Bible Study Guides – The Prosperity of the Church

December 25, 2016 – December 31, 2016

Key Text

“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 3, 445, 446.

Introduction

The true prosperity of the church depends upon separation from the world and a true connection with God.

Sunday

1 FIRST THINGS FIRST

  • What should be our first interest? Ephesians 2:21.

Note: “Every believer should be wholehearted in his attachment to the church. Its prosperity should be his first interest, and unless he feels under sacred obligations to make his connection with the church a benefit to it in preference to himself, it can do far better without him.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 18.

  • What will promote the prosperity of the church? Ephesians 4:16.

Note: a. A living connection with Christ. (The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1144.) b. Unity and mutual confidence. (Testimonies, vol. 3 445, 446.) c. Religious education of the young people. (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 388, 389.) d. The proper food given her. (The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 942.) e. Personal effort. (Evangelism, 338.) f. Financial contributions. (Testimonies, vol. 3, 405.) g. Order, rules and discipline. (Ibid., 294, 445, 446.) h. Cherishing the precious plant of love. (Ibid., vol. 5, 123.)

Monday

2 RIGHT AND WRONG CONCEPTS OF PROSPERITY

  • By what must the prosperity of the church and her institutions be measured? John 15:4.

Note: “If you lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase of numbers, and then make this increase a cause of rejoicing, you show great blindness. If numbers were evidence of success, Satan might claim the preeminence; for in this world his followers are largely in the majority. It is the degree of moral power pervading the college that is a test of its prosperity. It is the virtue, intelligence, and piety of the people composing our churches, not their numbers, that should be a source of joy and thankfulness.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 31, 32.

“Our professions are worthless unless we abide in Christ; for we cannot be living branches unless the vital qualities of the Vine abound in us. In the genuine Christian the characteristics of his Master will appear, and when we reflect the graces of Christ in our lives and characters, the Father loves us as He loves His Son. When this condition is fulfilled in those who profess to believe the present truth, we shall see a prosperous church; for its members will not live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them, and they will be flourishing branches of the living Vine.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1144.

  • Give the distinction between essential and apparent prosperity. Acts 7:48; Isaiah 57:15.

Note: “It is when the vital principles of the kingdom of God are lost sight of, that ceremonies become multitudinous and extravagant. It is when the character building is neglected, when the adornment of the soul is lacking, when the simplicity of godliness is despised, that pride and love of display demand magnificent church edifices, splendid adornings, and imposing ceremonials. But in all this God is not honored. He values His church, not for its external advantages, but for the sincere piety which distinguishes it from the world. He estimates it according to the growth of its members in the knowledge of Christ, according to their progress in spiritual experience. He looks for the principles of love and goodness. Not all the beauty of art can bear comparison with the beauty of temper and character to be revealed in those who are Christ’s representatives.” Prophets and Kings, 565, 566.

Tuesday

3 SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

  • What may be learned from the mistake made by the founding Fathers of America? What has always resulted from attempting to build up the church by the help of the state? James 4:4.

Note: “A profession of religion being the condition of suffrage and office holding, many, actuated solely by motives of worldly policy, united with the church without a change of heart. Thus the churches came to consist, to a considerable extent, of unconverted persons; and even in the ministry were those who not only held errors of doctrine, but who were ignorant of the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Thus again was demonstrated the evil results, so often witnessed in the history of the church from the days of Constantine to the present, of attempting to build up the church by the aid of the state, of appealing to the secular power in support of the gospel of Him who declared: ‘My kingdom is not of this world’ (John 18:36). The union of the church with the state, be the degree never so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world.” The Great Controversy, 297.

  • Where should be the real citizenship of true Christians? From what will they abstain? Hebrews 11:10, 13; John 18:36.

Note: “In regard to the world, Christians will say, We will not dabble in politics. They will say decidedly, We are pilgrims and strangers; our citizenship is above. They will not be seen choosing company for amusement. They will say, We have ceased to be infatuated by childish things. We are strangers and pilgrims, looking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 131.

Wednesday

4 MUTUAL HELP

  • How can church members strengthen the hand of the leaders? Quote an example from the days of Moses. Exodus 17:10–13. What will give members power to support the church?

Note: “Let each church member feel that he himself must be right with God, that he must be sanctified through the truth. Then he can represent Christian character to others and can set an example of unselfishness. If each will do this, the church will increase in spirituality and in favor with God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 481.

“The churches would realize one hundredfold more of the workings of the Holy Spirit if ministers would educate all to bear in mind that they have a God nigh at hand, and not afar off, and that they can honor God by seeking Him for help and wisdom just where they are. They will then have ability which will strengthen the General Conference.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 326.

  • How can the leaders strengthen the local churches? Quote an example from the days of the apostles. Acts 6:1–3.

Note: “The disciples of Jesus had reached a crisis in their experience. Under the wise leadership of the apostles, who labored unitedly in the power of the Holy Spirit, the work committed to the gospel messengers was developing rapidly. The church was continually enlarging, and this growth in membership brought increasingly heavy burdens upon those in charge. No one man, or even one set of men, could continue to bear these burdens alone, without imperiling the future prosperity of the church. There was necessity for a further distribution of the responsibilities which had been borne so faithfully by a few during the earlier days of the church. The apostles must now take an important step in the perfecting of gospel order in the church by laying upon others some of the burdens thus far borne by themselves.” The Acts of the Apostles, 88, 89.

