Howie Brooks


Overcomers


How to Have Hope a Reality
and to Live the Over-comer Life

        Forward

        In my lifetime America has always seemed to need causes. First it was to get out of the depression, then win World War II. Then it was the threat of Communism and now our leaders talk favorably of the new world order and a long war to combat terrorism.

        This is a word to Christians...To lift up, strengthen, and deepen our lives in Christ now and forever, and to help us know what it means when the scriptures tell us that the Truth will set us free.  Many see that the Christian life seems to have some milestones starting with salvation (to be born again), then to proceed with baptism (immersion in water), and then to proceed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit as we mature. But as each step strengthens us could there be another important milestone that God wishes to have us know about and hope in?

    Whatever the threat, why is the struggle always seemingly outside of each of us?  We need to get pass the struggle within, and this is what this writing is about. The struggle within does not mean that man is the answer to problems such as intolerance, hatred, and any other form of evil in the world. Religion is not the answer either, and neither is man's intellect, but yet man has so easily forgotten what history has taught us.  As it says in Timothy:  Always learning but never coming unto a knowledge of the truth.  What you will see here is what I believe has been missing in our Christian churches today.

    In my first 40 years on this planet I searched in many ways before Christ drew me to salvation. Now the last 30 years He has led me into the following understanding about a soon coming Christ:  End times teaching is full of deception and delusion regarding His coming.  I do not pretend to have all the answers, but there is one area of truth that I wish to share with the reader.  That area is the truth concerning at what point He comes.

    

    Chapter One
    The Alpha

    Today most Christians, I hope, are taught to love the truth so many will follow. But first, this truth: When Christ said "I am the Alpha and the Omega", it meant that the truths in this book are about the beginning, Alpha, and the end, Omega. So to begin let us know the truth about what it means that you must be born again, the beginning. (John 3:14)

            (You may scoff and react negatively to what this writer shares, but try to keep an open mind on what follows. Whether you believe it or not, that is your choice, but it is very important teaching about love and YOUR future.)

    The Bible, through the indwelling Holy Spirit discloses the truth and promises eternal life.  First, and most importantly, through the belief in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with the surrender and denial of self, one comes into a heart knowledge of a living Chris. This act of faith knows Christ took upon himself the sins of the world, how He atoned for our sinful nature at the cross, how He cleans us up, and how He makes us worthy.  This knowledge that Jesus made us worthy empowers and enables His indwelling spirit. This is a heart knowledge that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, now sits on the right hand of God the father, and will return soon, is best explained by personally believing: 

·         John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    You should know that the process of redemption (Christ's suffering, death and resurrection paying for our sinful nature) involves death to oneself by humbly admitting that the troubles, travail, hardships, hurts and generally sad condition of mankind starts with ourselves through a recognition of:

·         Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

·         Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

    The reason for this statement goes back to the beginning: We need to understand the Adamic nature of man as depicted in Genesis. This nature is one of disobedience. When we begin to see that we have such a nature, such understanding becomes a point of departure from the world condition.  We then begin to see the real Way, the real Truth and the real Life.  The true Reality.  Once having surrendered our lives to Christ because of His grace (unmerited favor) and imputed faith, we can then go on to understand the entirety of the gospel (good news) and to become over-comers now and for all time to reign with Him and to worship Him...So that we  come unto LOVE.  I pray that God is daily/always drawing you unto Him as He is me.

    Chapter Two
    The Omega

    Later on we will see how the scriptures address these matters.  As for the end-times I believe that this is the last generation! The day of the Lord is near! This one world order movement will soon be administered by a one world leader, an Anti-Christ: A leader over one religion, one social order, one monetary system and one government. The speed at which this is all happening at this time is unbelievable, or more importantly, not wanting to be believed.  Many feel that this new world order has been discussed and talked about since the latter half of the nineteen century. The God given sovereignty of America is fading as we have known it, and we have become an ungodly nation as we search out new age spirituality.  Millions of babies are destroyed yearly, as neo-intellectuals place mother earth as the God of the brotherhood of man. Our government begins to wane as representatives become reprobate, sinful, self-seekers, and deceptive. Finally money rules...Not God!

    But fear not, because we Christians, His very elect, win in the end (Omega).  And in such confidence, that only Christ can give, we are all called to rest, have peace, to fear not, and to stand.  I pray that God is drawing you unto Him as He is me. His presence within continues our worthiness through remembrance at the communion table for what he has done. Please know you are worthy because He made you so and always remember that when you take communion.

    Now as our other God, the dollar, begins its' world wide decline read on and learn from scriptures what real tribulation (meaning pressure) is all about and WHY the end of all things as we know it will come to pass. And as you read ask yourself the question, "Am I ready to stand in Christ Jesus" now, and later, when it really gets tough?


