Worship of heart to God, more important than the substance of the world or exhilaration of miracles, is as should be. Thy God, thy glory. The prophet foresaw new heavens and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. Old things were passed away. Our embrace of the Invisible God relaxes our grip on the world, which is the fine balance between the necessities of life and the eternal. “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory” (Isaiah 60:19 KJV).
Understanding Spiritual Warfare
Dealing With the Rapture (Part 2)
Though the Rapture will be suddenly and instantaneous (Mark 13: 33, 35), the unbelieving world will notice the departure, just as they will inescapably notice the resurrection of the martyred Two Witnesses mere days before the end of the Tribulation Week. “3 And I will give power unto My two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them” (Revelation 11:3, 12). The unbelieving world will respond to the death of the Two Witnesses with glee; most likely, in the same way they responded previously to the Pre-Tribulational Rapture departure of the unwanted Christians. “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth” (11:10). When the Jews disappeared into the Holocaust of WW2, their neighbors knew of their removal. In our earth timeframe, seven years must pass, before Christ actually returns; but, in the heaven timeframe, everything precisely and necessarily can take place in the heavenlies, before all the Raptured and Resurrected Saints are returning with Christ (1Thessalonians 4:14, 17). Like the Second Coming Return of Christ with His Saints, the Two Witnesses will be visibly noticed by the world as they will be resurrected and ascend into Heaven. “11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them” (Revelation 11:11-12). LORD, may we take encouragement from the resurrection and ascension of Your Two Witnesses that our return with You will be marked by the certainty of Israel’s Great Returning to You. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation [Israel] be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8).
John 7:17 Willingness Challenge
R. A. Torrey (1856-1928) challenged an Oxford University sceptic with the John 7:17 Willingness Challenge. “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself” (John 7:17 KJV). He began his address as follows:
Some fifteen or sixteen years ago [1878], when a student in Yale Theological Seminary, I was first confronted seriously with the question, Why do you believe the Bible is the Word of God? Doubtless the question had often floated vaguely through my mind before, but now it stood out definitely, vividly and persistently. It was the one all-absorbing thought that engaged my mind by day and by night. I had doubtless many friends who could have answered the question satisfactorily, but I was unwilling to confide to them the struggle that was going on in my heart, so I sought help from God and from books, and after much painful study and thought came out of the darkness of scepticism into the broad daylight of faith and certainty that the Bible from beginning to end is God’s word. The address which Mr. Moody has asked me to deliver to-night is the outcome of that experience. My subject is, Why I believe the Bible is the Word of God.
[Torrey proceeded to outline ten reasons, where the tenth reason was]
TENTH, from the direct testimony of the Holy Spirit.
We started with God and shall end with God. We started with the testimony of the second person of the Trinity, and shall close with that of the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit sets his seal in the soul of every believer to the divine authority of the Bible. It is possible to get to a place where we need no argument to prove that the Bible is God’s word. Christ says, “My sheep know my voice,” and God’s children know His voice, and I know that the voice that speaks to me from the pages of that book is the voice of my Father. You will sometimes meet a pious old lady, who tells you that she knows that the Bible is God’s word, and when you ask her for a reason for believing that it is God’s word she can give you none. She simply says she knows it is God’s word. You say that is mere superstition. Not at all. She is one of Christ’s sheep, and recognizes her Shepherd’s voice from every other voice; she is one of God’s children, and knows the voice that speaks to her from the Bible is the voice of God. She is above argument. Everyone can have that testimony. John 7:17 (R.V.) tells you how to get it. “If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God.” Just surrender your will to the will of God, no matter where it carries you, and you will put yourself in such an attitude toward God that when you read this book you will recognize that the voice that speaks to you from it is the voice of the God to whom you have surrendered your will.
