to presidential speeches over the last 40 years or more... that should come as no surprise. America has already been sold out by the powers we keep in office! We still call it America and her democratic processes still seem to be operating on the surface but I tell you truly, the America we all love has died - the people are just not aware of it yet. We are entering the final stages being set for the New World Order to take form and the Antichrist to take his seat bringing about a false sense of peace. Calling your senator to speak against the hate crime bill may seemingly delay the inevitable and grant us an extended period of freedom but laws like this will be forced upon us sooner or later. We will either empower God's enemies through our votes giving them freedom to continue robbing us of our own or in one day, democracy will fall and the then President of our country will become a dictator and initiate martial law upon us as his first act of rebellion towards his countrymen, presumably to establish control and restore peace! Whether we like to admit it or not, any attempt to take back America will only result in great bloodshed and likely be the catalyst needed for the White House to become the Dictator's Palace. Rather than trying to repair the unrepairable or alter what will inevitably be fulfilled, let us admit the futility of trying to preserve or make our own kingdom on earth and instead pursue that which is not yet a Kingdom of this World. I tell you truly, until Christ returns, the bloodshed will continue along with increased oppression and lost freedoms. We need to make the most of our freedom now by facing the facts and confessing the truth of these matters in all the congregations of God before our voices are silenced. Step out and be heard now for tomorrow your voice may be silenced. But do not be surprised if after all your efforts your voice was not heard and your letters were never received. There already is a great darkness looming over DC and little people like us aren't much more than pesky flies on walls. Watch out for the fly swatter! I'll continue to fight like a soldier in Christ should fight - not as a militant patriot but with the Word looking forward to the hope of my returning King when all this will be ultimately surrendered to Christ or destroyed by Him. I'm looking for the Kingdom coming and not the one that men in power have corrupted with their evil vices. My hope is for a better tomorrow but I know I shall not see that until my Lord has returned. Come Lord Jesus come! I understand that that most of you are not supporting militancy. I am simply coming from the standpoint of awareness that any attempt to take back America on any level, no matter how sincere and genuine our motives may be, would be vain because we are far out numbered by the elitists in power and also dangerous because such attempts would likely be seen as treasonist and be regarded as an insurrection. As Jack points out, our government and I add, religious institutions, are under the authority of fallen angelic principalities. Men in these circles have embraced their sin nature and have been given over to it by God because they refused to be set free from it in the first place. Oftentimes, I view this as a perfect example of men taking kingdoms by force rather than offering their kingdoms up as a sacrifice for a better Kingdom that God offered us through Christ's selfless pattern and example. Though I am by flesh and blood, an American citizen, born and bread, I view my true citizenry as being a part of a Kingdom that is not of this world. Therefore, my true allegiance is to God the Father first and foremost as a son before anything else. When one counts the cost of freedom gained he realizes the great sacrifices that took place to achieve it and then when we embrace it - it later gets taken away from us leaving us in a worse state than the one before hand. It seems that throughout man's history, kingdoms taken by force must of necessity be defensively and offensively maintained by force. I would rather sacrifice all that the world and my country have to offer for a "better promise" as the early disciples did than to attempt saving what was never mine in the first place. I owe to God everything, even my life and am therefore subject to His command and grace. As Christ said, "If a man gains the whole world but looses his soul, what good is that to him?" Does that make sense to you? Addressing multiple responses written by several men, I wrote, This reply addresses most of you regarding statements recently made by Sandy, Dene, Jack and others. There are three areas I would like to address here. Militant conflict, unrepentant sin and necessary separation. This is where the rubber meets the pavement and also lends understanding to why making a peaceful separation is part of the New Testament remedy when conflicts cannot be resolved. The futility of militant Christianity and reasons for separation becomes clear when you look at Christ's example. Of all the Kings ever mentioned throughout history, there is only one who took a kingdom without the use of force. We know Him to be Jesus. A multitude of kings throughout the ages of man's history took their kingdoms by force and later made attempts to maintain their kingdoms offensively and defensively by force causing much unwarranted bloodshed. That is precisely why kingdoms still rise and fall on earth today. The founding of America is