After the May 22 tornado that ripped apart Joplin Missouri I became curious as to the meaning of the name Joplin and how the town was so named . . . which led me to several different places. Here basically are my notes with some intermingled thoughts of mine to share . . .
The aftermath: A 198mph tornado tore a path a mile wide and six miles long straight through Joplin, Missouri devastating all in its wake.
NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which includes more information and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<
Revelation 13:1 And I stood on the sand of the sea, and I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns. And on its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads was the name of blasphemy.
Revelation 17:1-2,5,15 And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials came and talked with me, saying to me, Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot sitting on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and became drunk with the wine of her fornication, those inhabiting the earth. …And on her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots, and of The Abominations Of The Earth. …And he said unto me, The waters which you saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
When considering the United States of America, (unless they live in Alaska or Hawaii), most Americans readily think of the contiguous 48 adjoining states on the continent of North America, south of Canada and north of Mexico. So when asked what waters does America “sit on,” the first answer is usually the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and Gulf of Mexico. Considering the Greek word that was translated “many” in verse two above for “many waters” has been translated in the New Testament 52 times as “great” and “much” 73 times, that would allow these three bodies of waters combined to qualify biblically as both “great” and “much” water; especially since just the Atlantic and the Pacific make up approximately 76 percent of the world’s oceans and together cover over 45 percent of combined surface area of the planet: oceans, water and land.
However, when we remember Alaska, we must also add the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea, the Chukchi Sea and the Beaufort Sea which rapidly increases the percentage. However, when we consider the foothold presence of American military has all over the world, we must agree that it sits on “many waters.” With military often deployed in 130-150 countries and over 160,000 active-duty personnel serving outside the United States and its territories and an additional 110,000 deployed in various contingency operations, without question American troops are spread across the globe and is sitting on many waters. These statistics vary slightly year to year, but according to a Department of Defense report for 2008, no other nation in the world has such widespread global military presence.
According to The Center for Research and Globalization, an independent research organization, “The United States Military is currently deployed to more locations than it has been throughout history.” We must also recognize that not only does the U.S. have military presence all over the world; it also maintains diplomatic relations with almost every country as well. According to a June 29, 2009 report from the State Department, there are 192 countries in the world and except for Bhutan, Cuba, Iran and North Korea; the United States has diplomatic relations with them all.
American Presidential foreign policies since the end of World War II and the restoration of Israel has impacted the rest of the world possibly more than any other nation in history, saving Israel itself. For again, we must not lose sight of the direct correlation between the seven-headed beast and Israel, both which “was, is not, and yet is.”
Many may want to protest out of patriotism and love for country that the impact has not all been bad, and demand acknowledgement of all the good America has done throughout the world. We’ve led in missionary work, administered foreign aid, and often defended weaker nations against the tyrannical intrusion of more powerful neighboring countries.
However, let’s consider each of these points. First, it is the Church of Jesus Christ that has sent the missionaries into the entire world, not America. Certainly, many of them were American based churches, but not all. And the principle remains true, that “to whom much is given, much is required.” Therefore since per capita American Christians are more prosperous than those in other countries, it is only right that they would be giving more to promote the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. However, it would be wrong to attribute the obedient works of the Church to the policies of state; they are distinctly separate and should always remain definably so.
This brings us to the second point, that America has administered foreign aid, not only in times of crisis, but in some situations on consistent bases with some impoverished countries. Certainly, not only can charity flow through the powers of government, it very well should. However, there is too often a huge contrast between the so-called charitable practices of governments and true biblical charity.
Biblical charity is synonymous with love. This means the motive behind the giving aid to others is a selfless concern with no expectation of something in return, for charity “does not behave indecently, does not seek her own.” That isn’t to imply there shouldn’t be a measure of gratitude from the recipients, however, when so much has been given conditionally to those in dire conditions, gratitude is often swallowed up by the recipient’s awareness that they’re plight is actually being exploited to manipulate them into submission. This can be seen in the expectancy of compliance of third world countries to align their own policies and/or to make strategic space available for the use and purpose of the greater.
