Understanding The New Covenant

Understanding  The New Covenant

 

Colossians 2: 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,  17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

Eph 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,  15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,  16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

There are many groups today that are teaching that God requires Christians to be Torah observant, but this is contrary to Scripture. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law and wiped out the requirements of it, as well as taken it out of the way, through his death upon the cross (Col 2:14-17).  The Lord’s atonement provided for a new covenant that is based upon faith, as well as grace (unmerited favor).  The Law given to Moses by angels was necessary to teach us about sin, it was our school master, and as children the Israelites were kept by it, but as children they were also slaves to it (Gal 3:19-25).  But through Christ’s atonement upon the cross we have now been justified by faith, and are no longer slaves to the Law, but free men, who are sons, heirs of God (Gal 4:1-7). To put the heavy yoke of the Mosaic Law upon the necks of free men is to bring them under bondage, as well as a curse (Gal 3:10-14). The apostle Paul said that to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage by trying to be justified by the Law, will make you estranged from Christ, as well as fallen from grace.

 Gal 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.  3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.  4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.  5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Under the old covenant of the Law, men were required to be circumcised, as a sign of being in covenant with God, but the sign of being in covenant with Christ today, is water baptism. Through water baptism we proclaim, as well as identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Under the old covenant, if a person was caught in adultery they would be stoned to death, but Christ said, that he who is without sin cast the first stone. Also, Christ taught that the old custom of eye for an eye, or tooth for a tooth, was replaced by turning the other cheek when slapped or wronged. Also, the dietary laws of the old testament were set in place to symbolize sin, but all food is declared to be clean through prayer, (Mark7:14-23) (1 Timothy 4:1-5) (Rom 14:1-6).

 I have never met a truly Torah observant person in my life. If a person buys a shirt that is a mix of polyester and cotton he is in violation of Torah, or a farmer raises two different crops within the same field, he is also in violation of Torah. If your house has mold in it, you are required to burn it down according to the Mosaic Law. I could go on and on with many examples of how it is impossible to keep the old Law.

 The early new testament Christians, as well as Christians  today, were and are, being influenced by those who teach that we are required to keep the Mosaic law.  The Apostles and Elders of the church at Jerusalem, under the leadership of James, the brother of Christ, made a decree concerning this matter. They were all in agreement, that the keeping of the Law should not be required of the Gentile Christians. They only asked that they would abstain from sexual immorality, eating food sacrificed to idols, eating of things strangled, as well as, the consumption of blood.  No further requirements were put upon these new converts.  But the new testament is clear that we need to be born again in order to be truly saved.  To be born again, we must repent and turn away from our sins, as well as, live a separated lifestyle from that of the sinful world.  We must truly make Jesus Christ the Lord of every area of our lives. The Law and the Prophets are fulfilled in one statement, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, body, and soul, as well as love your neighbor as yourself.  Below, I have listed the Scriptures addressed in this writing.    

 The Jerusalem Decree

Acts15:19  Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,  20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.  21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” 22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. 23 They wrote this letter by them:  The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment—  25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,  26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.  28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:  29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

 

Galatians 3:1  O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?  2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

Galatians 3: 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”  11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”  12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

 Purpose of the Law

Galatians 3: 19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.  20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.  22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.  24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Galatians 4: Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all,  2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.  3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.  4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born  of a woman, born under the law,  5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”  7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Two Covenants

Galatians 4: 1 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?  22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman.  23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise,  24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—  25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—  26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.  27 For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband.” 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.  29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.  30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.”  31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.

