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Darby and Newton

Posted: January 13, 2014 in Shared Thoughts

Anyone could see that Darby loved his church, and more importantly, his congregation. During the week he studied diligently over the Word hoping to be prepared for his message come Sunday morning. Sometimes, of course, the Lord threw him a curve ball and the prior weeks’ studies had nothing to do with the message that he was directed to deliver. He loved those mornings, and he loved his work.

Darby’s friend, Newton, had been coming to the church for a couple of years. Right away a friendship developed and the two were often seen at local coffee shops with heads bent towards one another, discussing the mysteries and wonders of the Word. Early in the relationship both men came to understand that the other had a different leaning on certain issues but that overall they walked together as brothers in the Lord, brandishing their swords against a common foe.

Seasons came and seasons went while the congregation of the small church remained. Whispers, from certain members of the congregation, sometimes reached the ear of Darby concerning his friend, Newton. Darby knew that, down the street in a small establishment, Newton had a congregation of his own. Flyers were posted around town and announcements made and certainly it was not nor ever intended to be a secret. It was also well known that Newton volunteered on a regular basis at various other places. Darby knew that Newton was fluent in the Word and had heard of his wonderful teaching and preaching abilities. His heart was glad for the battle against darkness was a fight that called for many seasoned warriors. However, Darby was aware that while he believed in blue, Newton leaned towards red. Still, it wasn’t an issue that detracted from the life, death and resurrection of Christ. The friendship blossomed, the work for both continued.

And then it happened…

One Sunday morning, after a good word was spoken and Darby was wrapping things up, Newton asked to speak. A bit taken aback by the unexpected question, Darby quickly recovered and happily stepped aside allowing Newton the opportunity.

The Word, beautifully delivered, was well received and timely given and the end of the service arrived and Darby went home to contemplate the morning. Quickly, however, it became apparent to him that some red had entered his blue. And, as the week ebbed by and he reflected on things near and times far, it occurred to his that perhaps quite a bit of red had infiltrated his blue. While he was aware that some of his congregation had some red leanings, it was never taught nor preached by him. No, Darby was a blue man, with only inklings of contemplations of red. Sometimes he agreed with the lighter shades, but he opposed the dark, crimson reds that he now imagined were wafting throughout his church.

As the days pulled Sunday closer he decided he must say something to stop the flow of red. But how? What? How to stop this without offending his friend? How to change the tide, gently bring his flock back to full blue. They were his charge. He was responsible for them. However, he wasn’t so well versed in red. He leaned blue, pure and simple. He interpreted that aspect of the Word differently.

By next Sunday, Darby was nervous yet determined. Too nervous. Too determined.

Seated in the back…

Nameless, a little old lady at the back of the church, was a bit surprised by Darby’s “sermon” as he preached.

“Out of character,” was what she was thinking. Of course, she also knew that everyone in the small congregation knew what was happening. She imagined that certain households had been discussing the differences between red and blue all week. Nameless knew it could be a constructive thing too, to discuss the same things the rest of the world is contemplating. After all, how does one know what beliefs they stand on if they haven’t looked at all the facts?

Nameless also knew that, prior to the event’s happening, some household were already divided on the matter, and had been for some time. It wasn’t new, wasn’t something that was revealed at the event. It was merely something that was used as a tool to try to gain support for their own leanings. (“See, I told you so…”) Nameless knew that these households had argued over blue and red in the past. Nameless didn’t believe that was the answer though. Not everyone arrives at the same conclusions or interpretations. Anyway, it was certainly turning out to be a sad situation. Nameless wondered if Darby and Newton would split over this. Many churches did.

“But what about us,” Nameless thought to herself. “Should they split, and not resolve this thing, then what about those of us that just want to worship and learn and rejoice in His plan of Salvation?”

“It’s just like a divorce,” she thought, as she got up to walk out when the services were over. “The kids are always the ones to suffer.”

(written by Sister Rhonda to me )

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances…

Posted: January 10, 2014 in Shared Thoughts, Study!
Tags: Faith, grace, love, Obedience, repent, salvation, victory

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross. (Colossians 2:13,14)

Those who have been “churched” for a while are likely to have heard this verse interpreted as the whole of God’s law being nailed to the cross as being now null and void, or no longer relevant in the life of a believer. That once we “accept” Jesus’ death as a payment for our sins, we have no further obligation than to just accept His wondrous grace by faith . . . and accept that we are always going to be messing up and still sinning all the days of our lives. But because of “grace,” no worries. I fear that many such believers have been duped into swallowing a grace that cannot effectually save them from their sins; while at the same time have been convinced into casting away God’s provisional lamp for their feet.

I ask the reader to be prayerfully open minded and to consider, what if what was nailed to the cross as “handwriting of ordinances that was against us” was not the ceremonial law of Judaism, but something else? That is not to say the ceremonial law did not fulfill its function and therefore has completed its course in God’s plan for humanity, for in Roman’s 7 Paul labors to persuade his Jewish brethren to acknowledge that they were now free from ceremonial rites because that which they pointed to had come, the Lamb of God which not only bore the sins of the world, but ended the sin-offerings as well. For all those were merely shadows of Christ body as an offering to come.

Certainly it was not the moral aspect of God’s law which was nailed to the cross and taken out of the way, for consider how the scriptures bare witness that Law was “perfect, converting the soul . . . making wise the simple . . . rejoicing the heart . . . pure and enlightening the eyes.” Furthermore the scripture also records in Psalms the prayerful request that God would “grant me thy law graciously,” which seems to be an interesting twist to much that is preached today against “The Law,” that the law could actually be given in grace.

Psalm 19:7 – The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 119:29 – Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

The ceremonial law has by God’s design expired in as much as it fulfilled its prophetic purpose of proclaiming the sacrificial death of Jesus and therefore has ceased, just as the silhouette of shadow created by the light above becomes covered by the arrival of the object that cast it. Such have the ceremonial/sacrificial laws fulfilled their purpose and are done away with by the offering of the body of Christ, as is witnessed in verse 17.

Colossians 2:16 – Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

However, that does not mean they cannot be recognized and kept as unto the Lord as we see in Roman 14, but they are no longer a basis for defining sin in the life of the believer. It is only when they return to sacrificing animals as sin offerings again that they began to crucify Christ afresh by rejecting the finality of the Cross.