Chapter Three
Great Tribulation

    The word "tribulation" appears to be used in the context of victory, as one peruses the scriptures. To know how the importance of tribulation and suffering molds us and leads us to the cross is a power unto righteousness and truth. Just as Jesus was an over-comer so are we also called to be over-comers. He knew His destiny and we can know ours. He was obedient unto death. Our destiny is to trust Him and to know God and be raised above all tribulation and to stand through a truthful relationship that leads to righteousness and into the kingdom of heaven to reign with God…A God that loves you and me very much.

·         Deu 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

·         Deu 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

·         Deu 4:31 For the LORD thy God is a merciful God; he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

    The context is one of over-coming as that of an over-comer which is made strong by tribulation:

·         John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer; I have over-come the world.

    Peace and good cheer while He has over-come the world. What a neat idea, but then again He is God. But what about other gods that pull us from His truth and wonderful promise:

·         Judg 10:13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.

·         Judg 10:14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

·         Judg 10:15 And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.

·         Judg 10:16 And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

    Look here how, when serving other gods, one looks to those other gods for deliverance. Money can be a God to many and certainly doesn't bring deliverance, does it? But here Israel turned to the LORD and later we read how victory was theirs and it appeared to me they were working through tribulation to obtain it.

    And again in David's time the word "tribulation" was used in David's struggles with Saul, king at the time:

·         1 Sam 26:22 And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.

·         1 Sam 26:23 The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

·         1 Sam 26:24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

·         1 Sam 26:25 Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

    David and Saul seemed reconciled because of tribulation. Understanding tribulation (it means pressure, remember) helps to positively motivate God's elect to birth over-comers and such pressure seems always to mean victory in Christ...Over-comers have no deception!  In the New Testament we read:

·         Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

·         Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

    This is the parable of the seed that leads to the meat of the subject. For the seed that falls on stony ground we see a weakness (or falling away) in this type of a believer. Could it be that many today who have been taught about a pre-tribulation secret rapture and who thus are soon to be part of a "falling away". Could it be that those who think such great tribulation is not important, is for others, and are deceived, while those who see such great tribulation as a positive force in their lives will be reigning with Him.

    The word deceit is important, so important that Jesus' explanation of the end times in the 24th Chapter of Matthew and the 13th Chapter of Mark begins with:

·         Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

    I'd like to ask whether you are a "simple" Christian as spoken of in Romans? You might be when it comes to end-times events and the Anti-Christ. In Chapter 16, Paul is speaking to the Christian church when he says:

·         Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

·         Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

    Could it be that, as others have, I have experienced tribulation now before the revealing of the Anti-Christ. Of course I have, and it would seem so from all the above. But look at the references to the great tribulation and let's see what it really means for His very elect, those who seek after the Truth:

·         Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

    "Her" (the bride of Christ) in the following is referring to the church committing adultery (Oh my)!

·         Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

·         Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

    This is the real truth for our churches today and is indicative of how close we are to great tribulation. His great love for us is to bring us through to His great victory for us that we might reign with Him in the millennium. Be not deceived and know the truth about the end-times.

·         Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

·         Rev 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

·         Rev 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

·         Rev 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

    God shall send a strong delusion to those who know not the truth. Whew!!! The Wicked here are folk that have pleasure in unrighteousness and the anti-Christ.

·         2 Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

·         2 Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

·         2 Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

·         2 Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

·         2 Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

    Notice the word "after" in the above passage. Christ's return (His coming) is after the great tribulation, after the coming of Satan (the antichrist), the "Wicked" (verse 8), and we'll see that word "after" again in the following understanding.


Chapter Four
End Time Truth

    Most churches today are teaching a secret rapture which is just not true. The idea that Christians will be caught up in the air to escape the great tribulation is not true. The idea that the great tribulation is already upon us (so that such escape can occur any day now) is especially not true either, because the Anti-Christ has not yet been revealed.

·         John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

    Most true believers, you'll agree, see the word and scripture as the final absolute. But many, however, are deceived today as the word says:

·         2 Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

    More on this later, but see how the Truth, when known, causes the love and grace of God to be perfected.

·         1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

·         1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

    This subject is as vital as salvation itself, baptism, or as any of the other beloved things God provides for his elect. Satan, the father of lies and the prince of the air, is permitted a great deceit and today the perversion is everywhere, world-wide:

·         Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

·         Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

    Keeping all the above in mind how do the following truths of God's word affect you and me and our walk with the Lord today?

·         Mark 13:24 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,

·         Mark 13:25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

·         Mat 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.

