Ready or Not!*

 

The signs of the End Times are lining up very rapidly, and it is both dangerous and foolish to ignore them. Recently, we have seen that Iran, or Persia as it was called by the prophets, has been engaged in aggressive activities. Ezekiel 38 foretold of the nations, including Persia, that would be brought into conflict in the Last Days. Jesus warned against not being prepared as we see the signs. He told a parable of ten virgins, shown above, five of whom were wise because they were prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, and five who were foolish because they had failed to properly prepare. All ten fell asleep, however, which is the condition of the Church today. Wake Up, Church! The Bridegroom is coming. It is not only time to wake up, but it is time to make sure that we are prepared for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. His Bride is clothed in the pure white linen of righteousness, and it is without spot or wrinkle, without blemish (Rev. 19:7-8).

Jesus said that His return would be similar to the conditions that were present in the days of Noah, as the flood judgment was about to be released (Mt. 24:36-44). No one knows the exact day or hour of its coming, only the heavenly Father knows. While Noah was faithfully preparing the ark of deliverance for the coming unknown day and hour, those around him were still engaging in everyday worldly behavior: eating, drinking, marrying. Noah's preparation of the ark was a testimony and witness to them, a sign, which they ignored. Our preparation as believers is also a testimony and a sign to the world to "get ready". The world looks and thinks, "If the Church is not preparing, why should we?"

Our position as believers should automatically differentiate us from the world's view. Paul wrote:

"If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantegeth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not: for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."   1 Cor. 15:32-34

Because we have knowledge of God, because we have received the good news of the resurrection of Christ, we should not be sharing the world's attitude of business as usual.

Jesus told the parable of a rich man who stored up his wealth, and said to himself:

"...take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." Unfortunately for this man in the parable, his soul was to be required that very night. God told him that he was a fool. He had not prepared properly in those things that would have made a difference to his eternity. Jesus concluded: "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God."

                                                                                                             Lk. 12:19-21

Is the Church being rich towards God, or towards itself and to the enjoyments and requirements of the world? Now is not the time, when we see the signs, to take our ease, to put our feet up.

The prophet Isaiah revealed a similar word to the people of God:

"And in that day did the LORD God of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we shall die. And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the LORD God of hosts."   Isa. 22:12-14

As the prophet wrote, God is calling His people to repentance and serious prayer, but His people are not heeding the call. They are investing themselves in enjoyments and feasting, as if they have no knowledge that there is an eternity ahead for which to prepare themselves. Especially during these fall feast days, it is a time to turn to Him. The signs are warning us that the time grows short.

Paul reminded the Church that the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night, without warning. It is therefore necessary to know "the times and the seasons". Sudden destruction will come when many believe that there is peace and safety. However, that day is not to come upon God's people like those who sleep at night, who are drunken and oblivious at night, but upon a people awake and prepared:

"Ye are all the 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...let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord, Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him."   1 Thess. 5:1-10.

Paul also exhorts for us to esteem very highly those who labor at spiritual work for us in these matters, those who are over us to guide us (v. 12-13).

Jesus told His disciples the various signs of the End Times, a revelation that was opened to them by the offering of a poor widow giving all that she had. The signs that Jesus prophesied included deceptions of false prophets, and false Christs, commotions, wars among kingdoms, nations (ethnicities and races), earthquakes, famines, pestilences, fearful sights, signs in the heavens, persecutions: "and it shall turn to you for a testimony". We will have to testify by what the Holy Spirit places in our mouths to speak in that hour. Have you sought this infilling presence of the Holy Spirit, who is promised and available to all believers in Christ? Even in persecution to the death, yet Jesus says, "but there shall not a hair of your head perish." (Lk. 21:1-19). We taste but the shadow of the valley of death because of Him. We are not destroyed by death, nor captives of Hell.

As Jesus continued His description of the signs to come in these End Times, He concluded:

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape (Grk: ekpheugo: flee out of, safety in flight, to be saved by flight, to vanish) all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."  (v. 36).

"Escape" is not guaranteed. Jesus says that to attain that escape, we must remain in a state of watchful, praying readiness.

 

*The above is based upon the 9/22/19 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/ 

 

 



B-I-B-L-E, An Acronym*

 

The letters of the word "B-I-B-L-E" can also be an acronym for the following:

"Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth".

