Purpose in These Last Days*

As we see the signs of the end times and the return of Christ becoming more numerous, what is our purpose? King Solomon wrote: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Eccl. 3:1). The word "purpose" used here is the Hebrw word kayfets meaning "purpose", but also "delight, pleasure, longing". There is a connection between the fulfilling of God's purpose, and His delight. Jesus spoke, for instance, of how He longed to keep the Passover with His disciples, as it spoke of His purpose. Paul wrote of the beginning of our purpose in the will of God: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved..." (Eph. 1:4-6). God's purpose in us was established before the world was created that we should be made a part of Christ. We know from scripture that Jesus was the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world. We know that "In the beginning", or B'reshiet in Hebrew, each of the letters of the word combined together to mean, "The Son of God crushed, His hand on a cross". We know that the Creator in Genesis was Elohim aleph-tav in Hebrew. The written but untranslated "aleph-tav" letters refer to Christ, "the Alpha and the Omega" as translated into the Greek language. Our purpose, with the eternal purpose of the Lamb of God, Jesus, was established before the physical creation. Paul continued to write in Ephesians that this was established through redemption (by His blood), forgiveness, and grace, which cannot be earned, but is given by God as a gift to all who will receive it. Jesus accomplished all of these for us to the glory of God, and for His praise. Paul wrote: "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he had purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him." (v. 9-10). This is the purpose of God in which He delights and longs - bringing all creation back into Himself through the redemption work of Christ. God walked with Adam and Eve daily in the Garden of Eden before man accepted the lie of the devil and became separated from God. Now, man and God are reconciled together again through Christ, His Son. Not only have we been reconciled, but included in our purpose is the gain of an inheritance "being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will...." (v. 11). We entered into this purpose when we trusted and believed the word of truth, the Gospel of our salvation, and were sealed, or guaranteed, in this salvation leading to eternal life by the Holy Spirit (v. 13). We were purposed before the foundtion of the world, but the hearing and believing of the Gospel, brought us into this purpose at the proper time. How did the Gospel accomplish this? Paul wrote regarding the power of the Gospel, which he risked his life to preach: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also the Greek." (Rom. 1:15-16). The Gospel is the (dynamite-like) power of God that leads to salvation by which His righteousness is revealed to man from faith to faith, deeper and deeper. It is by this faith that a man is viewed as "just" before God (v. 17). What is more righteous than an Almighty God who so loves, that He has delighted in His will to give up His only Son so that we can live and not die? People are dying today to bring this Gospel of salvation to others in certain parts of the world. It is still a death sentence in some nations to preach or believe the Gospel. There are those, however, to whom God has revealed Himself, but they have denied Him because they love unrighteousness more. Because God has clearly shown Himself to them, they are without excuse (Rom. 1:1-20). We see more and more of this in the world. The physical world is proof of God's existence and the truth of His Word, yet some men would deny Him: "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things...Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (Rom. 1:18-25). What happens to men who know God but refuse to glorify Him as God? God gives their minds and nature over to the unclean things that they prefer. Even their sexual natures, which God had given them, begins to twist towards the unnatural, even the perverse: "And even as they did not retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient." (v. 26-28). The turning of a person continually to unrighteousness, though he has knowledge of God, is described in scripture as being like a dog returning to its vomit. One of the truths of God's Word is that "male and female God He created them", period. When we refuse and hate the truth, we are given over by God to the lie that we have chosen instead. The twisting and corruption manifest in other ways as well. Men become filled with: "...all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (v. 26-32). As we read last week in Ezek. 33:11, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but pleads with them to turn away from unrighteousness, and to turn back to Him. We see this in other parts of scripture as well (2 Chron. 7:14, 1 John 1:9). This is the power and the hope of the Gospel, and this is the purpose of God that gives Him pleasure and delight: rescuing someone from death and destruction, and bringing them into the freedom, light, and righteousness of His Son. The Lord desires that the invitation be issued far and wide: Become one with God and live in everlasting life. This is the purpose in which Jesus delights and longs: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (age).' Amen." (Mt. 28:18-20). When the eleven disciples met with Jesus at the appointed place after His resurrection to receive His directions, some doubted, the Word says (v. 16-17). Believers are not free from struggles: "But (Jesus said) he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Mt. 24:13-14). Because of this purpose that the Lord has commissioned to His disciples, we have created a free ebook, totally without cost, and available to all. The details for obtaining this book are found at the end of this post. Scriptures speak of a time of great tribulation that is coming upon the world, of which, I believe, we are seeing the beginning even now. If those days of extreme tribulation were not shortened by God, no one would survive them (v. 21-22). Men will be running into the rocks and caves seeking safety, but there will be no safety to be found as the wrath of the Lamb of God, Jesus, falls upon the wicked (Rev. 6:15-17, Isa. 2:9-12). Those in Christ are not meant for the wrath of God, and, in His purpose and will, there is a different future for those inhabitants of the earth. It will be an earth filled with the knowledge of the LORD. No violence nor war will be seen among men, nor among the beasts of the earth. The nations will come to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of God, to be taught by Him: "...and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Isa. 2:1-4, Isa. 11:4-9). AMEN. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 4/30/23 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give 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, theshroudofturin.org, and END TIME SCHOOL, also on Facebook. You can also get a free ebook titled "The Shroud of Turin- A Perfect Summary" at www.TheShroudofTurin.org/freebook.

