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The Tribulation and God’s People

(First published in newsletter # 17/18 in 1997)

There are an endless number of statements in Scripture that, if followed, will prepare us to live a successful and rewarding earthly life and an endless eternal life with a loving God. We wish to share several of these with you that we think support an important insight into what we can expect to take place in the near future.

Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetimes were written for our LEARNING, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Learning from Scripture -“rightly dividing the word of truth”-. (2 Tim. 2:15) is especially important to us who live at a time in history when thousands of “voices” are shouting to get our attention, insisting that this or that “smooth thing” is truth. 1 Thes 5:3 tells us

” For when they shall say, peace and safety: then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.!

The Bible nowhere predicts smooth sailing for the faithful followers of God. 2 Tim 3:12, tells us ;

” Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

This is not a popular idea! Truth seldom is! God has entrusted us with His last (show and tell) warning message. We have no choice but to tell it like it is.

“Will God chastise His bride?” has become the rallying cry for those who want us to join them in believing their “no tribulation” doctrine.

Zach. 13:7-9 informs us; “And it shall come to pass saith the lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the SHEEP (BELIEVERS) shall be scattered and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left there in. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.

1 Pet. 1:7 states.”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 honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Rev. 21:27. Says. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

It appears to me that those who have, or will, die before the Lord comes, who were committing sins of ignorance though striving to serve God and calling upon Him for forgiveness and cleansing in the Name of Jesus, will be saved. However, those who are alive to see the Lord’s coming must be “without spot or wrinkle ” (sin) or they will suffer the same fate as the “man of sin” spoken of in 2 Thes. 2:8

“Then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.”

There are two texts that indicate this:

Acts. 10:24 ” Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.”

and Acts 17:30 ” And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Another revealing text says: Mat. 7:21,22: ” Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity.”

Everything Changes- But God

We all have become accustomed to change. Few are the things that do not change. Love often changes to hate. Youth changes to agedness. Happiness changes to mourning. How refreshing. In our lives filled with change, is the realization that God never changes!

Mal. 3:6 says “I AM THE LORD I CHANGE NOT.”

James 1:17, says “EVERY GOOD GIFT AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE, AND COMETH DOWN FROM THE FATHER OF LIGHTS, WITH WHOM IS NO VARIABLENESS, NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING.”

HEB. 13:8 says, ” JESUS CHRIST THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TO DAY, AND FOREVER.”

PSA. 89:34 says, “MY COVENANT WILL I NOT BREAK, NOR ALTER THE THING THAT HAS GONE OUT OF MY LIPS.”

God has made it abundantly clear that NOTHING HE HAS EVER SAID IS EVER CHANGED, THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!

In the ninth century B.C., Jeroboam had taken the ten northern tribes of Israel from Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. He set up two golden calves, one in Bethel in the south of his kingdom and one in Dan in the north of his kingdom. He instructed his subjects to worship these instead of traveling to Jerusalem to participate in the worship of God. He placed vile and corrupt men in the offices of priest and led the people away from the true God.

He was offering incense upon the altar in Bethel when a “man of God delivered a prophecy against him and the altar”. The entire drama is recorded in 1Kings 13:1-32. The king didn’t like the prophecy and ordered the arrest of the man of God. The king’s arm was withered and restored by the power of God. Knowing not to fight against the power of God, he invited the prophet to his house for food, water and refreshment. The prophet responded:

1KI 13:8… If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:

The man of God headed back to Judah by a different way than he had came to Bethel because God had instructed him to do so. All was going well; God’s power had been displayed, none doubted the power of God or that this prophet was truly a man of God. He had resisted a “reward” offered by one whom he knew to be an enemy of God. Now comes one who claims to be a prophet:

1KI 13:18 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.

[The Lord had NOT said this- the man was a “false prophet”].) But, the man of God took his word and went back with him and

19… did eat bread in his house, and drank water. 20 And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back: 21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee, 22 But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcass shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers. 23 And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. 24 And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcass was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcass.

