WAS GOD IN THE WHIRLWIND?

The tornado has also reportedly damaged Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis.
A witness at the church said, "We saw the tornado, it was turning, real fast, it got real black out here and had the trees coming to us on the left, the windows were shaking real bad and all this stuff across the street in the church, they had a little dinner there, it tore it all up, and it was just lifting off the ground. And it just disappeared. It just disappeared."


WAS GOD IN THE WHIRLWIND?
By Jan Markell


My home state of Minnesota has lots of lakes, bitter cold, and Lutherans. Over 150 years ago, Scandinavians targeted this state and its climate, perhaps because it resembled their homeland. Ironically, the fathers and grandfathers of today's Lutherans left Sweden back then because they saw corruption and bad doctrine within Lutheranism in Scandinavia. But these Lutheran immigrants built Bible-believing churches for future generations. No doubt they would be crushed at such a culmination of apostasy in recent years.

Wednesday, August 19, was an average day. It was cool with not enough humidity to stir up a storm. No unusual weather patterns were forecast in the Twin Cities' metro area. As I was out driving, there were no tornado sirens. It was going to be a memorable day, nonetheless.

During the week, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was holding its annual convention in downtown Minneapolis. Attendees were using the facilities of the Minneapolis Convention Center and Central Lutheran Church which is directly across the street. At this year's convention, a blatant pro-homosexual position validating "chaste" same-sex relationships was to be voted on. It was to be voted on at 2 PM on Wednesday, August 19.

Then for the first time in decades, a tornado touched down in downtown Minneapolis at, you guessed it, 2 pm. The tornado went through the western section of downtown, causing damage to the Central Lutheran Church building, which was being used as a central meeting place for the convention. There was extensive roof damage at the Minneapolis Convention Center where the actual conference was assembled as well as votes on same-sex issues were actually cast. The church steeple on top of Central Lutheran Church was struck and split in two. It was left hanging upside down. The church was built in 1929 and certainly has had no tornado activity near it to date.

Meteorologists agree that such activity in a downtown area is extremely rare. Many could not recall when this had last happened to an area of structural cement rather than suburban homes or rural areas.

The vote was delayed past 2 PM but it did pass that same day. It passed by just one vote and it acknowledged the validity of same-sex relationships that are "chaste, monogamous and lifelong." There was a whirlwind outside of the convention center and inside -- to the degree that one person said, "We trust that the weather is not a commentary on our work." Conservatives in the ELCA, also observing the weather aberration, said it could have been a warning from God and an expression of His anger.

The ELCA went on to vote two days later to allow homosexuals to serve as pastors. If the tornado was a warning from God -- and we don't know that it was, but one could make a case for it -- those voting for abomination didn't get the message.

While we have no final word from God as to whether He sent the tornado, we can observe how God treated rebellious people and nations throughout the Old Testament who would not turn away from sin. If God didn't send the whirlwind, He did allow it. A holy God never approves of sanctioning sin and lifestyles that are destructive.

We can be sure of one message for it is right out of the Bible. A calamity happened near Jerusalem where 18 people were killed. Jesus said, "Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13: 4-5).

Apostasy is allowed to remain rampant because the Bible is no longer preached in many churches. The liberal churches have plunging membership and ask why. It should be obvious that at least a remnant is not pleased with letting the world come into the church.

Additionally, churches are not preaching about God's judgment today. Rather, it's the gushy gospel with a God who doesn't hold to biblical standards anymore or else the church has changed the standards. Some would say those standards are outdated. "What would Jesus do?" is a bumper sticker or bracelet but not a guideline for holy living. However, today outfits like the ELCA even twist the words of Jesus. As the saying goes, the Ten Commandments are now the ten suggestions.

Lives were spared in this event, unlike the story in Luke 13. God was gracious. He is infinitely patient. Nonetheless, on a day when no severe weather was predicted or expected, a tornado forms, baffling the weather experts, most saying they've never seen anything like it. It happens right in the heart of the city. As if steered by an unseen hand, it targets a convention center whose occupants are talking about condoning blatant sin. To add emphasis, the hand then causes the tornado to tear into Central Lutheran Church just blocks away. This church was providing alcohol for attendees. Trees and homes just south of the downtown area had some damage.

God's message is repent because none of us will otherwise escape God's judgment. The message in many calamities is to repent while there is still time. I wonder if the ELCA delegates and leaders are even listening.

Since the vote on Friday I have heard from good Lutheran people who plan to leave the ELCA. May their vote with their feet send a message that urges others to follow them. The ELCA is likely not going to change, so lovers of truth and the Bible in all liberal denominations should take a cue from disgusted ELCA members now looking for a new church home.

God's Word cannot be mocked and whether He was in the whirlwind or not, the message is clear. We serve a holy God who does not sanction wickedness.

The Book of Ezra

The Book of Ezra is a remarkable witness to God's faithfulness to His people. Together with Nehemiah, Ezra describes the events leading to the return of the Judeans from captivity in Babylon and the discouraging experiences of that small community in the harsh world of the Promised Land. But through every experience God proved Himself faithful. Through the leadership of Ezra and Zerubbabel, God fulfilled His promises announced by His prophets to restore His people from Babylon, to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem, and to renew their hope that the Davidic kingdom would be restored.

The message for Ezra's day -- as well as for our own -- is that the God of Israel is faithful to His promises. He will completely restore His people when they come back to Him.

Ezra reveals God's continued fulfillment of His promise to keep David's descendants alive. Zerubbabel, the grandson of Jeconiah, is part of Jesus' earthly genealogy (Matt 1:12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ).

It may seem insignificant that the remnant of David's extended family had to return to Jerusalem, but it isn't. The positive turn of events sets up the good fortune that will give way to the Good News of Jesus. Without access to the original "land of promise," Jesus couldn't have been born in Bethlehem, which was a requirement for the Messiah (Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.)