Thursday

5 THE HOME AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

  • Where is the foundation for the prosperity of the church to be laid? I Timothy 3:4, 5.

Note: “In the home the foundation is laid for the prosperity of the church. The influences that rule in the home life are carried into the church life; therefore church duties should first begin in the home.” The Adventist Home, 318.

  • On what power is the prosperity of the church always dependent? John 14:12–18.

Note: “The promise of the Spirit is a matter little thought of; and the result is only what might be expected—spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Minor matters occupy the attention, and the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, though offered in its infinite plenitude.

“It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so powerless. Learning, talent, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be possessed; but, without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 21, 22.

Friday

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1 What should have a high priority in our lives?

2 What constitutes real prosperity?

3 What dangers are in seeking material help and support?

4 What examples do we have for cooperation with the ministers in their work?

5 What is necessary for prosperity in the home and the church?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Reformation in the Home

February 19, 2017 – February 25, 2017

Key Text

“That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace” (Psalm 144:12).

Study Help: The Adventist Home, 317–325.

Introduction

“Children are what their parents make them by their instruction, discipline, and example. Hence the overwhelming importance of parental faithfulness in training the young for the service of God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 37.

Sunday

1 THE PLACE TO BEGIN

  • Upon whom has God laid a grave responsibility to begin a work of reformation? Malachi 4:6; Psalm 78:5–7.

Note: “Could parents realize the great responsibility resting upon them when their children are innocent babes in the home, much sin and misery might be averted; temperance would then be taught at the fire-side and the table would afford practical lessons repeated every day. Line upon line, precept upon precept, children should be taught the necessity of self-control and self-denial; and then true reform would make rapid progress.” The Health Reformer, May 1, 1877.

  • Where is the source of the parents’ wisdom? Ephesians 1:17; James 1:5.

Note: “Let parents take their Bibles, and search that they may understand what are the requirements of God in regard to their children. Let them seek to understand what is included in parental duty. The word of God must be our rule in conducting our family affairs.” Christian Education, 230, 231.

“By prayer, by study of the Bible, and by earnest zeal on their part, they [parents] may succeed nobly in this important duty, and be repaid a hundredfold for all their time and care.” Child Guidance, 64.

Monday

2 EXTENDING THE WORK OF REFORM

  • What does the Lord intend to happen with the faith of the parents? Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 1:5.

Note: “As you faithfully do your duty in the home, the father as a priest of the household, the mother as a home missionary, you are multiplying agencies for doing good outside of the home. As you improve your own powers, you are becoming better fitted to labor in the church and in the neighborhood. By binding your children to yourselves and to God, fathers and mothers and children become laborers together with God.” Counsels on Health, 430.

  • What should you do if you have failed to make God first in your life and in your home? 1 John 1:9; James 5:16.

Note: “If you [parents] have failed in your duty to your family, confess your sins before God. Gather your children about you, and acknowledge your neglect. Tell them that you desire to bring about a reformation in the home, and ask them to help you to make the home what it ought to be. Read to them the directions found in the word of God. Pray with them; and ask God to spare their lives, and to help them to prepare for a home in His kingdom. Thus you may begin and continue a work of true reform.” The Review and Herald, April 21, 1904.

  • As we commit ourselves fully to God, what will be the result of our faithfulness? Psalm 51:9–13; Isaiah 60:2, 3; Acts 16:5.

Note: “When the great light that God has given shines forth through human agencies, a great work will be done. In demonstration of the Spirit, and with power, the truth will be revealed in clear, distinct lines. But this work must begin in the home.

“As the right work is done in the home, parents will find their hearts subdued and melted. Strange prejudices that have been cherished by brethren and sisters in the church, prejudices that have borne evil fruit, will be overcome, and will disappear. A spirit of candor will come in, a spirit after Christ’s likeness. God’s people will give up the tenacious desire to have their own way and to urge their own ideas; for they will realize that they are in the presence of God’s Son.” The Review and Herald, July 15, 1902.

Tuesday

3 THE EFFECT UPON THE CHURCH

  • When reformation takes place in the home, how will this be reflected upon the church? Ephesians 5:27; Titus 2:14; Psalm 144:14, second part, 15.

Note: “In the home the foundation is laid for the prosperity of the church. The influences that rule in the home life are carried into the church life; therefore church duties should first begin in the home.” The Adventist Home, 318.

“He [the Lord] desires that the work of reformation shall begin in the home, with the fathers and mothers, and then the Church will realize the Holy Spirit’s working. The influence of this work will go through the Church like leaven. Fathers and mothers need converting. They have not educated themselves to mold and fashion the characters of their children aright.” The Review and Herald, March 18, 1902.

“God measures church-members by what they are in the home. When Christ’s words are obeyed in the home, the influence extends to the church.” Ibid., July 21, 1903.

  • How does the influence of a man in his home affect his usefulness in the church? 1 Timothy 3:5. How does this affect his hope of eternal life? Matthew 25:21.

Note: “He who is engaged in the work of the gospel ministry must be faithful in his family life. It is as essential that as a father he should improve the talents God has given him for the purpose of making the home a symbol of the heavenly family, as that in the work of the ministry he should make use of his God-given powers to win souls for the church. As the priest in the home, and as the ambassador of Christ in the church, he should exemplify in his life the character of Christ. …

“He who fails to be a faithful, discerning shepherd in the home will surely fail of being a faithful shepherd to the flock of God in the church.” Reflecting Christ, 179.