Before the Seventh Seal*

The events in the news this past week show our nation divided, as well as facing military threats from China and Russia. Israel, as well, is suffering rocket attacks from Gaza. Even some organizations claiming to be Christian have begun publishing Anti-Semitic, and other racist hate. A look at scripture will reveal that all of these things fulfill last days prophecies concerning the time before Christ's return. The Book of Revelation describes the unsealing of prophetic events: "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" (Rev. 5:1-2). John wept because no one was found worthy to open the seals of this book, or to even look upon it. However, there was One Who was worthy: "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." (v. 5). That Lion of Judah, the root of David Who was worthy to loose the seals of the book is described as "a Lamb as it had been slain...Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (v. 6-10). Only the slain Lamb Who redeemed many by His blood was worthy to open the seals of the book. Those who were redeemed came from every race and nation, and they were made priests and kings to reign. We will see again that the kingdom of God is made up of all nations of people. Do not be deceived by racist and Anti-Semitic lies, even if they come from those who claim to be believers in Christ. As the Lamb Who was slain opened the first four seals of the book, horses were released upon the earth. The horses brought warfare, murder, famine and economic turmoil, and death and hell over a fourth of the earth (Rev. 6:1-8). The fifth seal revealed those who had been martyred for their faith in Christ, who were crying out to the LORD for vengeance. They were given white robes, and told to wait for a "little season" until their fellow martyrs joined them (v. 9-11). We have seen this death, turmoil, and martyrdom already being loosed in the earth. The opening of the sixth seal is described as being great earthquakes, the sun becoming black, and the moon becoming as blood. Stars of heaven fall to the earth, the heavens depart, and the mountains and islands of earth are moved from their places. When the events of this opened seal begin to happen: "...the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman,, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (v. 12-17). We have not yet seen the events of the opening of the sixth seal occur on earth. The prophet Malachi, and also Jesus, both asked the same question: "Who shall stand when he/the Son of man appeareth?" (Mal. 3:2, Lk. 21:36). We also see in the Book of Revelation that a great harvest of believers, 144,000, called "servants of God". will come out of the twelve tribes of Israel. These servants from the tribes of Israel must be sealed before the angels of God can hurt anything on the earth. (Rev. 7:1-8). Then again we are told, "...a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands..." (v. 9). This multitude from every race and nation worshipped the Lamb. An elder in heaven described them as those "...which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (v. 14). Again, scripture states here specifically that racism is not of God, and contrary to what is often taught in churches, the tribulation will not just be for the Jews. As we saw in Revelation, the Lord has a harvest in these end times from among the Jewish people. The prophet Zechariah also wrote of the Lord's plans for Israel and the nations: "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee." (Zech. 2:10-11. In this same prophetic word, Zechariah wrote that the LORD would inherit Judah his portion, and shall choose Jerusalem again. The LORD has not turned His back on Israel, Judah, which means "the people of praise", or Jerusalem. We have seen the restoration of Israel and Jerusalem in our lifetime. The LORD calls Jerusalem "a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. Because of this, He is jealous for Judah and Jerusalem with great jealousy, and great fury towards any nations that come against them. (Zech. 8:1-3, 9:13-14, 12:4-9). As He said: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." (Zech. 12:9). Not only will the LORD fight for Judah and Jerusalem, but the LORD will bring a spiritual awakening to His people, and they will know their Messiah and see that He is one who is pierced: "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace, and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." (Zech. 12:10). Salvation comes to Jerusalem as Zechariah wrote: "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness." (Zech. 13:1). This fountain is the fountain of blood shed by Jesus for sin. There will be no doubt as to who that fountain will be: "And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends." (v. 6). They, like Doubting Thomas, will see their Messiah, Jesus, face to face, and they shall mourn for what they see. One way in which the Savior may be revealed to Israel is through the Shroud of Turin, with its deeply impacting image of Christ, bearing witness to His sufferings, death, and even His resurrection. In these times filled with the signs of the Lord's soon return, we see much hatred against those of faith, along with Anti-Semitism, and other forms of racism. Scripture tells us that there is a deceiver who accuses the brethren of faith, and even causes the brethren to accuse each other, as even the elect will be deceived if possible. However, he is defeated and cast down: "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world...'Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Rev. 12:9-11). We saw earlier that martyrdom of the saints occurs when the seals of the book are opened. There may well be martyrdom to face in this era of hatred against faith, not only in the so-called third world nations, but it could also occur here at anytime. Time is progressing quickly, and these things are coming about with a vengeance. We need to know the Word, the facts, and the truth. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 8/7/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give 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, theshroudofturin.org, and endtimeschool, also on Facebook.