As Ezra documents the return from Babylon, the soundtrack of forgiveness and restoration plays in the background. It is a melody line that will accompany the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is music to God's ears to hear His people confess and repent (Ezr 10:1 Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore).

Videos Eatonton Fellowship August 2, 2009 Steve Lumbley of Apostasy Watch

http://www.ApostasyWatch.com

"The Unity of the Faith" - Part 1



"The Unity of the Faith" - Part 2



"The Unity of the Faith" - Part 3



"The Unity of the Faith" - Part 4

We Shall Be Like Him!

We are Children of God

1 John 3:2 - 3 "...now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

Though we do not know all the specifics of our future existence, we do know that we will have a body like Christ's (Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself). Believers will put on immortality and become free from the sin nature that presently plagues us.

Everyone who has the hope of seeing Christ and being like Him (v. 2)"we shall be like Him" realizes that Christ is morally pure. This realization helps a person pursue purity even more.

Persecuted Church in China - Christians are Praying with Endurance

Between June 2 and June 14, Luonan County authorities formally abolished Taochuan Christian Church, illegally searched the property, imposed a fine, detained and interrogated members of the church and banned them from assembling to worship. After seizing Liu Caili, Huang Shumin and Xu Fenying on June 14, 2009, the Luonan County PSB officers televised them in handcuffs being escorted by police. (Watch video.) Xu Fenying was released on June 19 after five days of detention, and Liu Caili and Huang Shumin were released at at 8:30 a.m. on June 24 after serving 10 days of detention. Zhang Miaoli's arrest and five-day detention followed on June 19th.


Pastor Bike was hopeful after witnessing these public trials. "I believe the Luonan Court will handle this case with fair judgment, and the government will change the erroneous views and mentality of the religious department of Luonan through the law." He says he hopes that all Christians in China will continue to follow the holy will of God, abide by the laws and the regulations of the state and protect their freedom of belief and human rights in accordance with law. Pastor Bike further encourages Chinese Christians to urge the public security departments and the departments in charge of religious affairs to correct their illegal conduct and bring God's blessings to the nation.

LEGALISM

A teacher on Pal Talk was teaching on legalism and he posed this question:
“What if a person loves to go to church because he feels he gets spiritual life there, or he feels the presence of God there? What if it’s not a “duty” for him to go to church all the time, but rather, a pleasure? Is he still walking in legalism when he goes?”

He then went on to explain that “it’s not legalism because the issue of legalism doesn’t revolve around what we do. Legalism has to do with the motives and the reasons we are doing whatever it is we are doing. When we are doing something because we love God and we want to please Him, and we believe the thing we are doing is pleasing to Him, this is not legalism.” “…then we will have a strong desire to please Him. This is healthy and Scriptural.

And to back up what he said he quoted:
Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1Jn 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

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Now, the bible says in Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

It also says in Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Back to the teacher's question: "...he feels he gets spiritual life there; ...he feels the presence of God there."

The problem here is that we cannot know that we are pleasing to God by our feelings.

So how can we know that we are doing things that are pleasing to God? The answer is found in God’s word. This is a very personal thing. There is no list of do’s and don’ts.

In Col 1:9 Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians is a model for us. As soon as he heard of the new faith of the Colossians, he began interceding with God for them, asking Him to give them knowledge, wisdom, strength, and joy. He prayed that the new believers at Colosse would grow into Christian maturity so that they might walk before God, pleasing Him and producing good works.

Paul’s concern is that the Colossians would have full knowledge of God’s will. The desire to serve God will be in vain without a proper understanding of the One we want to serve. Thus Paul prays that the Colossians might be filled with full knowledge that encompasses all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Wisdom is the practical outworking of knowledge (Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be dealt with, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy), and that knowledge cannot be separated from the spiritual understanding that comes through the discernment given by the Holy Spirit.

In addition to the full knowledge of the Lord’s will mentioned in v. 9, Paul desires that the Colossians may walk worthy of the Lord. Paul wanted the Colossians to live in a manner that adequately reflected what God had done for them and was doing in them.

Being “worthy of God” is a phrase that occurs in ancient pagan inscriptions throughout Asia. It pictures someone’s life being weighed on scales to determine its worth. If these devotees to false gods knew they had to walk in a worthy manner, certainly Christians should dedicate their lives to the living God in order to please Him.

In James 3:17 The main characteristic of godly wisdom is that it is pure, meaning “free from defilement.” Bitterness, envy, and selfish behavior thoroughly corrupt a person (Jas 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. Jas 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. Jas 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. ) Godly wisdom is also peaceable, describing a spirit of tranquility and calmness. It does not suggest compromising truth just for the sake of peace, which would promote falsehood. In addition, godly wisdom is undivided, without favoritism, unwavering and consistent, without hypocrisy. True wisdom is sincere and unpretentious (modest).

Here is some more advice that we can all use to be pleasing to God:
1Th 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
1Th 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

My conclusion is if you want to be pleasing to God, you should seek His will; study to get a proper understanding of who He is by reading His word faithfully and purpose in your heart to study it for yourself and do not depend on others to feed you. Those "others" will not be there with you when you stand before the Lord of Glory!

Conference Video - Friday - July 31, 2009 (Four Parts)

Part 1 of 4
Please forgive my poor camera work!



Part 2 of 4



Part 3 of 4



Part 4 of 4

Apostasy Watch Conference - Still More Pictures!

Keith and Linda, Creeky, Ron, Josh, Brian (Wallwatcher)

Apostasy Watch Conference - And More Pictures!

Steve and Bobbie; Peggy (in green) and Marcia (in pink)(Opera); Denise (Deal One); Creeky and Al

Apostasy Watch Conference - More Pictures!