certainly no stranger to shedding blood on the battlefields in the interest of preserving freedom. This becomes a cycle that repeats itself through the course of mans history. Jesus on the other hand is the one and only example we can find of one who exhibited no means of brute force in building His Kingdom. Where men are made accountable for untold amounts of human blood shed through force, Jesus opted to shed His own blood rather than spilling the blood of others. He patiently awaits all who would accept Him as King and surrender unto Him, each making their own offerings to Him. In the style and fashion of the New Covenant, which was sanctified by His own blood, our own lives become the expected offering we make unto our new King. Rather than offering the sacrifice of others, we should be offering ourselves as living and holy sacrifices for His sake and the gospels (Rom 12:1-2, 1 Pet. 4:12-19). Every earthly thing we made or are part of must of necessity be offered up by us to Christ as a willing sacrifice including our lives by way of humble submission and obedience. Notice that I said "willing" and not forced sacrifice. This means that a true Christian voluntarily surrenders himself unto God and Christ's Lordship. Remember that one cannot effectively serve two masters without experiencing trouble in his/her life. This example contrasts sharply with every single war fought by man in the name of God. It further admonishes any war time doctrine or precept pursued by men because Christ's death was intended to replace all other means of salvation sought by man. It clearly establishes that we, in following Christ's example, should be only willing to offer ourselves up as an appropriate sacrifice rather than joining the armies of men to kill others who supposedly threaten our way of life. There is no room for justifying militant patriotism or for justifying the sins of others, which are common to man. I appreciate what Dene wrote in that regard. His statements and understanding lend even more credibility because he at one time served in the military like many of you. Over time, the wisdom of scriptures expose the error of man's ways. Beautifully said Dene! Now regarding the justification of man's sin nature. Remember that we are not forced into God's Kingdom but are "invited." Upon accepting the invitation, we are required to wear the appropriate attire and conduct ourselves fashionably after the pattern demonstrated by the Son of God. Here is where I take issue with regards to Sandy's statements justifying or accepting this country's military efforts. I fear that his view is one commonly held by those who embrace the "once saved - always saved doctrine." This is dangerous territory because accepting and excusing a brother's sinfulness is not demonstrating your love for him. Do you let your best friend drive home drunk from a party knowing that he puts his life and other lives in jeopardy? Of course not! If he insists on driving, what extreme will you go to in making sure he does not get behind the wheel? Here is where the Godfearing demonstrate "tuff-love." Both Jack and I are in total agreement here with respect to the need for repentance. It does a sinning brother no good whatsoever that another would allow that sin to continue. Reproof, rebuke and severe admonishment are absolutely necessary for they're to remain safe and productive fellowship. Excusing one's sin merely because he has been a Christian for a long time is weak and counter productive. Excusing his sin because he continually gives a good sermon or was part of you're receiving salvation in the past remains counter productive if that friend/preacher/pastor is still sinning. Forgiveness by God is achieved through repentance. Repentance is a total turning away from your sin and forgiveness is forever forgetting his/her sin. In receiving the Lord's forgiveness, our "sins are remembered no more" but be warned what Jesus said after healing many of their afflictions, "Now, go and sin no more." Intentional vs. unintentional sin is another lengthy matter I will not cover here. Suffice to say any man can be forgiven but that requires him to stop sinning! Here is where the New Testament remedy of separation can take effect. A "brother" is in the strictest sense, biblically defined as another man who does the will of God. That being true, we are exhorted to lift up our brethren and obediently follow Christ's pattern and example while preaching or teaching good or best Christian conduct. This means that your own example and pattern of behavior must exhibit the same witness you profess with your lips lest you be disqualified from a proper witness. In the case of those who are sinning or remain in their sin while professing themselves to still be Christian, they are what Paul describes as "so-called brethren." Paul warns that we are to stay aloof from such men and abstain from personal relationship or fellowship - "lest we become part-takers of their evil deeds." The sanctified Word of God in the Old Testament and the New Testament admonish all to be separate from contrary ideologies, precepts, doctrines and people that produce factious results. Though a man who is sinning may still come to a salvation by grace (God willing), he/she will most certainly be held accountable for the sins which he/she did not abstain from or repent for. There are degrees of reward just as there are degrees of discipline and punishment. The goal then