Volume IV No. 3
Nicholas Scrolls March/April 2008
Faithful Witness or
Pretense?
My Beginnings…
Like many, I too started out in the churches of man
transiting through the realm of protestant and Catholic beliefs. I was raised a
Lutheran at a young age and then married a Catholic woman only to loose her to
suicide after 13 years of marriage. I raised our three children single-handedly
aboard our last refuge, a small sailboat. Through those widowed years I gravitated
from the Catholic church feeling unsatisfied with
man's pompous religion and into the Protestant realm all the while continuing a
diligent search and study through the scriptures looking for resolve, meaning
and purpose. As I began to apply myself to the most basic and fundamental
teachings of Jesus and the Apostles it became clear to me that they're was
great disparity between man's modernized religious traditions and the biblical
examples of faith in practice.
My Awakening…
After a few years I also began realizing gifts which
began to manifest within me. These abilities were not the result of any
training or outside human influence, education or training. Once given I
acknowledged having received such from our Lord after spending approximately 2+
years in repentance and then gathered the courage to exercise these gifts to
help and assist others in their pursuit of faith and understanding. In the
process I became more and more a threat to the churches I was then associated
with and after a number of rejections and pastoral warnings decided to accept
the fact that Jesus warned me I would be treated as such, no different than
His-self and cast out, rejected, even persecuted. I finally obeyed my Lord's
direction and made a complete separation out from under the authority of man's
church and found myself being for the first time in my life, fully surrendered
and submitted to GOD. I had become free of man’s oppressive religious matrix. I
was learning what it truly was like to have relationship with GOD through His
indwelling Holy Spirit. I was careful to test everything I discerned through
the witness of the scriptures so as not to be led astray from the past remnants
of religious influences.
My journey thus far has been a continual mind
blowing revelation, one after another and much I have learned of the
differences between man's religious virtue versus the
gift of faith that GOD apportions each believer. Essentially, mankind's
Christian religious institutions are designed to feed the sweet milk and honey
of the gospel but do little to bring believers into a fuller maturity as GOD
would have it. Though a good church is a good place to start for many it is not
the end but merely the infant stages of learning the elementary principles of
faith and of GOD. Our creator has shown us throughout nature that the maturing
process is natural by design and must be nourished lest the growth of an
individual become stumped.
Sadly, that is where many within the realm of
mainstream Christianity still are... sucking off the milk and honey and few
have matured enough to go on to the real meat and potatoes of the gospel.
Hospitals are for birthing and healing, daycare’s are for infantile care but
every babe is expected to grow and eventually leave the nest of their birth and
upbringing and move on to build their own becoming independent of others but
more dependant upon GOD. Earthly caregivers are for initial seasons of growth.
A healthy co-dependence upon GOD sets one free from co-dependence on man and
makes him independent of the need for human institution and religious
tradition. The scriptures spell it out clearly and make the distinction between
slaves and servants. One serves the institutions of man and the other serves
God's will thereby becoming true sons and daughters to GOD.
The above describes the pros and cons of religion
and makes clear distinction between the kind of faith
Jesus spoke of versus human religion. All too often religions are formed
because a group of peoples begin to believe more in the signs and wonders that
a gifted person may exhibit through his/her spiritual calling. This will often
initiate a following whereby man alters course in the direction of his/her
faith and begins to worship man or humanism over GOD and His selfless pattern
of love. Something that Jesus demonstrated well that is not often visible in
mainstream Christianity is selfless love and the acceptance of adversity and
suffering in one's own life. Almost every mainstreamer out there today seeks
out GOD for selfish reasons rather than selfless reason and acceptance. So many
people gravitate to what they want to hear like the prosperity teachers
promising great wealth if you tithe generously.
This should help to clarify why my faith in Christ
crucified is so strong. I am well acquainted with "long suffering"
and the fruits born of adversity. Some people's hearts grow cold under great
adversity while others are softened toward GOD. When our choices are made then
God's choosing becomes evident among us, those who believe. The one commonality
of all pagan religion is the sin of idolatry. Idolatry is forbidden under all
circumstances but yet multitudes of Christians still practice it today on many
levels. God forbids us to even make graven images of His-self yet how many
people do you know today that still wear crucifixes around their neck or keep
statues of religious figures in their home? I don't have one body piercing or
tattoo anywhere on my person because I know God does not desire it and I am not
one to take any chances with His divine ordinances. I am a GOD fearing person,
something that is rare in today's Christian circles.