Radeane and Sterling, Emory, Charlie!

Charo Washer's Testimony - Paul Washer's Wife

After serving for 12 years as a missionary the Lord shed His grace on Charo and saved her soul in 2004. She was hearing her husband, Paul Washer, preach on examining yourself. She came to realize, you either pass the tests in 1 John or you fail them, there is no middle ground.

Whom Do You Trust? Reposting

I am re-posting this for clarification.

Do you rely on yourself, your own wisdom or the wisdom of family or friends to get you through a situation. Don't do that! Get in the habit of trusting the only One who will deliver you.

Have faith; He will NEVER let you down!

Implicit Trust

For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 39:18)

Behold the protecting power of trust in God. The great men of Jerusalem fell by the sword, but poor Ebed-melech was secure, for his confidence was in Jehovah. Where else should a man trust but in his Maker? We are foolish when we prefer the creature to the Creator. Oh, that we could in all things live by faith, then should we be delivered in all time of danger! No one ever did trust in the Lord in vain, and no one ever shall.

The Lord saith, "I will surely deliver thee," Mark the divine "surely." Whatever else may be uncertain, God's care of believers is sure. God Himself is the guardian of the gracious. Under His sacred wing there is safety even when every danger is abroad. Can we accept this promise as sure? Then in our present emergency we shall find that it stands fast. We hope to be delivered because we have friends, or because we are prudent, or because we can see hopeful signs; but none of these things are one-half so good as God's simple "because thou hast put thy trust in me."

Dear reader, try this way, and, trying it, you will keep to it all your life. It is as sweet as it is sure.

These words are straight out of the bible. Trusting the Lord is not a "concept;" it is a way of life for those who believe God, and take Him at His word. The outcome is not up to us, it is up to the Lord. "Ebed-melech was secure, for his confidence was in Jehovah." God delivered him because it was His will that he be delivered.

I cannot imagine anyone thinking that this post suggests that we will be spared from all physical harm. This verse gives an example of a man who trusted in God.

I want to trust God in all things; even if it means my death. There is nothing I can do to save myself. The bible tells us not to rely on our wisdom, knowledge or what seems right. The bible tells us to trust God, no matter how things look. It tells us to walk by faith and not by sight.

Nowhere in this post do I say that I believe in once saved, always saved. I believe that Jesus will keep me saved and I trust Him. I can't keep myself saved. How ludicrous for anyone who calls himself a Christian to think that he can keep himself saved.

Apostasy Watch Conference - Eatonton, GA

Bobbie & Steve, Keith & Linda

Childlike Obedience

(1Co 1:29) That no flesh should glory in his presence.
(1Co 1:30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
(1Co 1:31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

God uses what is considered foolish and despised in this world to reveal His truth, so that He alone will receive the glory. Otherwise, the powerful would boast that they had found the truth. Instead, God sent His Son to become a humble carpenter and to die in the most despicable way, on a cross. Jesus’ life and death reveals God and His wisdom. Since Christ not only imparts wisdom but also righteousness, the Christian cannot boast, except in the Lord

As obedient children we obey out of love as opposed to obedient slaves who obey out of terror. We have obedience of faith and not of dread.

“By faith, Abraham…obeyed.” His obedience was always a result of his faith. As you and I render true obedience it is the product of our faith.

Obedience is worked in us by the Spirit of the Lord, through our belief in the truth, love, and grace of our God in Christ Jesus.

You cannot hope to render obedience by forcing your conduct into a certain groove or by using unaided, determined effort. The road to obedience is a free-grace road, and that is receiving, by faith, the Lord Jesus, who is the gift of God and who “of God is made unto us…sanctification” (1 Corinthians 1:30)

We accept the Lord Jesus by faith, and He teaches us obedience, creating it in us. The more faith in Him that we have, the more obedience to Him we will manifest. Obedience naturally flows out of faith, “for as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7); and the holy obedience of a person’s life will be in proportion to the strength and purity of his faith in God, as He is revealed in Christ Jesus.

Consider the following:

The kind of faith that produces obedience, the kind of obedience that faith produces, and the kind of life that comes out of this faith and obedience. Let us trust the Holy Spirit for His gracious light.

Revival... A Call to Repentance

Will God send another great awakening? There are over 10,000 conferences that happen every year. The 'Revival Conference' is not to be just another conference but a honest, sincere, earnest plea for the desperate need of revival. There is no cost to attend the event. No materials will be sold. There will be no big bands. The conference will have the chief object to be God-glorifying. The speakers will come on their own accord trusting God for provision. There will be no emphasis on money during the event. The event will be a simple, apostolic, yearning for a genuine biblical revival in our day. The conference is hosted by the ministry of sermonindex.net and is a inter-denominational event.

The Obedience That Comes from Faith

A chief ingredient of heaven is that we will see the face of our Lord and "serve Him day and night in his temple."

Revelation 7:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.

Where is His temple today. We, His Saints, are His living temple and we will serve Him through the obedience that comes from faith.

The obedience that comes from faith is a noble obedience. The obedience of a slave ranks only a little higher than the obedience of a well-trained horse or dog, because it reacts to the crack of the whip. When obedience is not done cheerfully it does not come from the heart and it is of little worth before God. If we obey because we have no choice in the matter and we would rather not obey if we had the opportunity then there is nothing in our obedience. The obedience of faith comes from an internal principle and not from some external requirement.

When trials and temptations come, the obedience of faith becomes essential to the sanctified soul. We are then prepared in the hour of losses and sufferings. There is no trial of life that can turn the soul full of grace from his passion for obedience.

May the Holy Spirit work in us so that, by faith, like Abraham, we may obey!

Obedience/Sanctification

Titus 2:14
...who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Redeem means "To purchase." With His death on the Cross, Christ paid the price to release us from the bondage of sin (Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace) to which every unbeliever is a slave. (Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.)