The “man of God” disobeyed God and paid with his mortal life and probably with his eternal life. Only God knows about his eternal life. Yet, the Bible calls him “a man of God”. He disobeyed once, and he never had the chance to disobey again.

False Prophets Say God CHANGED His Law

Some false shepherds and false prophets point to the Mosaic (sacrificial) laws and say; ” these are no longer in effect, does this prove that God changes His instructions?” They also quote Paul’s comments to the Galatians whom unconverted Jews had influenced to perform animal sacrifices according to the law of Moses- and this after Christ ,”the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” had been sacrificed, ending the blood sacrifice system. They tell us that the law here spoken of is the Ten Commandments spoken by the mouth (lips) of God (Exo. 20:1) and written in stone by the finger of God! (Exo. 24:12).

GAL.3:17-19 says; “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? it was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator..”

If Paul was speaking of the Ten Commandments, God’s reason for adding it could not have been ” because of transgressions” (Rom 4:15) because “the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.” (1 John 3:4). “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

In simple terms, there would have been no such thing as “sin” or “transgression” if God’s Law had not already existed. The “law” Paul spoke of was “added” because the people WERE continually breaking God’s Law.

ROM.5:13,14. says; (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is NO LAW. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”

Paul was referring to the sacrificial law and not to the TEN COMMANDMENTS about which it was said of Abraham; “because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Paul clearly states that the law he was speaking of “came four hundred and thirty years after” God gave the promise to Abrahan because he “kept my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Abraham kept God’s Law. But the “sacrificial and levitical law, or the Mosaic Law, wasn’t even in existence at that time. What “law” could Abraham have kept except God’s Great Law.

Those Who Enter New Jerusalem are Without Sin

The Bible speaks of those who enter the New Jerusalem:

Rev 22:13,14. says; “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.” Rev. 21:27 says; ” And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

We have read ” sin is the transgression of the Law.” And ” ..the wages (results) of sin is death.”

Conditions in New Jerusalem and on the earth made new (restored) prove that only those that “do His commandments” will be there.

Rev 21:1-8 says; “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH, NEITHER SORROW , NOR CRYING, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE ANY MORE PAIN: for the former things are passed away. 5 And He that sat upon the throne said; Behold I make all things new, And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And He said unto me, It is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and SORCERERS ( PSYCHICS), and idolaters(ONE WHO PLACES ANY THING OR ANYONE AHEAD OF THEIR DUTY TO GOD), and all LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Isa. 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. God wanted to do this for ancient Israel “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how oft would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and YE WOULD NOT! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate”.

God was not able to do for ancient Israel many of the things that He wanted to do, because they refused to “keep My laws and My statues”. However, He will do all these things for “the nations of them which are saved.” (Rev. 21:24.)

Isa. 65:21-25 speaks of our experience in the renewed earth.

ISA 65:21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Among all the numberless hosts of the “nations of them which are saved”, THERE IS NOT ONE WHO IS WILLING TO OR CAPABLE OF CAUSING SORROW OR PAIN.

Friends, Christ does not wave a magic wand over His professed followers at His second coming. If He did, He would be obliged to wave it over every one, satan included.

ACT 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

THE ONLY WAY WE WILL BE AMONG THE INHABITANTS OF THE NEW JERUSALEM AND THE NEW EARTH IS TO ASK OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN THE NAME AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST (MESSIAH) TO FORGIVE OUR SINS AND TO CLEANSE US FROM SINFUL THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS!

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

HEB 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

EPH 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

HEB 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; …HEB 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

1PE 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 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. 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 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. 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. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

EXO 33:20 And he [God] said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

NOTHING HAS CHANGED! It is truly said of all of us:

ISA 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

It is also truly said of all those who will survive the coming of the Lord in the VERY NEAR FUTURE;

1JO 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 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. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

1JO 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

MAT 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It is made clear that those who’s names are written in the Lamb’s book of life fall into two categories:

(1) Those who died while doing the best they knew:

LUK 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

ACT 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

(2) Those who are alive upon the earth at His 2nd coming and are perfect like Him:

1JO 3:2 … but we know that, whenhe shall appear,we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Therefore when we learn God’s truth, we must also begin “doing” it then. If we put off doing His will, we are lost. If we wish to do His will, He will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.