Idolatry – The One Common Denominator in all Pagan Beliefs
One form of pagan belief did evolve around worship
of the sun and was evidenced in the early Americas too in the Aztec, Inca and
Mayan cultures. But from the scriptures we see that the Egyptians worshipped
the sun god RA and all of this is nothing more than pure idolatry. Other
ancient tribes worshipped various animals and some even still worship trees or
earth. Because all pagan religions practice idolatry - GOD accepts none. Today
we have a more alluring form of idolatry that is inflicting millions in
epidemic levels; the worship of money and mammon or more plainly said -
materialism. This too is dangerous because it gives birth to various degrees of
greed and or lust.
Today, money has become a god for many despite their
denial or refusal to acknowledge such. "The love of money is the root of all
sorts of evil." Heaven and hell does exist. I used to exhort that
you cannot believe there is a heaven if you fail to acknowledge the existence
of hell. But in the last decade or so we are seeing the growth of yet another
man-made precept and doctrine called Universalism.
Universalists believe that ALL are saved by grace whether one believes in
Christ or not. This is very dangerous in my view because the fundamental
principles of repentance and dying to selfish works and deeds are absent of
their theology. The truth is that though "many are
called, few are chosen." Indeed many will perish and only the
faithful will ever walk through the pearly gates and see the Father. Jesus
said, "There is no one that can come to the Father
but through me." That tells me that Jesus was literally calling
believers into disciple-ship and that means all who are fully surrendered and
submitted under the authority of the Father and Son and live their lives out as
continuing living examples of selfless love and obedience to Christ's teachings
and pattern become true disciples.
Jesus said all too often, "If
you love me you will obey me." This indicates strongly that love
and obedience are one and the same thing or at the
very least the one is the fruit of the other. Jesus also said speaking of how
believers can be recognized as being true followers or not, "You will know them by their deeds." Do you
see how easily the scriptures actually judge and refute errant manmade
doctrines?
Pharmacea – Mixers of Potions
As far as medicine goes, God created for us
everything we would ever need but the one greatest medicine that has power over
all others is FAITH. Jesus proved it and exhorted it many times in the
multitude of healings He performed. Though I have on very rare occasions used
prescribed drugs when absolutely necessary, I did so by faith and never, never have abused such. Fundamentally speaking though
I am all for natural remedies and good diet than I am for the contemptible
pharmaceutical industry. These "mixers of potions" as the scriptures
define them will have their appropriate place in hell reserved for them. Do you
realize that the only reason why the FDA cannot approve nature's remedies as
viable medicines in the prescription field is because man cannot put a patent
on that which is naturally created? There is no money in it and man cannot
capitalize on it. Did you know that it is the absence of vitamin B-17 in our
modern diets that is the direct cause of cancer deaths around the world? Yep...
that's right and can you guess that it is illegal to purchase vitamin B-17 in
this country? Yeah, how do ya like them apples? Too hell with man's medical
matrix and money worshipping establishment!
Scriptures vs. Science
Though some minor principles of evolution apply like
building immunity and resistance to diseases over time, for the most part the
evolutionary matrix is a complete hoax based on theoretical fabrications.
Folks, we did not evolve over the course of millions of years from a cesspool
of primordial slime. Preposterous! I actually would have to write a very long
winded paper to prove to you that is so but for the purposes of keeping this
piece short... suffice to say I believe the Word of GOD over man's ever
changing scientific reasoning. There is however on a smaller scale a harmony
that does exist between some sciences and the Bible like for instance good
archeology proving harmony with scriptural accounts. By the way, I have always
been an avid fossil collector and minored in biological and geological sciences
back in college. I can tell you squarely that it only takes a few thousand
years to mineralize biological matter - not millions or billions. The dinosaurs
all perished in Noah's flood and the extensive paleontological evidence proves
it. Carbon dating methods have never been absolute and it takes many tests to
group and arrange possible dates together before a lab tech calls out the time
line. There is far too much inconsistency in the dating methods to place any
reliable emphasis on the deterioration of carbon atoms. What a JOKE! The truth
is that you cannot date anything older than the earth with any degree of
accuracy. Scientists are still working off of theories not facts. Unfortunately
for our youth, it seems all this crap is being presented and taught as factual
when in fact evolutionary theories are pure speculation. This has to be without
a doubt one of the greatest delusions of mankind's modern era.