The third point of defending weaker nations against the tyrannical intrusion of more powerful neighboring countries; this as well is often done out of self-serving motives. Se, the true test that many are too uncomfortable to admit is that true charity, the righteously motivated love and commitment for others, remains constant and unchangeable.
1st Corinthians 13:4 Charity has patience, is kind; charity is not envious, is not vain, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave indecently, does not seek her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil. 6 Charity does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth, 7 quietly covers all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. 8 Charity never fails.
That alone brings indictments against America for much of her foreign policies concerning our providing aid and defense for other countries, and especially towards Israel of late. For these reasons we need to acknowledge that the strategy of the adversary is first to mimic ways of God, though making promises he never intends to keep.
2nd Corinthians 11:14 Did not even Satan marvelously transform himself into an angel of light? 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.
For these reasons, and more discussed in “Before the Conclusion of the Seventy Weeks,” prior to the fulfillment of Daniel’s vision concerning, “Thy people and the holy city,” it is revealed that the Eighth Beast, together with “the great harlot sitting on many waters,” is going to fall.
Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
After one of the angels who had the seven vials explained to John the mystery of “the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many water,” he sees another angel descend from heaven, but this one comes with such great power and authority that the earth will be lightened with his glory. Now, whether this lighting of the earth is literal by the angel, or prophetic of something else correlated with the timing of his descent, we could only speculate. However, what we can be sure of is that the fall of Babylon the great into its perdition has begun at this time.
The motivation of God’s judgment against America is multi-faceted, but primarily it can be seen that because of the sins of America, this country “has become the habitation of devils.” The angel continues to declare that a deluge demonic power would ascend upon America as “unclean and hateful” birds in a “cage.” The use of the word “cage” might cause some conclude this implies their imprisonment, as the Greek word <phulake> translated here as “cage” in other scriptures has been translated “prison” or “prisons.” However, the same word has been translated “watch,” in the sense of keeping guard over that which has been committed to one’s care and oversight.
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch <phulake> over their flock by night.
Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch <phulake>, or come in the third watch <phulake>, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Therefore a careful examination of the text conveys the idea of an assigned or conquered territory whereby devils and unclean spirits are given power to ensnare the inhabitants of the land through their corrupt and seductive deceptions. Thus their presence and workings are witnessed by their descriptions as unclean and hateful birds, creatures of opportunity seeking easy prey where they might consume every seed of truth not buried deep in the heart of the hearer. For these reasons this verse has been by some translations that Babylon is not a “cage” or “prison,” but rather a stronghold for devils.
“It has become a dwelling place of demons, a haunt of every foul spirit, a haunt of every foul and hateful bird” Revised Standard Version.
“. . . is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird.” American Standard Version.
“. . . she has come to destruction and has become a place of evil spirits, and of every unclean spirit, and a hole for every unclean and hated bird.” Bible in Basic English.
“. . . has become the habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hated bird.” Darby Translation.
“. . . she became a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird.” Young’s Literal Translation.
“Now she is a dwelling-place of demons, A stronghold of every foul spirit, A stronghold of every foul and hateful bird.” Montgomery’s New Testament.
“She has become an abode of demons, a stronghold of every wicked spirit, a stronghold of every foul and hateful bird.” Twentieth Century New Testament.
“. . . has become a home for demons and a stronghold for every kind of foul spirit and for every kind of foul and hateful bird.” Weymouth’s New Testament.
The proclamation of the angel is simple, spiritual Babylon has fallen and been conquered and has therefore become the dwelling place and stronghold of fallen angels and demons. Prayer has been removed from public schools, students and teachers are being forbidden to publicly express their faith, reed their Bibles, or display Christian symbols, as the Ten Commandments are being outlawed and forbidden to be displayed in government buildings. Hidden from the eyes of the public flow rivers of innocent blood in sewers under cities all across the nation from the sacrifice of the unborn being slaughtered in abortion mills across the land, their carcasses sold or discarded in dumpsters. At the same time an ever-increasing number of disabled citizens, veterans, and aging parents are being banished into nursing homes under the guise of giving them “proper care,” robbing them of the love and honor God specifically commanded. So really, what could God do to intervene for such a nation when leaders in both the churches and government compromised and surrender everything to powers of darkness just as surely as did Adam? . . . and yet people love and fight for it to be so.