The “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” Prepares God’s People for the “new Jerusalem”

And: REV 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

There are many more texts that give us the same message:

REV 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

REV 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

REV 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. 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. 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.

“…the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world,”

THE QUESTION IN MOST BELIEVERS MINDS IS; HOW LONG DOES THIS ” HOUR OF TEMPTATION ” LAST?

ROM 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

AMO 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

These texts tell us that the answer we seek is in the Bible (GOD’S WORD) ORIGINAL KING JAMES VERSION!.

ISA 1:24 Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: 25 And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:

All those who, through loyalty and appreciation of what God has done through His Son on our behalf, are at this time praying the prayer of David “A man after My own heart”:

PSA 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow…. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Daniel speaks of this time:

DAN 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.

Others comment on this time:

MAL 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. 5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts. 6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

MAT 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

2PE 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

JUD 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 2TI 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

HEB 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

You and I will be purged from our sins, or purged from among God’s redeemed. But;

PSA 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

ISA 22:14 And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

JUD 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

LIKE EVERY THING ELSE THE LORD HAS DONE, IS NOW DOING, AND WILL DO, THIS REFINING PROCESS WILL LAST UNTIL HIS PURPOSE IS ACCOMPLISHED. In line with the statement that God will reveal His intentions before they are carried out and that His intentions are revealed in His word, there is much we can learn by rightly dividing the word of truth.

Important Issues of the Time

We have observed two very popular prophetic views, and one very unpopular view among professed Christians toward the events of the future.

The largest number are happily taking the word of the teachers of “smooth things” and are blissfully ignorant of the trials of our faith that are before us.

The second largest group are keeping a jaundiced eye upon the governments obvious push both to be able to locate anyone quickly by electronic labeling or by credit/debit card management of money, and to disarm the population. They have become aware that world governments have and continue to ” swap” military forces, which is obviously aimed at effective population suppression by forces of other nations who will be more likely to use deadly force against dissidents not of their own country or language.

We are encouraging every one to become a part of the small group who are aware that all things are in the hands of God, and that He will allow all evil men and women to fully manifest their evil characters.

LUK 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

They also realize that God will take vengeance upon all evil doers.

ROM 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. In addition to these God has directed us to carry the gospel throughout the earth.

MAT 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

He has promised to pay us “whatsoever is right”.

MAT 20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

This small group is dedicating themselves to the service of the Lord; not in word only as many do; but in deed. Their prayer is that God will help them to learn, remember, and be able to share in a humble caring manner, every thing God wants them to be able to share with the lost.

Most of us have been praying for and raising money for the brave and self sacrificing men and women who have left the comforts of home and family and have gone out into primitive areas of the earth to bring the gospel of salvation to those who have been taught to worship their ancestors, animals, snakes, the sun (millions of Japanese worshiped the ” sun emperor” until their nation was conquered and this man forced to renounce his faked divinity). Billions are still worshiping the same things today and if we are honest we realize that had we been raised as they were and taught what they were taught, we would be worshiping as they do! People were and are still being born and dying much faster than they are being reached by the gospel.

Many Christians are convinced that Christ will return to this earth in the near future.

REV 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. 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. 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.

These verses tell us that the entire earth’s population will be warned to separate themselves from the apostate religions of the world, and to begin keeping the commandments of God, and following the testimony of Jesus Christ.

REV 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ….22:14 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. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

We are told that we will be like Jesus when He comes. This will require our willingness to ask for and allow God to effect the appropriate changes in our lives.

One comment

  1. Patricia Stauffer

    Thank you for all you have done! This has been a blessing to me! May GOD continue to bless you and yours!

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