should be for our continuing effort to expose what is wrong and sinful in the hopes that repentance might be achieved by those whom we love. As I said earlier, this requires our own obedient example to bear up witness with the confession of our faith. For the same reasons Jack abstains from certain religious affiliations in mainstream Christianity, I too avoid membership to them at all cost. We must avoid part taking in religious error and at the same time are expected to uphold the most obedient examples of Godfearing faith. For this reason, we must also continue to expose the error of those claiming Christian affiliation if we will indeed be counted among those who practice a genuine love. This makes necessary then the need for reproving and correcting and in the absence of a desired repentance then necessary separation is prescribed. Separating from sinful men and behaviors serves as a credible witness of itself because it demonstrates an unwavering commitment and obedience to God's Word, pattern and example. Gentlemen, our salvation is a duty and responsibility - towards God and our fellow man. Our obedience is the acceptable sacrifice we offer to God as we follow Him to the cross. Obedience and love are one and the same and are interchangeable in most verses dealing with love and obedience. Jesus requires both and in the absence of our ability to deliver, they're are consequences to pay. Such is the state of fallen men in Christian circles who usurp the authority of God and His Word by continuing to justify their fallen nature. Jesus indicated to His disciples - now that we know what is revealed as sin, we are held accountable for abstaining from it (John 15:22). There are no excuses! Why else would Peter declare 1 Peter 4:17-18 "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Does the writer of Hebrews not declare the same? Hebrews 10:26-27
"For if we sin willfully after that we have received
the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice
for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."
What then, shall we allow a brother who is sinning, to willfully
carry on trampling underfoot the Son of God thereby risking his
own salvation? Brethren, So, we who know these truths to be self evident in the scriptures are for obvious reasons held accountable for proper witness and demonstration - especially among the youth of our Nation. If we as Godfearing men ignore the fallen state of man's sinful nature or worse, pretend that it does not exist, we will then become men most to be pitied. God will hold us accountable moreso for what we did not attain and achieve than what we did accomplish. This is a race gentlemen and there are prizes awaiting those who gave all they have. Let us therefore run this race as men who intend to win the race and be diligent about our duty and responsibility. Make no mistake about it, God is not pleased with those who shrink back from their given duty and commission. Lastly, if you are not convinced that our duty and responsibility as Godfearing Christian men is not so crucial to you're own salvation, then take a look at the watchmen's duty described for us in Ezekiel 33. If that doesn't raise the hair off your neck, what will? How often have we ignored our conscience to do or say something in an effort to avoid travesty in another person's life? What selfish motives or possible fears kept us from doing the will of God when our conscience was so bothered? How many warnings did we ignore by messengers sent when God was attempting to get our attention? Did we not understand that our conscience is that vehicle through which God often communicates to us? Let the Word in our lives not merely be heard but also seen and let us continue to call out sin when the light of day exposes it and then be ready to minister proper and effective remedy towards those who are willing to confess it and repent from it. We owe that to each other because Christ saved our own wretched lives. Be faithful in a proper witness and have nothing to do with accepting anything contrary to a Christ centered witness. Rather expose it for what it is and be ready to kill the enmity that causes our various afflictions. As He did for us so we shall also do for our brother and if that means laying down our own lives to save another and risking all that we enjoy in our quaint fellowships for the sake of our obedience to the gospel - then that's what we do as Godfearing men. Make no excuses for any man and measure yourself to no one but Christ Himself! He is the only one worthy to be obeyed and His Word is our measuring rod. Jeremiah 23:29 "Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Brother Ray commented, "Very well said, Nicholas. Yours is an email well worth saving, as I believe it cuts to the heart of the matter in these troubled times." My last two bits worth - knowing Him crucified... is exactly what I was describing in the last paragraph of my last response. This was not for those who already know "only Christ crucified" but was for those who still try to serve two masters, playing both sides of personal allegiance towards the middle. Nothing but trouble arises from this. So, to embrace our crucified Lord's authority (making Him your Lord and personal Savior) is to follow His footsteps all the way to our obedient deaths allowing for nothing in between thereby giving glory to God. Read it again and tell me if that is not what I am literally describing here. I