One hardly needs to labor to establish evidence to the increasing profane and malicious elements of the diverse cultures which brazenly contend openly with pride and arrogance against morality in America. Having now reached sixty years of age, I can remember stories from my youth about homosexuality existing, lurking out there yet for the most part still barely seen in society. Its existence and practices brought a sense of revulsion to contemplate that the evident natural order of a society’s continuance which depended upon a healthy family environment could be so polluted with such vile inordinate affections. The thought of one’s father having no affection for your mother, or even for other women, but rather lusting after another man was inconceivable.
I remember as a child hearing of the most profane indulgences of immorality and homosexuality, that a man would utilize what was of divine design for procreation (to which all nature bears witness was for the planting of life-bearing seed into a womb) and seek to be enjoined to another male through that orifice which bodily waste is discharged – such a thought was so revolting I was near certain it was only a myth cruelly designed to scare children. Yet now today the American armed forces are actively training its leaders on what to tolerate or discipline regarding public displays of affection by openly homosexual recruits as well as the Navy now allowing chaplains to perform same sex marriages in military chapels.
It really isn’t necessary to labor through the “hateful bird” aspect of verse 2, for this is a country that has truly perfected its ability to hate in so many ways, that there has even been legislation for “hate crimes.” Surely many of the readers will have similar stories to tell like my own, where having grown up in Miami we experienced race riots in school between “the whites and the blacks.” My early years were overly exposed to a spirit of hatred that was not necessarily learned at home. Add to that the influx of Cubans and Haitians in to Miami taking over local communities, and there was a prevailing amount of resentment and hatred on all sides. So much so, many lifelong residents left south Florida half-jokingly saying, “Will the last American-to leave please bring the flag.” When my time in the Air Force required my Cuban-wife and I to move to Idaho, we were both taken back by the extreme prejudice and hatred towards the local Indian populace. It just seems that it did not matter where you go, people apparently need to hate someone.
Having witnessed so much hatred I would normally be inclined to embrace the “hate crime” concept. However, it seems that the enforcement of it is prejudicially favorable to certain groups and is not equitably enforced for all. It would almost seem as if both the law and its enforcement were actually designed as a weapon of retaliation to be utilized by those who have risen to power to force their own immoral itinerary upon the rest of society.
Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
This verse is one of the primary reasons why I reject the theory that Eight Beast is the Roman Catholic Church. Where have all the “merchants of the earth waxed rich through the abundance of her [i.e. The Vatican or Catholicism’s] delicacies?” Seriously, the Catholic Church has not made anyone rich except those who have sold access to indulgences because of its own materialism and gluttonous spirit. But all the nations of the world with all their merchants have become extremely wealthy by their catering to the great consumer nation of the world, America where there is an unquenchable craving for materialism, fashion, entertainment and pleasures.
The mentality of entitlement has saturated all age groups and cultural backgrounds nowadays so much that the good old-time work ethic is virtually extinct. That doesn’t mean that nobody is willing to work, but rather that too many are working much harder at not working, seeking how to get as much as possible in exchange for minimal effort. The idea of true “fair trade,” meaning rendering a fair hard day’s work for a fair day’s wage has practically disappeared. America has become the habitation of embezzlers and purloiners; people who feel they deserved to be paid simply because they have to wake up and go to work and cannot just go and do the things they would rather do . . . and now here we are trillions and trillions of dollars in debt, and still spending with no end in sight.
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
The Bible teaches us that as Christians we are called to be separate from the world and to withdraw from the vain, dead “camp” of religiosity. If we are truly seeking to worship God in spirit and truth while perfecting holiness in the fear of God, then we must be distinct. However, I believe this call to “come out from among her” will soon become as necessary to literally obey geographically as it is to apply it to our lives daily spiritually. Yes, one day we might need to literally separate from this country’s social, economic, and religious systems if we are to successfully press into the Kingdom of our God and seek first His righteousness, for this is a warning to “come out” to escape those judgments ready to befall the Eight Beast as it falls headlong into perdition. To me this call is equivalent to these following passages admonishing believers of old-
Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance; He will render unto her a recompense.