Our "Leaving Earth" is very much connected to the upcoming Lord's feast of Yom Teruah, or the Feast of Trumpets, as we will see. This feast can also be referred to by the secular term, "Rosh Hashanah", which means "head of the year". Because of this, some call it "the Jewish New Year", but it is much more important to both Jews and Christians than this secular term would suggest. In fact, the secular serves the purpose of hiding the spiritual meaning, but we will search it out. Regarding this feast day, and all other things we need to know "before leaving earth", the Bible is our source of truth and instruction, as always. The Feast of Yom Teruah, or Day of Trumpets, is commanded to Israel:

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD."   Lev. 23:23-25
While the feast day is commanded in Leviticus, its meaning is not clearly revealed. However, we can see the spiritual depths of the day as we discuss the scriptural reasons for the blowing of trumpets**:
1.   Moses was called to the Mountain, and the Law was given
2.   Prepare for war
3.   the beginning of the year of Jubilee (all debts forgiven)
4.   the crowning of a king
5.   danger warning
6.   the breakup of camp, and departure
7.   the coming of Messiah
8.   the call to repentance, obedience and worship
9.   to gather the people
10. Israel's return (the physical return, which has already occurred - the spiritual return to Messiah is yet to take place)
11. means of communication (God has something to communicate to us in this feast)
My addition to this list:
12. the rapture of the Church

These are the scriptures that justify why "the rapture of the Church" has been added here as a fulfillment of this feast:
"After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was (as it were) of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be here-after."   Rev. 4:1
The voice of a trumpet commanded John to heaven where he saw the 24 elders wearing gold crowns and clothed in white raiment, gathered around the throne. They cast their crowns down before the One seated upon the throne (Rev. 4:4-11). White raiment, the wearing of white linen, is associated with the Feat of Trumpets. The elders threw their own crowns down before the Lord (the crowning of a king). Similarly, the Bride who has made herself ready for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, is also given white linen to wear, which represents righteousness (Rev. 19:6-9).
God does not want any to perish. This season of these fall feasts is a call to repentance, atonement, and the Marriage of the Lamb. The trumpet blast, wakes up the sleeping bride (Mt. 25:1-5), and alerts her that the Bridegroom is coming! Isaiah prophesies about this awakening, and entering into the (bridal) chambers with Him:
"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain."   Isa. 26:19-21
Both the resurrection of the dead, and the rapture of the living in Christ are signaled by the blowing of the trumpet in what Paul describes as a "mystery":
"In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump***: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."   1 Cor. 15:52 and
"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."  1 Thess. 4:16-17
Paul described his revelation here as "by the word of the Lord" (v. 15). This was spoken to Paul by the Lord, Himself. The ***"last trump" refers to the last long blast of the shofar made after a series of shorter blasts on the Feast of Trumpets. As John was commanded to "Come up" to heaven by the voice of a trumpet in Revelation, we are also "caught up" into the air at the sound of the trumpet.
It is not known precisely the day nor the hour when the new moon will appear each year at the month of Tishri ("Beginning") to indicate the beginning of the Feast of Trumpets. Watchers are posted to look for the first appearing of the sliver of new moon, and they then sound their shofars announcing the commencement of the feast. In the same way of the Feast of Trumpets, though we may know that the season and time approaches, we do not know the day nor the hour when the Son of man is to return. Jesus therefore sets us as "watchers", commanding us to take heed, watch and pray because we do not know the hour of His return (Mk. 13:32-33, 36-37). In another place, He warns us to watch and pray that we may be accounted worthy to escape, and stand before Him (Lk. 21:36).
The secular name Rosh Hashanah may conceal its true meaning, but we have been called to know the "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth" regarding the Feast of Trumpets, and to prepare ourselves accordingly.

*The above is based upon the 9/15/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.
** "Wake Up!", Lamm, Vanbeckevoort

For more information on "white linen" see "NAZAH" information below.