“The life on earth is the beginning of the life in heaven; education on earth is an initiation into the principles of heaven; the lifework here is a training for the lifework there. What we now are, in character and holy service is the sure foreshadowing of what we shall be.” The Adventist Home, 535.

“The great reformative movement must begin in the home. Obedience to God’s law is the great incentive to industry, economy, truthfulness, and just dealing between man and man.” Child Guidance, 489.

Wednesday

4 PREPARING TO WITNESS

  • When our heart is touched by the Spirit of God, how will we respond? Isaiah 6:8.

Note: “When God would have a special work done for the advancement of the truth, He will impress men to work in the mines of truth with prayerful earnestness to discover the precious ore. These men will have Christlike perseverance. They will not fail or be discouraged. They will sink self out of sight in Jesus. Men will go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is their work to make crooked things straight. Some things must be torn down, some things must be built up. The old treasures must be reset in a framework of truth. They are to preach God’s word; their testimony must not be molded by the opinions and ideas that have been regarded as sound, but by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. They are to lift up Christ and call sinners to repentance, … urging upon all their personal responsibility to be kind and courteous, to do good and to win souls to Jesus.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 169.

  • What will be the living proof of a renewed heart? 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:10; Matthew 5:16.

Note: “If the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to the fact. … A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts.” Steps to Christ, 57, 58.

“The love of our heavenly Father in the gift of His only-begotten Son to the world, is enough to inspire every soul, to melt every hard, loveless heart into contrition and tenderness; and yet shall heavenly intelligences see in those for whom Christ died, insensibility to His love, hardness of heart, and no response of gratitude and affection to the Giver of all good things? Shall affairs of minor importance absorb the whole power of the being, and the love of God meet no return? … We need an increase of faith. We must wait, we must watch, we must pray, we must work, pleading that the Holy Ghost may be poured out upon us abundantly, that we may be lights in the world.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 198, 199.

Thursday

5 GOING TO ALL THE WORLD

  • In view of Christ’s soon coming, what is the message to be given today? Zephaniah 1:14; Amos 4:12.

Note: “As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a message to bear—‘Prepare to meet thy God’ (Amos 4:12).” Testimonies, vol. 8, 332.

  • How extensive is the work of giving the gospel message? Isaiah 61:10, 11; Matthew 24:14; Revelation 14:6.

Note: “The time has come when the message of Christ’s soon coming is to sound throughout the world.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 24.

  • How is this message to be given? Acts 4:29–31.

Note: “Today we need to speak the truth with holy boldness.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 52.

“The trumpet must give a certain sound, for we are in the great day of the Lord’s preparation.” Evangelism, 218.

“From these chosen men of God [who are His faithful ambassadors] the truth will shine forth. It will be heard from their lips, reflected in their countenances, and demonstrated in their lives. They will be marked by purity and uncorruptness. The grace of Christ has a refining, ennobling influence on the character.” Reflecting Christ, 347.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How can parents begin a work of reformation in their homes?

2 As you faithfully fulfill your duties at home, where else will you be able to labor more effectively?

3 How does God measure us?

4 How can we be lights in this world?

5 What is involved in communicating the truth to the world?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Call of the Church

March 26, 2017 – April 1, 2017

Key Text

“Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people” (Isaiah 62:10).

Study Help: Evangelism, 217–221.

Introduction

“Let it be written upon the conscience as with a pen of iron upon the rock, that real success, whether for this life or for the life to come, can be secured only by faithful adherence to the eternal principles of right.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 164.

Sunday

1 A MESSAGE FOR US

  • Why is it important that we apply to ourselves the message of the True Witness to Laodicea? Revelation 3:14–17; I Corinthians 8:2; 10:12.

Note: “The message to the Laodicean church comes home to those who do not apply it to themselves.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 99.

  • What shows that the Laodicean condition is not hopeless? Revelation 3:18. What will we need to do to apply the remedy? I Peter 5:6; Psalm 147:11.

Note: “But the counsel of the true Witness does not represent those who are lukewarm as in a hopeless case. There is yet a chance to remedy their state, and the Laodicean message is full of encouragement; for the backslidden church may yet buy the gold of faith and love, may yet have the white robe of the righteousness of Christ, that the shame of their nakedness need not appear. Purity of heart, purity of motive, may yet characterize those who are halfhearted and who are striving to serve God and mammon. They may yet wash their robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 966.

Monday

2 A WAKE–UP CALL

  • What must we do so that we can have a part in carrying the final message to the world? I Corinthians 15:34; Romans 13:11.

Note: “We are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The hours of probation are fast passing. We have no time—not a moment—to lose. Let us not be found sleeping on guard. Let no one say in his heart or by his works: ‘My Lord delayeth His coming’ (Matthew 24:48). Let the message of Christ’s soon return sound forth in earnest words of warning. Let us persuade men and women everywhere to repent and flee from the wrath to come. Let us arouse them to immediate preparation, for we little know what is before us. Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields to tell the unconcerned and indifferent to seek the Lord while He may be found. The workers will find their harvest wherever they proclaim the forgotten truths of the Bible. They will find those who will accept the truth and will devote their lives to winning souls to Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 252, 253.

  • What work is to be carried forward at this time? Nehemiah 2:18; Psalm 94:16.