If You Knew...*

In Matthew 24:3, Jesus was asked two questions by His disciples when He told them that the stones of the temple in Jerusalem would be thrown down: "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (aion - "age, period of time")? The Greek used here indicates that Jesus is being asked about the end of the age, rather than the end of the world, as found in some translations. Jesus described many events that would come to pass and added: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (v. 21-22). Jesus also warned of something we have seen. He said that there would be those who would say that Christ was in a certain physical location, but Jesus told us not to believe it. He said false Christs and false prophets would come, even showing great signs and wonders, that would deceive even the elect. Jesus said not to believe these false Christs and their sightings. In describing the true nature of His return, Jesus said that the Son of Man would come suddenly like lightning crossing the whole sky.(v. 23-27). As the signs come to pass, Jesus said that He would send His angels to gather the elect "with the great sound of a trumpet" (v. 31). Then He told His disciples to learn a parable of the fig tree: "When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 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...But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only...Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." (32-42, see also Mk. 13:28-37, and Lk. 21:29-36). The corresponding verses in Luke end, "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and 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). In these verses from Matthew and Luke, there are several things of which to be aware. First, as all of the signs manifest, the angels will gather the elect with a great sound of a trumpet. This is what we call the rapture, and we will read about it again later in this message. Luke says to watch and pray that we may be found worthy to escape the things coming. Again, another mention of a rapture, or catching away, of believers. Then Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to add to His comments about His return, and the end of the age, as He was originally asked. The fig tree of Jesus' parable is just beginning to sprout its leaves from tender branches. The fig tree in scripture represents Israel. Israel was conceived as a restored nation in 1948. Jesus said that "this generation" that sees these things shall not pass until all of these things are fulfilled. We will consider the number of years in a generation as we continue in this study. Jesus also said above that of that day and hour we know not, only the Father knows. "Of" that day and hour, means about that day. He then indicates that the day comes unawares to those who are involved in life's cares and fleshly pursuits, and warns us to watch and pray instead. Is it possible that we may be able to know the day of the Lord then? It is the hour that will remain unknown according to Jesus, above. Paul will also speak about this same thing, the knowing of the day, which we will read. First, regarding the rapture, or catching away of the believers, Paul wrote that it is connected to the resurrection of the dead in Christ: "...I would not have you to be ignorant...concerning them which are asleep (referring to those who have died in Christ), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope...For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord...comfort one another with these words. (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Here Paul has given us more details on the resurrection of the dead and the catching away of those believers who remain alive. Next, Paul wrote about knowing "the day": "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night...But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and...are drunken in the night." (1 Thess. 