Galatians 5: 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.  3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.  4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.  5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Galatians 5: 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

 

Dietary laws

Mark 7: 14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” 17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him,  19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?”  20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,  22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,  2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,  3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.  4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;  5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Romans 14:1  Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.  2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.  3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.  4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.  6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

 

Islamic Terrorism Threat

 

Islamic Terrorism Threat 

Recently, we witnessed the horrific attacks in France that was carried out by Islamic extremists. One week prior to these attacks, the Lord warned me about them. These type of attacks are very small in comparison to what is coming upon the world soon. We also witnessed the crash of a Russian passenger plane in the Sini Peninsula of Egypt, in which over 200 people died, it is believed that this plane was most likely brought down by a bomb, or a surface to air missile. In response, Russia has prohibited all flights from Egypt from entering their country. The Islamic State terrorist group has declared Jihad (holy war) on every nation that is opposing them in Syria, as well as Iraq.  Around a year ago, the Lord gave me a dream that Islamic terrorist groups would shortly begin to carry out attacks here in America, and some of the attacks would eclipse 911. The Lord specifically named the Islamic State terrorist group, but he also made it clear that they would not be working alone. God’s hand of protection is being removed from America, because America has removed God from their lives. God is also not pleased with the brutal war campaign that America, as well her allies, waged against Iraq and Afghanistan. This war was unjustified in the eyes of God and judgment will be the result. Another reason for the soon coming judgment is the legalization of gay marriage, the Lord told me over four years ago that the Supreme Court would make gay marriage the law of the land and that judgment would soon follow. This country has become Sodom and Gomorrah, how can we expect God’s blessing or favor.

 The Lord also showed me that the result of Islamic terrorism, will be an economic collapse. There will also be an unsuccessful revolution by some groups against the government. This will eventually be put down, but it may lead to martial law. I believe that Russia will most likely strike America during this time of chaos, when America is most vulnerable. We will be plunged into war and eventually China will join Russia in this war. China will one day occupy this nation, as a new world order comes on the scene. Those who are wise, will prepare for this time and should seek God as to where to relocate to. Get out of the cities ASAP, and go remote!

 I love America and I pray for my country. This nation, was founded as a Christian nation, and once it was a light to the entire world, but now America has gone after strange gods, and has removed God, as well as his laws, from sight and sound. As a nation, we need to repent, and seek after God, and return to the Father who has blessed and prospered this nation, but this will not happen. The sun is going down upon mankind and the twelfth hour is now upon us. For more information, please read my posting entitled, War, Famine and Endtime Preparation. http://twelfthhourendtimeministries.blogspot.com/2015/01/war-famine-and-endtime-preparation.html

 

 First Seal: The Conqueror

Rev 6:1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.”  2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

Second Seal: Conflict on Earth

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

 

Third Seal: Scarcity on Earth

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.  6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”

 

Fourth Seal: Widespread Death on Earth

7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.”  8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

 

Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs

9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.  10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”  11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

 

Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.  13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.  14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.  15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,  16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!  17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”    

Dream of the Pilgrim

 

 

Dream of the Pilgrim

 

On August 2, the Lord gave me a dream similar to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. Although the dream was not as long or as detailed, as Bunyan’s dream, it was at least two hours in length. I will give a condensed version of the dream. As the dream began, I was looking down upon a ship that appeared to be from the Colonial era. Then I was standing within the ship talking to my wife, I explained to her that we were in Plymouth, Massachusetts and the ship was a reproduction of the Mayflower. We then discussed how America was founded as a Christian nation, as well as how most Americans have removed God from sight and sound in order to pursue their own pleasures. I also understood that Christians are pilgrims passing through this world, with the responsibility of sharing the Gospel with the unsaved.

Then I noticed a large staircase ascending into the air with many rooms attached at different levels. I began to ascend the staircase, and I entered a room that resembled a ballroom filled with people dressed in formal attire. I was told by the Lord that these people were lovers of pleasure more than of God, and most of them never read a single verse from the Bible in their life. I then noticed that many of the people were carrying glasses of wine in their hands, and most were drunk.
 