Jeremiah 51:45 My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.
I know some believe this to be the rapture call, Christ’s coming and stealing away His bride, but I am persuaded it is a call of obedience intended to prove the hearts of the wheat living among the apostate tares. It is an admonishment to “come out from among them” as a final witness against them, that they have gone too far and now their judgment is imminently hanging in the balances, as they are found to be wanting. Prayerfully consider the words of Jesus when He sent forth the seventy giving them power to be witnesses of the Kingdom of God having come unto man.
Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, 11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. 16 He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me.
Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
This I am persuaded will be one of the last and greatest godly witness to unbelievers in the America, that the body of Christ is hereby being called to perform the same faith as father Abraham, to leave their natural country trusting God who has prepared for them a City with no end. Please hear me when I say this, there is no survivalist mentality in this coming out, no seeking to save our own lives, no trusting in the wisdom of man, or the strength of the flesh or confidence in silver and gold; just simple obedience for the glory of His Name alone. This call is to be a testimony and witness against them, similar to the faith of Noah in his days, of whom scriptures says he condemned the world to its destruction by his own obedience, or that of just Lot who left all his possessions obediently fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah.
I have met many who are sincerely preparing for the hard times they know are coming to America, but with most it is in the wisdom of their flesh. Many are hording up silver and gold trusting in its earthly worth, stockpiling food, buying guns and ammo and are ready to fight in order to survive and to keep what is theirs. What does any man have that is truly his? Or when did God ever deliver His people through filthy mammon or the arm of the flesh? HOWEVER, please do not take that as a blanketing statement against wise preparation done in obedience to the Spirits leading, rather as a warning to be careful of where your confidence is and to scrutinize the motives of your heart, for regardless of peace or war, whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised.
Zephaniah 1:14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hastes greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. 17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy: for He shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.
Even now judgment is sweeping our land, but for all this they will not hear and will not see.
Revelation 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
America has sinned and for decades God has been faithful to reward her greatly according to her works that she might repent. There are many, many examples that can be given, as God correlates many of His judgments with the actions of our nation against His holy land, often times within a twenty-four hour period-or less. Ever since President Bush Sr. introduced to the world the “New World Order” with his plans to bring peace by dividing the heritage of Abraham with God’s enemies. Time and space prohibits cataloging every detail, though I hope to be permitted to submit a list I prepared for a men’s prayer breakfast mostly from William Koenig’s excellent book Eye to Eye. The following are truly only a minute drop in the bucket.
It is noteworthy that the Space Shuttle Columbia had the appearance of a shooting star or meteorite when it disintegrated upon re-entry. This was witness worldwide as it was being telecast and shown live. However, shooting stars and comets are often considered bad omens, and therefore this event I consider to be a reliable witness to the verse in Revelation 16:10, which speaks of how “the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.” Such terminology could be an accurate description of the results of a nuclear detonation over Babylon, the original capital of Chaldea. This makes it all the more noteworthy here when we consider that the seat and capital of America is the District of Columbia.
This pattern has continued into Obama’s administration as easily witnessed last April 19, 2010 when Israel celebrated its independence. Gallups stated in the narration on a video, “On April the 19th, Fox News reports that the U.S. will no longer automatically support Israel in the United Nations.” April 20th, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explodes. Since then we have been witnessing record drought and fires, record flooding displacing thousands, tornadoes setting new records in strength and intensity and cost of lives and damages, while the whole earth is quaking . . . and for all this the wicked still will not seek God, repent or amend their ways.
Therefore, all these judgments have been as it were blows of the axe being laid to the root of the tree.
Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
As it was with Babylon of old, the sins and pride has overtaken it. The rebellion steadfast too long, and now judgment is certain and the tree condemned. As with the cutting down of any tree, there comes a time when the axe-man can stop striking the tree, for its strength is broken and ready to fall. All the axe-man needs to do is lay his hand against the tree and push and it descent begins with what seems almost slow motion as it soon comes crashing down.