However, one should acknowledge that Paul was writing to the Gentiles here whose sins were not based upon any of the things mentioned above in verse 16, but are more clearly established in Paul’s teaching in Roman’s chapters 1-3 that all men had sin. Therefore, we must recognize that the Gentiles too had sin, not because they failed in their improper dietary habits or their uncircumcised flesh, for they too like the Jews had transgressed God’s moral laws and sinned and being obstinate had as did the Jews failed to circumcise their hearts, to expose themselves in broken nakedness and honesty before their Creator as transgressors of His righteousness.

The Jews and Gentiles alike had accrued a long record of all their sins that was cried out against them as debtors, which bore witnessed that they all had failed to love God and worship Him as such. These offenses and transgressions were recorded as evidence that they had not only failed to love God, but also defined their failures to love their neighbors as themselves. These two commandments are the foundation for the defining guidelines of righteous-love given us in the Ten Commandment; the moral law of God and witnessed to as well by His holy prophets, whereby all men have failed.

There is a distinction between the moral and ceremonial parts of God’s law. One shines light on God’s expectations of holiness for His created beings and the other prophetic of events to come. God never was appeased or had pleasure in the sacrifice of animals, the shedding of their blood, nor could they ever remove sin our purge the conscience from sins, they merely prophesied of the coming of the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. This we can clearly see from the OT verses as well –

Micah 6:6 – Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

What was nailed to the cross was the “the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us,” that legal affidavit recording our failures to love God and our neighbor, defining our debt of sins against God Himself. I wish I still had original resource at hand, but years ago I ran across a historic tradition the Jews had in those days that was not unlike our present day “legal notice” section of the paper. It seems that if a person had a debt they could not pay that they were in danger of ending up in a debtor’s prison whereby they had to stay until the debt could be satisfied. (We know of this from Jesus’ own teachings in Matthew 18:23-35). However, if a man was destitute and had no means to pay, he could go to the town center and there was erected a community pole where he could take a piece of sheep skin and write a public “legal notice” of all the debts he had outstanding against him. There he would publicly acknowledge (confess) all his debts.

If he owed money to the butcher, he would openly note it, as well as that which was owed to the candle maker, carpenter or whoever. Anyone going by could stop and read his debts; they were public information now for he in desperation for mercy he had so confessed his poverty openly. If anyone was thereby moved with compassion they could take and write their name beside a particular debt and then the creditor could come to that person for payment. If anyone was able and compassionate enough, they could simply fold it up covering the list of debts leaving the debtor’s name exposed and sign his own name to it so all the creditors would know they could go to one person to receive full payment. Look again at the verses –

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Nowhere else in scripture has the Law of God been called a “handwriting of ordinances.” Interesting too is that the Greek word translated “handwriting” is only used this one time by the Apostle Paul here who wrote much in other epistles of the law and grace. Yet nowhere else did he use this Greek word in reference to it or this also once used expression of “nailing it to His cross” when addressing the law. Yet here it is neatly tucked between forgiving us of all our sins and the defeating of our accusers and tempters. For the Greek word used here only once in scripture and translated “handwriting” also means “a manuscript; specially, a legal document or bond.” Now a bond is written evidence of debt recorded by a creditor with the terms of payment spelled out, such as the “wages of sin is death.”

Such is what Jesus did, He took the record of all the sins of mankind and nailed it to the cross stating “Paid in Full.” Nevertheless, such forgiveness of debt can only only be applied to each sinner by their faith, which faith is evident by their confession of debt with a surrender to His Lordship at their realizing that by such payment of the blood of the Son of God they have been purchased from a debt that demanded their death and have become debtors unto Christ and are longer their own. These are the believers who answered the call to be bond-servants unto righteousness and joyfully heed the admonition to go and sin no more.

For that reason and more, the how and why the Spirit of Christ is given to now work in us, that I continually stress how the grace God’s given us in Christ Jesus is much more than just “unmerited favor.” Certainly, we cannot be what God requires or do the things he asks of us alone in our own strength; we need the grace of God, Christ in us to enable us. The truth and power of the Gospel is that we can do as Paul, Peter, James and John say we must, purify ourselves and make ourselves ready . . . because He will enable us to do so.

II Corinthians 6:17 – Wherefore come [you] out from among them, and be you separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I Peter 1:22 – Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently.

James 4:8 – Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.

1 John 3:3 – And every man that hath this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.

One who is truly “born again” by the grace of God will by their faith[fullness] be evidently shown to be such, alive unto God. Consider the profoundly simple and clear teaching of Christ of how a good tree brings forth good fruit and evil tree brings forth evil fruit, likewise we can know what manner of tree we are by our fruit. By such a scriptural witness we must also acknowledge not all confessors of Christ are true believers, for if one confesses Christ in word only but by their actions denies Him . . . are we to conclude to the contrary that profession outweighs fruit? To be saved is to be set free from sin, not merely forgiven, even though that is in fact a growth and refining process the Spirit of God works in repentant believers. But those who are obstinate and justify their continuance in sins are goats and not sheep, tares instead of wheat.

Paul also tells us in I Thessalonians, “Quench not the Spirit.” The word quenched doesn’t simply mean to grieve or offend; it means to extinguish (literally or figuratively): to cause to go out, quench. The same Greek word is used in these verses as well –

Matthew 12:20 – A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Matthew 25:8 – And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Mark 9:44,46,48 – Where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.

Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Hebrews 11:34 – Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Certainly in all the above verses we would acknowledge an absolute extinguishing as the intended meaning of the word quench. That being understood, we can also see how scriptures tell two things about God’s creation of man’s spirit –

Proverbs 20:27 – The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs 24:20 – For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

The reader would do well to consider the meaning of these verse in light of the Gospel of John concerning Jesus –

John 1:3 – All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shined in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.

Our spirits were created for a unique union with the Spirit of God; just a candle has neither function nor life unless it is united to a flame. It is Jesus’ light which is the true life of man, which gives meaning and purposes to man’s being. But the candle/spirit of the wicked shall be extinguished, unacceptable for the presence of Christ Spirit.