5:1-7). The ones who are overtaken and unprepared for the day of the Lord are those who are of darkness, and drink and sleep in darkness. Not so of us, who are of the day, and the light. Let those of us who are of the day be sober, Paul wrote, and clothed in the armor of love and the hope of salvation, which is resurrection, and therefore includes the catching away, or rapture also (v. 8). "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." (v. 9). That day of the Lord is not to surprise us like a thief in the night, because we are not of the night. We are to be aware, knowing, sober, awake, and watching. What would you do, and how would you act if you knew the day of His coming? Would you act any differently than you do now? The knowledge of those of the day and the light is different from those of the night and darkness. Paul again wrote about the difference between those who are the saints of light, and those who are held in the power of darkness (Col. 1:12-13). Paul also described the destruction surrounding the coming of the Lord to be like a woman with child in travail, suffering birth pangs. Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, and the firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:15-20). There is a specific knowledge of timing involved in this comparison to conception, travail and birth, which we hope to get into in more detail at another time. Going back to the discourse of Jesus in Mt. 24 regarding the signs of His return and the end of the age, we can discuss "this generation", mentioned after the parable of the fig tree (Israel), which will not pass until all of these things are fulfilled. How long is this generation of which Jesus spoke? In Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, Moses is writing about the destruction that has come upon man, and God's invitation to them to return to Him (v. 3). We also read a precept in v.4, that is mentioned again in 2 Peter 3:8, that also deals with the timing of the day of the Lord for those who understand: "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." About a generation, Moses wrote: "The days of our years are threescore years and ten (70); and if by reason of strength they be fourscore (80) years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." (v. 10). If strength is added to us, then 80 years are given as the length of our years. Note: Paul prayed that we be "strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Col. 1:11), and in another mention, Sarah received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child. If we add 80 years (which were extended from 70 because of strength) to the first greening of the fig tree in Jesus' parable, which is the conception of a reborn nation of Israel in 1948-49, we are brought to the year 2028. However, our timing must include another consideration. Year 2028-29 is a Shemitah year, just as 1948-49 was also, which is a special 7th year Sabbath in the Lord. However, there is a period of labor and sorrow, the birthing travail that Paul mentioned, and the tribulation that Christ mentioned, as is also a final seven year period according to the prophet Daniel. If we count back 7 years from that 80th year of 2028-29, it brings us to this year, 2021-22, again another Shemitah year, that began on The Feast of Trumpets (the sound of a trumpet). The Shemitah years between 1948-49 and 2021-22, and the additional Shemitah year of 2028-29, also correspond to a pregnancy analogy involving length of term, which we perhaps will be able to discuss in the future. This is not about setting dates for the return of Christ, but we are presenting some interesting and important considerations for the body of Christ. We believe that the scriptures indicate that we, the believers in Christ, CAN know the day, as children of the day and the light. In any case, the additional information serves to remind us that the time may be very short, as the signs also confirm to us. Considering the possibility of all of this, if you knew the day of His coming, what would you do differently? Would you prepare more earnestly than before? Instead of being caught in the snare of the cares of this life, would you instead be awake, sober, praying, and watching for Christ's return? It is our prayer that the body of Christ seriously awake and prepare. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 3/6/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give 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.