The first verses in the Book of John tell you what
came first. I am not qualified to go beyond it because this is one of those
mysteries that our feeble human minds just cannot wrap around the concept.
Suffice to say that “in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with GOD and the Word
was GOD.” I do not believe it is possible for our minds to comprehend
the actual beginnings of the Universe and how God formed it all separating the
firmament but I trust one day we will. For now some things must just be
accepted on blind faith.
The Real Mission
– Where our Focus should be…
The real mission here is to learn how to abide and
accept the selfless pattern of Christ Jesus and live as though He truly is your
LORD. What good does it do for any of us if we call him LORD but live out our
lives in selfish reasoning as though we ourselves were gods? There is a purpose
for each of our lives and GOD indeed has a plan for each of us but we must seek
it out and most importantly... allow ourselves to be continually judged by the
Word and witness of the scriptures. As we conform more and more to the desired
likeness as sons and daughters to GOD we become more useful and inheritors of
His eternal Kingdom. If one can accept this then that person should start
living as the immortal his Spirit is rather than the temporary fallen mortal
his flesh became. We are only in this life for a short while and then there is
a transition if you will when our spirits depart these diseased bodies and go
elsewhere. The elsewhere is what every man and woman should question. Where do
you want to spend eternity, living in eternal torment or in paradise with GOD?
I choose the latter and will obey Him to my death and accept all the
consequences for every action and deed I ever did under the sun. In Christ I
trust (have faith in) and through Him I seek reconciliation with my creator. I
will as long as I can maintain my strength continue to "work out my salvation with
fear and trembling." AMEN
This ministry
I am called to actually gives me the glorious
opportunity to witness my profound Godfearing faith in Christ Jesus and give an
accurate defense of the gospels. I am many things, Godfearing to be sure but a
religious man I am not! Please keep in mind that religion being a work of man
is quite separate and apart from the faith which Christ's disciples walked in.
Their faith in Christ was a gift of God and accompanied the revelation of
Christ Jesus being the Son of GOD. Sadly, the religious works of man fall many
miles short of the Godfearing faith we as believers should be exhibiting and
practicing. After two millennia, man's religious virtue is what has become the
apostate institution it is today. Most of these institutions of mediocrity are
absent of the powerful miracles which God still performs through his Godfearing
disciples and subjects today. But seeing miracles is rare for many.
Do you want more in your relationship with God? Can
you not hear Him as I do? Try this…Throw out the pabulum and baby formulas like
you would if you were giving up illegal drug use or alcohol abuse. Be
aggressive about it and cry out loudly to God for forgiveness begging Him for
wisdom, discernment and understanding. Admit you know nothing and are truly
sorry for the wretch you’ve been all your life and offer yourself up to Him
surrendering your will to His. Be sincere about it and see what happens next.
Maybe, just maybe you will know the fear of God as I have and begin to hear
that still small voice inside your being. I believe it is within us all to hear
it but we must rid ourselves of all the noise, distraction, materialism and
idolatry in our lives in order to know His presence and hear “that
still small voice.”
In the Context of Judging One Another
To understand the message Paul was eluding to - to
be separate from ungodliness is best defined in it’s
proper context as found in 1 Corinthians chapter 5. Paul makes the clear
distinction of what he was referring to in his letters. He wrote in 1 Cor.
5:9-13, "I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I
did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world or with the covetous
and swindlers or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the world.
"But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with
any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person or covetous or idolater
or reviler or drunkard or a swindler - not even to eat with such a one.
"For what have I to do
with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man
from yourselves."