I know the following is an OT verse, but it still conveys the equity and righteousness of God who changes not-

Ezekiel 33:12 – Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turns from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sins. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. 17 Yet the children of thy people say, “The way of the Lord is not equal,” but as for them, their way is not equal. 18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, he shall even die thereby.

However, no man can repent or turn from his sins but by the grace of God, meaning the granting of forgiveness upon the transgressor’ confession and his receiving empowerment from God to turn from and overcome his bondage of sins. But be not deceived, no sinner can repent just whenever they want to; they are enslaved by their sin. God must grant repentance if they are to be freed.

Acts 3:26 – Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Acts 5:31 – Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 11:18 – When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Such was working of God’s grace was lawfully accomplished through the work of the blood and cross of Jesus which works to cleanse us that we might receive His Spirit within us which enables us.

1 Timothy 1:12 – And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Some will still say, “However, it is still my opinion, that even those of us who are more carnal in their walk, they will still receive some form of salvation,” and would confidently point to 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 for scriptural confirmation. –

1 Corinthians 3:13 – Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Once again I would encourage open and prayerful reconsideration of what Paul is indeed saying here. Paul addressed the Church of Corinth in I Corinthians 3 to deal with the carnal nature of certain believers in Corinth who were attempting to validate their relationship with Christ via their affiliation with certain teachers. Because of their carnality they were foolishly not walking according to the truth of the Gospel; for instead of identifying themselves with Christ and walking in obedience to the leading of His Spirit, they were identifying themselves with Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, and therefore were having “envying, and strife, and divisions” in the church.

In an attempt to correct their departure from the truth of walking with Christ, Paul clarifies that preachers and teachers are nothing more than “but ministers by whom you believed.” He stresses to them that it was God alone and His Spirit which gives life and increase. Paul then strongly warns that whoever would make himself a “teacher” needs to take heed what they teach, for God will hold them accountable –

1 Corinthians 3:8 – Now he [Paul] that plants and he [Apollos] that waters are one: and every man [teacher] shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we [teachers] are laborers together with God: you [the believers] are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder [teacher], I have laid the foundation, and another [teacher] builds thereon [in you believers’ lives]. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.

Discerning each reference and understanding who it is Paul is speaking about is crucial for rightly dividing the verse, otherwise it easily becomes a false the bases for the erroneous belief that “those of us who are more carnal in their walk, will still receive some form of salvation.” We cannot take verses out of their context and rightly understand them alone. This verse does not support such a position, but actually works against it. Paul is addressing how teachers have a responsibility before God not to be handling the Word of God deceitfully, which is which Paul states, “But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon” the foundation of Christ crucified and resurrected for our sins and justification.

1 Corinthians 3:15 – If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Many have taken the verse above and foolishly concluded it really doesn’t matter what we do as Christians once we accepted Christ, because we are saved grace. That is because they think this verse is speaking of the same one man throughout. People who teach such are teaching “wood, hay, stubble.” Even though the word “he” is mentioned twice in verse 15, it is not addressing only one person in its string of thought. One needs to follow the text all the through and keep Paul’s addressment of the teachers and those being taught by them separate and distinctly identifiable while reading through the passages –

1 Corinthians 3:11 – For other foundation can no man [teacher] lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man [teacher] build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s [teacher’s] work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s [teacher’s] work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s [teacher’s] work abide which he [teacher] hath built thereupon [in a believer’s life], he [teacher] shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s [teacher’s] work shall be burned, he [the teacher] shall suffer loss: but he [the believer] himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

I know this might not be easy to receive if you are one who has always believed the other way, but I urge you to continue in prayer and consider Paul’s following words and ask why he would have stated them if what I am saying is not correct.

1Corinthians 3:16 – Know ye not that ye [believer] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man [teacher of false things] defile the temple of God [with teachings of wood, hay and stubble], him [that teacher] shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple [believers] are. 18 Let no man [aspiring teacher] deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man [teacher or student] glory in men [with whom they foolishly identify themselves with]. For all things [of Christ] are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And you are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

So, if you have truly humbled yourself and repented of your sins, understand that Christ has blotted out the record of your offenses by nailing to His cross as a legal notice, “Paid in Full,” and now go and sin no more. Having been cleansed by His blood from the guilt of sins, He can indwell you and empower you to walk as He walked. Rejoice that God has given us a light for our path in His glorious word whereby we might align ourselves in perfect agreement with our God and Savior and be empowered to lovingly walk by/with/in His Spirit victoriously in these last days.

Live for the King.

An added end-note – I was thinking while holding my grandson about Psalm 119:29, “Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.” The Lord impressed upon me in a clear and simple way how without godly instructions we would have no hope but to go our own way and as mere brute beast only do what is right in our own eyes. That if I love my grandson I would teach him and live so as to be an example for him. I saw for that moment so clearly that the most gracious thing God could have ever done was to give us His Logos; His holy Word, in letter, spirit and Flesh. For as Christ is grace and power of God, He is still our God’s Plumb-line whereby we are to walk even as He walked. Flesh cannot do this, it must be brought under the subjection of the cross that Christ in us may work through us mightily.

So you’re an atheist . . .

Posted: January 5, 2014 in Deity of Jesus Christ, Shared Thoughts, Study!, Wake Up!
Tags: Atheist, cross, divine, Faith, God, Israel, Jesus, judgment, religion, righteous, trust, WILLIAM KOENIG, Zeitgeist

Hey, so you don’t believe in God and you’re an intelligent person? Well then, certainly you’re not going believe you found truth already before you’ve exhausted your life time truly seeking and proving it? Don’t you think that alone would be the height of foolishness? Look at the vastness of it all, the immeasurable expanse of the universe and consider the infinitesimal perspective that your meager little life has afforded you thus far. You may feel and even openly declare that only fools would arrogantly proclaim they know God, but a truly honest person would only admit that they don’t see him as others proclaim they do.

Personally, I will be the first to admit that there is a whole lot of the religious rhetoric out there which is absolute nonsense; endless dogmas saturated with egotistical men’s own silly imaginations that are being peddled to the world by these self-righteous hypocrites. But that doesn’t mean that there is not truth, divine truth out there. Rather to me it is credible evidence of a war that goes beyond our dimension where the real hidden enemies of truth have cleverly sought to discredit it by perverting it and intentionally dressing it up like a self satisfying gluttonous whore that simply exists to pray on the weak of mind.