Then I entered a room filled with men drunk from the wine of sin, and there was broken glass everywhere. Many of the men were passed out, and some were dead. Then the Lord said to me that the wages of sin is death.
Then I entered another room filled with men that had lost all hope and they were very depressed. I could feel their despair and it was quite overwhelming, it gave me a strong sense of compassion for these men. The Lord said that this was the place of despair, and true peace was found only in a relationship with him.
 Then I noticed a room at the very top of the staircase, and it was very high in the air. I entered the room, and I noticed a pulpit with three crosses engraved on it, as well as altars for kneeling all around the room.  Above the room there was no ceiling, only a beautiful sky filled with the golden light of God’s glory. The Lord said to me that this was the place of repentance and new birth. I understood that if a person would repent of their sins, as well as put their faith in Christ, that they would experience true peace, as well as joy, and would discover the true meaning of life. Then I departed the room and began to descend the staircase.

I then noticed a man climbing the staircase toward the upper room, he was covered with leprosy, and he stank with a pungent body odor from sin. I felt unconditional love for this man and I would do anything I could to help him, I didn’t care what he looked like or the smell that came from his body.  I reached out my arm to him and asked if I could give him a hand.  I helped pull him up, and I gave him a hug, and told him that I loved him. I told him that I knew what was in the upper room, and he replied, “Don’t tell me, I must find out for myself.” Then before the man ascended the staircase to this upper room, I told him that things were going to get a whole lot better! Then the Lord told me that after this man repented of his sins and experienced the new birth, he would be healed from sin, as well as given a white garment.  This was the end of dream.

 I awoke from this dream in tears, because I could feel the
love that God has for his creation. I understood that God loved mankind so much that he was willing to leave his throne in Glory and become a man and die on the cross for us. The Lord is willing to forgive us of all of our sins, no matter how big they are if we will repent of them, repentance means to turn away from them. The Lord is very patient, as well as merciful with each of us, he gives us time to grow in our Christian walk. We enter the Kingdom of God as a baby, we learn to walk by taking baby steps at first, we also start off on milk, then eventually we mature to strong meat. The Lord does not expect perfection, but he does expect us to grow spiritually, as well as to produce good fruit (Galatians 5). We are also called to be set apart from the sinful world, if a person is truly born again it will show in their lifestyle. Also consider these Scriptures.

 1 John 1: 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Timothy 6: 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Cor 7:10  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Luke 15:7  I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

  1 Cor 6: 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,  10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.                 

The Finish Line

The Finish Line

 

Most churches today are not teaching their people the truth in regard to salvation. They are taught that by simply reciting the sinner’s prayer that they are saved and the angels are singing in Heaven. The sinner’s prayer is a great prayer when done in sincerity, but this alone does not save a person’s soul, it is just the beginning. Most churches today are not teaching their people to repent of their sins and to be born again. To be born again, a person must become a new creation in Christ, and this means to be set apart from the world and unto God. The Apostle Paul addressed his letters to the saints in Christ, the word saint means, set apart ones, so Paul’s letters were to the set apart ones. In Romans chapter six Paul teaches that we are not to continue in sin but we must live for Christ. If Jesus Christ is truly the Lord of your life then his attributes will be apparent in your life. Christ said that any tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Also note, that in the following verse Paul said that we are being saved, therefore we must never become complacent in our spiritual walk .  2 Cor 2:15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

 

This life of probation, may be compared to running a race. We run this race of life hoping to obtain the prize, which is eternal life with God, but if we do not complete the race and cross the finish line, then all is lost. Even Paul said that if he didn’t discipline his body to bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Paul was saying that like a runner in a race keeps his body in good physical condition, we must also keep our spiritual body in good condition so that we might be able to cross the finish line and win our crown.  1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Christ said that those who endure unto the end shall be saved, if we fail to cross the finish line in victory, then all is lost. Matt 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. Matt 24: 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. The lukewarm church of the end time is preaching a greasy grace message that makes people feel good, instead of  teaching them the truth. When there is no distinction between the sinful world and the saints, then the salt has lost it’s savor and the truth has been turned into a lie. If we live, dress, talk, as well as act like sinners, then we are lost as well. Christ made atonement upon the cross for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for sins that are repented of. If we do not repent of willful sins, then there is no forgiveness. Atonement is not automatic, it follows repentance. No one is perfect of course, but we are called to righteousness, and this means to live right.