You see that the Word of God that I am steadfastly
surrendered to judges the matter of what it means to be separate from
worldliness. Case in point, is the judgment that some
make regarding my relationship with other people who may or may not be a part
of the Church as defined in the scriptures. What should it matter to anyone
what relationships I desire to keep with other people? Jesus was mocked because
He was known to drink wine, dine with sinners and kept company with
adulteresses. I have been accused of making friends with the worldly too but my
accusers don’t understand that my friendships allow me to continue bearing
faithful witness to all, being partial to none. Too many Christians
misunderstand Paul’s admonition and believe that we are to have nothing to do
with the outside world saying, “You are
making friends with the worldly and therefore are sinning against GOD.” I
am not making friends with the world but understand my commission is “to witness to the world, even the remotest
parts of the world.” You see - I never abandoned my commission to
witness to outsiders or even those whom I love for that is what we are called
to do and Jesus would do nothing less than to go out yonder and find His lost
sheep. If I were to keep myself separate from others in the world then God
would judge me as one who condemns others. It is not my job to condemn but to
bear witness in selfless love being partial to none.
Too often, believers are judging outsiders and even
speak in judgment of outsiders inside their comfy congregations condemning them
for not being a part of that particular Church membership. But Paul's argument
is clear that we are given to judge one another from within our own
gatherings (churches) ensuring that the flocks who choose to gather are
protected from undermining elements that have crept in un-noticed. It is
for this reason that I no longer can travel about from church to church
uninvited lest I undermine or disrupt another man’s calling. Jesus said, “You cannot build upon another man’s foundation,” and
this is true for we each must answer our own calling reaching out to others who
are otherwise not being reached.
I purpose not to associate with hypocrites and I
don't fellowship with imposters of faith that pretend religious affiliation. I
do go out of my way to hold all my brethren and neighbors accountable,
especially those who are professing Christians. I treat my friends and
neighbors and even my professional relations the same way; holding all men
accountable. That is what Paul meant by saying we are to judge those within the
Church, even ourselves but have nothing to do with
judging outsiders. If I accepted the opposite argument as being valid then
there would be a whole world of unbelievers that might never see the gospel in
action. Do you see what I mean? Paul also made it pretty clear not to
fellowship with religious pretenders calling them, “so-called brethren.”
Let what is Pure and Un-Defiled Remain
When James wrote that our religion was to be pure
and undefiled, he gave examples of what pure and undefiled religion should look
like. Religion was not being mocked here but standards were laid down for the
religious communities. Jesus does not condemn the religious minded but His
judgments and expectations are the same for all men. No one has the right or
authority to judge differently than what the Word of GOD judges no more than I
do. But, we are expected to apply ourselves accordingly to how the Word of GOD
and the faithful testimony of Jesus teaches us;
whether religious minded or a Godfearing disciple. Jesus said it himself; "I did not come to judge the world but the Word, which I
give you, is what will judge you in the end."
Matthew 7:1-6 “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 unto you. And why beholdest
thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is
in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote
out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast
out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to
cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Give not that, which is holy unto
the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample
them under their feet, and turn and rend you.”
Let the Word I have shared with you today be my
judge and yours and leave the potential judgment of outsiders up to GOD so that
what judgments we practice and embrace will not return upon us in the form of
recompense. That is how we remain free of unrighteous judgments... to judge
ourselves and let the Word of GOD become our ultimate judge. That by the way is
what the scriptures mean when they command us to judge with a righteous
judgment. You would all do well to abide by the same faith as I, the same that
was delivered unto the saints of old. In that we will all avoid much trouble in
being rebuked by our Lord or by the servants He sends; the wisemen, prophets
and scribes of His own household.
About Praying for your Country’s Leaders
We have been praying and praying and praying for our
Nation’s leaders and to what end? Isn't it obvious to you that very few of God’s chosen are left and still working the true fields of
harvest? What more is there left to do but to pray God’s will for your own life
- each and everyone one of you? Rather, pray that God’s will be done here on
earth as it is in heaven for all humanity. Pray the Lord’s will over your own
for God’s sake! The more we pray for our corrupted leaders the more they
deceive and rape us of our freedoms. They have become our enemies and unilaterally
stand against our Lord and His commitment to truth and selfless love. The time
is gone to repair our society; it's too late for that now. America is
already in a high-speed down spiral and is doomed because the judgments of GOD
are becoming ever more apparent in these last few years.
