Watchman, What of the Night that Cometh?*

In these times, the end times before the return of Jesus Christ, the spiritual watchman plays an important role. Isaiah was prophesying about the judgments against the nations when the Word of the LORD regarding watchmen came forth: "The burden of Duma. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? While Duma in this case refers to the nation of Esau, called Idumea, there is a spiritual application of this prophecy as well that goes beyond this specific nation. From the Apocrypha, 2 Esdras 6:7-9, Ezra wrote that during birth, when Jacob grabbed the heel of his twin Esau, a parting of the times occurred. Esau represented the end of the first world and time, while Jacob represented the coming of the second new world and time. Esau represented those things that were to pass away, the things of the flesh. The question here that was put to the watchman in these verses from Isaiah above was about the night that is coming. Jesus said: "I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (Jn. 9:4-5). Jesus is no longer in the world, but He called us, who are still in the world, to be the light of the world. However, there is a night coming when no man can work. The prophet Ezekiel warned in another place that the watchman has a grave responsibility when he sees the sword coming. The watchman must blow the trumpet, sounding the alarm. If a man does not heed the alarm, then the watchman is not responsible for the blood of the man who ignored the warning. If the watchman fails to sound the alarm when he sees the sword coming upon the land, the blood of those whom he should have warned will be upon his hands (Ezek. 33:3-6). Jesus has called us to be watchmen. As He was telling His disciples of the events that would take place at the end of the age before His return, Jesus said: "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (Mt. 24:33-36). Jesus also said that as happened in the days of Noah, the people thought that life would seemingly go on without change right up until the shocking moment when Noah was shut into the ark, and the earth was flooded, and those lives were lost. Jesus warned that as happened then, men will not expect that moment of terror to occur, even when they see signs of its approach. When He returns, Jesus said, at a moment men do not expect, some will be taken and some will be left. So Jesus told His disciples: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." (v. 37-42). The word "watch" used by Jesus is written as the Greek word gregoreo meaning "arouse, refrain from sleep, be vigilant, watch, keep awake". Do not fall into the deception that everything will continue as it is now. This will not get you into the kingdom. Before His arrest and death, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane (meaning "oil press") to pray. "And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mt. 26:36-41). Jesus had prophesied to His disciples that He was going to Jerusalem where He would be put to death. He told His disciples this night in the garden there in Jerusalem that He felt a very heavy burden in His heart, even to death. Yet they could not keep awake to pray for even an hour. The flesh is in charge when we are not watching. Is your spirit born again? Is it watching? As Jesus told His disciples about the end time signs in Luke 21, He said: "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Lk. 21:34-36). Stay awake, be ready, be vigilant, not caught up in the cares of life, or even in some churches' agendas of success and prosperity. God does want His people to be well and prosper, but it is as our souls prosper, according to scripture. It is not about how many are in your church. This is how the world measures, not God. The apostle Paul called the elders of the church at Ephesus to gather to him. He knew that in his upcoming travels, he would be arrested and put in chains. This prophetic word had been given to him previously, and he also knew it directly from the Lord. He wanted to pass instructions to these elders, because he knew it was the last time he would meet with them in person. Paul said regarding what lay ahead of him: "But none of these things move me, neither I count my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify of the gospel of the grace of God...Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." (Acts 20:17-31). Paul spoke to these elders as a spiritual watchman, having faithfully warned them, and continuing to give a last warning here about spiritual wolves, and even those among the elders themselves who would try to draw disciples away to themselves speaking perverse things. He told them that because he has been a faithful watchman "I am pure from the blood of all men". These elders were to become the watchmen now. As watchmen, Paul commends them to God, "and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." (v. 32). The apostle Peter also instructed the church: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:6-8). The devil is depicted here as a roaring lion. Only old, toothless lions roar while hunting. The young lions silently stalk their prey. Nevertheless, the instruction to us here is to "be vigilant", or continually watchful. We are to resist the devil in the faith (v. 9). God's desire is that we be made perfect, established, strengthened and settled through Him by Jesus Christ (v. 10). Spiritually, our citizenship is of the Kingdom of God, not of this world, so be transformed by the Word of God. Do not be conformed to this world, as we are seeing so many so-called Christians doing, instead of being the warning watchmen that God's Word requires us to be: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity." (1 Cor. 16:13-14). Do not conform to the divisive violence and hatred of the world, but do all with charity - warning others as faithful watchmen that the night is coming. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 10/24/21 message to the church. To contact, offer a praise report, submit a prayer request, or support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimeschool.com.