 

Many people profess to know God but deny him by their actions. If we know Christ then we should have the mind of Christ, as well as bear good fruit. Christ said that if you love him then you will obey his commandments.   Titus 1: 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.  15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.  16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

 

  Also, consider the parable of the sower of seed.   Matt 13: 18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:  19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.  20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;  21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.  22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.  23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” In this parable Christ illustrates how many people fall away from the faith because they have no strong root. The seed is the Word of God and many people don’t understand what they read and the wicked one (Satan) will deceive them and steal what was sown in their heart, these have fallen by the wayside. Others who have no root, endure for awhile, then fall away from Christ because of hard times, or persecution, or tribulation, these people may hold prominent positions within the church, or may have been professing Christians for years, but they usually blame God for some tragedy or circumstance in their life and fall away. I have known many people who have fallen away from Christ due to hardship. Others, the deceitfulness of riches or the cares of the world, choke the word and they become unfruitful. God’s Word teaches that the love of money is the root of all evil, but many of the television evangelists, as well as mega church leaders are into money worship and are leading the masses astray, the prosperity gospel is the polar opposite of the teachings of Christ. Christ said, that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of an needle, than for a rich man to enter Heaven. But he who received the seed on good ground, produced fruit, thirty, sixty or one hundred fold. Not every Christian will produce the same degree of good fruit, some may produce only 30 fold fruit, but they are still doing their best to pursue Christ. If we produce zero fruit then we are in serious trouble. The parable of the sower of seed, very clearly shows us that it is possible to fall away from Christ.

 

The Book of Revelation was given to the Apostle John by the angel of Jesus Christ. Within Revelation, Christ gave warnings to the various churches that they must keep the commandments of God or they would be cast away. In Rev 2:4 Christ told them that they had left their first love, he told them to repent, and do their first works over or he would remove their lampstand from it’s place. He also told the church of Sardis to repent, because their works, were not found to be perfect before God. Christ told the church of Laodicea that because they are lukewarm that he would vomit them out of his mouth. As you can see, the Word of God teaches us that it is very possible to fall from grace, due to sin, or lack of faith. It is time for the lukewarm churches to wake up and stop leading people astray. James states the truth very clearly, when he said that faith without works is dead.

 

Rev 2: 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

 

Rev 3:1  “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.  3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

 

Rev 3: 14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:  15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—  18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

        

Christian Marriage Principles

Christian Marriage Principles

 

Satan’s desire is to destroy the Christian family in order to ruin our testimony, as well as render us useless for God’s work. That is why it is important for our marriages to be grounded in Christ, for if Christ is the foundation, then when the storms of life come, our marriages will remain strong and unshakable. It is also important to remain clothed with the armor of Christ to be able to stand against the evil one in these dark times. Our society is trying to redefine marriage by legalizing gay marriage, but God is the author of the marriage covenant and he has determined that it is between a man and a woman. It is sad that in our public schools today, gay marriage is being endorsed, as well as encouraged, I believe that this is a sure sign of the end of the age.

Choosing the spouse that we will spend our life with is the most important decision that we will ever make, only our relationship with the Lord is of more importance. That is why we should seek the Lord with fasting and prayer concerning whom we choose. It is also very important to thoroughly get to know the person before making that lifetime commitment. I have known young people who were in such a hurry to get married that they hardly knew their spouse and then suffered the consequences. It is a good idea for most people to get pre-marriage counseling from their Pastor or another Christian counselor before walking down that aisle. Spiritual, as well as emotional maturity is very important to a stable marriage. Women want a man to be confident, strong, as well as be a spiritual and physical leader, and men want a woman to be nurturing, loving, supportive, and Christ centered.

A Christian should be loyal to their spouse in every way and should never flirt with the opposite sex. I have witnessed many married people flirt with others in the workplace and it is very disturbing. Many of these people were professing Christians and one was even a pastor in his fifties. We live in a very promiscuous society where people are bound by lust, and believe that there is grace for everything. Many believe that it is okay for a married person to have friends of the opposite sex but this is seldom innocent. I have witnessed these friendships between professing Christians of the opposite sex and it always led to an emotional bonding, and the men always developed feelings for the woman. Your spouse is the person that you should be emotionally bonded to, not Joe or Sally in the workplace. Fraternization is the first step toward adultery.