Has it occurred to any of you that there is only one
Nation on earth other than Israel
that established a legal covenant with GOD Almighty? Can you guess that it was America?
Despite the Masonic affiliations of many of America’s
founding forefathers, they still were Godfearing men and when America won her independence and drafted the US
Constitution and then later the Bill of Rights she (Land of Liberty)
made covenant with GOD. These precious documents and their guarantees are the
only thing worth fighting for. But this was to be a government by the people
and for the people. In more simple words, free men were given to self govern
and the elected officials we put in office were to serve us – not the other way
around! Over the years, the people of this once great republic have become lazy
and have allowed for law to be added upon law which having gone unchecked has
robbed us of the very freedoms we once held dear. Now the once free people of America are
enslaved all over again. No longer is the USA a “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave” but we have become a “Land of the Fee and the Home of Slaves.”
We did it to ourselves through our own complacency and contempt and are more a
divided country then we ever were during the Civil War era.
In these modern times men are still driven by their lust
and greed for power and the love of money and other resources seems to be the
driving factor. Somewhere along the line the elite ruling class began taking
over control of that which effects us all – our
economic resources and legislative branches. To many,
the pursuit of money equals happiness but if you are not among the elite you
will never have more than is sufficient to survive. The elite are growing
richer and gaining more and more power over the peoples at the expense of our
broken backs and suffering economy. Folks, this has got to end now!
Soon, very soon we will see a complete collapse, which
will inevitably level the playing field for all of us. The day will soon come
when a rich man’s wealth will not buy him the security he desires let alone a “bowl of porridge.” When anarchy rises
many will take to the streets and crime will rise rapidly and exponentially.
There is no way that all of the police and military agencies combined will be
able to control it all. Many will take the law into their own hands and food
and utilities will become scarce. It won’t take much to send us back into the
Stone Age. Just how much do you think your dollar is actually worth nowadays?
Do ya like paying $4.00/gal. at
the pump? How do ya like the price of milk filled with all those dangerous
growth hormones? Do you think drinking water is safe anymore? Who actually owns
their home or property? What do you think is being sold off to other countries
to pay our long overdue deficit? Did ya know that the re-wilding of parts of America’s
natural habitats is being offered up as unencumbered and undeveloped lands to
other nations we are indebted to? That is all that America has left to offer for her
multi trillion dollar deficit. Homosexuals have more rights and freedoms than
the Godfearing. The sodomites can have special interest clubs in high school
and engage in their own little special interest activities yet Christian youth
are being told “No” at the office of student affairs. States are now
legislating “Gay Marriage” partnerships. This is an ABOMINATION! Judgment is due America because she has forsaken
her pledge to GOD!
The tribulation is soon to begin. Be alert and do
not doze off under the shady oak. "The writing is on the wall"
so to speak and now is the time where we must make a committed separation from
all that which is being judged and surrender fully to a loving GOD assisting
others that are now experiencing the long anticipated failures of a bankrupt
economy, juggling their survival on credit that does not exist, loosing their
homes and manufacturing jobs to overseas investors and watching the States
redefine the institution of marriage and morality. The time has come to take a
firm stand against all this degradation and refuse participation in the lesser
of two or more evils. Refuse to participate in all her evil people!
The Spirit of God in me cries out, "Get out from under her my people and
let her shame be exposed for she will be trodden upon in the streets and all
the people will forget the glory she once boasted. America is destitute and her
citizenry have become enslaved to her harlotry and indifference. Now for the
want of peace which she desires more than righteousness she shall be delivered
over to her own enemies hands once again and fall from
grace before the whole world. No longer does she stand for truth, justice and
righteousness as she once did. All the people will see her shame and remember
her no more. Do not advocate or participate in her immoral agenda. Make a
separation from her lest you end up with blood on your own hands!