Foundations, Traditions and Doctrine*

More and more we are seeing examples of ideas and doctrines within the church that are not based upon the Word of God. They are instead doctrines of men, rather than God. There are consequences that occur when God's people begin to turn from His Word, and prefer the words of men: "Hear the word of the LORD ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, no mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out and blood toucheth blood." (Hosea 4:1-2). The LORD said through His prophet that as the knowledge of God was removed from the inhabitants of the land, sins and violence began to spread, as we see here in America. The LORD further warned: "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge (Hebrew da-at - knowledge, wisdom, insight, understanding), because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." (v. 6). Rejected knowledge of God leads to corruption, creating future generations that are separated from God. Psalm 11, a psalm of David, tells us to place our trust in the LORD. It also carries the warning: "If the foundations (Hebrew satah - basis of political or moral support; defenders of morality fall from moral righteousness) be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (v. 3). The foundations of the Word of God, the foundations of our faith, are being destroyed. As an example of this, this Psalm warns that fire and brimstone will be poured out upon the wicked, but fewer and fewer believe that there is such a penalty for wickedness, or that Hell exists. Often, the church doesn't want to hear knowledge. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth that he had to continue feeding them milk, like babies, because they couldn't bear the meat of the Word. He told them this was because they were still so carnal, rather than spiritual (1 Cor. 3:1-2). If we are to be mature believers, we need the meat of the Word of God to grow. Paul described himself as a "masterbuilder" who has laid the foundation, that foundation being Jesus Christ: "For other foundation (Greek themelios - first principles of institution of truth) can no man lay that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Paul warned others to be careful how they built upon that sure foundation (see v. 10-11). The elemental principles of the foundation of our faith established in Jesus Christ, which basic principles the church should know and teach, are described in the Book of Hebrews: repentance from dead works and of faith towards God (we are not saved by works, as some churches believe, but through faith), doctrine of baptisms (There is more than one baptism, however, many churches reject the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for example), laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment (There is a heaven to gain, and a hell to shun). These are foundational beliefs for the Christian, but the Christian is also expected to continue growing from these: "...let us go on unto perfection." (Heb. 6:1-2). Here is also a serious warning in these verses: for those who have believed this foundation, experienced this gift and the Word of God, and partaken of the Holy Spirit, and have seen the powers of the world to come, yet fall away from the truth, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance because they crucify Christ again for themselves, and put Him to shame openly (v. 4-6). It is not a small thing for the church, or an individual, to fall away from the necessary foundation of truth in Christ. Again, Paul tells us in the Book of Ephesians that the foundation of our faith is established by the apostles and prophets, with the chief cornerstone of that foundation being Jesus Christ. There is a living holy temple of God being built upon this foundation, and this habitation of God is built together by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22). Yet many in the church teach that there are no longer apostles and prophets, and many deny the active working of the Holy Spirit in this continuing work of God. Ephesians also tells us that the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers have been given to teach the church until all are brought into the unity of the faith, and the full measure of Jesus Christ (see Eph. 4:11-16). Since this outcome has obviously not yet been achieved, apostles, prophets, and the other gifts must still be needed and are present in the church. Paul tells Timothy to teach the church that they are to be "...laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which has been committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith..." (1 Tim. 6:19-21). It is that good foundation, not false science or men's doctrines, that will keep us against the time to come, that will keep us unto eternal life. As people accused Jesus and His disciples of not obeying the Jewish traditions that had been in practice for centuries, Jesus warned them that these traditions of men could not save them, cleanse them from sin, or offer them excuses to ignore the Word of God: "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (see Mt. 15:1-20). They made their traditionals as important, or more so, than the scriptures. This took them away from the truth that they needed to know in order to be saved. Jesus told them that men were not defiled by what they touched or ate, but by what was in their hearts: "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man..." (v. 19-20). We see stories of so-called believers speaking hatred, anger and even threats against those with whom they disagree. They believe they are righteous in their violent militancy, but this is not the foundation of Jesus Christ. These are the doctrines of men and devils. Paul wrote again in Timothy: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron...Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine...Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (1 Tim. 4:1-2). To the church, Paul wrote: "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein in thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ...Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances (Touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?" (Colossians 2:6-10, 20-22, excerpt). Often we have seen that religious legalism stems not from the Word of God, but from the teachings of men. However, these teachings are wrongly treated with equal importance to the Word of God. The church has been impacted by all of the things that we have seen warned of here in the scriptures. In many cases, they have rejected the truth and the knowledge of God, as Hosea warned, and embraced instead the doctrines of men, demons, false science, philosophies, all of this world. We are not to be conformed to this world, however, but transformed by the renewing of our minds, by the washing of the water of the Word of God. I pray that eyes and ears will be opened to the truth that the LORD has provided to us. *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 10/17/21 message to the church. To contact, submit a prayer request or a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 OR everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimeschool.com.