Our so-called progressive society has blurred the roles of men and women. A man is called by God to be the leader of the family and his wife is called to be submissive to him, but our society calls these old fashioned values archaic. I don’t believe that a husband should be abusive or a dictator to his wife, but should love her as his own body and be willing to give his life for her, Ephesians 5:22-25.  A spouse should put the needs of their mate before their own, as well as be tender hearted towards them. If biblical principles are applied to a marriage there will be harmony. Wives should honor their husbands and allow them to be the leader of the household and never be condescending or controlling. And children should respect their parents and not try to rule over them. A big reason for the dysfunctionality of the family today is due to what people view on television, as well as the internet. The liberal culture is shaping the lives of our children, and many men are addicted to pornography because of this technology.

Another big problem today is that families don’t spend quality time together. Our lives are busy and quite often both parents work and our children are being raised by babysitters, as well as television. Most jobs today require a person to be married to them instead of their spouse. If possible, a mother should stay home and raise her own children and the father should take a job where he has the time to spend with his family. Most kids today seldom see their fathers and this is not God’s plan for the family. Work is honorable but a paycheck cannot replace a parent. Sometimes it is better to live in a smaller house and drive a cheaper car in order to have more time with your family. Below is a list of scriptures on marriage.

 1 Cor 7: 1 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

1 Cor 7: 10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

Ephesians 5:22  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

The Afterlife

 

 

The Afterlife

 

There are two prevailing views of the afterlife. One is called soul sleep, it teaches that the soul/spirit of a person goes into temporary extinction after the death of the body until the resurrection, the other teaches that the soul/spirit goes immediately to Paradise or Hell. Both views, are considered to be orthodox within Christianity. I believe that the Bible clearly teaches that the soul/spirit of a person survives the death of the body and we will examine what the Bible teaches. 

First, I would like to share two visions that I have had of Paradise. After spending some time in prayer, I fell asleep and I found myself standing in the most beautiful garden I have ever seen. The grass was very lush green and full of all types of flowers, and everything glowed with a white celestial light. There were also many trees, of all varieties and I saw butterflies, as well as heard birds singing. The colors were more vivid than anything that I have ever seen on earth. There was a bright blue sky overhead and I heard angels singing above me, but could not see them. I could hear the gentle, soft, strumming of harps, and the angels were singing, “holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come”. I then woke up from this experience wishing that I could remain in this place forever. I understood in the vision that this was the abode of the departed spirits, awaiting their resurrection. 

The second vision that I have had of Paradise occurred around a year later. Both visions, were given me due to the death of family members. The second vision also occurred while I was asleep. I dreamed that I was standing on a cliff overlooking a beautiful sea that was smooth as glass in appearance. There was a very comforting warm breeze blowing on me from this sea. The sky was glowing with many colors similar to a sunset, but without a sun, because God gives the light upon his celestial kingdom. I saw people dressed in white robes conversing with one another, in what appeared to be an amphitheater next to the sea. I recognized some of the people to be departed family members. Everyone appeared to be in their twenties, as well as perfect in appearance. These night visions confirmed to me what many others have shared with me over the years. I have had six co- workers share with me their near death experiences at varies different jobs that I have worked, also my late mother had many visions of the afterlife. 

I do not believe in eternal torment, because God is not a monster, he will not torture a person for all eternity. I believe that Hell (Sheol, Hades), is the prison where unsaved souls are kept until judgment day. I believe that this prison may have different sections or levels of punishment. I have talked to different people who experienced Hell during a near death experience, and they all described Hell as a very cold, dark pit. Although the apocryphal books are not canon, they show us that the Old Testament Jews very much believed that the soul of a person went to Sheol at death, to either Paradise or prison to await their resurrection. 