“You are
witnesses to the end of her unbridled democracy and undisciplined freedoms. You
have failed to hold your own elected leaders accountable for all the detestable
things, which they have done under the sun, and in the light of day. I can
easily forgive you for that which you did not know or have not seen but for the
crimes you have witnessed and your failure to practice accountability I hold
you responsible. Your nation was designed to be a government by the people and
for the people. If you understood accountability as an act of love your leaders
would never have achieved such unbridled power but now they have become like
the Nicolaitians, which I hate and you are oppressed on every side. Come out,
come out wherever you are and separate from her my people and I will be your
GOD and you will be sons and daughters unto me," says the Spirit of GOD in
me. Nicholas
Scrolls 2008
Who are the Two Witnesses?
This has turned out to be a formidable question
indeed. I’ve been asked in the past and I have consistently replied with my
belief that the "two witnesses" will likely be Moses and Elijah. I
reasoned that when Jesus was seen with Moses and Elijah in the transfiguration,
it became clear to me that these two very significant representatives had the
ability to appear before human eyes. We also know that Moses pretty much
represents the LAW and Elijah was one prophet in history that seemed to exhibit
great power through his faith. In fact, the kind of power Elijah exhibited is
very similar to the description of power that the two witnesses will exhibit as
described in the book of Revelation.
I recently revisited the question and took a closer
look to see if there was something there in the message I had not seen before.
I scrutinized the Greek definitions as well and even read some commentaries too
to see what others are saying. Some believe that the two witnesses are
representatives of Christianity and others see that both Judaism and
Christianity are being represented. I think if the message of the two witnesses
is speaking of God's children as a whole then it makes more sense to view the
two witnesses as the two groups represented in Judaism and Christianity. However,
let us stay focused on the two fundamental groups and call them what they are
in proper perspective.
Instead of “Israel”
let’s call the first witness Judaism. They are the first chosen.
Instead of the Church let’s call the second witness
the faithful in Christ (true followers).
The Revelation to John calls them the "two
olive trees." Now if you stop and think about it, this is truly
significant because something as great as two olive trees is much more than two
mere individuals or branches of a tree. Here is why... If a branch only bears a
couple of fruits then a whole tree by comparison will produce a truckload of
fruit. How much greater is the yield from two olive trees?
Revelation 11:3-4 “And I will give unto my two
witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days,
clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks
(luchnia), standing before the Lord
of the earth.”
In addition to the two witnesses being symbolically
represented as two olive trees they are also called two candlesticks (luchnia), which give light. Apparently
these two witnesses stand before the GOD of the whole Earth. Where else were
candlesticks referred to in the Book of Revelation? Revelation 1:12-13 “And
I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven
golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto
a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at
the breasts with a golden girdle.”
The candlesticks are literally referring to "golden
lamp stands" and the next verse says that Jesus stands in the
midst of them. Do you think it a mere coincidence that after the "Seven
Churches" in Asia are introduced
the following verses give us the symbolic representations of these Churches as
being "Seven Golden Lamp Stands" a.k.a. "Candlesticks?" After
careful consideration here I believe scripture is revealing two specific groups
not mere individuals.
After further careful and prayerful consideration of the
symbolism used it makes complete sense that in the time of the end, there would
only be two witnesses (representative groups) standing who are willing to
acknowledge Jesus the Christ as Lord and Savior. The biblical references point
to the two witnesses as being two Churches. How do we know that this isn't the
time when God gives Israel
a "new heart?" If you stop
and think about it, enough biblical fulfillment will have already taken place
to convince non believing Jews that Jesus really was the Messiah the first time
around and the Word of God is still being fulfilled... right down to the last
jot and tittle. If this is how the two witnesses are truly being represented
then it stands to reason they will be the same that get killed and left to die
on the streets. If that is the case then I presume it will be because devout
Jews and faithful Christians will have been putting up some resistance trying
to separate from the worldly crowd doing everything possible to avoid detection
and keep from taking the mark or even being hauled off to prison compounds.