said, "Let the Word in our lives not merely be heard but also seen and let us continue to call out sin when the light of day exposes it and then be ready to minister proper and effective remedy towards those who are willing to confess it and repent from it. We owe that to each other because Christ saved our own wretched lives. Be faithful in a proper witness and have nothing to do with accepting anything contrary to a Christ centered witness. Rather expose it for what it is and be ready to kill the enmity that causes our various afflictions. As He did for us so we shall also do for our brother and if that means laying out our own lives to save another and risking all that we enjoy in our quaint fellowships for the sake of our obedience to the gospel - then that's what we do as Godfearing men. Make no excuses for any man and measure yourself to no one but Christ Himself! He is the only one worthy to be obeyed and His Word is our measuring rod." Gentlemen, does that not follow the precise pattern of knowing only Him crucified? He was for us, according to the testimonies of all His Apostles, the example and pattern to live by and follow. A half a dozen people were offended by this long discourse and all we can do is pray for the salvation of their souls while we maintain a proper separation from them. For the rest of us, we should not let there be any animosity between us - only love and deep appreciation for each other's Christ centered faith. Where we may disagree on small key notes - let the Holy Spirit of our Father reveal it in it's proper time and fashion so that we all may come to a full unity of knowledge and faith in our risen and glorified Lord. A last note for Tom Lamb, I did receive and do agree with your reply to me regarding the Masonic roots of America's founding forefathers. I am well aware of their symbology and heavy influence over time. A quick google search of my name would have produced a number of hits where I am well known for my dislike of freemasonry. Infact, one freemason site has me listed as an anti-mason and that is largely due to my affiliation with Cephas Ministry whose primary function it is to expose the political and religious sins and errors of man so as to educate and inform and increasingly ignorant society - namely, contemporary Christians. When the enemy captures us it is by way of his cunning and deceit. He and his fallen angels who serve him are crafty and they would love nothing more than to disqualify us and our devout allegiance to Christ. But we know that our unwavering faith and a good measure of God's empowering grace is what protects us from the devil's flaming missiles. Once again, glory to God in the Highest! Perhaps, these founding fathers should be easily forgiven for it seems that their heart and motive was in the right direction when you look at these other evident signs. There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C. James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement: "We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." Patrick Henry, another patriot and Founding Father of our country said: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ". Even today still, every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies. I am uncertain how many of them were on Masonic member rolls. But I do believe their intent was genuine and just for the times. Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts would overstep their authority and instead of interpreting the law would begin making law an oligarchy; the rule of few over many. It seems like that's where we've ended up today. The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said, "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers." But now we as Christians live in a time where our faith and freedoms are in jeopardy. Very soon, if it does not pass in 2007, something else will come along in its place and take from us our last vestige of hope for religious freedom; that being the passing of the "Hate Crime Bill." In my own State of residence, Washington, the legislature passed by a wide margin equal rights for gay and lesbian folk. Now, as a Christian employer, the State demands that I not use prejudice of immoral life-style as a determining factor for employment consideration. This sharply contrasts with my degree of applied obedience to scriptural warnings and commands. This same law also protects sodomites from discrimination in housing and State insurance benefits. We all know of the attempts being made across America to legalize homosexual marriages. Babylon is falling indeed! I tend to agree then that a great many people who profess to be Christian are not. That is why it is necessary for the more mature set of Godfearing followers of Christ to uphold biblical truths, reprove, rebuke and admonish allowing for no disregard! And when our freedoms are all but gone away, then let us die fighting like soldiers in Christ should be fighting... upholding the purity and pattern authored by Christ for us as an example to live by. This will ultimately be the testing of our patience and perseverance as called ones (saints). Though we lift not our hands against our fellow man, "brother shall deliver up brother to death." And this Word we know shall be fulfilled. Evangelist Albert G. Pollock from www.missionofhopeministries.com said, "AMEN! To this word of wisdom! Well said." Brother Steve responds, "Brother Nicholas, I am encouraged