Note: “The Lord desires His people to arise and do their appointed work. The responsibility of warning the world rests not upon the ministry alone. The lay members of the church are to share in the work of soul-saving. By means of missionary visits and by a wise distribution of our literature, many who have never been warned, may be reached. Let companies be organized to search for souls. Let the church members visit their neighbors and open to them the Scriptures. Some may be set to work in the hedges, and thus, by wise planning, the truth may be preached in all districts. With perseverance in this work, increasing aptitude for it will come, and many will see fruit of their labors in the salvation of souls. These converted ones will, in turn, teach others. Thus the seed will be sown in many places, and the truth be proclaimed to all.” The Review and Herald, January 25, 1912.

“We have warnings now which we may give, a work now which we may do, but soon it will be more difficult than we imagine.” Evangelism, 218.

Tuesday

3 REVIVING THE DRY BONES

  • In the vision given to Ezekiel about the valley of the dry bones, what did God promise to do with the dry bones? Ezekiel 37:5, 6. What was the source of power which gave life to the bones? Verses 13, 14.

Note: “What power must we have from God that icy hearts, having only a legal religion, should see the better things provided for them—Christ and His righteousness! A life-giving message was needed to give life to the dry bones.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 177.

“But not only does this simile of the dry bones apply to the world, but also to those who have been blessed with great light; for they also are like the skeletons of the valley. They have the form of men, the framework of the body; but they have not spiritual life. But the parable does not leave the dry bones merely knit together into the forms of men; for it is not enough that there is symmetry of limb and feature. The breath of life must vivify the bodies, that they may stand upright, and spring into activity. These bones represent the house of Israel, the church of God, and the hope of the church is the vivifying influence of the Holy Spirit. The Lord must breathe upon the dry bones, that they may live.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1165, 1166.

  • What does the work of revival involve? Revelation 3:19, 20; 2 Timothy 4:2.

Note: “The angels of God are going from church to church, doing their duty; and Jesus Christ is knocking at the doors of your hearts for entrance. But the means that God has devised to awaken the church to a sense of their spiritual destitution, have not been regarded. The voice of the True Witness has been heard in reproof, but has not been obeyed. Men have chosen to follow their own way, instead of God’s way, because self was not crucified in them. Thus the light has had but little effect upon hearts and minds. ‘Be zealous, and repent’ (Revelation 3:19).” The Review and Herald, December 18, 1888.

“Those who bear the message to the world should seek the Lord earnestly, that His Holy Spirit may be abundantly showered upon them. You have no time to lose. Pray for the power of God, that you may work with success for those nigh and afar off.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 92, 93.

Wednesday

4 LIFTING UP CHRIST

  • What is the one thing which absorbs the attention of God’s revived messengers? Psalm 17:15; John 17:3; I Corinthians 2:1, 2.

Note: “Deep, fervent piety at home, in the church, and in the neighborhood, will bring souls to behold wondrous things out of the law, and to see the glorious truth of Christ our righteousness. …

“Those who have the truth open before them for this time bear a solemn responsibility. They must proclaim repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. They must dwell upon the cross of Christ, and call the attention of every soul to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity, His holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the theme that needs to be brought out in every discourse. I have been shown that there must be a great awakening among the people of God. Many are unconverted whose names are on the church books. Let these words be repeated by men who are consecrated to the work: [John 3:16 quoted].” The Review and Herald, August 13, 1889.

“One interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up all others, Christ our Righteousness.” The Paulson Collection, 342.

  • How will the revived servant of the Lord react, despite opposition to the message of warning? Joel 2:17; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18.

Note: “God has always wrought for His people in their greatest extremity, when there seemed the least hope that ruin could be averted. The designs of wicked men, the enemies of the church, are subject to His power and overruling providence. He can move upon the hearts of statesmen; the wrath of the turbulent and disaffected, the haters of God, His truth, and His people can be turned aside, even as the rivers of water are turned, if He orders it thus. Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. He who marshals the stars in order in the heavens, whose Word controls the waves of the great deep, the same infinite Creator will work in behalf of His people if they call upon Him in faith. He will restrain the forces of darkness until the warning is given to the world and all who will heed it are prepared for the conflict.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 452, 453.

Thursday

5 LOOKING FOR THAT BLESSED HOPE

  • What great privilege do we have in preparation for Christ’s soon return? Luke 8:16; Isaiah 60:1.

Note: “It is the privilege of every soul to be a living channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that Christ desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour’s love. All heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil to be a joy and blessing to human hearts.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 419.

  • In view of the soon coming of Christ, how should we be living today? 2 Peter 3:11, 12; Titus 2:11–13.

Note: “Christ has made every provision that His church shall be a transformed body, illumined with the Light of the world, possessing the glory of Emmanuel. It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace. He desires that we shall reveal His own joy in our lives.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 419.

“The Lord is coming. Lift up your heads and rejoice. … This is the good, the joyful news which should electrify every soul, which should be repeated in our homes, and told to those whom we meet on the street. What more joyful news can be communicated!” Evangelism, 218.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How is the Laodicean message full of encouragement for us?

2 What are some practical ways that lay members can reach out to the souls around them?

3 How can the vision of the dry bones apply to those who have great light?

4 In what ways will God overrule the powers of darkness, as His people pray in faith?

5 In what way will God’s people spread the message of joy for this time?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

PROPHETIC PARALLELS – Christ’s Church “Then”. . .and Christ’s Church Now Ch.7

By Terry S. Ross

prophetic parallels - greenChapter 7 – Calvary

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him” (Luke 23: 33).

