Are You Ready?*

We see the signs of the times around us, and the Word of God is still going forth. However, we don't see the Church growing, and this is troubling. We see in the Book of Revelation: "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God...for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand...Alleluia: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. And he saith unto me, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb...These are the true sayings of God." (Rev. 19:1-9, excerpt). John was so overwhelmed by this vision and prophecy that he fell down and worshipped this voice in heaven. However, the voice who showed John these things was of the brethren and a fellow servant of God "that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (v. 10). Is the Church carrying this prophetic testimony of Jesus that causes those hearing it to fall down in worship? Has the Church made herself ready for the marriage supper? Wake up Church! Jesus told His listeners that they had better be ready, as those who await the return of their lord from a wedding: "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning...that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching." (Lk. 12:35-37). Jesus said that when this lord comes home and finds his servants alert with a welcome, the lord will "gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them...blessed are those servants...Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not...Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."(v. 38, 40). If good servants in the world are expected to be always watchful and prepared for the return of their earthly master, how much more should a Church of believers be watchful and ready to receive the return of their Lord, Jesus Christ? Will He find us doing, as these good servants were? Jesus also spoke of the servants who were not found doing as the master had expected for his return, and were even abusing the other servants: "The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not (a)ware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew the lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." (v. 46-48). Those servants not found prepared and doing on behalf of the Master will be treated in the same manner as unbelievers at the Master's sudden return. Jesus said that He is come to send fire on the earth (v. 49). Today nations are hostile and at open warfare, and several involved have nuclear capability. The earth could be engulfed in fire at any time. Are we seeing the signs and making ourselves ready? Isaiah wrote of the "doing" that we should undertake as we watch for our Master's return: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bring good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice...they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion....he hath redeemed Jerusalem...all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isa. 52:7-11, excerpt). As watchmen, we should be alertly watching, and shouting out regarding the good news of salvation. The LORD has, in fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, already brought Zion and Jerusalem back in 1948. The world has been able to see the Salvation of God as never before in history with the revealing of the image on the Shroud of Turin to all. Jesus told parables of a man, and, in a similar parable, a king, who had prepared a wedding banquet for his son, and invited his guests. However, the guests had found excuses not to attend, citing the obligations and cares of this world, such as having bought a piece of land, or new oxen, or having just acquired a new wife. In one parable, the servants who were sent with the invitations were beaten and killed for doing so. The king then sent his soldiers to kill those who had done this, and destroy their cities. Strangers from the streets, like the poor, crippled, maimed, and blind, both bad and good, were then invited instead, even compelled, to the wedding supper. Of those who had refused the previous invitation, it was decided, "...none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper." The other people who were invited off the street to fill the banquet hall, however, were still expected to be dressed in the appropriate wedding garments. One of those guests failed to do so in Jesus' parable, and was asked why, but had no answer. The king then ordered: "Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Lk. 14:16-24, Mt. 22:1-14). The wedding supper was not to be treated lightly in Jesus' two parables, and those who did treat it lightly or with disdain were harshly dealt with and excluded. One must be prepared in advance for a wedding. In the Jewish tradition, the betrothed bride weaves her wedding garment to prepare herself for her wedding. It is not something that can be done at the last moment. In another parable, Jesus told of five foolish virgins who, while waiting for the bridegroom to come, had not prepared themselves with the oil (symbolizing the Holy Spirit) needed to light their lamps as the five wise virgins had done. When the cry went out at midnight that the bridegroom was on the way, the foolish, unprepared virgins tried to scramble at the last minute to attain the necessary oil to light their lamps. By the time they got back, the bridegroom had already come and left, but "...they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came the other (foolish) virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (Mt. 25:1-10). The cares and interests of this world can cause us to be unprepared for the day and the hour of the Lord's return. These worldly cares act as a snare to trap us, as Jesus said: "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). Again, Jesus said: "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." (Rev. 16:15). Immediately after this verse, the scriptures say that the kings of the earth, and the whole world, are then gathered together, drawn by the spirits of devils, to the place called Armageddon in Hebrew (v. 16). Watch, and have your wedding garment prepared. Demons are now actively in our faces. The false gods Molech and Ba'al are openly served and protected by law. Even the news media speaks of the conflicts of the day in reference to Armageddon. Are we beginning to understand what the Church has been called to "be doing" in these last days? There are those watchmen of the LORD who are supposed to be sending out the alarm as the beasts are about to devour, but the prophet Isaiah says of them: "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, living to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter." (Isa. 56:10-11). What an indictment of a Church not found doing their job, and concerned only with themselves and their greed for more! Prosperity for itself is wrong. We are to seek first the kingdom of God, and all of the other things will be added unto us. God gives His people the power to get wealth in order to establish His covenant in the earth, not just for consumption on ourselves. The habitation of devils and every foul spirit, the cage of every unclean and hateful "bird", Babylon, is fallen, according to the prophetic judgment in Revelation. Its sure and complete destruction will come. The whole earth has taken part in this foul habitation, and has even become rich on its fine things. However, God is calling us to "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." (Rev. 18:1-4). This is not a political game. We have removed God from every public place, and replaced Him with devils and abominations. However, the deception of political correctness won't prevent the destruction that is to come upon this evil. Will God's people receive the warning to "Come out", or will they be caught in the downfall? We have seen already that life can end, and destruction can come, in a moment. We must repent, and the Lord promises to forgive us (see also 2 Chron. 7:14). We need to make ourselves ready, to act as if He is coming back today, and be found doing the Master's will when He returns. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 11/6/2022 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, theshroudofturin.org, and END TIME SCHOOL, also on Facebook.