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/ 



Who Hath Ears to Hear?*

 

There is a warning going forth in these Last Days:

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron;...For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap for themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."   1 Tim. 4:1-2, 2 Tim. 4:3-4

We read last week that in the latter days, before the day of Christ, there will be a falling away from the faith (2 Thess. 2:3).  We are seeing today that false teachers and doctrines, false prophesies, and doctrines of devils are spreading, and many are choosing to believe them. These false teachers and doctrines validate the hearers' own desires to continue in their unrighteousness, and to resist saving repentance. Paul commands Timothy in the face of these things:

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine...watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."   2 Tim. 4:2, 5

In the same Spirit and truth, the LORD called the prophet Ezekiel. The LORD appointed him to be a watchman. This is how the LORD described the responsibility of the watchman to Ezekiel and to all of us:

"...When I bring the sword (cutting, edge; destruction, desolation, dry up, lay waste) upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people..."  Ezek. 33:1-3 (excerpt)

The "sword" represents not just war, but any kind of impending destruction. A man is appointed from the coasts, because this is the earliest position to view the coming threat. The members of the body of Christ are supposed to be these watchmen on the coast, who are the first to see the danger approaching, and warn the people. The responsibility of the watchman is very serious, especially as we can clearly see the "sword" coming.

The spiritual watchmen is not held responsible if a person hears his warning, but does not give heed to it. In the coming destruction, that person's blood will be on his own head (v. 4). If that person wisely heeds the warning of the watchman, he shall deliver his soul (v. 5).

"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."   Ezek. 33:6

A person's own iniquity will be their destruction when the "sword" comes, but the watchman will have the blood guilt for that person's destruction, if he doesn't do his appointed job and sound the alarm. Even the wicked, already guilty in their iniquity, are to be given the warning of coming danger, so they may have the choice to heed the warning, turn from their wickedness, or not. This is the mercy of God.

The wicked know their iniquity, and make a choice at the sound of the alarm. However, there is also the situation where the alarm has been sounded by the watchman, but those who have false security in their own (self)righteousness, will fail to heed the warning. They mistakenly believe that they will remain safe in the destruction. They hear the alarm, but fail to examine themselves, acknowledge their sin, and take advantage of their last opportunity for repentance. To the wicked, and the (self)righteous alike, God says:

"...As I live, saith the LORD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?...The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression....the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth."  v. 11-12 (excerpt)

The alarm is being sounded by those who are the watchman. Are we taking the alarm seriously? Are we turning from our wickedness, or do we prefer the false teachers who tell us that our sin is not sin, and we shall surely not die? If we continue in our sin, we are no longer living in the righteousness of Christ, but are foolishly trusting in our own righteousness, which will not save us in the day of the "sword".

Are there watchman who have been appointed, who see the "sword" coming but refuse to sound the alarm, because the people do not want to hear the alarm, and are offended by it? God has foretold that this sin, delusion and rejection will be manifested among the people in these last days (Rom. 1, and 2). However, blood will be required at those watchmen's hands, according to the scriptures, if they fail to sound the warning. To them, and to all of us who believe, this is the word of the LORD for this time:

"So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore, thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me."  Ezek. 33:7

Who hath ears to hear?

 

*The above is based upon the 8/25/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

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/ 

What Will It Take?*

 

The signs of the End Times are abundant around us, including devastating storms and world events, but these things seem to roll off of us like water off a duck's back. What will it take for us to pay attention, and to take these things seriously?

Ages of enlightenment, and rationalism have given birth to philosophies that have distanced men from God, like deism, universalism, atheism, humanism, and have caused men to disregard the word of God. As these waves of men's philosophies have gained influence, God has sent spiritual movements of revival to counter them, and to call men back to Him and to His saving truth. Often out of these great spiritual awakenings, however, men have found ways to create debates of man's understanding and strife within the church that end up causing destructive divisions. Jesus told us that a kingdom, or a house divided against itself cannot stand.

The coming day of the LORD is not something to be taken lightly. The prophet Amos described it this way:

"Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?"

                                                                                                     Amos 5:18-20

The prophet Joel described the day of the LORD in the same manner:

"Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come...Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand. A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness... there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations."  Joel 1:14-15, 2:1-2

Joel called the people to sound the warning alarm, and to sanctify themselves in the face of this coming terrible day of the LORD. He urged the people of God to "cry unto the LORD".

Peter also called the church to keep in mind, to stir up the pure mind, regarding the things of which the prophets wrote. It is this constant washing of our minds in the word of God that keeps us in truth, and prepares us for those things that appear now, and also are to come. Of the coming day, he wrote:

"But the day of the LORD shall come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness...the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"   2 Pet. 3:1-12 (excerpt)

Again, knowing the things which are soon to come, Peter asks "what manner of persons ought ye to be...?" While the Lord will deliver the godly out of temptations, the unjust are reserved for that day of judgment, those who walk after the flesh, presumptuous and self-willed. We see the number of those called the unjust growing daily.