Oh, the love of our Saviour and His Father! Can we really grasp even a particle of the vast truth about the gift that heaven emptied out for our salvation in the life and death of our Master and friend Jesus Christ? The God who was and is the originator of our very existence, the God who is the way, the truth and the life was about to experience death for us. In this trip through Gethsemane’s gate Jesus would know what it means to be separated from the blessings of His Father and what those who reject His offering of redemptive mercy will suffer.

Who are the “they” mentioned in Luke 23: 33, above? Christ died for us because we need a Saviour, but the church of His day should not have been the ones to murder Him. The crowd that followed the Saviour saw His weak and staggering steps, but most of them manifested no compassion. They taunted and reviled Him because He could not carry the heavy cross. Again the burden was laid upon Him, and again He fell fainting to the ground. His persecutors saw that it was impossible for Him to carry His burden farther. They looked to find someone who would bear the humiliating load. The Jews themselves would not do this, because the defilement would prevent them from keeping the Passover. None of those in the mob that followed Him would stoop to bear the cross.

No one who refuses to bear the humiliating load of Christ’s cross will share in the glory of Christ’s crown. Even though the “church” was literally killing the Son of God, they would continue business as usual and looked forward to keeping the Passover which represented the very Person whom they were killing! They had become so blind that they couldn’t recognize the Truth even when He was actually right before them! Don’t be fooled into believing that something like this couldn’t happen in the church today. It not only can happen, it has happened, and IS happening for the last time right now.

Several women were in the crowd that followed the condemned to His cruel death. Their attention was fixed upon Jesus. Some of them had seen Him before. Some had carried to Him their sick and suffering ones. Some had themselves been healed. These experiences were told from one to another. They wondered at the hatred of the crowd toward Him for whom their own hearts were melting and ready to break. And notwithstanding the action of the maddened throng and the angry words of the priests and rulers, these women gave expression to their sympathy. As Jesus fell fainting beneath the cross, they broke into mournful wailing.

This was the only thing that attracted Christ’s attention. Although full of suffering, while bearing the sins of the world, He was not indifferent to the expression of grief. He looked up at these women with tender compassion. They were not necessarily believers in Him; He knew that they were not lamenting Him as one sent from God, but were moved by feelings of human pity. He did not despise their sympathy, but it awakened in His heart a deep sympathy for them. “Daughters of Jerusalem,” He said, “weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children” (Luke 23: 28). From the scene before Him, Christ looked forward to the time of Jerusalem’s destruction. In that terrible scene, many of those who were now weeping for Him, were to perish with their children. Even these women were amazed at the hatred church leadership had toward Christ! But Jesus told them that they should be weeping for themselves. Why? He was looking forward and He knew that most of the people in the crowd would continue to be influenced by the apostate church leaders who would continue to say “the church” is God’s voice on earth. They, in turn, would continue to believe this and would be destroyed with these leaders because they were not led by God.

From the fall of Jerusalem the thoughts of Jesus passed to a wider judgment. In the destruction of the impenitent city in 70 A. D. He saw a symbol of the final destruction to come upon the world. He said, “Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” (Luke 23: 30- 31). By the green tree, Jesus represented Himself, the innocent Redeemer. God suffered His wrath against transgression to fall on His beloved Son. Jesus was to be crucified for the sins of men. WHAT SUFFERING, THEN, WOULD THE SINNER BEAR WHO CONTINUED IN SIN? ALL THE IMPENITENT AND UNBELIEVING WOULD KNOW A SORROW AND MISERY THAT LANGUAGE WOULD FAIL TO EXPRESS.

If Jerusalem is a symbol of the bigger destruction of the world, what then can we learn? Who made up the populace of that city? The headquarters of the “church” was also the local headquarters of Rome in that part of the country. As they worked hand in hand for the destruction of Christ then, in the future they will also work hand in hand for the destruction of God’s last day people. This may be difficult to believe, but not any more difficult to believe than two thousand years ago. Only those who took God, through Jesus, at His word escaped the destruction of Jerusalem. We can expect that a similar group of believers will escape the destruction to come, as it surely will. Leaders who teach their congregations that they can continue in sin and cannot stop sinning are leading the people to eternal damnation! If we truly love others, the exposure of this deadly heresy must be openly challenged. People must be given the opportunity to know the truth and to stop listening to the lies of these agents of Satan.

Of the multitude that followed the Saviour to Calvary, many had attended Him with joyful hosannas and the waving of palm branches as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. But many who had then shouted His praise because it was popular to do so, now swelled the cry of, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

When Christ rode into Jerusalem, the hopes of the disciples had been raised to the highest pitch. They had pressed close about their Master, feeling that it was a high honor to be connected with Him. Now, in His humiliation they followed Him at a distance. They were filled with grief, and bowed down with disappointed hopes. The words of Jesus were verified: “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad” (Matthew 26: 31).

To follow Christ for political reasons, because it’s popular do so, or for any other reason than from conviction based on love for God and His truth, will prove to be fatal! Every single person whose motivation and actions fall below the standard God has set will betray, forsake, and be lost! The Saviour made no murmur of complaint. He remained calm and serene, but great drops of sweat stood upon His brow. There was no pitying hand to wipe the death- dew from His face, nor words of sympathy and unchanging fidelity to encourage His human heart. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, Jesus prayed for His enemies, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23: 34). His mind passed from His own suffering to the sin of His persecutors, and the terrible retribution that would be theirs. No curses were called upon the soldiers who were handling Him so roughly. No vengeance was invoked upon the priests and rulers, who were gloating over the accomplishment of their purpose. Christ pitied them in their ignorance and guilt. He breathed only a plea for their forgiveness, “. . . for they know not what they do.”