I would highly recommend any person skeptical of a “divine being” or a “higher power” to posture themselves as students of life who are actively seeking and ever learning, resisting the temptation to get arrogant because you’ve been discerning enough to see the blatant flaws in the cesspool of religions. Certainly all these belief systems cannot all be right since throughout history and even now in many places they are literally killing each other. This world has no shortage of theologies and every religion has fractions that are against each other screaming condemnations of damnation back and forth. Seems to me that if one is really seeking to find truth, it is in fact the proverbial needle in a haystack of mysticism which seems to turn to ashes under the fiery test of genuine, sincere, open and objective evaluation.

We all know atheists who reject the concept of a god, and to a degree I respect their position exactly for the reasons I mentioned above; the world’s religions are a cesspool of obvious lies, and that includes some of the man-made doctrines in Christianity too. After all, what other religion in the world is as fractured as Christianity with its tens of thousands of denominations and cults all over the world claiming to be the true church? Having visited too many of these churches I am often amazed that anyone seeking God would actually go to some of these churches; seems most go just for the social status, or for business contacts, some out of personal guilt and others out of self-righteousness. But to practical and honest person it is clear that what many of these “believers” are saying versus what they are doing is often light years apart. How can any honest person with their eyes wide open embrace such obvious hypocritical “blind faith?”

One of my favorite quotes concerning the integrity of all faith which should be compelling men forward in their religion is from a book titled Creeds of the Churches. This book is evidence to the presence of falsities in some aspects of Christian faiths as readily obvious in the various creeds recorded from the past to the present, with many conflicting with each other about what is truth. The man who compiled it, John H. Leith, stated this in the first few pages of the book –

“What cannot be thought through critically and expressed with reasonable clarity cannot demand the allegiance of man’s whole being. Understanding is necessary for man’s full commitment. Hence faith must be spoken and be made intelligible. This is not to say that faith must be enclosed within the limits of reason, but it does mean that faith must require neither the closing of the mind nor the sacrifice of the integrity of the mind”

To me, a truly honest seeker trying to determine the credibility of a sovereign deity would look to those events which no person can deny happened, indisputable facts, “reality,”at least to the measure that all men can readily see. If there is a sovereign being, than certainly there has to be evidence for all the world to see. With that in mind, one would be prudent to consider how the Bible boldly proclaims that they that bless Israel will be blessed and they that curse it will be curse. My years of watching Israel seems to have the witness of history that the covenant above is true, and not only history, for the present seems to be a continuous news feed of evidence that demands serious scrutiny. Only the arrogant and willfully blinded would reject that there something is going on globally with the little nation from which scripture clearly declares for all who will hear that God has chosen to send for His name from this proclaimed “Holy Land” unto all the earth that all men may know that there is a God which made the heavens and earth.

I trust most who have read this far are intelligent people who would agree atheists can certainly be good and decent people. But I do believe many self proclaiming atheists are merely honest people who have been fittingly turned off by the corrupt presentation of religion, yet still maintain their integrity doing what their heart feels is right and good. I would therefore recommend a book for everyone’s review concerning Israel and our own country America. It is an excellent documentation of events that no one in the world can deny has happen or the time element in which they have happen. Facts are facts, and if we are to be honest with ourselves, one must admit when they are so and search for the common denominator. Today, there are many events that have unfolded since the printing of the book that could be added since this is a story still being documented concerning Israel in these last days, but amazingly much of it has already been written in the Bible itself for these things were foreseen thousands of years ago.

Here is a link to the book, take some time to read up about the author and then humbly consider these things. If you are truly intelligent, I know you will be compiled to seek answers to the questions that will come to your heart. In the Hebrew there wasn’t a word which one could translate to mean coincidence, they didn’t believe in it. It is in fact an atheistic concept, that “things just happen.” The Bible warns all men to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good and sound, worthy of one’s faith and belief.

William Koenig’s Web Page

Also, if you have time, I would encourage taking the time to read something I wrote a long time ago endeavoring to explain why Jesus wasn’t just another man, but God manifested in the flesh, and why He went to the cross.

Justified in the Spirit

faith, faithfulness and forgiveness

Posted: December 9, 2013 in Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
Tags: Christian, Faith, Forgiveness, grace, Holy, hope, Jesus, justified, Mustard Seed, victory

Sometimes it seems life takes you in circles, different people but the same ole’ situations whereby you witness other believers hearts being harden against the truth because of their pride. That is why I am reposting this article again. Brothers and sisters, we must always remember our battles must always be fought in a spirit of humility if they are to truly be won, for that is the path of righteousness the Captain of our salvation showed us as he openly defeated His enemies by willingly enduring the cross. Therefore, let us too pick up our crosses and follow Him into victory.

Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.

James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 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.

Re-posted article –

It has been several months that I felt the Lord has been speaking to me about faith, faithfulness and forgiveness. Throughout it all I have found myself wanting to write about what He has been showing me regarding having “faith as a grain of a mustard seed” where Jesus tells His disciples, “you might say unto this sycamine tree, ‘Be you plucked up by the root, and planted in the sea,’ and it should obey you.” I have sought various opportunities of late to so write concerning faith and a few other topic concerning spiritual things that I might leave my own children a record of what I feel the Lord has revealed to me pertaining to the promises and conditions of the Kingdom of God of which Jesus testified “every man presses into it.” However, I have felt restrained by His Spirit prior till now that it wasn’t time to write. Why, I am not really sure, the Lord knows though. Perhaps so will I when I am finished.

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America’s Destiny Revealed within Her Landscape, Part II: Her Heart Of Stone

Posted: October 12, 2013 in Shared Thoughts

Excellent work by a precious brother. Please take time to read both parts.
Brother William

Persecution, Affliction, And Tribulation by Keith Daniel

Posted: October 7, 2013 in America, End Times, Shared Thoughts

Keith Daniels

If You Stand Before God Today…

Posted: October 2, 2013 in Shared Thoughts

Keith Daniels

This is just a short ten minute part of Keith Daniel’s sermon where he shares about how he was attacked by two men had with knives and almost killed…

Click here for the whole sermon (1 hour 21 minutes)

Take no thought for your life . . .