God's purpose in redeeming us is not only to save us from hell, He also wants to free us from sin so that we can produce good works that glorify Him (Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.)

Obedience does not go out the window, as some think. Obedience of the heart to the will of God is our salvation. Perfect obedience would mean perfect salvation.

Sanctification or obedience is the great purpose for which the Savior died. This is why we were chosen. (1 Peter 1:2.. elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.)

There is nothing in this election that says we are to continue in sin. We are called to be Saints. (Romans 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: )

It is grace at work in our hearts that brings about the obedience. We are being conformed to the image of Jesus, our Brother, with whom the Father is "well pleased."

Obedience

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8)

What a blessing it would be if we allowed the Holy Spirit to train us to obey. Our restoration would be complete. It would be heaven on earth if the whole world would obey the Lord. Perfect obedience to God would result in love among men, justice to all, and peace would be everywhere.
Our wills bring jealousy, hatred and war. If we would only obey the Lord's will, we would receive love, joy, rest and happiness.

By faith Abraham obeyed. It is true that we mourn our disobedience; but now we find joy in yielding ourselves as servants of the Lord. Our deepest desire is to do the Lord's will in all things.

It has been suggested by many badly instructed people that the doctrine of justification by faith is opposed to the teaching of good works, or obedience. There is no truth in this. We who believe in justification by faith teach the obedience of faith.

Faith is the foundation and the keeper of obedience. Men do not obey God until they believe Him. Faith is preached so that men may be brought to obedience. To disbelieve is to disobey.

A sign of practical obedience is found in the mind, the understanding, and the heart (soul); and this is expressed in believing the teaching of Christ, trusting in HIS work, and resting in HIS salvation.

Faith and obedience go hand in hand. If we want to do the work of God, we must believe on Jesus Christ whom He has sent. The work is the result of the faith which comes from God. We cannot pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. It is the faith that God gives us that allows us to go on to obey.

The Race of Faith

Hebrews 12

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

Paul tells us to lay aside every weight and sin and to run with endurance. A weight is anything that hinders a runner. He also says that as we run the race we are to look unto Jesus. He has done everything necessary for us to endure in our faith. We are to consistantly focus on Christ instead of our own circumstances. Our Lord's attention was not on the agonies of the Cross, but on the crown; not on the suffering, but the reward. This is the only way we can run the race of Faith. We cannot do it on our own. I have fallen short so many times trying to work things out in my own life. I would say a prayer and then immediately thereafter go about trying to fix things myself. It was only when I read this passage for what it really says that I understand that it's all Jesus. It's not me running the race on my own terms with my goals in mind, no matter how lofty and spiritual I may believe those goals are. Those goals are the heavy weights. When I look to Jesus those weights disappear. It is then that I am running that race by Faith.

When we think about the hostility that He endured of sinners, we should compare our sufferings to the torture Christ endured on our behalf.

Are You Still Carrying Around Those Burdens?

Are you still struggling under those heavy burdens? If you are, then stop it!! The Lord will bear the burdens of His righteous saints. That burden is a blessing if you let the Lord bear it. Stop working and striving to make yourself righteous! Only He is able to do that.

Burdens Cast on Him

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

It is a heavy burden; roll it on Omnipotence. It is thy burden now, and it crushes thee; but when the Lord takes it, He will make nothing of it. If thou art called still to bear, "he will sustain thee." It will be on Him and not on thee. Thou wilt be so upheld under it that the burden will be a blessing. Bring the Lord into the matter, and thou wilt stand upright under that which in itself would bow thee down.

Our worst fear is lest our trial should drive us from the path of duty; but this the Lord will never suffer. If we are righteous before Him, He will not endure that our affliction should move us from our standing. In Jesus He accepts us as righteous, and in Jesus He will keep us so.

What about the present moment? Art thou going forth to this day's trial alone? Are thy poor shoulders again to be galled with the oppressive load? Be not so foolish. Tell the Lord all about thy grief and leave it with Him. Don't cast your burden down and then take it up again; but roll it on the Lord and leave it there. Then shalt thou walk at large, a joyful and unburdened believer, singing the praises of thy great Burden-bearer.

Whom Do You Trust?

Do you rely on yourself, your own wisdom or the wisdom of family or friends to get you through a situation. Don't do that! Get in the habit of trusting the only One who will deliver you. Have faith; He will NEVER let you down!

Implicit Trust

For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 39:18)

Behold the protecting power of trust in God. The great men of Jerusalem fell by the sword, but poor Ebed-melech was secure, for his confidence was in Jehovah. Where else should a man trust but in his Maker? We are foolish when we prefer the creature to the Creator. Oh, that we could in all things live by faith, then should we be delivered in all time of danger! No one ever did trust in the Lord in vain, and no one ever shall.

The Lord saith, "I will surely deliver thee," Mark the divine "surely." Whatever else may be uncertain, God's care of believers is sure. God Himself is the guardian of the gracious. Under His sacred wing there is safety even when every danger is abroad. Can we accept this promise as sure? Then in our present emergency we shall find that it stands fast. We hope to be delivered because we have friends, or because we are prudent, or because we can see hopeful signs; but none of these things are one-half so good as God's simple "because thou hast put thy trust in me."

Dear reader, try this way, and, trying it, you will keep to it all your life. It is as sweet as it is sure.

10 Reasons Why Michael Jackson's Life and Death Matter

As massive crowds gather outside the Staples Center in L.A. to commemorate the tragic life of a man, is there anything we can learn from Michael Jackson’s death? This short video gives 10 things we can learn from his death.

4th of July!

Today I am cellebrating freedom from sin and death given to me by my Savior Jesus Christ! Thank you, Jesus! All Glory to you, Lord!