What Will It Take?*

As we see events throughout this country and the world taking place, my question is: "What will it take?" What will it take for the Church to be that called out assembly of God's people in these last days. Jesus described the events that would usher in the end of the eage to His disciples. He warned first, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall deceive many." (Mt. 24:4-5). Jesus continued, "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars...For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places." (v. 6-7). We are seeing thev=se things now. Jesus also said that because iniquity would abound, "the love of many shall wax cold". (v. 12). As we see wickedness and sin increase, we respond like the way of the world. Prayer overthrows wickedness. Are we praying continually? Jesus told the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). The judge feared neither God nor man. Yet a widow woman sought him to avenge her against her adversary. He decided to help her in order to avoid her wearying him with her continual petitions. Jesus told His listeners, "Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (v. 6-8). Even the world understands and has confidence in how persistent requests achieve action. However, Jesus wondered if the people of God have enough faith to be in prayer before God continually until His response is given to them. Immediately after, Jesus told a parable about those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, but despised others. Many churches believe that they are right, but the Word says that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. The scriptures, especially Isaiah 53, tell about the Messiah who took away our sins. What will it tke for the Church to turn to their Savior in repentance, and in prayer for others? Scripture tells us to pray, and don't faint - not vain prayers, but prayers from our hearts. Peter wrote to the Church in order to stir up their pure minds, to remember the words of the prophets and the commandments of the apostles (2 Pet. 3:1-2). Are our minds washed pure and renewed in the Word of God? Are we living up to the designation as the called out assembly of God? Peter said that this is knowledge that would be necessary in the last days (v. 3). This steadfastness of knowledge in the Word of God that transforms the mind also stands against what Peter prophesied as coming: the scoffers who ridicule the idea that God's judgment is coming. These same scoffers willfully disregard the fact that God previously judged the whole world by flood (v. 3-6). The next judgment coming, however, will be by fire, rather than water. God's timing, Peter said, is not the same as man's. To God, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day, and we are in the third day, in terms of thousands of years. The LORD waits as long as possible to execute judgment in order to give man every chance to repent: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (v. 9). Peter warns that this knowledge should have an impact on what kind of life we choose to lead. Some Christians have the appearance of Christians, but their words and ways do not. Where is the Church? The Book of Revelation mentions the importance of the prayers of believers: "...four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sung a new song saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we should reign on the earth." (Rev. 5:8-10). We are made kings and priests unto God by the same blood of the Lamb that saved us from sin and death. The called-out assembly of God is from every kindred, tongue, and nation. There are none that are excluded. In Revelation 7, a great multitude in white robes is identified as having come out of great tribulation (v. 9-14). Their robes were made white, not by their own righteousness, but having been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Do we consider ourselves more righteous than them? While we are not appointed to the wrath of God, we are in the beginning of tribulation now, and will experience more of it. This is an opportunity given for prayer and repentance. Revelation 9 speaks about those who did not take the opportunity to repent throughout the plagues: "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see , nor hear, nor walk: neither repented of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." (Rev. 9:20-21). We are in a time when men reject repentance. However, there will come a moment when time runs out: "And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer." (Rev. 10:5-6). Where is the Church, and what will it take for the Church to walk in the calling of God? The signs of the end are around us, and God requires us to pray, take the Gospel to others, repent, and make up the hedge for our nation and for souls. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 1/9/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give 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.