Both Peter (2 Pet. 2:1-2) and Paul (2 Tim. 4:3-4) warn the church to beware of false teachers and prophets who would deny the word of God, teaching fables, causing many to follow after them. Their motive is to make financial gain from these false teachings that cause men to embrace false doctrines and philosophies. God has already shown that He was willing to judge the angels, and the old world before Noah, as well as Sodom and Gomorrah, as a warning example to all of us (2 Pet. 2:1-6). He only restrains Himself in holy patience not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). We cannot mistake His patience for a failure to keep the word that He has clearly spoken. He is allowing as much time and opportunity as possible for repentance. Are God's people coming to Him in repentance? Are we calling others to repentance, or have we remained unmoved, accepting the lie of Satan and men's philosophies that sin does not result in death and eternal condemnation? What will it take for us to wake up, turn and cry aloud? This is what it takes to break the hold of lies, and deliver into spiritual revival.

The prophet Joel urged God's people to fast, and to gather all of His people together to be sanctified, to turn to the LORD with all of their hearts, with weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12-13). He called the priests, the ministers of the LORD, to which ministry all believers have been called, to weep and cry out to God, "Spare thy people, O LORD" (v. 17). How much of the church is currently being called to this vital role by those in its pulpits? Paul told Timothy to "Preach the word!"

As the priests and people of God stand in the gap, in repentance, the prophet Joel wrote about a great restoration of the land, and an outpouring of God's Spirit in response. The revival of all revivals (Joel 2:18-29).

Joel went on to write that the LORD will gather the heathen into the valley of Jehoshaphat (also known as Meggido), into the valley of decision, where He will judge them. Their wickedness is great, the harvest is ripe, and the sickle is being put in. Revelation 14:15 states the same thing:

"And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped."

What will it take for us to hear the word of the LORD, and respond?

 

*The above is based upon the 8/18/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

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/ 

Being Ready*

 

Last week, we discussed the truth vs. the lie, and how these things relate to the return of Christ, and the day of the Lord. Let's see what the prophets have to say concerning these events, and how we should be preparing ourselves for them:

"Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Surely the LORD God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret  unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the LORD God hath spoken, who can but prophecy?"   Amos 3:6-8

The prophetic word of God is like a trumpet sounding an alert, like a lion giving his warning roar. It requires a reaction from us. A wise man takes these warnings seriously, and reacts accordingly. The LORD announces these warnings so that those who will give heed to them will have knowledge and become prepared.

In Revelation, as the Seven Vials of Wrath are released by the angels, a warning is given:

"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

We are now in the period of tribulation spoken of in the word of God. Christians are persecuted, even to death in some places, and are blamed for everything. This is the time when God warns His people to be watching. It is not the time to be distracted by worldly things, or fleshly concerns. The warning in the Gospel of Luke says:

"Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overtaken...and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare it shall come upon 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

We are to be watching for the day, praying, and keeping our hearts unblemished in His righteousness. It is not our own righteousness that keeps us, but Christ's righteousness, paid for each one of us in His own blood. We are to keep our hearts, and our spiritual garments in this saving righteousness. It is a righteousness that does not compromise truth, and does not compromise with sin and death.

The day of the return of Christ has not yet occurred. At His coming, the dead in Christ are raised first, and then we who are still alive join them and Christ (1 Thess. 4:16-17). Paul warned the Church not to be ignorant. There are conditions and events which precede Christ's return. Paul delivered the word of the Lord regarding this event:

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."   2 Thess. 2:1-4 (excerpt)