It cannot be ignored when considering “the axe is laid unto the root of the tree,” that America has experienced profoundly noteworthy events with significant trees that I would assert are prophetic symbolism to her fate. First, on February 19, 2011, a Colorado Spruce which served as the National Christmas Tree, planted in 1978 in the Ellipse south of the White House was snapped by high winds, leaving only a broken stump standing.
Daniel 4:11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches.
Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; 26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar was brought low. Consider the prophetic significance these old photographs of New York City from old National Geographic magazines.
The next noteworthy events regarding significant trees began on September 11, 2001, when a steel beam falling from one of the collapsing towers struck a sycamore growing a St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City and destroyed it. Later the tree’s root system was then casted and eerily recreated to serve as memorial to the 911 event in New York City. The original stump with its remaining roots was treated for preservation to be displayed in the churchyard at St. Paul’s. This church is literally the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan.
What makes all this overwhelmingly important is that America’s first president, George Washington, commenced his office of presidency by escorting on foot the Vice President and all members of the Senate and House of Representatives to St. Paul’s Chapel for the purpose of dedicating America to both God’s sovereign care and service. It was there upon bent knees with solemn prayer that the leaders of America humbled themselves and asked for God’s favor and blessing to be upon this nation. It is at that very moment that little parcel ground, next to where the Twin Towers would later be built and where America was dedicated, became perhaps the most hallowed ground in all America, an undeniable landmark of profound significance to our nation.
Therefore, reconsider again words spoken by Senator Tom Daschle the very next day on 9-12 as he stood before the house, God and the world and stated, “America will emerge from this tragedy as we have emerged from all adversity – united and strong. Nothing … nothing can replace the losses of those who have suffered. I know there is only the smallest measure of inspiration that can be taken from this devastation. But there is a passage in the Bible from Isaiah that speaks to all of us at times like this, ‘The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.’”
And so the sycamore tree that was destroyed when the World Trade Center collapsed was replaced in November 2003 with a 20-foot Norway spruce that was called the “Tree of Hope.” However, though the tree was very ceremoniously planted with a crane and a public reading again of Isaiah 9:10, it too has withered, died and been removed. However this event has been kept quiet and is virtually unknown to many sleeping Americans.
According to the Rabbi Cahn, the author of The Harbinger, “The keepers of the Tree of Hope did everything they could to save the withering tree. They even changed the soil in which it grew. But no matter what they did, the tree continued to wither away and die. Finally, in the spring of this year, the tree planted in the place of the fallen sycamore of Ground Zero, the symbol of a rising America, was uprooted. … The seventh harbinger is no more.”
So, America’s Tree of Hope planted defiantly in the face of God’s judgments on the most hallowed ground of America, where she was birthed as a nation and dedicated to God, has withered and died, been uprooted and destroy.
Revelation 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. 9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is your judgment come. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee.
The next verse in this passage is the scariest pertaining to judgment of America’s imminent fall –
Revelation 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
This is not just the power grid being crippled and taken out, leaving people sitting in dark, powerless houses. It is far worse than that, no more light of the Gospel, no more the voice of Christ the bridegroom being heard pleading with men to repent, no more is the church, the bride with her watchmen crying out “Repent, ” warning “This is the way, walk ye in it.” The time is at hand when Christ will once again say the time is fulfilled, it is over . . . it will be too late.
Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Awake, you sleeper! Awake! Arise and make yourself ready! It’s time to put aside those childish pursuits and your endless musing with vanities. Awake, I say! Do you not realize the time in which you are privileged to live? Now more than ever can the sound of the bridegroom’s coming be heard. Surely He draws near. The need to purify yourself has grown greater, for the time allotted has grown shorter. The dark of night has already conquered the eastern horizon as the sun glow fades in the west. The king had long ago sent out His invitation. He proclaimed to all, “COME!”
Yes come and make haste! Don’t you know that if you refuse to comply with the King that His anger will be kindled against you? Yet in His longsuffering He says, “Come! Come to the greatest of all feasts! There is food, wine, and much song and dance. Joyful dance to celebrate the wedding of all weddings. Come and attend My wedding.”