Posted: August 4, 2013 in End Times, Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
Tags: Faith, Kingdom of God, Redeem the time, Seek

Though it was laid upon my heart to share from this wonderful passage of Jesus sermon on the mount, I found that the beginning of my message was led to be more a reasoning with the young believers and those still in the “valley of decision” stressing that time is near exhausted for the judgment upon America has never seem more imminent. It was as the Lord was causing my heart to go through strong pleadings and reproofs of “Why will you die, why will you not turn?”

It was the end of the message where this text finally became the focus of my message, for the time is coming where God’s children will really need to lay these words deep in their hearts that they sin not against their Lord. For he who would seek to save his life will surely lose it for eternity, but he who loses it for the name of his Lord shall find it secure in the hands pierced through for their redemption.

May the Holy Spirit speak to your heart as He did to our’s that night.

Friday night men’s meeting message

(click link above to listen)

Mt 6:5 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

He who would come to God…

Posted: July 18, 2013 in Shared Thoughts, Study!
Tags: Faith, God is, Justification, without faith

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

When a person experiences their initial awakening that God exists, it is often accompanied with the realization His presence is indiscernible to them. Therefore, if a person is to truly “come to God,” it would require not only the belief that God “is,” but also a realization that He is somewhere they are not. A true awareness of “God is” comes with mindfulness that there are two distinctly different settings, where they are and that obvious elsewhere wherever God might be, seemingly afar off. The now awakened consciousness recognizes that if any genuine connection is to be established so that a relationship with God might be formed and nurtured, then somehow the expanse between them both must be closed. But not knowing where God is also leaves one with not knowing how to come to God, even if somehow alone he could close the expanse.

And so the author of Hebrews makes it irrefutable through the whole of the verse; without faith one cannot please God, nor can they come to God. The way to God can only be traveled by faith and the purpose of faith is to come, but who will come if they don’t at least believe He is? Therefore the verse clarifies that any progress one experiences in “coming to God” is only the reward for their hearing the Gospel and seeking Him diligently. Just because His presence may not be discernible, God is not lost. However the Gospel must be preached if men are to be made aware of the absence of His presence in order to compel them to seek after Him, if haply they should find Him.

Contrary to the absurdity of God being lost, when one truly begins to awaken spiritually, it is because they’ve realized without God’s presence they are alone and the ones who are lost. It is like the confident child who while playing wandered off from the security and comfort of their parent’s company. When suddenly they notice they’re all alone with no idea where their parents are. Suddenly they recognize they are lost and their parents will not be pleased; because the child knows they’re supposed to be next to their parents.

Accordingly the journey by faith of coming to God must begin with this basic understanding; I am lost and not where I am supposed to be. The creature having wandered off from his Creator can no longer discern where God is or even which direction to run to find their way back to Him. Sadly, there are many who have wandered so far off pursuing their own thing or have been preoccupied with trying to stay up with others, going blindly through life, that now they agonize or are filled with doubt if there even is a Creator. This is a dreadful state to be in, to be dispirited by the knowledge you’re lost, or worse to not even know it. Can you imagine a child looking up and not seeing their parent and begin to rationalize that since they cannot see them that their parent therefore was never real?

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Do you know Him?

Posted: July 9, 2013 in Shared Thoughts

This is a sermon reading by a gentleman that delivers this sermon in amazing similarity which one would expect Charles Spurgeon to have delivered it himself. Close your eyes and you can easily imagine yourself being there at the Metropolitan Tabernacle before the Prince of Preachers as he would have passionately reasoned with his congregations the depths of this great passage. It is this yearning that spurred the Apostle ever forward through the various trials of being beaten with rods, once was stoned, three times suffering shipwreck, a night and a day stranded in deep open waters, in hazards of robbers, in perils his own countrymen, constant threats from the heathen, suffering often weariness and painfulness, through many a sleepless night often in hunger and thirst, often when exposed to cold and nakedness, frequently giving himself to times of long fastings in yearning desire for even more . . .

More what? Why was Paul willing to endure such? What was it that drove him continually forward through such hazards with unfaltering determination?

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.

Do You Know Him.

(Click for sermon)

More great sermons by Charles Spurgeon

With faith it is possible…

Posted: July 4, 2013 in Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
Tags: Faith, Jesus, Roman Road, salvation, saved

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

It is verses like Hebrews 11:6 that reinforces within me that all scripture is given by inspiration of God. For in this verse several points are established as unalterable foundational truths for believers if they wish to go on to perfection. What I mean by “perfection” is understood in the following applications –

Coming to the place of heart resolve or maturity in Christ of having no spot, blemish or anything intentionally hidden, subjecting both heart and life continually to a thorough washing of the water of God’s word.
Forsaking the distracting cares and pleasures which hinders a believer from fully coming out of the world in earnest and wholehearted pursuit of the promises of God.
Having our lives wholly transformed by the renewing of our minds, forsaking our lives for the governing life of Christ within us.
Walking with daily awareness of the need to be holy and perfecting holiness in the godly fear of the Lord.
Drawing ever closer into a deeper intimate relationship with God, as Paul said, “That I might know Him.” A true believer knows he has only tasted of the Lord and has as yet only received as earnest a portion of the Spirit of Christ.
Living with the aspiration to please God and receiving the reward of our faith, daily fellowship with Christ.

For the purpose of this article, I am only going to touch on the first part of the three divisions that the translators distinguished by their insertion of commas. My intention is to follow-up with at least one more, if not two articles, using this outline.

(1) But without faith it is impossible to please Him,

(2) …for he who comes to God must believe that He is,

(3) God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The simplicity of the whole verse tells us that through faith we can please God by coming to Him and receiving the reward He has for those who have ears to hear. Ultimately, the true reward of the faithful is not found in their inheriting a long list of trophies that fills up their treasures in heaven. Greater than such treasures will be the completion of faith’s journey which carries us from this life of “coming to God,” to seeing Him face to face and not being consumed by the brightness of His glory, fully immersed in the reality of being made one with Him.

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, “Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.”