Some time ago when I was speaking to our students upon how to deal with sceptics, there was in the audience a graduate of Oxford University who had fallen into scepticism. At the close of the lecture he came to me and said, “I don’t wish to be discourteous, sir, but my experience contradicts everything you have said.” I asked him if he had followed the course of action that I had suggested and not found light. He said that he had. Stepping into the other room I had a pledge written out running somewhat as follows: “I believe there is an absolute difference between right and wrong, and I hereby take my stand upon the right, to follow it wherever it carries me. I promise to earnestly endeavor to find out what the truth is, and if I ever find that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, I promise to accept Him as my Savior and confess Him before the world.” I handed the paper to the gentleman and asked him to sign it. He answered, “Certainly,” and did sign it. I said to him, “You don’t know there is not a God, and you don’t know that God doesn’t answer prayer. I know He does, but my knowledge cannot avail for you, but here is a possible clue to knowledge. Now you have promised to search earnestly for the truth, so you will follow this possible clue. I want you to offer a prayer like this: ‘Oh, God, if there be any God and thou dost answer prayer, show me whether Jesus Christ is thy Son, and if He is I will accept Him as my Savior and confess Him before the world.'” This he agreed to do. I further requested that he would take the Gospel of John and read in it every day, reading only a few verses at a time, slowly and thoughtfully, every time asking God before he read to give him light. This he also agreed to do, but he finished by saying, “There is nothing in it.” However, at the end of a short time I met him again, and he said to me, “There is something in that.” I replied, “I knew that.” Then he went on to say it seemed just as if he had been caught up by the Niagara River and had been carried along, and that before long he would be a shouting Methodist. A short time ago I met this gentleman again, and he said to me that he could not understand how he had ever listened to the reasoning which he had; that it seemed to him utterly foolish now. I replied that the Bible would explain that to him, that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” but that now he had put himself into the right attitude towards God and his truth everything had been made plain. That man, who assured me that he was “a very peculiar man,” and that methods that influenced others would not influence him, by putting himself into the right attitude towards God, got to a place where he received the direct testimony of the Holy Ghost that this Bible is God’s word; and anyone else can do the same. [pp. 19-23]
Torrey, R.A., “Ten Reasons I Believe the Bible is the Word of God” (1930). Biola Publications. 57.
No Private Interpretation
No private interpretation is the failsafe that prophecy cannot be made to mean simply whatever anyone likes. Failure to observe this prohibition produces all the false doctrine, which embarrasses and divides the Church. Since “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2Peter 1:20 KJV), then the fulfillment of each of any discussed prophecies is subject to your estimation of whether they have been, are, or will be fulfilled, but most of all, whether the “Spirit of Prophecy” (Revelation 19:10) agrees they have fulfilled their purpose.
Remember, it doesn’t just apply to the heretical cults damning their way to Hell by deviously misusing the texts; but, it also applies to all those who have ears to hear what the Spirit is speaking to His Church. Your opinion is just as important as the most erudite scholar, since all interpretations are subject to the Author of the Book. Drink of the Water of Life freely for none shall be turned away. Desire deeply to be taught of the Spirit understanding of His Word. Submit wholly to the obedience of your understanding. Refrain from adding to or taking away from the purpose and intent of the text. Allow for none but the Holy Spirit to infallibly interpret the text. Be willing to change, or we can never grow in grace.
Father, thank you for the light that shines in a dark place. Cause us to value Your words more than our physical food. We would spiritually die without the sustenance of Your Word; so, help us to be numbered among those, who would be willing to physically die for the Testimony of Your Word. Keep all Your daily promises and fulfill your prophecies to us, LORD. Come quickly, in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Why New Heavens and New Earth?