The Missing Weapons of Our Warfare*

Recent events have created a discussion about weaponry: nuclear weapons that are being developed by nations, and other weapons needed to fight or defend current wars such as in the Ukraine, but there are also spiritual weapons that are necessary here and now for use by believers in the spiritual warfare that is all around us. We are not using the right weapons in our spiritual warfare, and we are therefore not being effective. As Jesus described the condition of the kingdom of God that would be found before His return, He commented that only half of those who were supposed to attend the wedding of the Bridegroom were prepared, having oil for their lamps. He called this half, "wise", and the unprepared, He called "foolish". All of them, however, were found to be asleep when the moment of the Bridegroom's arrival came (Mt. 25:1-5). In our warfare, we are often reacting to situations that have already occurred, like trying to close the barn door after the horses have already gotten loose. Paul also saw the problem of spiritual slumber in the Church writing: "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. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light..." (Rom. 13:11-12). We are now even closer to the moment of Christ's return than Paul was at the time he wrote this. We need to make a change. Paul refers to Isaiah in telling the Church: "...Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:14-17). Again there is a call to the Church to wake up, even from being dead. Paul also described the weapons of warfare that we may be neglecting: "Speaking to yourselves in songs and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God..." (v. 19-20). Praise is a powerful weapon in the hands of the believer. Scripture says that God is enthroned, or inhabits, the praises of His people. (Ps. 22:3). How often, rather than giving thanks to God in the middle of trying circumstances, we begin complaining instead? God has given us promises that make provision for us through every trial, and we should be remembering those promises before God with thanks. The Israelites continually murmured and complained in the wilderness despite the miraculous provision and deliverance of God. We have those great promises combined with thanksgiving to Him as part of the weapons of our warfare, but are we using them? Paul told us to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, but often, we rely upon our own strength and understanding instead. Paul wrote that each believer has access to powerful spiritual armor, but we must put it on. This armor is the only thing that can keep us standing in the evil day, such as exists today. It is necessary to put on this spiritual armor because our enemies are not flesh and blood, but they are principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:10-13). This armor consists of having our loins girded about with truth, against this age of lies and even the father of lies, the devil; having on the breastplate of righteousness at a time when all, especially those in political, religious and business leadership, have been found unrighteous; having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace when peace in this world is so rare; taking up the shield of faith which quenches the fiery darts of the enemy, especially when faith and the name of Jesus are mocked as they are now; the helmet of salvation, the hope and assurance of which sustains us through every threat and trouble; and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, which is the truth that never fails us (v. 14-17). Putting on this armor, Paul wrote that we are to be praying always in the Spirit, and watching - not sleeping and unprepared (v. 18). Paul again refers to the armor of God in the warfare of the believer, whom he says are "the children of light" (1 Thess. 5:5-8). He again wrote "...let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober." All of these things are given to us by God because "He hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ..." (v. 9). Paul wrote, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (v. 16-21). He said that we were to abstain from all appearance of evil (v. 22), and to flee evil things, and rather to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Tim. 6:11). These things are all part of "fighting the good fight" and laying hold of eternal life (v. 12). The Apostle James also wrote of the great value of prayer in all things, including spiritual warfare: "Is any among you afflicted (meaning to suffer evils, hardships, and troubles)? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:13-16). As a ministry, we have always prayed for those who have made requests, and we have sent prayer cloths to minister to those who were at a distance. We have received many miracle testimonies as a result of this. The church and believers in general, however, have been using the wrong weapons in warfare. Our warfare is not won by anger, or through political powers, but we and our nation are healed by prayer, waking from spiritual slumber, watching, pursuing righteousness and godliness. The LORD promised: "If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chron. 7:13-14). *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/1/2022 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.