But without faith it is impossible to please Him… Regardless what many confessors of Christianity may feel about their walk with God, this portion of the verse has drawn a line which irrefutably separates those that please God and those that do not. In just eight words the author has left no room for debate with him; without faith, even the very gate to the path of righteousness is left hopelessly impenetrable, securely locked and absolutely inaccessible. The absence of true faith means the absence of the indispensable alertness and agility needed to navigate around the pitfalls is absent; the sure stepping stones completely hidden by gross darkness and the touch thereof indiscernible; the required stamina, strength, courage and patience unachievable and the finish line unreachable; in essence one’s coming to and pleasing God void of true faith is without question impossible. Dear reader, this verse teaches us that genuine godly faith is vastly different from the more popular vain-hope-wishy-washy-believism which survives by being propped up with positive feelings, a few isolated memorized verses, and the more-social-than-religious gatherings and affiliations that people tend to engage in to console their consciences of guilt and shame. Faith is not merely a means of consolation, rather it is intended to be like the proverbial “tie that binds,” joining true believers intimately and inseparably to their God. (more…)

Pleasing God . . . is this your testimony?

Posted: May 24, 2013 in Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
Tags: Amazing Grace, Faith, grace, Jesus, Justification, Pleasing God

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

It is my intention to write in my next post what God has been showing me about the above verse, but first I felt it was necessary to address the preceding verses in order to lay a proper foundation. I pray the Lord allows me to not only see the task through, but to walk accordingly to the message and to lose myself in Him. But in the meantime, remember that tomorrow is no time for doing what needs to be done today. Get the oil for your lamps today. I pray the following stirs your hearts so as to cause you to wake up, get up, and run the race that is set before you . . . since the finish line is so near in sight.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance [ground/foundation] of things hoped for, [faith is] the evidence [demonstration] of things not seen.

Oh what a grand statement to start off the chapter of faith, declaring faith as the very ground work and foundation for a relationship with God. But note that the verse does not end there, but rather continues to reveal that faith is not just a thing, but a lively thing that continues with demonstrable evidence that such a foundation is real. Surely this is not unlike the Lord Jesus’ analogy of Him being the vine and we the branches that abide in Him, continuing to bring forth much fruit to perfection.

How can it be shown that a branch is truly in the vine if not by evidence of continual growth? There must be something demonstrating that the very life of the vine continues to flow into the branches that are affixed to it. Here we must start if we are to see the wisdom of God’s gift of faith to men and the amazing grace available when they humble themselves to receive His instructive word and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What other verse can be more fitting here than that promise given us in the Gospel according to John.

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on His name.

It is truly as the song says, “How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed.”

Hebrews 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report <martureo>.

This verse speaks of the greatest news to both sinner and saint, justification. What a glorious thing is this? That even after your heart was pierced to the core by an undisputable revelation of countless crimes and transgressions recorded against you, and captured beneath a burden of accountability infinitely beyond your capacity to correct or to render any measurable degree of restitution, and yet… somehow a “good report” could possibly be uttered on your behalf? That even afterward being thoroughly convicted of sin and forced to face the terror of inescapable judgment which forces your face downward to the ground with crushing condemnation, completely silenced of any defense by overwhelming shame and despair . . . yet seemingly from nowhere comes a gracious offer lovingly presented to you whereby all your guilt and disgrace might not only be justified and forever settled, but actually replaced with joyous affirmations of approval and adoration from the very one against whom your crimes were committed. Words that instantly set to flight such a burden heart with ecstasy and eternal joy as you hear that you are not only forgiven, but frees you now to run to the place where you might also hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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A Time To Mourn

Posted: May 7, 2013 in Devotionals, Shared Thoughts
Tags: agony, anguish, belief, death, Faith, God, Grief, mourning, Resurrection, unbelief

Written by Rhonda…

Tragedy comes in many forms. It can strike by attacking your finances, your marriage, your home or even your family. It’s rather like that “mayhem” commercial we see where he comes to visit at most unexpected times. It is my belief that God puts within us a homing beacon, a compass that points to Him during these difficult times. After all, we know that when it comes to knowing of His existence we are without excuse.

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

God doesn’t try to hide from us, or conceal Himself in such mystery that we’re left isolated and in confusion. No, He is there quietly watching and waiting for us to turn to Him in everything, and to let Him prove how He has always been there waiting for us.

The death of a loved one is a time when we reflect on the meaning of life. It’s a time when we naturally think of the afterlife and its implications. Many times the death is a result of natural causes after a long life blessed with rewards. “She lived such a full life, bless her heart,” is a sentiment often heard at funerals. And, in this instance, while we mourn the death of our loved one, we reflect on a lifetime of memories with both joy and sadness. In such a time we draw close to the Lord, standing firm on our belief that we believe.

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Flee fornication . . .

Posted: April 21, 2013 in Devotionals, Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
Tags: flee, Fornication, freedom, Holy, immorality, righteousness, sex, sexual, sin, temple body, virtue, virtuous

That’s what God’s word tells us. But many today aren’t “fleeing” from it, rather they are for all intents and purposes running madly to it. For some insane reason people are literally racing to expose and open themselves up to everything and anything sexual, as if somehow it is going to be the answer to their loneliness or boredom or their oppressive sense of rejection and insignificance. It has become so maddening that even some so called friends frequently engage in sexual immorality and openly make and accept challenges to do the most profane things with as many partners to see who can outperform the other. This is not only madness; this is as close as a society can get to mass suicide. Yes, you read it right, mass suicide.

Perhaps it is because people are just so willfully ignorant of God’s word or so insecure having grown up in such a self-centered generation where almost everyone seems infatuated with seeking their own gratification at the expense of whoever and/or whatever. The thought of it almost no longer shocks some people that there are those who are literally drugging their supposed “dates” and then raping them and then allowing others to rape them as well. These human beasts are literally doing this openly amongst their select group of perverted friends in a celebratory fashion. Packs of humanity who outwardly look like everyone else while actively preying sexually on others, and we’re not even off the subject of “straight sex!” All the while there are others in more acceptable positions that have established themselves as “respectable” in the community who are so slavishly engrossed in their own sexual decadence that they cannot but run to every opportunity of fornication regardless the risk to their families and careers . . . all for a moment of unbridled indulgence that promises only to send their world crashing to the ground all around them while the whole world sees and continues to be none the wiser. Do you really think these people started off this enslaved and wicked?