New Heavens and New Earth mean creating a brand new existence for everything by the word of the Almighty. “And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5 KJV). Isaiah twice prophesied of New Heavens and New Earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). This is not refurbishing or remodeling the old earth and heavens. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea” (21:1). Why is “new” so significant? In the Unseen Realm of the spiritual, “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2Corinthians 5:17). Only the Almighty can fashion a fresh, new physical world to match our new spiritual nature without the scar tissue and sin provoking tendencies of the past. In addition, the memory of His past mercy, love, and grace will still dwell in the consciousness of angels and saints to fortify against the possibility of any future rebellion in the heavenlies. “Nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Micah 4:3). LORD, we long for “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2Peter 3:13). We pray the time will come, and You will be glorified forever. We eagerly listen for You to say, I make all things new. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Christian Giving: What You May Not Have Been Told
God does not need your money. The Church may be able to use your money. You may barely be able to pay your bills. Why should you feel compelled to give? God admits it. He owns everything. “For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10 KJV). The Church is made up of people like you and me, who are trying to do God’s work in spreading the Gospel. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2Corinthians 5:19). We come to the Father with whatever income we have and acknowledge everything we have belongs to Him, because we belong to Him. “Ye are bought with a price” (1Corinthians 6:20; 7:23). Now, how much does He want us to give? Evidently, the answer to that question is strictly a matter of trust between you and Him, for He is looking to develop a living, working relationship with you. “Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him [raptured him home to Heaven without dying]” (Genesis 5:24).
God is seeking to grow our confidence in Him.
First, tithes or giving a tenth of one’s income, as a sign of you taking care of God’s business, so He takes care of your business (Genesis 28:20, 22), were given by Abram to Melchizedec (14:20) long before their was an OT Mosaic Law requiring it (Leviticus 27:30), since God uses tithing to develop our relationship of trust with Him.
Second, we should especially support the local church, which ministers to us, even though tithes belong to the LORD, not the Church, Christian ministry, or missionary enterprise. “All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s” (Leviticus 27:30). God directs you to place it wherever He sees fit. But, shouldn’t we support those who labor for us? “And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house” (Luke 10:7).
Third, those who minister to us are trusting the LORD to minister to their needs, even as we are trusting the LORD to provide for our needs. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).
Fourth, the LORD seeks to bless His people through their giving, “not because I [Paul] desire a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account… but my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:17, 19).
Fifth, the LORD challenges His people to test and prove Him, if He will not bless you more than you can bless Him. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).
Sixth, regarding our tithes and offerings, Is there not a God in the Church today, as there was with David, as he fought the Nephilim Goliath? Okay, here’s our chance to see God deliver us and our respective local churches, Christian ministries, and missionary enterprises. “This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1Samuel 17:46).
Seventh, offerings as well as tithes, God may be directing you to give, for offerings may be unrighteously withheld from God, also (Malachi 3:8). We are not taking the initiative in our giving, if we neglect to cultivate the giving of the firstfruits offering — celebrating the surplus above the normal — understanding it to be only a further opportunity for God to bless us (and Himself) further. “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10).
Conclusion
Especially, when giving is a subject of difficulty or testing for ourselves, then it is so valuable in developing us. God has a right to challenge us concerning our giving, because it is a test of our trust in Him. Wise Christian ministers are careful to beg for money. But, Church members, who listen, should take their que, when they catch hints of need, in conversation with leadership. Treat giving to the LORD’s Church and ministry, as if it was being done to the LORD. “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:40).
Father, bless Your people with a new or renewed sense of understanding about the opportunity of giving to grow Your kingdom, provide for the Church, and draw us closer in understanding and dependence upon You. In Jesus’ name, come quickly, we pray. Amen and amen.