Here Jesus wonderfully demonstrates the balance of warfare and welfare. While He had exposed His enemies and would have gladly forgiven them if they had repented, He had no pleasure in thoughts of their future destruction. Today, although we are to do the same work, we can be guilty of murder ourselves if we enjoy the destruction of our enemies. We must do what we do for the purposes of salvation, not for the purpose of destruction. Jesus had in perfect balance the words mentioned earlier: “Not blind, nor bitter.” This will be the living motive of every true Christian.

Had they known that they were putting to torture the One who had come to save the sinful race from eternal ruin, they would have been seized with remorse and horror. But their ignorance did not remove their guilt; for it was their privilege to know and accept Jesus as their Saviour. Some of them would yet see their sin, and repent, and be converted. Some by their impenitence would make it an impossibility for the prayer of Christ to be answered for them. Yet just the same, God’s purpose was reaching its fulfillment. Jesus was securing His position as advocate of men in the Father’s presence.

That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world. It took in every sinner that had lived or would live, from the beginning of the world to the end of time. Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying the Son of God. To all, forgiveness is freely offered. “Whosoever will” may have peace with God, and inherit eternal life. Here is yet another description of the modern day “church.” No one has greater opportunity to learn about Jesus and His truth than those in the Christian church. The majority are ignorant of many of God’s requirements, but willfully so— they will not read God’s word and find out what their responsibility is. They will not find out that humanity must clasp the offered hand of Divinity and that there are steps they are to take to make their salvation complete. Yes, Jesus “paid it all” on the cross, but the Bible clearly outlines the steps that are to be taken that show us how to take what He did and apply it to our experience— to be converted. Ignorance will not be valid during the judgment period.

Some, during the time of ongoing education, will see the truth, repent and be converted. Others (the majority of those now claiming to be Christians and those in the world) because of stubbornness, willful blindness, wanting to be popular, and love for cherished idols, will refuse to be converted. This group (in the “church”) is the group referred to when we said earlier that “We have more to fear from within the church than without.” Pilate then wrote an inscription in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, and placed it above the cross, above the head of Jesus. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.” This inscription irritated the Jews. In Pilate’s court they had cried “Crucify Him!… We have no king but Caesar!” (John 19: 15). They had declared that whoever should acknowledge any other king was a traitor. Pilate wrote out the sentiment they had expressed. No other reason for His crucifixion was mentioned, except that Jesus was “King of the Jews.” The inscription was a virtual acknowledgment of the allegiance of the Jews to the Roman power. It declared that whoever might claim to be the king of Israel, would be judged by them worthy of death. The priests had overreached themselves. When they were plotting the death of Christ, Caiaphas had declared it expedient that one man should die to save the nation (see John 11: 50 and John 18: 14). Now their hypocrisy was revealed. In order to destroy Christ, they had been ready to sacrifice even their national existence.

You will notice that the only offense charged to Jesus was, in fact, the truth. You will also notice that the Jews’ allegiance was with Rome, and not God. To declare that the truth of Christ was above traditions of Rome meant sure death. Until it’s forever too late, the “church” will continue to declare that the traditions of Rome are above God’s word. It is up to you to decide which decree you want to side with!

Satan with his angels were present at the cross. The archfiend and his hosts were cooperating with the priests and rulers. The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob to pronounce judgment against One upon whom many of them had never looked, until urged to bear testimony against Him. Priests, rulers, Pharisees, and the hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy. Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels. They were doing his bidding.

Just as Jesus was completing the first phase of the plan of salvation, Satan and his angels appeared to deceive all who could be deceived. The same deception will take place just as Jesus is bringing the final phase of salvation to a close. We are told in Revelation that Satan will appear as an angel of light to deceive the nations. Most I’ve met realize that Satan will personate Christ in order to deceive, but I have met very few who understand that Satan will not come alone. Unless we have the mind of Christ, which can only be obtained by following Him all the way, this deception to come will be overpowering. Only those who are fully connected with Christ will make it through. The preparation time which we are now enjoying is quickly disappearing and we had better be paying attention.

In their mockery of the Saviour, the men who professed to be the expounders of prophecy were repeating the very words which inspiration had foretold they would utter upon this occasion. Yet in their blindness they did not see that they were fulfilling the prophecy.

This same blindness is even now being repeated. This prophecy is having its fulfillment in our day. In their blindness, several of our leaders are preaching their own doom and fulfilling the prophecy of their own destruction.

Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The guilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of God against sin, the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with agony. All His life Christ had been proclaiming to a fallen world the good news of the Father’s mercy and pardoning love. Salvation for the chief of sinners was His theme. Now, with the terrible weight of guilt He bears, He cannot see the Father’s reconciling face. The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was His agony that His physical suffering was hardly felt.

Satan wrung the heart of Jesus with his fierce temptations. The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, or tell Him of the Father’s acceptance of His sacrifice. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that their separation was to be eternal. Christ felt the anguish which the sinner will feel when mercy shall no longer plead for the guilty race. It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father’s wrath upon Him as man’s substitute, that made the cup He drank so bitter and broke the heart of the Son of God.

Every soul who takes a stand for Jesus in these last days will have to go through a similar experience in their own sphere. But especially those who are alive just before Jesus comes will understand by experience in a greater measure what price Jesus paid for our salvation. On the other side of the coin, those who choose apostasy instead of Christ will feel the deepened terror that was felt by those who killed Christ.