Except Those Days*

Jesus' disciples presented Him with some questions after He prophesied the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem: "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (meaning "age")?(Mt. 24:1-3). The first thing that Jesus gave as an answer was the warning, "Take heed that no man deceive you." The times and conditions surrounding the events addressed by Jesus with His disciples would be be surrounded by deception. This deception will include those who claim to be Christ, and the rise of false prophets. We have seen examples of this in recent history. However, those who follow Christ are expected to know the truth, and be aware of the signs. Jesus continued to describe the events that lead up to the great tribulation, and His return. They include: wars, ethnic violence, famines, pestilences, earthquakes (we have seen the increase in the number and severity of earthquakes, and we are in the middle of a worldwide pestilence, the pandemic). Hatred and persecution to death and betrayal involving all nations would be directed towards those who believe in Christ, because of His name's sake. Iniquity will abound, and many will turn away from faith because of it. Atheism and agnosticism, even among those who used to believe, have increased in our time. In the face of all of these signs and events, Jesus told His disciples, and us, to endure unto the end, and be saved. Even during these calamitous events, the Gospel of the kingdom of God will be preached in all the world as a witness, Jesus said, and then the end comes. One of the defining signs of the imminent approach of the end will be the abomination that causes desolation, which will stand in the holy place, spoken about by Daniel the prophet (v.15). It is then mentioned: "Whoso readeth, let him understand." When they see this happen, those in Jerusalem should flee: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (v. 21-22). Can repentance change prophecy? The Book of Jonah tells us that repentance can play a piivotal role in the judgment of God. Jonah delivered the prophetic Word of the LORD to Nineveh that they were about to be destroyed in God's judgment. The whole city, from the king, down, repented sincerely, and God turned the judgment away from them. This made Jonah angry but God taught him that it is better that the people who are to die in judgment repent and many lives be saved. Peter wrote the same. God is patient and longsuffering regarding His judgment, because He would rather provide people every opportunity to repent. In the case above, the days of the Great Tribulation are shortened, saving many. The prophetic model tells us that repentance could play a major role in this mercy in the midst of judgment. Jesus referred to the event in Daniel that He called the abomination that makes desolate (Daniel 12:11). Up to the fulfillment of this desolating event, according to Daniel's prophecy, the people of God will have been busy in wisdom, spreading and teaching the delivering truth of God to many: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (Dan. 12:3). Daniel also described this time in the same manner as Jesus: "...and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." (v. 1). In the last verse in Daniel, the LORD told the prophet, "But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." (v. 13). As Jesus told His disciples, these events are associated with "the end of days", or at the end of an age, not the end of the world. Daniel was to "...shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end." (v. 4). We know that the time of the end refers to our time, because the words of Daniel are no longer sealed and shut up, but are understandable to us. They are now revealed to us, and we are those who can understand the words of Daniel, as Jesus said. The New Testament continues to give clarity to Daniel's and Jesus' words. Paul writes that "...of the times and the seasons, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." (1 Thess. 5:1-3). We are to know, understand, and be aware. Paul went on to write that God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvtion through Christ (v.9). Therefore, we should act like those who live in that light of understanding and salvtion, not like those who are still in darkness (v. 5-8). We are not to sleep, but to be awake, keep watch and be sober (v.6). We are to warn, comfort, uphold, and be patient (v. 14). We are to rejoice, pray without ceasing, give thanks in every thing, proving all things and keeping those things that are good, not quenching the Holy Spirit, but abstaining from even the appearance of evil. We should not despise the prophetic word (v.16-22). Paul prayed that God "...sanctify you wholly;...and... your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (v. 23). In Romans, Paul also wrote, "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed...let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day...put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." (Rom. 13:11-14). In Mt. 25, Jesus told the parable of those who were prepared for His return, and those who were not. Though all slept, the wise woke up ready when the alarm went out. The foolish had not prepared, and were not ready. The event happened so quickly, that the foolish unprepared ones could not get ready in time, and the door was shut to them. They were not allowed to enter. Why had the foolish been unprepared? The Lord said to them "Verily I say unto you, I know you not." (v. 12). "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (v. 13, see also Lk. 21:34-36). We do not know the day nor the hour, but those who are wise and understand, those whom the Lord knows, see the signs as they have been prophesied in scripture, and are determined to be awake and watchful. *Based upon Dr. Stevenson's 11/25/20 message to the Church. To contact this ministry, or to obtain the new book "NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling": PO Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com If you would like to know Jesus Christ, and receive His salvation, believe and confess that He died for your sins, and was raised from the dead (Rom. 10:9-10). Pray "Lord Jesus, I believe you died for me. I believe that You rose from the dead. I believe that You are coming again to rule and to reign. Forgive my sins. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Fill me with the Holy Spirit to lead me, teach me, and enpower me to live righteously in You. I believe that You have cleansed me, saved me, and given me eternal life. I pray these things in Your great name, Jesus. Amen.