  The Bible teaches that after the thousand year reign of Christ on earth, Hell will give up it’s dead for the great white throne judgment. Every man will be judged according to his works, and everyone who’s name is not written in the Lamb’s book of life will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death. It says that both Hell, as well as the unsaved will experience this second death. I believe that this destruction of Hell, as well as the unsaved souls is extinction, not eternal torment. The words forever or eternal in the original Greek language of the New Testament, is better translated as a final decree or an irrevocable judgment. In other words, when you read eternal fire or being tormented forever, it is referring to a judge lowering his gavel and decreeing his final judgment, not literally burning forever. The Bible mentions smoke ascending forever and ever in the description of the destruction of Babylon, but we know that Babylon is not still burning, this is indicating a final judgment or eternal decree. In Jude, we read of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as described as suffering the vengeance of eternal fire, but we know that these cities are not still burning today. Jude 1:7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Once again, eternal fire means an irrevocable decree. The Bible mentions the destruction of the unsaved souls many times within both the old, as well as the new testament, and this will occur at the great white throne judgment.  Ezekiel 18: 4 “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die. Matt 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 

 

I would now like to give scriptural evidence against the soul sleep doctrine. The Apostle Paul said that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  2 Cor 5:6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.  8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.  10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Paul also said that he was hard pressed whether to remain in the flesh, or to depart and be with Christ. Philippians 1:22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  23 For  I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.  24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. These scriptures prove that Paul believed that the soul of the Christian went immediately to Christ at death. Paul also mentions a man who was caught up into Paradise in the third heaven. 2 Cor 12: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.  3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—  4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ said to the thief on his right hand, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise”. Luke 23: 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?  41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”  42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” The Lord also gave us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus died, and was carried by the Angels to Abraham’s bosom (Paradise). The rich man also died, and was tormented in a flame in Hell. Abraham and the rich man carried on a conversation and Abraham said to him, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” This passage is clearly speaking of conscious souls having dialogue in Sheol. Abraham even mentions that some will not be persuaded even though one rise from the dead. Yet some Christians claim this passage is speaking of after the resurrection, but anyone who reads this literally knows otherwise.   

Luke 16: 19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.  20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,  21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.  23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’  25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.  26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house,  28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’  29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’  30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’  31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”  

When Christ died, he descended into Sheol and preached the gospel to the souls in prison who were disobedient during the time of Noah. These unsaved souls died during the flood of Noah but were given the chance of salvation after death.  1 Peter 3: 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

1 Peter 4: 6 For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

These scriptures prove that the soul/spirit survives the death of the body and goes directly to Paradise or prison to await the resurrection of the body. God Bless!

The Judgment Upon Gay Marriage

Although I have compassion for the families of the shooting victims in Orlando, I feel that I must repost this teaching. The news media is using the situation in Orlando to advance the homosexual agenda, and Christians must speak out against this before it is too late.

A major sign of the end of the age is the legalization of same-gender marriage. Every great empire in history that has accepted the homosexual lifestyle as being normal has fallen within a generation. Marriage is a holy union between a man and a woman that is sanctioned by God and should not be perverted. Around five years ago, the Lord spoke to me that gay marriage was a slap to his face and that the Supreme Court would make gay marriage the law of the land, and judgment would soon come thereafter. Today, we have seen this word come to pass, Barrack Obama asked the Supreme Court to legalize gay marriage nationwide, and now gay marriage has become a reality. We have witnessed the federal government override the will of the people and prove that our votes are meaningless. It is unconstitutional for a federal or a state judge to override an issue that the citizens of a state have voted against; this is tyranny. The states are gradually losing their autonomy to a federal government that has no regard for the constitution or the will of the people.

The Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as the surrounding cities because of their wickedness, Genesis 19:1-29. The Bible tells us that the men of Sodom lusted after the angels of God who were sent to deliver Lot and his family out of Sodom; they demanded that the angels be brought to them so that they might have sexual relations with them. In response to their wickedness, the angels smote them with blindness, then led Lot and his family out of Sodom prior to God raining fire and brimstone upon the city. The New Testament book of Jude tells us that God destroyed these cities specifically because of the sin of homosexuality (strange flesh), to make them an example for all time.  Jude 1:7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

 God does not consider homosexuality to be a small issue, but rather a grave sin. God’s Word teaches us that homosexuality is an abomination to God, this means that it is detestable or an insult to God. Many people today say that God made people homosexual and that God does not make mistakes. God does not make anyone homosexual, homosexuality is a perversion like pedophilia, or bestiality. This is like saying that God made people adulterers or sex addicts. We live in a fallen world where people allow themselves to be corrupted by entertaining sin. Homosexuality is a spiritual bondage from which people can be delivered. I have met people that were delivered from homosexuality and are now straight, as well as married. Christ died upon the cross to set the captive free and through sincere repentance, the bondage of homosexuality can be broken. A person can be saved, delivered, and made clean through faith, repentance, and perseverance.

Homosexuality is not a civil rights issue, as some believe. Many liken it to the racial inequality issues of the sixties, but it is an issue of sexual perversion, not race. Christians however, should show the love of Christ to homosexual people in order to win them over to the truth, which can set them free. Hate, name-calling, or violence should be condemned, as well as abhorred. Below, is a list of scriptures that address homosexuality.

Romans 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Lev 20:13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

Deut 22:5 “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.

1 Cor 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,p nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Timothy 1:8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,

Jude 1:7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

War, Famine, and Endtime preparation

War, Famine, and Endtime preparation

 

Many Christians are asleep, in regard to the apocalyptic events that will soon unfold. It is crucial that we fast and pray for God’s direction in how to prepare for the hard times ahead. The Lord showed me in a series of dreams, as well as visions and words, that our economy will soon tank and this will cause panic in the streets. During this time of fiscal unrest, there will be terrorist attacks against this nation from Islamic groups and some of the attacks will eclipse 911. And when there is chaos everywhere, the Russians will take advantage of the situation and they will strike America with small yield nuclear weapons that will initiate world war three, and later China will also join Russia in this war. And eventually China will occupy this land.

 The great war to come, will also cause a famine greater than this world has ever known.  The Lord told me that people will eat their pets, as well as each other. The Lord also showed me that it is crucial that Christians relocate to very remote areas in order to protect their families, as well as their food supply. During this time of war and famine people will be desperate to feed their families and they will kill you for your food, as well as supplies. Out of necessity, people will eventually consume all of the natural resources, including all the wildlife. In Revelation chapter six we read about the four horseman of the apocalypse. The white horse is symbolic of Christ who executes his righteous judgments, then we read of the red horse which is war, followed by the black horse of famine with scales in his hand, then the pale horse of death and Hades follows. As you can see from God’s Word, war is followed by worldwide famine. Also, the time will come when money will be worthless and no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark, number, or name of the beast. It is crucial that Christians prepare asap, for sudden destruction will come and most people will be unprepared.

As I stated previously, we need to be in prayer, as well as fasting for direction from the Lord as to where to relocate to ride out the storm. The Lord has instructed me to relocate to a place of true wilderness, away from all towns and human population. The time will soon come when Christians will need to band together and share their resources in order to survive. In the book of Acts, we read where the early church did exactly this. Those who had an abundance shared with those who lacked, so that everyone’s needs were met, and the Apostles distributed the food accordingly. I believe that this type of community will be necessary once again.

 Mountains can serve as a barrier between populated areas and wilderness, as well as slow down human traffic. I believe that remote mountainous areas are ideal for survival. I would recommend very tall mountains, like the Rockies, or the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia Canada. It is also necessary to live near a good water source, such as a lake, river, or year round creek. It is also a good idea to live near plenty of trees, for firewood, as well as building materials. I would also recommend stockpiling as much food as you can. The dehydrated foods with a shelf life of thirty or forty years are ideal. I believe that it is a good idea to hide your food underground  if possible. It is also a good idea to learn as much as possible about farming, gardening, hunting and fishing. The time will come when there will be no more electricity, gasoline or grocery stores to depend on. When the war comes, society will be set back to primitive conditions.