There will not be another group of human beings who share in this same terror. To make a profession of Christianity and turn from what it really means (especially for the leadership) is serious business.

Oh, brothers and sisters, we do not want to be a part of those in the wayward “church”! To one day face the reality of this truth and know that eternity was in the palms of our hands, yet be forever lost! The terror will be indescribable. Let us choose rather to place our feeble selves in the hands of a caring Father for He will see us through the trouble ahead. No one will escape persecution in the end. A small group will be persecuted by man and by Satan. The larger group will be persecuted by God. Let us choose the RIGHT group in which to be persecuted.

Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs of the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. He was acquainted with the character of His Father; He understood His justice, His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as He submitted to death, He committed Himself to God. The sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor.

Evidence suggested that the Heavenly Father had forsaken His Son, but Christ’s personal life experience with God had developed the faith that was victorious over all the assaults of Satan. This faith, the faith OF Jesus Christ identifies His true people who ARE HIS TRUE CHURCH.

Never before had the earth witnessed such a scene. The multitude stood paralyzed, and with bated breath gazed upon the Saviour. Again darkness settled upon the earth and a hoarse rumbling, like heavy thunder, was heard. There was a violent earthquake.

When the loud cry, “It is finished,” came from the lips of Christ, the priests were officiating in the temple. It was the hour of the evening sacrifice. The lamb representing Christ had been brought to be slain. Clothed in his significant and beautiful dress, the priest stood with lifted knife, as did Abraham when he was about to slay his son. With intense interest many were looking on. But the earth trembles and quakes, for the Lord Himself draws near. With a rending noise the inner veil of the temple is torn from top to bottom by an unseen hand, throwing open to the gaze of the multitude a place once filled with the presence of God. No one but the high priest ever lifted the veil separating this apartment from the rest of the temple. He entered there once a year to make an atonement for the sins of the people. But lo, this veil is rent in twain! The most holy place of the earthly sanctuary is no longer sacred.

All is terror and confusion. The priest is about to slay the victim; but the knife drops from his nerveless hand, and the lamb escapes. Type has met antitype in the death of God’s Son. The great sacrifice has been made. The way into the holiest is laid open. A new and living way is prepared for all. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest— or any priest. Henceforth the Saviour was to officiate as Priest and Advocate in the heavenly sanctuary. It was as if a living voice had spoken to the worshipers: There is now an end to all sacrifices and offerings for sin. The Son of God is come according to His word, “Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” “By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 10: 7; 9: 12).

This terror and confusion spoken of in God’s word is the same that will be on the earth and in the hearts of apostate pastors, leaders, and all who reject God’s warnings and mercies when Jesus returns. The scenes you have studied in this book are now being repeated and will continue to follow the same course viewed two thousand years ago.

When the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom at the command of God, it was a signal and an invitation to all to understand that no pastor or priest would stand between man and God, save Jesus Christ alone. In this study, the Bible has clearly demonstrated that God is not bound to any pastor, church committee, denominational leader, or to a people once chosen.

It is not our intention to “attack” everyone in leadership positions in the Christian church today. As was said in the opening chapter of this book, there are (although in dwindling numbers) faithful and true pastors and denominational leaders. What is being urged on Christians everywhere is that we not be led astray. We need to be doing OUR OWN Bible study and we need to know that what we believe is based on the Bible— the entire Bible and not what someone else thinks it says. Leaders and theologians are not to take out certain portions of Scripture and make them fit their preconceived opinions. They are not to take Scripture passages out of context to make it fit their theology. The Bible is to be taken as it is written, IN ITS ENTIRETY. We need not fear that it contains errors. God has preserved it and in its pages is life eternal.

This book has been written in the honest hope that all who read it will come to a better understanding of not only what has been, but what is, and what will be. We are convinced that our loving Saviour, Jesus Christ, is warning us about events now happening and those about to happen so that we are not deceived. We also understand that many statements in this book are “hard sayings,” but it is just as imperative that we take them into our life as it was for the disciples.

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” says God’s word, for we are told that the majority will be lost because they refused to take God at His word. Wherever you are or whatever you are doing, no matter where your present loyalties lie, we plead with you to take this study most seriously. If our understanding of the past is correct, we believe that your very life depends on how you choose to react to what you have read.

But, as with everything we have stated in this book, be sure you do YOUR OWN study regarding what has been written.

It’s decision time, dear brothers and sisters. What will it be? Will you go to man for your salvation, or to God? Your destiny hangs upon your answer. Choose ye this day . . .

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24: 15).

Copyright © 1999 Servants of the Saviour
Terry & Cathy Ross

End

PROPHETIC PARALLELS – Christ’s Church “Then”. . . and Christ’s Church Now Ch.6

By Terry S. Ross

prophetic parallels - greenChapter 6 – “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled . . . “

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know” (John 14: 1- 4).

Here Jesus was saying, “For your sake I came into the world. I am working in your behalf. When I go away, I shall still work earnestly for you. I came into the world to reveal Myself to you, that you might believe. I go to the Father to co- operate with Him in your behalf.” The object of Christ’s departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared. It did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He might come again, and receive them unto Himself.

While He was building mansions for them, they were to build their character after His divine example. There are not many ways to heaven. Each one may not choose his own way. Christ says, “I am THE way… no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14: 6).