This Generation*

 

We are already seeing teachers and preachers in the Church beginning to say that Jesus is not going to return, and that there is no rapture, or catching away, of the Church. They do this by taking scripture out of context, and by not teaching the full Word of God. There is a danger in denying the imminent return of Christ, especially as the signs around us are specifically pointing to this coming event. We are to be preparing ourselves for His coming, rather than denying it. The prophet Hosea warned that God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, and for the rejection of the knowledge of God, thereby becoming disqualified to serve Him as priests (Hos. 4:6, Rom. 1:28-32). In fact, this has been one of the repeated messages of this ministry...that, and the call to God's people to turn, pray, repent, and seek God's face, in accordance with 2 Chron. 7:14.
Isaiah brought God's warning prophetic word regarding the condition of His people, and the consequences that would result from it:
"...My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill. And he fenced it and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it; and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes (worthless stinkberries)....What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?...And now...I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it."   Isa. 5:1-6 (excerpt)
The LORD told Isaiah that this prophetic word was about His people, in this case, Judah and Israel. He expected to see noble grapes coming from His vineyard: Justice, and righteousness. Instead oppression, unrighteousness, greed, covetousness, drunkenness and festivals that have nothing to do with the LORD's holy feasts. The LORD concludes saying:
"...they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of His hands. Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore, hell hath enlarged itself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it....Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope...Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter."  v. 13-20 (excerpt)
The LORD's description of His vineyard to Isaiah, very much mirrors the condition of God's people today. Sin is tolerated and endorsed for a reward, or a bribe (v. 23) even by the Church, and the knowledge of God's word has been withheld from, or misrepresented to His people. The people of God have become just as sinful as the world around them.
Contrary to some of the false teaching of today mentioned at the beginning of this entry, Christ clearly laid out the signs indicating His coming, and the end of the age (correct translation of the Greek), when asked by His disciples (Mt. 24, Lk. 21, Mk. 13). Jesus warned of deception, and claims of false Christs. Wars and rumors of wars, as well as racial conflict ("ethnos" is the Greek word used for nation), famines pestilences, earthquakes. All of these mark the beginning of the time of sorrows that precedes the coming of Christ, and the end of the age, and all of these we are seeing now. Persecution of believers, the increase of iniquity, and the love of many (for the Lord) growing cold because of it are also signs which we see today.
Even greater tribulation will begin at this point, according to Jesus, the likes of which has never before been seen in the world, nor will be seen in the future. It will be so severe that no flesh would be saved except the days are shortened for the elect's sake by the Lord (Mt. 24:21-22). People will run to and fro as false prophets declare that Christ has appeared "here!" or "there!". However, Christ said not to be fooled, and described His return that all will see:
"For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be....And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."  Mt. 24:27-31 (excerpt)
Jesus also pointed to the prophetic meaning of the fig tree in parables. It's budding marks the coming of a season (v. 32). The fig tree has always represented the nation of Israel in scripture, and that nation was miraculously and sovereignly restored in 1947. The restoration of Israel is yet another prophetic sign of the end of the age, and the return of Christ.
Jesus also mentioned the disappearance of people that He described as "taken". Some interpret this as the rapture of the church, but could there also be a "taking" of the wicked? It is mentioned in the context of those who ignored the sign of Noah, and his warning of the impending judgment to come. Those who ignored the warning were "taken" in the flood (v. 37-41). 
Jesus said, "...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." (v. 33-34). Which generation is Christ talking about? It is the generation that sees these signs begin to be fulfilled. From the description of the signs, this generation now, qualifies.
Christ's final words on the subject of His return, and the end of the age:
"Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come...Therefore be ye also ready...Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."  (v. 42-46, excerpt).
We are to feed the Lord's household, of which we have been given charge by Him, meat, meaning the complete and substantial word of God, especially in the current season. Don't accept any substitutes or counterfeits.