    We read in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 prior to these verses where Jesus speaks of the "abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet" in verse 15 and of many other inequities, death, deceits, false prophets, wars, afflictions, betrayals, and love that waxes cold. Jesus is describing the horror of great tribulation as mentioned above in verse 21. The next two verses speak of the second coming of our Lord:

·         Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

·         Mark 13:26  And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

    This verse can also be seen in the often quoted I Th 4, as you'll see below, but first:

·         Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

    Regarding the phase "at the sound of a trumpet" look at 1 Cor 15:52 to find out what trumpet Jesus is speaking about, "In a moment, in the 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." This is the "rapture" at the last trump as spoken of in:

·         1 Th 4:16 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:

·         1 Th 4:17 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.

    Events that will precede Christ's coming can also be found in:

·         2 Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

·         2 Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

·         2 Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and , the son of perdition;

·         2 Th 2:4 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, showing himself that he is God.

Chapter Five
The Anti-Christ

    For now we see that the Anti-Christ, the son of perdition, must first appear.  The day of Christ shall not come before there will be a falling away and that no man might deceive you. Praise God! Now we can go to another often quoted passage:

·         Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

·         Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

·         Rev 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

·         Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

    All the preceding speaks of delusion, deception, tribulation and of some folk falling away, but I am saying if you and I know the truth, we will be prepared and able to stand in the troubled times to come so that the following will not happen to us. He will prepare us, enable holiness, and give us grace and peace for such travailing times to stand not only now, but when it really gets worst:

·         Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

·         Rev 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

·         Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

·         Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

    Look at verse 12:  After all the previous verses, we are here with patience, here keeping His commandments with the faith of Jesus.  Not secretly and suddenly having disappeared off the planet.  Do we, you and I, are we serving false Gods? Are we unwilling to accept the commandments of God to preserve our idea of how life should be lived out? Or are we willing to fear God, to know that He is in control, that His promises are real, that He allows or sends disasters (the flood, being the same yesterday, today and forever).

    Chapter Six
    Living in Error

·         2 Pet 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

·         2 Pet 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is over-come, of the same is he brought in bondage.

·         2 Pet 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and over-come, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

·         2 Pet 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

·         2 Pet 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

·         2 Pet 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

·         2 Pet 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

·         2 Pet 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

·         2 Pet 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

·         2 Pet 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

·         2 Pet 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

·         2 Pet 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

    But, that he is performing a good work in us until the day of Chris coming:

·         Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

    The key words in this undertaking are tribulation, overcoming, and deceit. If we are deceived into not knowing the truth about great tribulation and it's affect on us then we are not walking and living over-comer lives. Knowing what God is doing, and going to do, for His elect makes worldly matters and relationships a powerful force for Christian growth, because we know His righteousness and follow His commandments through His grace and His indwelling spiritual power. You will see what this end-time truth means regarding our salvation in a little bit.  In the meantime, we do not have to live in error any longer.

    I repeat, Christ soon return (the rapture) is NOT going to happen until the antichrist is first revealed.

    Chapter Seven
    The Revealing

·         2 Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and, the son of perdition;

·         2 Th 2:4 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, showing himself that he is God.

    As this passage continues notice the capital 'W' for wicked indicating a name for the antichrist and how in that same verse 8 (following) Paul says he will be revealed and then consumed with the brightness of his coming. Look at verse 9 where it says his coming is, once again, after the working of Satan, as verse 10 speaks about folk not having a love of the truth...read on for your self.

·         2 Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

·         2 Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

·         2 Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

·         2 Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

·         2 Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

·         2 Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

·         2 Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

·         2 Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

    But look at the comfort offered through His grace in verses 13 and on:

·         2 Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

·         2 Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

·         2 Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

·         2 Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

·         2 Th 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

    Christ strengthens us when we know or experience the trouble and travail that's all about us. If you do not know Love, He loves; if you can't give, He gives; if you know no consolation, He consoles; if you have no hope, He hopes through us by His grace. We can not, and should not, deny tribulation in our lives for if we deny such, we do not know this grace and this power so freely given to strengthen us to stand. Denial of wrongs, error and tribulation in our lives leaves us unprepared to enter in and to live over-comer lives. And this is what He wants for us, overcoming lives, never to be caused to fall again.

    Chapter Eight
    The Signs

    The signs are everywhere:  Murder, child abuse, divorce, domestic violence, abortion, mercy killings, earthquakes, famine, AIDS, suicidal bombers, financial ruin, not only here but even worst throughout the world. The antichrist is soon to be revealed as this world embarks on a "new world order" encompassing "one world" control over government, economics, society and religion. The end-time is near, Israel is a nation, the Vatican just recognized it as such, and "peace and safety" (the human stage for the antichrist) is pronounced in our news daily in order to usher in the one who will appear as God and the savior of the world, the Anti-Christ.