More On Sanctification

I was full of pride when I thought that I could clean myself up by following some law or rule, or even listening to well-meaning family and friends (this includes others in the Body)to keep me on the Narrow Path. I was deceived. It was only when God showed me that it is not through my efforts, but through HIS grace that I am saved (daily). This is a very, very personal process. Others see what's on the outside; but the Spirit of God sees what lies deep down inside where others cannot see.

Salvation is not a once in a lifetime event. Salvation is a daily process of walking with the Savior and a dying to self. He directs us. He shows us. He gives us the strength to overcome.

"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." (Zec 4:6)

All Our Idols Go To Heaven

The beatification had begun. A maudlin media mush-fest was in full swing. Worshipful crowds were gathering all over the country to wallow in grief stricken adulation for their fallen idol. Michael Jackson’s body had barely enough time to assume room temperature when the internet rumors began to appear on the Christian blogs and websites.:

Wonderful News! Michael Jackson prayed to receive Christ only three weeks before his death!

Someone who knew someone who knew someone reported that gospel recording artists Sandra and Andrae Crouch had prayed with Michael to receive Jesus shortly before he died.

"Last night we received some good news from Terri McFaddin-Solomon who is good friends with Sandra Crouch. Three weeks ago Sandra and Andre' spent some time with their close friend, Michael Jackson. Michael asked Andre` to play, "It Won't Be Long And We'll Be Leaving Here." Michael then prayed with Sandra and Andre and accepted Christ into his heart. Now he's singing in the heavenly choir.! Our hearts rejoice!"

Later, the real story emerged from Crouch’s Facebook page

UPDATE - 06/28/09
"There was NO actual “sinners prayer” however, but they did talk and pray about Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. They also told him, “Michael, we consider you as our son”, and he said, “Yes, yes, yes”, and he gave him his latest music on a CD, and he told him, “Andrae’ I trust you with this”, and gave him CD’s of 2 songs, unpublished, …beautiful music. ……..

He definitely had an “encounter” with them, Andrae’ says, “he did NOT reject Jesus or the prayer when they prayed, and gladly joined in prayer.” He usually doesn’t touch anybody, but he touched them, and held their hands in a circle as they sang and prayed... so Andrae' and Sandra explained to him about the "anointing" and about Jesus. He wanted to know what makes your hands go up, and makes you “come out of yourself”, and what gives a "spirituality" to the music?...

According to Andrae’, who was relaying to Verdine to tell me over the phone just now, Andrae' and Sandra did in fact visit with MJ 2 times, once at the recording studio, and once at his home in the last 2 months, as recently as 3 weeks ago, asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and how he could make his music more "spiritual."...


If you can read the above account without your spirit colored glasses it is clear that the reality is a far cry from the myth. There is no evidence Michael Jackson received Christ. There isn’t even any evidence that he heard the gospel. His good friends Sandra and Andrae Crouch apparently never told him that he was a sinner in need of a savior. There was no call to repentance, no call to discipleship, only some sappy sweet platitudes about spirituality, the “anointing”, and a non judgmental Jesus that’s easy for a worldly man like MJ to embrace. Mr. Jackson had no problem talking and praying about a Jesus who could help him sell more records.

How tragic for all involved that this sort of thing passes for evangelism today.

When I first heard the story of Jackson coming to the Lord I was immediately reminded of several previous stories, tall tales, and urban myths about other well known celebrities who God supposedly rescued at the last minute


Kim Clement claims Anna Nicole Smith cried out to God and is in heaven today

Rock Hudson prayed to receive the Lord on his deathbed

John Wayne received Christ three weeks before he died because of a note from Robert Schullers daughter.

President John F. Kennedy prayed with Billy Graham to receive Christ only days before his assassination


I suppose at this point I should add the obligatory disclaimer. God is sovereign and can save anyone he chooses. The thief on the cross is a biblical example of a last minute conversion so it is certainly possible and consistent with Gods mercy and love. To be fair though, I should also remind you that there were two thieves crucified with Jesus. One of them repented and was received into paradise, the other did not.

Singers, actors, politicians, celebrities, all our idols go to heaven. It doesn’t matter how they lived their lives. They can lie and steal. They can commit adultery and fornication. They can live debauched lives of drunkenness, drug addiction and revelry. They can reject the God of the bible and promote damnable lies as the truth all the while engaging in good deeds designed to make you think they are really deep down ‘good’ persons. In the end none of that matters.

They are our substitute saviors.

We buy their albums, go to their movies, and vote for them. We love them and give our hearts to them. While they live, we look to them for comfort, happiness, security, and love. We invest our emotional well being in these fallible sinful men. And when they die as all men do, we cannot bear to think of them tormented in the pit of hell for all eternity. In their death we come face to face with our own mortality and that requires us to maintain the illusion of God likeness with which we cloaked their lives. They brought salvation to us in this life, surely they will be with us in the next.

With our deceased idols safely in heaven we can relax. Their place in eternity serves as a surety to us that like them, we can enjoy all the world has to offer and still attain paradise. There’s really no need to serve God in this life. If God offered them a last minute reprieve surely we’ll get the same chance. We’ve finally found a way to have our cake and eat it too.

Now would you like the truth? Can you handle the truth?

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4:4

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1John 2:15

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
1Cor 6:9-10

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Rev 21:8

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Romans 1:18-32

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Steve Lumbley 2009 www.apostasywatch.com
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Back, Then Forward

Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. (Ezekiel 16:60)

Notwithstanding our sins, the Lord is still faithful in His love to us. He looks back. See how He remembers those early days of ours when He took us into covenant with Himself, and we gave ourselves over to Him. Happy days those! The Lord does not mock us with them and charge us with being insincere. No, He looks rather to His covenant with us than to our covenant with Him. There was no hypocrisy in that sacred compact, on His part, at any rate. How gracious is the Lord thus to look back in love!