and I appreciate the spirit of your email. I have absolutely no doubt that the genuine gospel of Jesus Christ is the same today as when Paul preached it and warned the churches against the counterfeits that would arise (Gal 1:8-9)." I reply back saying, You are absolutely right in my estimation that there is no room for patriotism in one's allegiance to Christ. I have always maintained this since my awakening in the early 90's. Patriotism leads to serving more than one Master. While this country promotes pride and justifies its freedoms by all her shed blood on former battle fields, it now reaches out its long arm to the world in an attempt to spread a corruptive form of democracy to other war-torn Nations in the interest of building and maintaining "peace" in a Global community. This venture assumes that democracy promotes and supports peace. The key word here is "global." Global is how far the still yet mysterious "man of perdition" will stretch his arms in an attempt to bring about peace for all. It is this globalized thinking that points towards the mark of man and beast. A one-world religion - a one-world economy - a one-world power structure - all being set against the one true God and Christ Jesus. These three main objectives, religion, economy and power (a.k.a. authority) are all man made and thus gives way to understanding what the mark of man and beast actually represents. Since the number of man is six having been created on the sixth day, all things that man creates himself are but a reflection of himself rather than being a reflection of God in whose image he was created. Therefore, the number representative of the mark associated with man and beast is 666. It is a repeating pattern of himself, the human beast (perishable flesh). Contrary to this is what God gives to keep us separate from identity with the mark of man and beast. That namely is the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit is what gives back to God the image of His Son and any righteousness seen in us is the righteousness of Christ manifested and made visible by the indwelling Spirit of God. The Spirit is the real personage of our being that will enable us to identify with and commune with God. Eventually, all that fear for their lives in the wake of the greatest tribulation that ever was or will be, will seek peace and sanctuary and accept the offering of taking an identity mark. This will provide them a false sense of security. This will likely ensure their ability to continue engaging in commerce and be afforded certain measures of protection by their affiliation and loyalty (a form of patriotism) to the apostate world. Now those who refuse to be numbered among them will be regarded as enemies of the State and shall be sought out, imprisoned, forced to submit or suffer death, i.e. beheading. The main reason why we will be regarded as enemies is because we who know the truth - understand we are free from bondage and oppression and that no man or laws of men can keep us from worshipping the one true God. As much as Jesus was viewed as a threat to the ancient Jews then, we shall be viewed as adversaries of the State and be accused falsely of all kinds of things on account of our faithful and unwavering witness and ongoing testimony of Christ. I tell you truly Steve, the Saints are going to die for their unwavering faith. That is our destiny if we live long enough to see the tribulation. If you are well read in the Scriptures, then you know that the whole of Scripture supports this visual I have provided you. Like you, I do not believe that the Word of God or its primary message and goal has changed. It does remain the same. If you are at all familiar with my prolific writings and scrolls, you'll understand that I view the whole of man's religion to be an error and a copy of what we should be embracing. Jesus promoted faith, which is an unwavering trust in the Father and His, Word. Jesus promised that we would receive help to achieve this after His resurrection, which was and is the Holy Spirit. Not many actually have the Holy Spirit because it is only those who obey God that are given the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32). You know, "the Spirit is willing but the flesh is not." Because man continues to exalt himself above all things being in subjection to the fallen angel Lucifer who did no different, he remains absent of the Holy Spirit. Though his knowledge has and continues to increase greatly, the mass majority of humanity remains poor of the Spirit. The kind of salvation that was made evident in the scriptures is one where man fully surrenders his-self unto God, repenting and truly making a return to the only One with power to save his soul. It is an invitation we accept and our acceptance requires our abiding love and obedience made possible by the empowering grace of God's Holy Spirit. So it is neither our righteousness nor our works but is our willingness to keep ourselves in a surrendered state making true communion with God possible. If faith is an unwavering trust and love is an unwavering commitment then obedience is the fruit borne thereof. By His Spirit - all things are made possible and we who are filled with His Spirit are separate from those who lean on their worldly wisdom and knowledge. The many divided churches are soon scheduled for judgment and that time is already beginning for them who have "rejected the love of the truth." The deluding influence God has sent upon them is strong (II Thess. 