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.

Selah*

 

"Selah" is a term used mostly in the Psalms. We usually interpret this word to mean "pause, and calmly think about that". It is a musical term, as the Psalms are meant to be sung. It is a musical rest, a silence when the singer pauses to create an emphasis on a section or phrase that has just been sung. "Selah" can also mean to lift up, to exalt.

While many wondered if recent past conflicts, such as the Gulf Wars, might have been the Armageddon of which the scripture prophesies, a cataclysmic war that will involve all the nations of the earth, the nations prophesied had not lined up. However, as we will see, the signs now point to the fact that the war that is called Armageddon, with its destruction, is coming - soon. We will see that the scriptures state that it is already accomplished in God's eyes, a foregone conclusion. As this is the case, it becomes time for us to "selah" on these signs, and prepare ourselves spiritually for this unavoidable event:
"For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty....And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon (Heb.- mountain + place of crowds; gather in troops or crowds, to penetrate, cut, attack, invade, to cut oneself)."   Rev. 16:14, 16
Leaders and peoples are convinced of the necessity to gather for battle because of the deceiving work of evil spirits. However, this is also the fulfillment of the will of God. What the demons and men sought as the destruction of Israel, and God's people, God would use to judge their wickedness:
"And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done."  v. 17 (See also Rev. 21:6)
This great battle also fulfills the prophetic word of God. It could not have been fulfilled before this time, because the nations were not aligned and moving together as prophesied as we see today. The prophets warned thousands of years previously that this day of battle and judgment would come in the latter years (Ezek. 38:8, 16):
"And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of the clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of the handling swords." Ezek. 38:4
This group of nations is specified by Ezekiel. Principally, they will involve areas now associated with Russia and those nations to the north of Israel, known in these scriptures as the chief prince Gog, who is over Magog, Meshech (drawing out) and Tubal (thou shalt be brought) (Ezek. 38:2). Joining these northern nations according to the prophetic word to Ezekiel will also be Persia (Iran), Ethiopia (incl. parts of Sudan), Libya, Gomer ("bring to an end, be no more", a northern people incl. Turkey), and Togarmah ("thou wilt break her", which is Turkey/Armenia area) of the north  (v. 5-6). We can see from today's headlines that these nations are more closely connected than before in history.
As we saw in Rev. 16, God considers these events already done, and completed. Ezekiel's prophecy also agrees saying: "Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the LORD God. This is the day whereof I have spoken."  Ezek. 39:8
Another sign that this day of judgment and destruction is close at hand, is that this prophesied day is to come after the people of Israel have been brought back to the land that had been laying waste, from out of other nations, but are living there prosperously and securely (Ezek. 38:8, 12, 14-16). This describes the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1947, and their subsequent prosperity in that land, having turned deserts into producing gardens. They are renown for their security even in the midst of continual surrounding hostility.
Seeing these signs pointing to the soon coming battle and judgment, what should our preparation be? Jesus said that there was a snare coming upon all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth for those who are caught up in the cares and useless things of life (Lk. 21:34-35). Jesus said regarding these events:
"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. 21:36
"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."   Rev. 16:15
SELAH.

 *The above is based upon the 7/28/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

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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.

 

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Are You Preparing?