He looks forward also. He is resolved that the covenant shall not fail. If we do not stand to it, He does. He solemnly declares, "I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant." He has no mind to draw back from His promises. Blessed be His name, He sees the sacred seal, "the blood of the everlasting covenant," and He remembers our Surety, in whom He ratified that covenant, even His own dear Son; and therefore He rests in His covenant engagements. "He abideth faithful; he cannot deny himself."

O Lord, lay this precious word upon my heart and help me to feed upon it all this day!

Invitation to Pray

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)

God encourages us to pray. They tell us that prayer is a pious exercise which has no influence except upon the mind engaged in it. We know better. Our experience gives the lie a thousand times over to this infidel assertion. Here Jehovah, the living God, distinctly promises to answer the prayer of His servant. Let us call upon Him again and admit no doubt upon the question of His hearing us and answering us. He that made the ear, shall He not hear? He that gave parents a love to their children, will He not listen to the cries of His own sons and daughters!

God will answer His pleading people in their anguish. He has wonders in store for them. What they have never seen, heard of, or dreamed of, He will do for them. He will invent new blessings if needful. He will ransack sea and land to feed them: He will send every angel out of heaven to run to rescue them if their distress requires it. He will astound us with His grace and make us feel that it was never before done in this fashion. All He asks of us is that we will call upon Him. He cannot ask less of us. Let us cheerfully render Him our prayers at once.

Untimely Death

The people of the world morn what they call the “untimely death” of Michael Jackson. What they don’t realize is that death is always on time. It is the Lord who gives us life and it is He alone who decides when we will die. Hebrews 9:27 says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

The real tragedy here is not that Michael Jackson died. He was destined to die. The question is, where is he now. Wherever he is, he will be there for all eternity. Try and count each individual sand pebble at the seashore. Eternity will go on longer than the sands at the beach.

Over 2,000 years ago Jesus was born and lived among us. He came to teach us about Eternal Life and the Kingdom of God. He gave His life and was crucified and bore the punishment for our sins so that we may inherit that life. He taught us what repentance is and how to gain eternal life by dying to self and losing our lives in this world. He has many other wonderful things to say about this new life in His word.

Just as Jesus predicted, there are many, many false prophets in the world today. You can hear their voices coming from the pulpits of many churches in America today. They are on TV and the internet. They live in our neighborhoods. They preach a false gospel. They preach a man-made gospel of greed and self. They will tell you how to live your best life now. They will tickle your ears with words that are pleasing.

Listen to what Jesus said: “And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34)

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

The “CROSS” is an instrument of death. If you want the life that Jesus talks about this is what you must do. The cross is a daily laying down of your life. You must lay down your life every day and do the will of the Father, just as Jesus did. This sounds impossible! Well, it is. You cannot do this yourself, by your own flesh, because flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. It is by grace. God will give you the grace that you need to do what he calls you to do.

But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) Jesus said this to his disciples right after a rich young ruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.

So there you have it right from the lips of the Savior.

This life is available to anyone who seeks it. It’s free but it will cost you something. It will cost you your life in this world. It’s a life that is short as we measure time. As the people of the world measure time Michael Jackson’s time on this earth was short. So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Creeky

A Staircase to Heaven

And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. (John 1:51)

Yes, to our faith this sight is plain even at this day. We do see heaven opened. Jesus Himself has opened that kingdom to all believers. We gaze into the place of mystery and glory, for He has revealed it to us. We shall enter it soon, for He is the way.

Now we see the explanation of Jacob's ladder. Between earth and heaven there is a holy commerce; prayer ascends, and answers come down by the way of Jesus, the Mediator. We see this ladder when we see our Lord. In Him a stairway of light now furnishes a clear passage to the throne of the Most High. Let us use it and send up by it the messengers of our prayers. We shall live the angelic life ourselves if we run up to heaven in intercession, lay hold upon the blessings of the covenant, and then descend again to scatter those gifts among the sons of men.

This choice sight which Jacob only saw in a dream will turn into a bright reality. This very day we will be up and down the ladder each hour: climbing in communion and coming down in labor to save our fellowmen. This is Thy promise, O Lord Jesus; let us joyfully see it fulfilled.

Jesus made it possible to enter the Kingdom of God right here and now. We don't have to wait until we die to get there. Are you walking in the Kingdom? Are you truly born again? Have you come to the realization that your sins have been forgiven?

Special Prayer Request for Defender of Faith Ingrid Schleuter

Please pray for Ingrid Schleuter, director of the Slice of Laodicea blog and radio host for the Crosstalk program at VCY America. Ingrid has been on the front lines for many years in defending the faith and speaking up against spiritual deception. She is nearing the end of a high-risk pregnancy, and we ask you to pray for her and her soon-to-be-born baby daughter.

God Himself Shall Work

Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself. (Isaiah 33:10)

When the spoilers had made the land as waste as if devoured by locusts, and the warriors who had defended the country sat down and wept like women, then the Lord came to the rescue. When travelers ceased from the roads to Zion, and Bashan and Carmel were as vineyards from which the fruit has failed, then the Lord arose. God is exalted in the midst of an afflicted people, for they seek His face and trust Him. He is still more exalted when in answer to their cries He lifts up Himself to deliver them and overthrow their enemies.

Is it a day of sorrow with us? Let us expect to see the Lord glorified in our deliverance. Are we drawn out in fervent prayer? Do we cry day and night unto Him? Then the set time for His grace is near. God will lift up Himself at the right season. He will arise when it will be most for the display of His glory. We wish for His glory more than we long for our own deliverance. Let the Lord be exalted, and our chief desire is obtained.

Lord, help us in such a way that we may see that Thou Thyself art working. May we magnify Thee in our inmost souls. Make all around us to see how good and great a God Thou art.