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times*

It is troubling to see people, even professing believers, rising up and responding to issues with violence. The Word of God offers the ancient wisdom that applies to these times of increasing anger and violence: "In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? For lo, the wicked bend their bow...that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold...the children of men. The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright." (Psalm 11). The foundations of righteousness, the Word of God, the Commandments, were removed from public view in this nation beginning in the 1960's. However, the LORD's throne is still established in heaven. The LORD still sees the acts of both righteous and unrighteous men, and there is still an expected outcome for both. Dominion Theology, stating that the believers will rise up and take control, is error. In Psalm 73, the writer admits that he had become envious of the wicked. He wrote that it seemed to him that the wicked do whatever they wish, and nothing happens to them. In fact, they seem to prosper and live well (v. 1-12). The writer even said that it seemed a vain thing to spend his life cleansing his heart and hands, if the wicked prosper so. However he concludes: "If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children." (v. 15). We know that living a righteous life is not in vain, and we would be teaching our children an untruth to say such a thing. Our children not only are taught by our words, but by following our example, our actions, whether those actions are righteous or wicked. The psalmist wrote, however, that he saw the truth when he went into the sanctuary of God. He then understood the end of the wicked: "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How they are brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors." (v. 17-19). It is in God's sanctuary, within our intimate relationship with Him, that we see, not how the world rewards the wicked, but the unavoidable conclusion of their wickedness in the hands of God. The psalmist recognized his foolish thoughts, and makes a renewed commitment to God: "Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory...My flesh and heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." (v. 23-26). The psalmist understood that those who distance themselves from God will perish, while it is good for one to draw near to God, place their trust in Him, and declare all God's works. Are we declaring what our flesh feels, rather than the Word and works of God? Regarding the same thing, David wrote in Psalm 37: "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass...Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." (v. 1-3). "Delight thyself in the LORD...Commit thy way unto the LORD...Rest in the LORD...Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil... For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be...But the meek (humble) shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." The book of wisdom, Proverbs, described this wicked generation in Chapter 30 as one that curses their father, and does not bless their mother (v. 11). How we have seen this today! In the Old Testament, behavior that we see every day by children against parents, would result in a death sentence. People view themselves as being pure, Proverbs 30 says, but are still in their filthiness (v. 12). Things that were considered abominable to do in previous generations are now accepted today. This generation spoken of in Prov. 30 is proud and lofty in their own eyes, and their teeth are sharp like swords to devour the poor and needy from the earth (v. 13-14). There are so many crying out for help here at home, and across the world. Where are the givers in the church, where is the giving of churches towards these needs, and where are the intercessors? Part of the wickedness of these last days is the hoarding of wealth, the defrauding of those who earn wages, the persecution of others for increase in wealth. However, this wealth will witness against those who have coveted and hoarded it. (James 5:1-6). James also wrote, however: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the LORD. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the LORD draweth nigh." (v. 7-8). Both of the prophets Hosea and Malachi urged God's people to return to Him. As in James above, Hosea describes the LORD saying, "After two days he will revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight...and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." (Hosea 6:1-3). Malachi asked God's people: "But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' sope...he shall purify the sons of Levi...And I will come near to you in 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 at his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Mal. 3:2-6). The LORD does not change His Word to us. What was wicked then is still wicked now to God. He gives all men an opportunity to repent and return to Him, if they will take it. He has the end of every man in His hands. Being assured in this, we must not be angry, but meek, being an example to others by how we live. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 10/10/21 message to the church. To contact us, to submit a praise report or a prayer request, to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimeschool.com.