Waiting for Christ’s Return
How often do you hear a sermon about waiting for the return of Christ? “And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1Thessalonians 1:10 KJV). Paul devoted two entire books of the NT to the theme of waiting for the return of Christ. “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ” (2Thessalonians 3:5). This demonstrates the practical nature of properly teaching Bible prophecy. The Thessalonians lived as if they were waiting for Christ’s return, which, if properly taught, always promotes godly living (1Thessalonians 4-5). Sanctification was not simply a theoretical doctrine, but Spirit empowered daily living. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thessalonians 5:23). LORD, may we, like the Thessalonians, be waiting for the return of Christ, and may we be full of your Spirit, as we live our daily lives, until You return. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
In Search of Meekness
Meekness is a needy receptivity to God, being very open to receive from Yahweh. “Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger” (Zephaniah 2:3 KJV). Not so strangely, the fiery giver of the Law, “Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). Driving the moneychangers out of the Temple, Jesus previously said, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Meekness is most commonly viewed by the world as humbly patient, quiet in nature, overly submissive, or compliant. Bible study aids will do better, pointing out the meek are not proud, haughty, supercilious, self-assertive, low in rank or position, but favored by God. But, why does God take especial pleasure in the meek? Jesus already said it. When we take His yoke upon us (Matthew 11:29), like two oxen joined for labor, we will “learn” (11:29) of Him, as we come into step with Him, we become like Him, for He is meek.
If meekness is a needy receptivity to God, being very open to receive from Yahweh, then all, who would enter the Kingdom of God, must be meek. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Notice how often the concept of God’s judgment is discussed around the words “meekness” or “meek” (KJV). Instead of meekness, modern translations most often use the word “humble.” For the world, meekness means weakness, but not with God. “When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah” (Psalm 76:9). “But with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked” (Isaiah 11:4).
(The following is a slightly longer read. Scan ahead to preview.)
Meekness biblically approximates the concept of willingness, as in, willingness to do the will of God is to be a Christian. Meekness has the advantage of being the Almighty’s choice, which comes with numerous promises. What won’t God do for the meek? (1) God gives the meek satisfaction that the world can’t get, i.e., “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever” (Psalm 22:26). (2) God grants the meek guidance and teaching about His way and how to make correct decisions, i.e., “The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way” (Psalm 25:9). (3) Dominion over the earth in peace is granted to the meek, i.e., “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5). (4) Lifting up the meek, while casting down the wicked, is promised by the LORD, i.e., “The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground” (Psalm 147:6). (5) Salvation is granted to the meek, because they please Him, i.e., “For the LORD taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation” (Psalm 149:4). (6) Joy and rejoicing belong to the meek, for who wouldn’t rejoice with all of God’s promises? “The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 29:19). (7) Good tidings, binding up, liberty, and release are appointed for the meek, i.e., “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because the LORD hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).
NT meekness is also a needy receptivity to God, being very open to receive from Christ. What does Christ expect of the meek? (1) Jesus meekly has presented Himself as Messiah the King to the meek, i.e., “Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:5). (2) Christ values highly the gentle and quiet spirit of a meek wife, i.e., “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1Peter 3:4). (3) Christ expects us to restore fallen brothers and sisters meekly, i.e., “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). (4) Christ expects us to meekly instruct others to gain their repentance, i.e., “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2Timothy 2:25). (5) Christ expects us to speak gently, meekly to everyone, not seeking confrontation, i.e., “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:2). (6) Christ expects a meekness of wisdom from our lifestyle, i.e., “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew [shō] out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). (7) Christ expects us to meekly answer anyone why we hope in Christ. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1Peter 3:15).
Father, grant to us a meek and quiet spirit, and may we learn to value meekness as highly as You do. Cause Your Spirit to work in us the fruit of meekness. Multiply it within us, stay not Your hand. Increase our understanding of meekness. May Your people abound in meekness so the “earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen.
Confessions: Why Did the Church Decline?
Why has church attendance dropped so dramatically in America, if the Bible is the most read book in the world? Faith comes from the Word of God. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17 KJV). Hearing or reading the Word of God is essential for faith. But, unless loving obedience is required for one to wear the name of Christian, then Christianity will become a hollow shell of itself and the churches will become abandoned. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). The solution to the desertion of the churches is to bring back the practice of Christianity that requires the Holy Spirit to be obeyed, in order to claim you have faith. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).