(For an in-depth teaching on this subject, please go to: http://www.apostasywatch.com
and click on "What's New". The title of the audio is: He is Faithful Who Promised.)
There are more free audio teachings listed under "Free Audio".

Divine Cultivation

I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. (Isaiah 27:3)

When the Lord Himself speaks in His own proper person rather than through a prophet, the word has a peculiar weight to believing minds. It is Jehovah Himself who is the keeper of His own vineyard; He does not trust it to any other, but He makes it His own personal care. Are they not well kept whom God Himself keeps?

We are to receive gracious watering, not only every day and every hour "but every moment." How we ought to grow! How fresh and fruitful every plant should be! What rich clusters the vines should bear!

But disturbers come; little foxes and the boar. Therefore, the Lord Himself is our Guardian, and that at all hours, both "night and day." What, then, can harm us? Why are we afraid! He tends, He waters, He guards; what more do we need?

Twice in this verse the Lord says, "I will." What truth, what power, what love, what immutability we find in the great "I will" of Jehovah! Who can resist His will? If He says "I will," what room is there for doubt? With an "I will" of God we can face all the hosts of sin, death, and hell. O Lord, since Thou sayest, "I will keep thee," I reply, "I will praise Thee!"

My Song Is Love Unknown

The Cup of Christ

A Shepherd Secures Them

They shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. (Zephaniah 3:13)

Yesterday we thought of the afflicted and poor people whom the Lord left to be a living seed in a dead world. The prophet says of such that they shall not work iniquity nor speak lies. So that while they had neither rank nor riches to guard them, they were also quite unable to use those weapons in which the wicked place so much reliance: they could neither defend themselves by sin nor by subtlety.

What then? Would they be destroyed? By no means! They should both feed and rest and be not merely free from danger but even quiet from fear of evil. Sheep are very feeble creatures, and wolves are terrible enemies; yet at this hour sheep are more numerous than wolves, and the cause of the sheep is always winning, while the cause of the wolves is always declining. One day flocks of sheep will cover the plains, and not a wolf will be left. The fact is that sheep have a Shepherd, and this gives them provender, protection, and peace. "None"--which means not one, whether in human or diabolical form--"shall make them afraid." Who shall terrify the Lord's Rock when He is near? We lie down in green pastures, for Jesus Himself is food and rest to our souls.

A Trustworthy Name

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. (Zephaniah 3:12)

When true religion is ready to die out among the wealthy it finds a home among the poor of this world, rich in faith. The Lord has even now His faithful remnant. Am I one of them?
Perhaps it is because men are afflicted and poor that they learn to trust in the name of the Lord. He that hath no money must try what he can do on trust. He whose own name is good for nothing in his own esteem, acts wisely to rest in another name, even that best of names, the name of Jehovah. God wilt always have a trusting people, and these will be an afflicted and poor people. Little as the world thinks of them, their being left in the midst of a nation is the channel of untold blessings to it. Here we have the conserving salt which keeps in check the corruption which is in the world through lust.

Again the question comes home to each one of us. Am I one of them? Am I afflicted by the sin within me and around me? Am I poor in spirit, poor spiritually in my own judgment? Do I trust in the Lord? This is the main business. Jesus reveals the name, the character, the person of God; am I trusting in Him? If so, I am left in this world for a purpose. Lord, help me to fulfill it.

The Safest Place

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)

We believe in the eternal security of the saints. First, because they are Christ's, and He will never lose the sheep which He has bought with His blood and received of His Father.
Next, because He gives them eternal life, and if it be eternal, well then, it is eternal, and there can be no end to hell, and heaven, and God. If spiritual life can die out, it is manifestly not eternal life, and that effectually shuts out the possibility of an end.

Observe, further, that the Lord expressly says, "They shall never perish." As long as words have a meaning, this secures believers from perishing. The most obstinate unbelief cannot force this meaning out of this sentence.

Then, to make the matter complete, He declares that His people are in His hand, and He defies all their enemies to pluck them out of it. Surely it is a thing impossible even for the fiend of hell. We must be safe in the grasp of an almighty Savior. Be it ours to dismiss carnal fear as well as carnal confidence and rest peacefully in the hollow of the Redeemer's hand.

NASA Photo

Exceedingly Precious

They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; (Malachi 3:17)

A day is coming in which the crown jewels of our great King shall be counted, that it may be seen whether they answer to the inventory which His Father gave Him. My soul, wilt thou be among the precious things of Jesus? Thou art precious to Him if He is precious to thee, and thou shalt be His "in that day," if He is thine in this day.

In the days of Malachi, the chosen of the Lord were accustomed so to converse with each other that their God Himself listened to their talk. He liked it so well that He took notes of it; yes, and made a book of it, which He lodged in His record office. Pleased with their conversation, He was also pleased with them. Pause, my soul, and ask thyself: If Jesus were to listen to thy talk would He be pleased with it? Is it to His glory and to the edification of the brotherhood? Say, my soul, and be sure thou sayest the truth.

But what will the honor be for us poor creatures to be reckoned by the Lord to be His crown jewels! This honor have all the saints. Jesus not only says, "They are mine," but, "They shall be mine." He bought us, sought us, brought us in, and has so far wrought us to His image that we shall be fought for by Him with all His might.

Prepared for the Coming Tribulation

Written By Corrie Ten Boom in 1974.

The world is deathly ill. It is dying. The Great Physician has already signed the death certificate. Yet there is still a great work for Christians to do. They are to be streams of living water, channels of mercy to those who are still in the world. It is possible for them to do this because they are overcomers.