Are we not already experiencing some resistance
folks? Do we not know what difficult days lie ahead
for us who refuse to take the mark? Am I not one who has known for a very long
time that it is going to get really rough for us who truly believe? Do ya think I'm gonna lay down and just let my Lord's enemies have
their way with me without a fight? Is it no wonder I've been in an end
time’s preparation mode recently? It's gonna get real rough brethren - you can
count on it. Furthermore, I will again remind you that the scriptures promise
us that "Judgment begins with
the household of God."
This is going to be our greatest test and only those
who have endured and learned from their personal experiences of "long
suffering" are going to be effectively equipped to endure the
forth-coming hardships. Rather than thinking I might be crazy consider that
little known gift of prophecy may be working through me right now and at this
very moment.
As far as the power that the two witnesses seem to
exhibit, it stands to reason that the power God grants is made stronger and
manifests itself greatly when "two or more are gathered in
agreement." Maybe that's what we’re all waiting for... the moment
when "Israel" recognizes Yeshua
as God's true Son and Messiah. “If GOD is with us then who can
stand against us?” This passage of Revelation in chapter eleven
goes on to promise recompense against all that would do us harm. The passage
also makes clear that the power given us is very short-lived and only temporary
lasting 1260 days. Though we die in our resistance against the enemies of God,
we are promised resurrection and eternal life, both from among the dead and the
living.
Jesus made
clear the definition of what we are as true believers in Christ. See Matthew
5:14-15 “Ye are the light of
the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men
light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it
shineth unto all that are in the house.”
Revelation 1:20 “the mystery
of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden
candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the
seven candlesticks “luchnia” are seven churches.”
Please note that the seven candlesticks also called lamp
stands are referred to in the Greek as “luchnia.”
The same word is being used to describe the "churches" (ekklesia) in
both passages. Now the correct context are the
faithful of the stated church not all the majority of pretenders visible today.
Furthermore, in foot notes of my Bible when speaking of the two witnesses
directly in chapter 11, the word witnesses
is foot noted back to Rev. 1:5 & 2:14 making a clear distinction of who we
are being told is representative of the two witnesses which again are called
candle sticks or lamp stands.
Revelation 1:5 “and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful
witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;”
This passage therefore clearly speaks of Jesus being the first faithful witness
so it stands to reason that a Church associated with Christ Jesus would have to
be called the "faithful in
Christ." This Church is clearly one of the two witnesses.
The second of the two witnesses has to be from among
the faithful in Judaism. See chapter 2 where the church of Pergamos
is warned to repent and note how old that particular church is dating back to
the time of Antipas, God’s faithful servant. These are Jews and they are being
promised salvation if they repent of their sins. Notice that their own sins, are related to abandoning the law of sacrifices. Let's
face it, no good Jew would abandon the law of
sacrifice if they were truly a devout Jew and keeper of the law. Clearly if
they can remove themselves from the influence of Balak and the Nicolaitanes
then they will have mercy from the Lord and be given a “new name” which no one will know
except he who receives it.
This makes my long-standing argument of there being only
two significant resurrection events that much stronger. They're is one just
prior to the battle of Armageddon and the other takes place at or towards the
end of the new millennium. This is what the Bible
teaches. I am not sorry that it once again totally throws out any possibility
of a fictitious pre-tribulation rapture. The "blessed hope"
in all this is that by our being faithful unto Christ through our deaths we
will live eternal with Him in the Father's Kingdom. Jesus had to love, honor
and obey the Father's directive and then die selflessly for our sakes. I
believe that the Father, our Lord in heaven expects the same from all whom He
will call sons and daughters. There is no partiality with GOD so why should we
expect to be treated differently than Jesus?
May our GOD bless you who believe and those who have
ears to hear and those who respond faithfully to the voice of GOD and do what
they must without consideration of their own lives and comfort.
We need more men who will take strong stands against unrighteousness and do
what is right and just so that the examples of obedient sons to GOD may
continue to manifest before all the peoples of the earth and by it GOD would be
glorified! AMEN
Spoken with bold sincerity and love for the truth in
Christ Jesus,
Nicholas A. Stivers a humbled Godfearing disciple, scribe and messenger
http://nicholas-scrolls.com