If this is touching you then please listen, God’s word tells us as plainly as it can, “Can a man carry fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk upon hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.” Man cannot indulge in sexual sins and not do serious harm to his own self, physically (STD’s), emotionally and spiritually.

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Come out of her My people . . .

Posted: February 13, 2013 in End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
Tags: Antichrist, Babylon, End times, Endtimes, EU, Harlot, Is America Babylon?, judgment, Prophecy, Revelation, Revelations, The Beast

NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book on America in Prophesy 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<

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

(From my America Series – Part three)

Re 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 John explained the mystery of “the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many water,” the last angel now enters which is mentioned that comes down from heaven prior to the Lord’s return. Keep in mind that the waters represents “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” as stated in Rev 17:15, and how the American military has a foothold presence literally all over the world on “many waters” as well. Now here in chapter 18 we see an angel comes from heaven with such great power and authority that the earth is lightened with his glory of his descent. Now, whether this lightening of the earth by the angel is literal, or prophetically symbolic of something else, we can but only speculate. However, what we can be sure of is that the fall of Babylon the great into perdition has begun at this time.

While God’s judgment against America is multi-faceted, it is still primarily because of her sins that she “has become the habitation of devils,” which implies a deluge of demonic power would ascend upon America as birds in a “cage.” I do not feel the use of the word “cage” implies their imprisonment, but rather assigned territories whereby they will tirelessly labor to further ensnare the inhabitants of the land thru their corrupt and seductive deceptions. Therefore they are depicted as unclean and hateful birds, creatures of opportunity seeking easy prey and consuming every seed of truth not buried in the heart of the hearer. One hardly needs to labor to expound upon either of these to establish evidence to the profane and malicious elements of the diverse cultures contending in America.

Being now in my mid-fifties, I remember stories from my youth about homosexuality existing, it was lurking out there, yet for the most part barely seen in open society. Its existence and practices brought a sense of revulsion, especially when contemplating what would happen to the natural order of a society’s continuance which depended upon a healthy family environment if it were to be openly exposed to such vile inordinate affections. The thought of one’s own 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 joined together with another male where 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.

Sadly, it isn’t necessary to labor to establish the aspect of the “hateful bird,” for many in this country have so perfected their hate that there has even been the legislated the concept of “hate crimes.” Surely many of the readers have similar stories to tell possibly similar to my own, having grown up in Miami and experiencing the racial riots in my school between the “whites and the blacks.” My early years were exposed to a spirit of hatred that was not learned at home. But with the influx of Cubans and Haitians taking over certain neighborhoods, there was a prevailing amount of resentment and hatred on all sides. So much so, many lifelong residents left their homes in south Florida half-jokingly saying “The last American to leave . . . please bring the flag.”

Even 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 of the locals towards the Indian populace. It just seems that no matter where you go, people apparently just need to hate someone.

Having been exposed to so much hatred, one might think I would be inclined to embrace the “hate crime” concept. However, I cannot escape the feeling that the enforcement of it is unevenly favorable to certain groups and not equitably enforced for all. It seems as if “hate crime” laws and their enforcement are actually designed to be a weapon for retaliation to be used by some to force their own immoral itinerary upon the rest of society.

Rev 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 are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

The above verse is one of the reasons why I reject the Eight Beast as being the Roman Catholic Church, for where have all the “merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies?” Seriously, the Catholic Church has not made anyone rich except those who have 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. (Please note – I distinguish the various key players of Revelation here)

To make matters worse, the American mentality of entitlement have so saturated all age groups and cultural backgrounds nowadays that the good old-time work ethic is virtually extinct. That doesn’t mean people are no longer willing to work, but certainly too many seem to work harder at not having to work by striving to get as much as possible in exchange for as little as possible. The true notion of “fair trade,” meaning rendering a fair hard day’s work for a fair day’s wage has essentially disappeared. America has now become the habitation of embezzlers and purloiners; people who feel they deserved to be paid simply because they have to go to work and therefore are not able to just go and do the things they would rather be doing . . . and here we are many trillions dollars in debt 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 Christians are called to be separate from the world and from the vain and dead “camp” of religiosity. Therefore is we were truly seeking to worship God in spirit and truth, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, we would be a class people notably different. However, I believe this call to “come out from among her” is more than a call to just be spiritual and culturally distinct, but a literal call to obey geographically as well.

Yes, one day we might need to separate from this country’s social, economic, and religious systems if we are to successfully continue seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is a call to “come out” is to warning to flee before God’s wrath befalls the Eight Beast as it goes headlong into perdition, equivalent to call in the following passages admonishing believers of old flee

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 is the rapture call of Christ coming and stealing away His bride, but personally I am persuaded it is a call for God’s people to leave as a final witness against the wicked prior to the out pouring of God’s judgment. For having exhausted God’s patience and longsuffering, 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.

I believe this will be possibly the last and greatest godly witness to warn wicked and religious unbelievers in America – as the body of Christ with the same faith as father Abraham leaves their natural country in obedience to God who has called them out and prepared for them an enduring City with no end.

Please, there will be 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. No, this is the simple obedience of faith for the glory of His Name alone. A public testimony and witness against them, just like the faith of Noah, of whom scriptures say condemned the world to its destruction by his own obedience. Faith like righteous Lot who left all his possessions obedient fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah.

I have met many who are sincerely preparing for the hard times they believe are coming, but sadly it is mostly in the wisdom of the flesh as they prepare hording up silver and gold, trusting in its earthly worth and ready to fight for their own survival. But I ask, when did God ever deliver His people through filthy mammon or the arm of the flesh?

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 glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth 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 hasteth 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 has been sweeping across our land, but all this, they will not hear.

Rev 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 become a nation that drinks iniquity like water, and according to her works God has been rewarding her. Ever since President Bush Sr. introduced to the world the “New World Order” with plans to divide the heritage of Abraham with God’s enemies for peace, clear examples of judgment can be given. For God has faithfully correlated His judgments with our nation’s actions of against His holy land often times within a twenty-four hour period or less.