Christianity has been so rapidly absorbed by the secular community that no longer does the world become more like the Church, but the Church has become more like the world. The youth of the Church will not notice this transformation, but the older members can remember the difference. Unfortunately, we, the older members, were responsible for the Church losing ground. “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19).
(The following is a longer read, but hopefully, not too long. Scan ahead to preview.)
What Happened for the Church to Decline?
First, may God forgive us for the shipwreck of the Church. It would be dishonest to blame anyone other than self. Claiming not to know what happened is like the captain blaming the crew or passengers for a shipwreck. Just as you dare not take your hands off the steering wheel of your car and expect it to drive itself home (2024), we must assume responsibility for the Church’s catastrophe. “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” (2Chronicles 7:14).
Second, we extinguished the collective influence of the Holy Spirit by dissipating Him, like momentum lost when a rolling object comes to a halt. “Quench not the Spirit” (1Thessalonians 5:19). We underestimated how crucial obedience to the smallest Spirit led action is for the progress of the Church, so we look back longingly to yesterday, when we saw “great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3).
Third, we abandoned our First Love, which is Jesus. If we love Jesus first and foremost, then we would rightly love our neighbor as ourself (Matthew 22:37-39). We would not have allowed ourselves so easily to dissipate our energy and resources supporting actions, where Jesus is not the central focus. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4-5).
Fourth, we allowed ourselves to be drawn into unequal unions or illicit relationships with the world, because our fleshly desires were stronger than our attraction to the Lord Jesus. This was Balaam’s advice to Balak to corrupt Israel by encouraging Moabite women to attract Israelite men. He deviously understood, Israel’s set apartness to Jehovah is the secret of their success. Moabites had no such limitations. “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods” (Numbers 25:1-2). Balaam rightly concluded, The best way to defeat Israel is to use Jehovah’s faithfulness in blessing friends and cursing enemies, by promoting Moabite women to attract Israelite men, thereby causing Israel to become the LORD’s enemy. “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” (Revelation 2:14).
Fifth, we quit looking for Jesus to return at any moment. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Failed estimates and predictions of His appearing have made us practical skeptics about His imminent return. “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door” (James 5:9). “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
Sixth, we delayed His speedy return by not promoting it. “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2Peter 3:12 KJV). Converting the world, discipling all nations, teaching them to observe everything He commanded us, would be fulfilled, if we prayed, and He answered the prayer to come quickly. “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
Seventh, we practiced lukewarmness by devoting ourselves to the Lord, only to turn around and lose all our ground to coldness, legalism, or worldliness (Revelation 3:16). Back and forth in a lukewarm dance. We did not rightly handle our spirituality with the affairs of the world, riches, and prosperity. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). We did not continually consult the Spirit’s guidance in the smallest things.
In conclusion, we have a door opened to us, Repent or Else! “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:19-20). Accept accountability for aiding the decline of the Church. Embrace the solution that everything is our responsibility, so Spirit filled action can be the only solution. Expect to be overwhelmed by the LORD with His response. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).
No Fear of Death
Having no fear of death is not simply doctrinal certainty making us children of God, but the Good Shepherd’s presence leading us. If He is truly leading us now, then He can be trusted to safely lead us in the end. The 23rd Psalm teaches us how to walk Home with God, beginning with a declaration of His possession and caring for us: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want [literally, suffer need]” (Psalm 23:1 KJV). Both compelling and guiding, He determines the best place for us: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters” (23:2). Our strength is renewed, both for us and His reputation: “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (23:3). In dangerous and life ending circumstances, He comforts us. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” (23:4). As a token of His favor in front of the enemy: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (23:5). The LORD watches our back and provides us forever a dwelling place with Him: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (23:6). LORD, You are the Good Shepherd. We have no one but You to conduct us through life. May our certainty about You now lead us into Your joyful presence then, when You call us Home. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.
We Need A Miracle 
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