Christians are ambassadors for Christ. They are representatives from Heaven to this dying world. And because of our presence here, things will change.
My sister, Betsy, and I were in the Nazi concentration camp at Ravensbruck because we committed the crime of loving Jews. Seven hundred of us from Holland, France, Russia, Poland and Belgium were herded into a room built for two hundred. As far as I knew, Betsy and I were the only two representatives of Heaven in that room.

We may have been the Lord’s only representatives in that place of hatred, yet because of our presence there, things changed. Jesus said, “In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We too, are to be overcomers – bringing the light of Jesus into a world filled with darkness and hate.

Sometimes I get frightened as I read the Bible, and as I look in this world and see all of the tribulation and persecution promised by the Bible coming true. Now I can tell you, though, if you too are afraid, that I have just read the last pages. I can now come to shouting “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” for I have found where it is written that Jesus said, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things: and I will be His God, and he shall be My son.” This is the future and hope of this world. Not that the world will survive – but that we shall be overcomers in the midst of a dying world.

Betsy and I, in the concentration camp, prayed that God would heal Betsy who was so weak and sick. “Yes, the Lord will heal me,”, Betsy said with confidence. She died the next day and I could not understand it. They laid her thin body on the concrete floor along with all the other corpses of the women who died that day.

It was hard for me to understand, to believe that God had a purpose for all that. Yet because of Betsy’s death, today I am traveling all over the world telling people about Jesus.

"There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days. Most of them have little knowledge of what is already going on across the world. I have been in countries where the saints are already suffering terrible persecution. In China, the Christians were told, “Don’t worry, before the tribulation comes you will be translated – raptured.” Then came a terrible persecution. Millions of Christians were tortured to death. Later I heard a Bishop from China say, sadly, “We have failed. We should have made the people strong for persecution rather than telling them Jesus would come first. Tell the people how to be strong in times of persecution, how to stand when the tribulation comes – to stand and not faint.”

I feel I have a divine mandate to go and tell the people of this world that it is possible to be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in training for the tribulation, but more than sixty percent of the Body of Christ across the world has already entered into the tribulation. There is no way to escape it. We are next.

Since I have already gone through prison for Jesus’ sake, and since I met the Bishop in China, now every time I read a good Bible text I think, “Hey, I can use that in the time of tribulation.” Then I write it down and learn it by heart.

When I was in the concentration camp, a camp where only twenty percent of the women came out alive, we tried to cheer each other up by saying, “Nothing could be any worse than today.” But we would find the next day was even worse. During this time a Bible verse that I had committed to memory gave me great hope and joy. “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 evil is spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.” (I Peter 3:14) I found myself saying, “Hallelujah! Because I am suffering, Jesus is glorified!”

In America, the churches sing, “Let the congregation escape tribulation”, but in China and Africa the tribulation has already arrived. This last year alone more than two hundred thousand Christians were martyred in Africa. Now things like that never get into the newspapers because they cause bad political relations. But I know. I have been there. We need to think about that when we sit down in our nice houses with our nice clothes to eat our steak dinners. Many, many members of the Body of Christ are being tortured to death at this very moment, yet we continue right on as though we are all going to escape the tribulation.

Several years ago I was in Africa in a nation where a new government had come into power. The first night I was there some of the Christians were commanded to come to the police station to register. When they arrived they were arrested and that same night they were executed. The next day the same thing happened with other Christians. The third day it was the same. All the

Christians in the district were being systematically murdered.
The fourth day I was to speak in a little church. The people came, but they were filled with fear and tension. All during the service they were looking at each other, their eyes asking, “Will this one I am sitting beside be the next one killed? Will I be the next one?”

The room was hot and stuffy with insects that came through the screenless windows and swirled around the naked bulbs over the bare wooden benches. I told them a story out of my childhood.

“When I was a little girl, ” I said, “I went to my father and said, “Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a marty for Jesus Christ.” “Tell me,” said Father, “When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?” “No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train.” “That is right,” my father said, “and so it is with God’s strength. Our Father in Heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need – just in time…”

My African friends were nodding and smiling. Suddenly a spirit of joy descended upon that church and the people began singing, ” In the sweet, by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.” Later that week, half the congregation of that church was executed. I heard later that the other half was killed some months ago.

But I must tell you something. I was so happy that the Lord used me to encourage these people, for unlike many of their leaders, I had the word of God. I had been to the Bible and discovered that Jesus said He had not only overcome the world, but to all those who remained faithful to the end, He would give a crown of life.
How can we get ready for the persecution? First we need to feed on the word of God, digest it, make it a part of our being. This will mean disciplined Bible study each day as we not only memorize long passages of scripture, but put the principles to work in our lives.

Next we need to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just the Jesus of yesterday, the Jesus of History, but the life-changing Jesus of today who is still alive and sitting at the right hand of God.

We must be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is no optional command of the Bible, it is absolutely necessary. Those earthly disciples could never have stood up under the persecution of the Jews and Romans had they not waited for Pentecost. Each of us needs our own personal Pentecost, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We will never be able to stand in the tribulation without it.
In the coming persecution we must be ready to help each other and encourage each other. But we must not wait until the tribulation comes before starting. The fruit of the Spirit should be the dominant force of every Christian’s life.

Many are fearful of the coming tribulation, they want to run. I, too, am a little bit afraid when I think that after all my eighty years, including the horrible nazi concentration camp, that I might have to go through the tribulation also. But then I read the Bible and I am glad.

When I am weak, then I shall be strong, the Bible says. Betsy and I were prisoners for the Lord, we were so weak, but we got power because the Holy Spirit was on us. That mighty inner strengthening of the Holy Spirit helped us through. No, you will not be strong in yourself when the tribulation comes. Rather, you will be strong in the power of Him who will not forsake you. For seventy-six years I have known the Lord Jesus and not once has He ever left me, or let me down. Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him, for I know that to all who overcome, He shall give the crown of life. Hallelujah!