2:11). Apart from their humble submission and repentance, they don't stand a chance for survival. The real victors will experience all that Jesus promised and our deaths will not be without honor because of our steadfast faith in Him. Those faithful to Christ will be part of the first resurrection at His returning just prior to Armageddon but not before the tribulation. The Spirit is indicating much to us today but the question remains who has ears to hear and eyes to see? You and several others from Jack's cc list seemed to have responded favorably to what the Spirit in me was indicating. I can only say to you and them, "Thank you for trusting in our Lord." Viewing the larger picture of end time events as I do lends a great deal of credibility to what I have long held to. That is that regardless of how hard man tries, regardless of how many works he purposes or churches he builds or strong holds he defends or prosperities he pursues, all is for not because it remains in the end to be "the works that follow him." All who are not part of the first resurrection known as the rapture will remain dead until the second resurrection at the end of Christ's millennial reign. According to scripture, they will be "judged by the works that follow them." There is no plainer and simpler answer than that. If we really want to take part in the first resurrection, then we must entirely submit and surrender ourselves unto God in the same fashion that Christ's disciples demonstrated. Being surrendered to that degree is allowing for the Spirit of our Father to take command of our very lives as Jesus demonstrated. We know that as humans this does not happen without a struggle and much effort on our part because we are continually battling against our fallen nature. It is our human-beastly person and nature that we must continually struggle against because it remains so vulnerable to fallen spirits and evil principalities. God's Holy Spirit is the only Spirit that can protect, lead and guide us to the same degree of righteousness that Christ exhibited. His selfless obedience to the Father is our example that we are expected and commanded to abide in. For us, this is impossible unless we remain entirely surrendered thereby giving way to the direction, promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We were created as human hosts, vessels as it were by the Lord of Hosts and it is to that for which we were created that we must remain in subjection to. Only then can the Holy Spirit maintain command in our lives making us useful and able to reflect back to God the glory and image of His Son. Credit is therefore given to God and no one may boast because anything good we accomplished was of God and not of our own merit. This paints the stark contrast between the human spirit and the Holy Spirit. One is tagged and numbered and all it does or creates is representative of itself like a repeating pattern (666). But our submission and surrender to God the Father that allows His Holy Spirit to live in and work through us is how we are able to maintain separation from the mark of man and beast. We who do this have a new name and are made new creatures and the name of God is upon our foreheads. They are the true Spirit filled Christians living amongst us. All that being said, we must also humbly confess and admit that all of us are at different stages of our spiritual development and it should remain that the more mature among us be willing to steadfastly witness his/her own maturity with patience and humility allowing time for all the brethren to unify in the faith and knowledge of Christ crucified. Patience then is a virtue. I hope that all of you understand me correctly in that the latter day churches will suffer judgment during the period of tribulation. But God's faithful will finally be taken up just prior to that time when the worst of God's wrath will come upon the whole world a.k.a. Armageddon. I consider it my duty and obligation then to do my part in helping to prepare believers and followers of Christ for the promised forthcoming trials. It will be our correctly aligned faith in Christ and His out-pouring of grace that allows us to overcome. He who overcomes will receive the reward of eternal life with God. When I was a child, I marveled at the birth of our Savior and knew not its fullest implications. Now I am aging and understand more fully what value His life has for all that will follow Him. His sacrifice was made for us not so that we would escape the same but so that we would embrace it in faith until our last dying breath! To all who have replied kindly, thank you for your kind acknowledgment and words of appreciation. While the greater part of the world is reminded of our Lord's birth this Christmas season, let us continue to praise Him and be ever thankful in continuing to celebrate His death and resurrection... without which none of us could be saved. As for me and my house, we will continue to celebrate his death and resurrection granting us eternal life and also to all those who obey Him. After His pattern, it is through our selfless, sacrificial suffering and deaths that we will live with Him forever. Praise and Glory to Him...AMEN Jim Linzey from American Voice Radio www.americanvoiceradio.com said, "I like positive notes like yours and a few others AMEN!" With all sincerity and love for the truth and our scattered
brethren abroad, |