The bridegroom has long been ready, yet He has patiently waited. He has waited for you! Arise therefore you sleeper! So much remains for you to do. TODAY you must prepare. Set aside simplicity and mature! Strive to increase your knowledge and understanding so you may be completely resolved to live your life solely for the King of kings! Rise up and cast out reservation and hesitation, these are foes that have hindered and killed countless before you. Arise! Answer His call! It is your only reasonable response . . .
“Awake thou that sleepest, arise from the dead, Christ shall give thee light.
Awake to righteousness and sin not.
For some [of you] have not the [intimate] knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”
(Ephesians 6:14, I Corinthians 15:34)
Live for Jesus Christ The Resurrected King!
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As the whole world turns against Israel . . .
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. (Luke 21:11-13)
For years I have frequently been told when reasoning with other “believers” I have met here in America how they don’t worry about the end times, because “We’re not going to be here anyway.” It has become painfully evident that there is this unscriptural confidence within the lukewarm church of America that they are not going to have to suffer for their faith or go through much “tribulation,” because, as they quickly affirm, “God hasn’t appointed us for wrath.”
Sadly, that quote they use is improperly used out its context. The wrath which we are not appointed to is that which contrasts with the salvation of the Saints, damnation, eternal punishment and alienation from God. It is therefore my desire to stir up and awaken as many as possible who name the Name of Christ that they might be properly prepared and armored for the battle which believers have been forewarn they will have to endure.
1Thessolonians 5:6 – Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Now I would like to stress that this post is not a debate about the rapture or when. It is about what God’s word says, these things will befall those who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are therefore followers of Him. Because of my concern for “believers” in America I have submitted a congested review of most of the New Testament scriptures that address this persecution, tribulation, and trials which Jesus Christ said would befall His people.
Acts 5:40 – And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
May the Holy Spirit speak expressively to you –
Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matthew 10:16 – Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of His household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:34 – Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.
Matthew 23:29 – Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous bloodshed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Mark 13:9 – But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. 12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Luke 6:22 – Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Luke 21:11 – And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
John 15:18 – If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 17:14 – I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Acts 7:52 – Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.
Acts 14:22 – Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 28:17 – And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. 22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
Romans 5:3 – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Romans 8:16 – The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:35 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1Corinthians 4:9 – For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
1Corinthians 15:30 – And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? 31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
2Corinthians 1:3 – Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; 11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
2Corinthians 4:8 – We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2Corinthians 6:4 – But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
2Corinthians 7:4 – Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
2Corinthians 11:23 – Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
2Corinthians 12:5 – Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
2Corinthians 12:9 – And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Galatians 4:29 – But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Galatians 5:11 – And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Galatians 6:12 – As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
Galatians 6:17 – From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Philippians 1:29 – For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Colossians 1:24 – Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body’s sake, which is the church:
I Thessalonians 1:6 – And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
I Thessalonians 2:1 – For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
I Thessalonians 2:14 – For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
I Thessalonians 3:3 – That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 – We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels.
2 Timothy 1:8 – Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
2 Timothy 1:12 – For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 2:8 – Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us.
2 Timothy 3:1 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 Timothy 3:10 – But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Hebrews 10:32 – But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Hebrews 11:25 – Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.
Hebrews 11:35 – Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Hebrews 13:3 – Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:12 – Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
James 1:12 – Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.
James 2:6 – But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
James 5:1 – Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. 4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. 5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. 6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. 7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
1Peter 1:6 – Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1Peter 2:19 – For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.
1Peter 3:14 – But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1Peter 4:12 – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
1Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1John 3:10 – In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
Revelation 2:9 – I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 6:9 – And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Revelation 7:13 – And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Revelation 13:6 – And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Revelation 17:6 – And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
Revelation 18:24 – And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
Revelation 20:4 -And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Having gone through the above verses, I was compelled to add these two from Daniel –
Daniel 7:21 – I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 11:35 – And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
I leave you with the Apostle Peter’s exhortation to the church –
2Peter 3:10 – But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head . . . because of the angels.
In the last few decades there has risen much confusion around this particular verse, as well as the whole of the subject matter being addressed here by Paul to the Corinthians. All the same, this verse is part of God’s Holy Word and is intended to be both informative and instructive, though tucked neatly away here in a very illuminating passage of scriptures.