*The above is based upon the 10/27/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/ 

 



Dorian - A Sign??*

 

The Bahamas, and to a lesser extent, the eastern seaboard of the United States, just experienced the fear and destruction of Hurricane Dorian. Those who experienced loss in this storm are in our prayers. The Greek root of the name "Dorian" can mean "a gift", or, important for our understanding, "a child of the sea".

In discussing the End Time tribulation with His disciples, Jesus mentioned in three similar Gospel accounts, unusually violent natural events, among other things, which would occur before His coming. (Lk. 21, Mk. 13, Mt. 24):

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh...when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say into you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled."  Lk. 21:25-28, 31-32

Before these signs would begin to take place, Jesus described Jerusalem as "trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (v. 24). Israel is no longer occupied by Gentile nations. Jerusalem is no longer occupied by the Gentiles, and even the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is no longer under the control of non-Jews. This means that these end time events described by Christ are for this time, as we currently see, and ongoing into the future, pointing us to the day that He appears in the cloud.

Other signs, besides great storms in the sea, mentioned by Christ in these passages also include other events of which we have seen a great increase in number and intensity:

• deception by false Christs, and those preaching that Christ is or has returned in fleshly form, and can be found at various locations
• earthquakes
• famines
• persecution of believers
• warfare among nations and among races

Again, we are seeing all of these signs occurring today. False doctrines and false prophets are deceiving many, even the elect, if possible. Earthquakes have multiplied in number. Famines and diseases are spreading across nations. Believers are persecuted severely in many parts of the earth, and even in this country, one may face legal and social penalties for standing firm in faith, and scripture. Wars, and ethnic violence have spread throughout the globe. Overt and violent racism is in our headlines daily in incidents too numerous to count, some involving even the loss of life.
What is the believers purpose in this time of these manifesting signs? Jesus makes clear what is expected of us. As we see these signs, of which fierce hurricanes and storms are one, we are to be alert, watchful, and praying. We are not to be caught up in the cares of this world, but sober and attentive to the things of spiritual importance, "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). However, we are not only to be concerned for ourselves in this manner, but Jesus expects more:
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour when you think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made him ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods."  (Mt. 24:44-47).
God foreknew us, even before our parts were formed in or mothers' wombs, while there was nothing of us to be seen (Ps. 139). He has even written all things concerning us in His Book. He sees the paths in which we walk. Nothing regarding us is hidden from Him. Those of us born into the generation that is seeing these things come to pass, have been given the commission to preach the Gospel, to provide spiritual meat in this season, to bring forth the saving truth without compromise, in an age when the truth is being denied every day. God is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance, and we each are to play a vital role in that. This ministry plays a vital role, and needs to continue to be able to bring the timely truth, the meat, to all who have ears to hear. You can help us do that.
As we see the signs mount and tribulation increase, and the moment of Christ's return is upon us, He will send His angels to gather His elect with a great sound of a trumpet (Mt. 24:31) from the heavens to which we have been caught up to meet Him (1 Thess. 4:16-17). Up until that very moment, we have been given a purpose here on earth for this time, ordained for us before we were even formed.

*The above is based upon the 9/8/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH",
Help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/