A House Divided*

I grow concerned that because of the machinations of the enemy, we, the church, are becoming a house divided. Unbelievers are taking the Word of God in their mouths, and misusing it for their own plans, saying things like, "If you are a Christian, then you should be supporting the law recognizing abortion as 'a woman's right to choose'", as well as persecuting believers for not observing other laws enacted that contradict God's Word. The Word of God is not to be used to further men's agendas, but it is to be regarded as truth directed by the Holy Spirit to shine light upon men: "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:19-21). Today we see men misusing the Word as a bludgeon against the church. The misuse of the Word of God, whether by believers or unbelievers, causes division. Unbelief concerning the Word also causes division. Jesus sent His disciples out with specific commands: "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils..." (Mk. 3:13-19, excerpt). Why isn't the church walking in this? It is because of doubt and unbelief, which also cause divisions within the church, as the church debates whether miracles are still for today. Even His own friends tried to lay hold of Jesus, saying "He is beside himself" (v. 21). Our own friends and family can be opposed to our born-again, Spirit-filled faith, and our obedience to the Word of God. As Jesus worked miracles, religious experts called scribes, who transcribed and taught the Word of God, accused Jesus of casting out devils by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils! (v. 22). Jesus asked those critics how Satan could cast out Satan? He said: "And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end." (v. 24-26). Jesus warned that although many blasphemies may be forgiven, this kind of blasphemy, the attribution of the power and work of the Holy Spirit to that of Satan, is a blasphmemy that cannot be forgiven: "But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation." (v. 29). We have a perfect example in scripture of Satan using the Word of God incorrectly and inaccurately to deceive, just as he did to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, in order to divide man from God, and each other. Satan did so again in trying to tempt even Jesus to abandon His purpose by quoting scripture inappropriately. The Holy Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness in order to be tempted. Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and nights (Mt. 4:1-2). The Tempter came to Jesus in His hunger and said, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." Having been led by the Holy Spirit to fast for this time, Jesus gave this answer to that temptation: "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (v. 3-4). Then the devil took Jesus to the holy city and set Him upon the pinnacle of the temple, and instructed Him to cast Himself down from it. The devil assured Jesus that by the promise he quoted in the Word of God (Ps. 91:11-12), no harm could come to Jesus. Jesus spoke of a commandment of God that truly and more perfectly applied to this temptation: "It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the LORD thy God." (v. 6-7). Finally, the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the earth, and their glory, promising that he would give them to Jesus "...if thou wilt fall down and worship me." (v. 8-9). Jesus answered, "Get thee hence, Satan,: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the LORD thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (v. 10). At that point, the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Jesus. Does the church recognize when the devil, or men, twist the scriptures for their own purposes (2 Peter 3:16)? This is a source of division in the church. Not only is this a question of rightly discerning and applying the scriptures, but it is also an issue that is affected by character. Jesus taught of a spiritual character that would keep us in the righteous mind and Spirit of God, which is necessary to stand against these kinds of temptations. These spiritual qualities are called The Beatitudes (Mt. 5:1-12), and they include a blessing for those "which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Jesus also spoke about the merciful, and the peacemakers, the humble and the pure in heart. Especially in these times, when the attack of division has come so strongly against the church, we should seek these spiritual qualities that Jesus considered important for His disciples. Following the teaching of The Beatitudes, Jesus then described believers in Him as being the salt of the earth, and the light of the world (Mt. 5:13-16). He pointed out, however, that if we as salt have lost our savor, or if we as light, have failed to shine that light of good works before men, then the salt becomes "good for nothing", and the Father is not glorified. We do these works of salt and light understanding that men will scorn and even persecute us because of it, but Jesus also said, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Mt. 5:10-12). Having prepared His disciples in all of these things, Jesus called the twelve to him and "he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (Mt. 10:1). Jesus sent them to the lost sheep of Israel, as it was not yet the time to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles or the Samaritans (v. 5-6). "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of God is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (v. 7-8). The disciples were to leave their peace with those cities and households that would hear and receive them. They were to let their peace return to them from those places that would not receive them, even shaking the dust from their feet as they leave those places (v. 11-14). Jesus spoke concerning any city that did not receive the Gospel that the disciples would bring: "Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (v. 15-16). Jesus warned them, "...but beware of men". Men, and the systems of men, would hurt them, accuse them, and judge them, He said (v. 17-18). On those occasions, they were to speak as the Holy Spirit would give them the words to speak, not relying on their own pre-planned words: "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." (v. 19-20). We can see how the anointed leading of the Holy Spirit putting the words in our mouths is what is needed today more than ever. The division in the church comes not only from the world's twisting of the Word of God for their own purposes against the church, but also words spoken within the church of believers that are not directed by the Holy Spirit. Some speak against other believers who are not like themselves, and conclude that they are not saved. These are also not the words spoken out of the humble, righteous and pure hearts of The Beatitudes, nor are they edifying words that are salt and light. All of these things lead us into the danger of becoming a house divided. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 10/3/21 message to the church. To contact us with a prayer request, a praise report, or to support the ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and at endtimeschool.com.