Since it is part of God’s Word that never changes, believers today are still obliged to give the utmost prayerful consideration as to its application to their lives. So as lights in the midst of a dark and blind world, they may properly “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” that they say and do, to give the glory and honor due to the Blessed Name of our Glorious Savior Jesus Christ.
Nonetheless, for a variety of reasons “believers” nowadays simply choose to ignore Paul’s two hundred and ninety-eight instructive words, (counted in the King James prior to verse sixteen) and imprudently conclude “we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” In so doing, they treat Paul’s instruction here as completely irrelevant to them, as if it was written without reason, a complete waste of time and parchment.
Nevertheless, up until the last 40-50 years the majority of “the churches of God” did keep the custom of women wearing head coverings to some degree. This shows that most believers in today’s Church have lost the very attribute for which Paul was praising the Corinthian church in the first place, “I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
So, what was Paul saying, “we have no such custom, neither the churches of God?” Well, what was the beginning of that verse?
Ok, so the title is meant to grab your attention, I will explain how I came up with it shortly. What really happened was a local woman fell into a sinkhole. Normally I would let this go by since sinkholes in Florida are not rare, especially around where I live. However, when someone stands in their own back yard and the ground opens up under them and swallows them . . . well, that a bit more of an attention getter.
“Samantha Power is the Special Assistant to President Obama. She has his ear and advises him on foreign policy, amongst other things. In a video newly discovered, she states that the United States should spend “billions” on a “new” Palestinian state, while putting troops on the ground to support that effort.”
Hab 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
The above verse is a response of God to Habakkuk the prophet when he cry out to the Lord wondering when He would move in judgment against the wicked.
Hab 1:2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto Thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save! 3 Why dost Thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.
Habakkuk felt as if it was taking forever for God to move against the wicked and to come and save His people. Listen Church, God knows the fate of His people are secure, for they have entrusted their lives unto Him, however for the wicked, their judgment is final and eternal. Therefore the Lord is longsuffering and allowing His goodness to be known in that His judgments and wrath tarries because once it is unleashed the consequences are eternal. It is simple and true, God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
But people are slow to believe, especially when there are so many deceivers and false “ministers of righteousness” keeping the foolish from repenting and embracing truth, false witnesses who are anointed and sent by that fallen angel of light. As true as it was back in the Garden of Eden, false doctrines of devil are sent to stir up pride and covetousness, misdirect simpletons and to cause procrastination in the hearts of the foolish. Such truth has been witnessed by all the prophets and seen in the religious leaders in Jesus’ days. Look around and you can see it is still abounding everywhere.
Nonetheless, God’s love, mercy and grace cause His wrath to tarry as long as possible, extending the opportunity for all to repent and live – before His judgment becomes final. If only people had ears to hear and eyes to see, because God sends sign after sign and warning after warning. But because of their hard hearts loving darkness rather than light, they cannot see and foolishly cast the words of God behind them and run with their itchy ears to eagerly embrace those who prophesy lies unto them. That is why many years after Habakkuk’s days Paul utters once again his words to the Jews warning them of the judgment and destruction that God was about to visit upon them again. Arrogantly they would not listen this time either.
Ac 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Well, it’s been just a little over 26 years ago since one day when I left a job early and headed for home. On the way I pulled over at convenient place to fish for a bit with a friend who worked for me. After a while, feeling heavy in my heart I went back to the truck. Sitting there in the passenger side of the truck praying, I grabbed a Bible and randomly flipped it open to Jeremiah 26. While reading the verses there was a strong conviction that this was somehow applicable to my own country, the church within her and for me too. I prayed, closed the Bible and went home to my family to finish up the day.
After dinner and taking care of other evening obligations I grabbed a house Bible, went to the couch for some quiet time and flipped it open. One more I found myself in the same exact chapter, two different times, same day, two different Bibles, both opening to same place. Never before had that happen to me, never again afterwards. For the second time the Lord was convicting me that the time would come when His bride and watchmen in this country would have to stand up and “diminish not a word” of the judgment God was going to bring forth upon America. The very thought terrorized me then and as it does today as well, but not as much as my fear of the judgments which are righteous and true of my holy Father.
Gates of the City 