Time and space prohibits cataloging each and every detail, the following are but a drop in the bucket recorded in William Koenig’s excellent book Eye to Eye. .

On October 18, 1991 the administration of Senior President Bush sends letter of invitation to each participant of the Middle East Peace Conference in Madrid, Spain to introduce the “Land for Peace” concept. October 20, 1991 the Oakland Hills Firestorm, the East Bay Hills Fire, and the Tunnel Fire erupt and ultimately killed 25 people and injured 150 others. At least 1,520 acres were destroyed including 3,354 single-family dwellings, 437 apartment/condominium units resulting in an economic loss estimated at $1.5 billion.
On October 30 – November 2, 1991 the Madrid Middle East Peace Conference transpires while the Perfect Storm, also known as the No-Name Storm develops and moves up along the east coast and into President Bush’s home in Kennebunkport Maine where the windows are blown out as 30 foot waves hurl 100pound stones into his living room – Total damage estimated to be $208 million with 12 deaths. Worst storm in 100 years,
Between February 18^th-25^th, 1993 having already has been to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon, U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher of the Clinton administration visits Israel in an attempt to reopen the Arab-Israeli negotiations. On February 26, 1993 the World Trade Center bombing occurs with $750 million in damage.
On March 2, 1992 having been granted an audience with President Clinton, PLO Chairman Arafat arrived in Washing D.C. for requested meeting to protest Israel building housing units in East Jerusalem. March 1-2, 1997 severe weather conditions developed causing Mississippi and Ohio flooding and tornadoes. President Clinton’s home state of Arkansas was devastated by tornadoes with a total of67 dead ( 26 in Arkansas) and an estimated $1 billion damages. On March 4 the New York Times headlines “In storm’s wake, grief and shock” was adjacent to photo of President Clinton and Chairman Arafat with caption reading “President Clinton rebukes Israel”
On September 24, 1998 President Clinton announced meeting with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu and PLO Chairman Arafat. The purpose of meeting was to pressure Israel to give up 13% of land. September 24-28, Hurricane George develops in Gulf of Mexico on the 24^thand makes landfall on three days later with 110 mph winds, heavy rains and extensive flooding resulting in an estimated $5.9 billion damages. Hurricane George dissipated when Arafat left U.S.
Next year September 13, 1999 is the first meeting between Israel Foreign Minister and PLO official to work out Palestinian State borders. Between September 7-17 Hurricane Floyd grows into a monstrous storm on Sept. 13^th causing the greatest evacuation in U.S. history. Total estimated $6 billion in damages.
March31, 2001 President George W. Bush Jr. welcomes both Egypt President Mubarak and Jordan King Abdullah II to the White House. Their purpose was to persuade him to be more aggressive in Middle East talks and to continue pressure and support the “Land for Peace” initiative. Same day a Chinese fighter “bumps” into a highly technical U.S. reconnaissance plane and forces its 24 member crew to make an emergency landing in China.
August 25 – September 10, 2001, according to an article in the Washington Post, President Bush, Secretary Powell, and Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer together with cooperation with the Saudis worked on the most comprehensive plan concerning “Land for Peace” proposal which was scheduled to be delivered by Secretary Powell on September 24^th to Israel. On September 11, Terrorist reportedly used 2 airplanes to attack the World Trade Center towers in New York City and supposedly a 3^rd to attack the Pentagon, while a 4^th plane which was intended for the White House has its debris scattered in Pennsylvania leaving almost 3000 dead and $ 40 billion in damages.
On November 7, 2002 President Bush hosted a dinner at the beginning of Ramadan for Arab Ambassadors. The President publically honors the Koran and Islam by saying, “We see in Islam a religion that traces its origins back to God’s call on Abraham. We share your belief in God’s justice and your insistence on man’s moral responsibility.” November 9-11, 88 Tornadoes rip through 7 states; some are category F-4 with 200 mph winds, one of the worst November outbreaks on record. Normal tornado season is in March – July.
On January 31, 2003 Secretary Powell states President Bush would become more involved in Israeli-Palestine talks, laboring towards goal of Palestinian state by 2005. February 1, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart directly above Palestine, Texas while re-entering earth’s atmosphere. First time an Israeli was on board a shuttle mission. The entire world watched as the Columbia became a shooting star across the sky. It is noteworthy that stars, shooting stars, and comets are often considered bad omens. In Revelation 16:10 speaks of how “the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.” Such a description could easily describe the results of a nuclear detonation over and area. It is also noteworthy that the seat 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 says in the narration in this 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. Even now we are witnessing record drought and fires in Texas while a few hundred miles away record flooding displacing thousands as tornadoes are now setting new records in strength, intensity and cost of lives and damages . . . and for all this the wicked still will not see, 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.

Mt 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

As with Babylon of old, the sins and arrogance of America has overtaken it. The rebellion steadfast too long and judgments certain and now the tree is condemned. As with the cutting down of any tree there comes a time when the axe-man can stop striking at the tree, the strength is broken and it is able to fall. All the axe-man needs is to lay his hand against the tree and push and it descent begins with what seems almost slow motion as it soon comes crashing down.

Da 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.

Re 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 thy 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.

Here is the scariest verse pertaining to America’s soon fall as she is forsaken of the Lord –

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.

It is not just that the power grid will be crippled and taken out and men have to sit 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, Christ’s bride there as a watchman crying out “Repent” and “This is the way, walk ye in it.” The time is at hand when Christ will once again say the time is fulfilled, it’s over, it’s too late.

Re 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!

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. 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 are food and 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 have hindered and killed countless before you. Arise! Answer His call! It’s 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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Darby and Newton

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances…

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faith, faithfulness and forgiveness

America’s Destiny Revealed within Her Landscape, Part II: Her Heart Of Stone

Persecution, Affliction, And Tribulation by Keith Daniel

If You Stand Before God Today…

Take no thought for your life . . .

He who would come to God…

Do you know Him?

Do You Know Him.

With faith it is possible…

Pleasing God . . . is this your testimony?

A Time To Mourn

Flee fornication . . .

Come out of her My people . . .

(From my America Series – Part three)

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Parts 1 and 2 here

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