    Notice this verse in Romans concerning my earlier comment about salvation. It means that salvation grows deeper as we approach the end of this age and come into the truth and understanding of His second coming. This nearness means increased holiness or sanctification for we Christians:

·         Rom 13:11 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.

·         Rom 13:12 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 armor of light.

·         Rom 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

·         Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

    Let me take the liberty to look at the Christian church:  You know that Jesus said he was the Alpha and the Omega as mentioned at the start. This fulfilling of such events has to do with the end or Omega. Could it be that we have known Him as the alpha, the beginning, but have not known the Truth about the end? This incompleteness in Christ, this end-time truth, is as critically important as the salvation message for the Christian church...Both leading to righteousness which many of us seek but find elusive. In our churches, could the lack of this understanding of end-time truth be a problem? You can mark it down with a big "Yes"! Our understanding is incomplete and the result is most Christians can't get past Acts 2:38:

·         Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

    Please read the verses that come after this verse to see what I mean. A call to righteousness and trusting...An evangelistic call. Many repented and were saved.  They came together to celebrate what Jesus had done. They shared their possessions and lived in community...But what was their future Christian walk to be like without the entire Gospel? We have a Gospel that calls us to perfection and maturity in Christ to go and sin no more and to stand and to even die for His sake.  A Gospel that says suffering is okay and to go through great tribulation as He suffered and died for us.  A Gospel that helps us to know and to trust the Father deep down who will carry us through travail and suffering now, each day, or later, during great tribulation. Is the door open to the Father for you at his coming or is it shut?


Chapter Nine
Two Kingdoms

    Consider two biblical phrases that appear in the New Testament; the "kingdom of God" and the "kingdom of Heaven". You see one has to do with our salvation and the other has to do with where we spend the future.

    The kingdom of God, which appears 69 times in the New Testament, has to do with our current condition, our salvation, being born again with the spirit and power of God within. While the kingdom of Heaven, which appears 32 times and only in the book of Matthew, has to do with entering or where we are going. So we see that the "kingdom of God" is within, now, and the "kingdom of Heaven" all about us, later! So knowing this we read:

·         Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (That would be Christ)

·         Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

·         Mat 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

·         Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

·         Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

·         Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

·         Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

·         Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

·         Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

·         Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.  (Just like Noah's Ark)

·         Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

·         Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

·         Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

    Well imagine that, the door to the kingdom of Heaven was shut!  Are you filled with the oil of the spirit? Is His Truth working in you?  Notice, how in other passages, the door to the kingdom of God will be opened unto you so long as you knock and ask to be forgiven of your sins and to believe in Christ, the only way to the Father. The kingdom of God dwells within the believing, born again Christian with a repentant heart.  Know, though, that this door will not always be open.  Imagine all those folk drowning when Noah and his family was saved from the flood...The door was shut!  And if you read the account of the flood (Genesis) you will see how they mocked Noah for building a boat in the desert. (How reminiscent of today and history in general)


Chapter Ten
In Summary – Love

In summary, and a personal note: It appears that a heart knowledge of the end-time is prophetic, as I begin to know the truth that is given in scripture about this future hope. I thank the Lord for this knowledge. When telling others, whether Christian or not, about my hearts' understanding, many folk scoff and react negatively. Such reaction from others confirms in me the prophetic nature and the confidence of Christ's indwelling revelation knowledge. This heart knowledge and confidence is personal and all I can do is exhort and encourage, in love, those who receive it. For those who would ignore end time truths and reject it, I forgive, love anyway, pray for, and then stand in that love of Jesus Christ knowing God's mercy, grace, and power in these last days.

    All of the preceding is about a relationship with a living God, a living Father.

·         1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

    In the next chapter and verse, I Cor 13, we learn about what love is, and the more excellent way. The way, the truth and the life is only through the great I AM. Jesus gives us His willingness and grace to seek the Father, to trust Him, and to see all the truth. Especially as the day approaches His Word guides us in times of great tribulation.

    Consider all the truth of the preceding as you grow in His Love and grace. See the present kingdom of God the Father within you, and look forward to His coming, the kingdom of Heaven, to sup, to reign and to worship Him in love, in spirit and in truth.

    To know the past is helpful for us. To know that we are a new creation is Christ Jesus leads us to a living God. To live in the present (the NOW) is wonderful. To know the hardship of tomorrow is mighty powerful. To know the past, to know the future, is to know how both empower us NOW to love, to work, to serve and to live in Him.

I'll tell the world! Are you an over-comer?
    

   Riddle?


    What is greater than God
    More Evil than the Devil
    The poor have it
    The rich need it
    And if you eat it you'll die.
 

    Over 80% of kindergartners got the answer and  only about 17% of Stanford students understood the riddle.

    look below for answer...

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    .... NOTHING
    :-)
 


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