The first event that precedes the coming of Christ is a "falling away". This is the Greek word, apostasea, meaning "defection from truth". As we discovered last week, the lie that deceives man, and separates him from God and truth, questions and challenges everything in God's word. We have seen this condition today like never before. Even in the Church, apostasea is taking its toll. According to statistics, in 1972, 16% of Americans in mainstream denominations described themselves as evangelical Christians. By 1977, that number increased to 24%, and again, by 1993, the number increased to 30%, approximately one in three Americans. However, as of today's figures, that number has dropped to 24%, only 10% of whom identify themselves with a mainstream denomination. In 1972, those who then described themselves as either atheist or agnostic were 5%. Now that figure has increased to 24%. The numbers show that fewer are believing, and more are becoming unbelievers. We see daily the manifestation of these statistics in our culture, as secular humanism**, even the perverse, the demonic, and the repudiators of Christ gain more and more influence, even over our children, which has always been their declared goal. The Church seeks "peace" in this turmoil by compromising truth, and the wicked are justified for a reward. Evil is called good, and good, evil. Hell is enlarged, and scoffers jeer at the idea of God intervening in judgment. The LORD is angry with His own people as they deny the truth, and accept the lie, and are taken in captivity because of it, but His hand is stretched out still to them. Never doubt,  "... the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness." (Isa. 5:13-25).

The LORD is waiting for His people to repent, pray, and seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. He will hear from heaven, and heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14).

Paul wrote that "the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God...." (1 Thess. 4:16). These are the sounds of warning, and the sounds of warfare and victory. His coming will be sudden and when least expected, like a thief in the night. Are you ready?

 

**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanist_Manifesto

   https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/manifesto1/

 

 

*The above is based upon the 8/11/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

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/ 

The Truth vs. The Lie*

 

 

Charles Spurgeon once said, "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." Lies seem to outdistance truth in our world on a regular basis.

The Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels exalted the power of the lie. He said that if a lie was repeated long enough, it becomes the truth. The lies of the Nazis, as we all know, led to much death and destruction, and finally, to their own destruction.

Our God is the Speaker of truth, and the Judge of the lie. His word is clear on the subject, and has been since the beginning. As Truth, He is unchanging in all things. His Son, our Savior, Jesus, sent in the name of His Father, was Truth made flesh: Truth walking in an "earth suit". Even in the midst of His examination before Pontius Pilate, He maintained His mission of Truth:

"Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."  Jn. 18:37

Truth not only identifies who God is and who Jesus is, but it also identifies who we are: "of the truth".

As Jesus promised to bring us into His Father's house, to bring us where He is, to the place that He has gone ahead to prepare for us, Jesus assured us that if these things were NOT so, He would have told us. However, because He has spoken Truth, and we have believed Him, we can be sure of these things. When asked how we can know this way to the Father, and be with Christ in such a place, Jesus said as the guarantee, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him."  
                                                                                                Jn. 14:1-7 (excerpt)

There is no way to the Father except by the living person of Truth, Jesus. All other ways, are lies. Because men believe the destroying lies so readily, as they appeal to the sin and rebellion in our hearts, God has made His judgment clear regarding lies and liars:

"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega (Heb.-"Aleph-Tav"), the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."   Rev. 21:6-8

The Truth brings us into eternal life, having passed through only the valley of the shadow of death, immediately entering the presence of the Lord and His glory, as promised. Liars, and the other abominables face the full horror of never-ending death. Again, the Lord says of the difference in the futures of those who follow the Truth vs. those who chase and believe the lie:

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (New Jerusalem). For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."     Rev. 22:13--15

In a listing of the six things the LORD hates, even calling seven an abomination, the LORD includes:

"...a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."   Prov. 6:16-19
God hates the lies and liars that send men to their destruction.

Peter revealed that those who prophecy, speak and teach lies have many followers. Because of them, "...the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." (2 Pet. 2:1-2). This is certainly the case today. Peter warned, however, that those involved in this teaching of lies, and those who quickly accept the lies, bring upon themselves swift destruction.

The apostle Paul had to address false teachings in the Church concerning the coming of Christ, and our gathering together unto Him. It was being falsely said that these events had already occurred, greatly upsetting those believers who heard these false teachings..
Paul reminded the Church that a great falling away would occur before the return of Christ, as well as the revealing of the son of perdition, who would oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God. These events would be a confrontation between the Truth, and the lie, and those who believe the lie. This son of perdition "whose coming is after the work of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."   2 Thess. 2:1-12 (excerpt)
Though the above verse refers to "a lie", the language used should be read as "the lie". The lie existed from the beginning of man. It was in the Garden as it challenged Eve saying, "Yea, hath God said...?" (Gen. 3:1). The lie promoted the idea that God did not tell the man and woman the truth. Man is still believing that same original lie. Even the Church has often believed that same lie, failing to teach the truth of His Word, but we have been called by Christ to be "of the truth".

 *The above is based upon the 8/4/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

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/