 According to government sources, if one nuclear bomb were to be set off in the stratosphere above the central United States, it would create an electromagnetic pulse that would knock out the national power grid, as well as all electronic devices and most cars. It would take over a century to get it up and running again. Also according to government sources, if this occurs, ninety percent of the American population will die within one year. Most people are dependent upon Wal-Mart for food and supplies. We all drive cars to work, and trucks, trains, and planes are necessary for transport of food etc. All of our modern conveniences that we take for granted, will come to an end. That is why it is important to learn how to survive.

 I personally believe that the Lord will take care of his children in wilderness locations in the same way that he cared for the Israelites in their wilderness. I believe that nuclear radiation will not affect God’s elect. I also believe that we will once again, see the same type of miracles that we read about in Exodus, as well as Acts. That is why we must learn to live by faith, and not fear, but like Noah did, we need to prepare our ark of safety according to God’s direction.         

 

The truth about the Rapture

 

There is much controversy as to the timing of the rapture, but God’s Word is very clear on this subject and we will explore what it really teaches. This is not a subject that should divide us, but it is critical that we be informed of the truth. The pre-tribulation rapture viewpoint is very dangerous because it teaches people that there is no need to prepare for the tribulation, or hard times ahead, because God is going to rapture you up to Heaven for seven years, then return again to establish his kingdom. This man made doctrine is contrary to God’s Word, and was created by taking scripture out of context, as well as making scriptures jump through many hoops in order to bring about a man pleasing belief.

The Lord Jesus Christ himself told us exactly when he will return, as well as when he will send forth his angels to gather the elect. Christ said that immediately after the tribulation of those days he would return and gather his elect unto himself. NKJV Matt 24:29  “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ³⁰ Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ³¹ And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  Christ said what he meant and was not speaking metaphorically. The pre-trib doctrine teaches that this passage is in reference to the second coming of Christ, seven years after the ingathering of the saints, but Christ said that at this time, he would send out his angels to harvest the elect. This passage alone is enough to establish that the rapture and the second coming of Christ are the same event and that this will occur immediately after the tribulation.

 The Apostle Paul taught that we will not be caught up to meet the Lord in the air until the the dead are raised first, then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them. Paul did not say that we will be caught up to Heaven, but that we will meet the Lord in the air as he returns, this is our transformation into immortality. 1 Thess 4:13  But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Cor 15:51  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.   If we establish when the dead are raised, then we will know when the remnant who are alive, will be caught up and transformed. Christ said that he will raise the dead on the last day. John 6:39  This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. ⁴⁰ And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  Paul said that the dead are raised, and that we are caught up with them at the last trump. The last trump is a reference to the sounding of the seventh angel in the book of Revelation.  Rev 10:7  but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. Rev 11:15  Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” When the trump is sounded then it is said, “ The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ”. As you can see, God’s Word clearly teaches that the dead are raised on the last day, at the last trump.

Another interesting fact is that all those martyred within the Great Tribulation will have part in the first resurrection (resurrection of the righteous). If the rapture/resurrection occurred before the tribulation then they would have no resurrection. Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

God’s Word teaches us that he will protect many of his children in the wilderness during this time of tribulation, these will be the remnant that overcome and that will never see death.  Rev 12:13  Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. ¹⁴ But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. ¹⁵ So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. ¹⁶ But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. ¹⁷ And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

  God did not rapture Noah out of the earth, nor did he build the ark for him, rather he instructed him how to build the ark.  Noah was obedient to God and although it took him 120 years to build the ark, he did not give up. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. Like Noah, we need to be making preparations for the soon coming tribulation. I believe that the Lord is instructing people to prepare communities in remote wilderness areas for the time of trouble ahead. We all need to be seeking the Lord with much fasting and prayer concerning where to relocate. The cities, as well as populated areas are destined for judgment. This is not a time for fear but action. If we trust God as Noah did, then we will be obedient to him and follow his voice. God Bless!