 

The Lord Jesus gave clear instructions and warnings, concerning the signs of the end times, and pertaining to His coming. As we see the signs occurring more and more frequently, it is very likely that Jesus' words apply to our generation more than any generation that has come before us. The nearer we draw to His return, the more important it is that we heed His instructions, and prepare ourselves accordingly. When speaking of these end times, Jesus referred to the fig tree in parable. Many believe that the fig tree represents Israel, and its place in end time events. We will also see how it is an important sign for the Church, even from the Old Testament.

After warning of tribulation, false Christs, and referring to the catching away of the Church, Jesus continues:

"Now 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."

                                                                                          Mt. 24:32-42 (excerpt)

Jesus described the behavior that should accompany this uncertainty regarding the exact moment of His coming. He tells of how a good man, or servant, of the house, if he knew the moment of the coming of a thief, would make sure to have kept watch for it.

He instructs us to keep the same kind of vigil, so we will not be caught unprepared for His sudden coming. It will come at the exact time that we think it won't come. He warned, "Therefore be ye also ready."   Mt. 24:43-44

Not only are we to watch, but we are to be found doing the work at His coming that we have been called and purposed to do. If we are doing that work, we will be blessed and rewarded.  What is the work that the Lord should find us doing upon His return?

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?"  Mt. 24:45

We are to be occupied in the work that He has purposed us to do-providing spiritual meat for all called to the household of God. The "meat" to be provided is the uncompromised Word of truth, and the works of ministry in the name of the Lord, and the making of disciples.

At the same time, Jesus also told about the evil servant, who, based on his belief that the lord of the house would not be returning soon, not only did not perform the duties expected of him, but abused the others serving in the household, and spent his hours in sinful activity (v.48-49). Jesus warned that the consequences to this servant will be devastating:

"The lord of that servant...shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (extreme anguish and utter despair)....and will appoint him his portion with unbelievers"  Mt. 24:50-51, Lk. 12:46
This is the same judgment that was determined for the guest at the king's wedding banquet for his son, who was not attired in the proper wedding garment. The king ordered that guest to be bound and cast into the outer darkness (Mt. 22:12-13). Jesus concluded with the chilling statement:
"For many are called, but few are chosen."  Mt. 22:14
There will not be time to prepare or to be ready when the moment of His coming arrives. The Lord instructed to have our loins girded about (out of bed and dressed), and our lights burning, even in the middle of the night, when others have gone to bed thinking the master is not about to return. At the sound of His knock, we are to be ready to open the door to Him immediately (Lk. 12:35-36). Like the servant, this is the Lord's expectation of us, this is part of the "duties" that have been given to us:
"For the Son of man...gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch...Lest coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say to you all, Watch."  Mk. 13:34-37 (excerpt)
In the Song of Songs, the bride lost her opportunity to go with the bridegroom because she was not prepared for his knock, though the signs and seasons pointed to his soon arrival:
(The bridegroom is speaking) "The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with their tender grapes give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." 
                                                                                                     Song 2:13
(The bride is speaking) "I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?"  Song 5:2-3
The bride had already undressed and gone to bed. She was not prepared to open the door immediately to the bridegroom. By the time she got to the door, he had withdrawn (turned away). She went out into the streets looking for him, but couldn't find him. She called out to him, but he didn't answer. The watchmen and the keepers of the wall beat her, and took her veil away from her. The protectors of the city would have judged her to be a harlot, belonging to no one, out in the streets at night (Song 5:6-7 ).
In all of these parables and prophetic pictures, excuses were not accepted for not being prepared properly, for not being found performing the assigned work.
We need to understand and heed the signs of the times, and we need to know and be in our proper places in the Body of Christ, doing the work that has been purposed by the Lord for each one: awake, watchful, and prayerful, fully prepared for His coming at a moment when we might least expect Him. Peter told us that in the last days, the world will scoff at the idea of the Lord's imminent return (2 Pet. 3:3-4). However, we are to be prepared. Every indication we have points to the fact that He is coming soon.

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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:
Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. I want to know You as my Lord, and as my Savior, who covers my sins, and cleanses my heart. Come into my heart, and also fill me with the Holy Spirit, who will lead me into all truth, and will teach me how to follow You. I believe that You are the Son of God, the Messiah, that You were crucified for me, and rose from the dead to give me everlasting life. I believe that You are coming again. Lord Jesus, in Your name I believe, pray, and receive all of these things. Amen.