Many today demonstrate either by word, action, or both that they believe there is more than one way to heaven. The leaders are using their influence to try to convince others that it really doesn’t matter how we worship God. Remember, Cain had this same attitude. These same folks are also saying that we need not worry so much about our character because Jesus understands we are only human. Unfortunately, most people will continue to believe this lie. Jesus DOES understand our humanity! And the problem isn’t with Jesus, it’s with us. We need to understand His divinity! Those who do and who choose to trust Jesus all the way will find the ONLY way to heaven. We will discover eventually that all of these “poor me” arguments to excuse sin are in vain. What good will have been accomplished at the end of time? It will be forever too late when people see that God sets very high standards in regard to repenting and turning from sin. We cannot afford to allow this to be our experience. We have all that is necessary for ours to be a success story in the books of heaven. All we need is a sanctified choice— we need our will to be sanctified— and a right relationship with Jesus. If you will do your part, Jesus has given His life to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, He will do His part. What good will it have been to have attended church or anything else if it’s all been wasted because we did not take the time to find out what God says, not what men say, is the vital part to play in our own salvation? Won’t you determine just now that you will cast your lot with Christ no matter what any man says? Won’t you promise yourself, right this moment, that you will take God and not man at His word? Those who in the end are to be saved for eternity will be those who trusted God with all their minds, bodies, and souls. It is a law of the universe that if we choose to place our confidence in man instead of God and if we choose to doubt God’s ability to bring us all the way to a perfected character, then our doubts will be realized. It is all the way with Christ or none of the way with Him. Did Jesus say in Matthew 5: 48, “Be ye halfway perfect . . .”? No! Those who only make a halfway effort will lose heaven all the way.

Just before Jesus’ crucifixion He earnestly and perseveringly sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptation that was soon to beat upon them. He would have them hid with Him in God.

It was education time in the ancient conference church of Jesus’ day and this education Christ came to impart to His disciples. These independent minsters were to take this education to their church and laity alike, but they were not prepared for the approaching storm that was to commence within the church structure. The message Jesus gave to these men to share would cause them much trouble but, nonetheless, it was the message they were to give if they would remain faithful. These same messages of warning and education are being brought again at the Lord’s command, for the last time. Only those, as in Jesus’ day, who heed the messages will be protected in the end.

“I am the way . . . “ as Christ was speaking these words, all present felt a sacred awe as they listened with rapt attention to His words. Their hearts were more decidedly drawn to Him; and as they were drawn to Christ in greater love, they were drawn to one another.

Much emphasis is placed on unity these days within Christian circles. Certainly Jesus prayed for His people to have unity and all heaven is waiting for this to take place. Christ calls for unity. BUT HE DOES NOT CALL FOR US TO UNIFY IF WRONG PRACTICES ARE PART OF THE “DEAL.” The God of heaven draws a sharp contrast between pure, elevating, ennobling truth, and false, misleading doctrines. He calls sin and impenitence by their right name. He does not gloss over wrongdoing with a coat of untempered mortar. I urge our brethren to UNIFY UPON A TRUE SPIRITUAL BASIS. All this talk of unity will have no value in the sight of God if it isn’t based on His high standards. Unity in itself is against God’s kingdom if it’s based on any other foundation than to hold up truth and the pure principles of the heavenly kingdom. God will some day soon have this unity among His true people. Will you and I be in this group? No man can make us do otherwise if this is where we choose to be.

The Saviour was deeply anxious for His disciples to understand for what purpose His divinity was united to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God, that men might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in them. JESUS REVEALED NO QUALITIES, AND EXERCISED NO POWERS, THAT MEN MAY NOT HAVE THROUGH FAITH IN HIM. His PERFECT HUMANITY is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as Jesus was.

Love for the pure truth of God is the glue that alone will bring this binding together of which so many speak. This unity will ONLY come to those who honestly have the eternal interests of God’s government in mind. ONLY those who protect God’s throne while on this earth of sin will share in His glory in the world made new. This class is the ONLY one which will survive the great controversy between Christ and Satan.

All who will go to work, trusting not in what they themselves can do, but in what God can do for and through them, will certainly realize the fulfillment of His promise, “Greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father” (John 14: 12).

Oh, friend! Do you believe that Jesus has enough power to overcome all the sin in your life? Do you believe that Jesus is your only hope if you are to be an overcomer? Do you believe overcoming sin is as vitally important as it is? If you don’t, then consider these verses:

“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5: 5).

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Rev. 2: 7).

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (Revelation 2: 11).

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne” (Revelation 3: 21).

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21: 7)

It is obvious, from the testimony of God’s word, that overcoming is something all Christians must do in order to be saved! But how many times have you heard this preached from the pulpit?

Do you believe that Jesus will help you cease from liking whatever sin it is that you may be holding on to? Are you tired of playing church? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, brother or sister, there is hope! But you and I must be willing to put it all on the altar of the Lord. We must be willing to agonize, if need be, in order to overcome. As Christ overcame through this same agonizing in the garden, so we too must travel this road. Remember, God is not building for just a moment but for eternity. Remember what the definition of “the true church” is. It is those who have a living relationship with Jesus. In Revelation 14: 12 and Revelation 12: 17 we read about the identifying traits of the remnant church— those who are the last church who will go through to the end when Jesus comes. We need to understand this much more than we seem to.

The last church will “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12: 17). Revelation 19: 10 says “… for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” And we’ve already discussed prophecy and prophets in the first chapter.

But that is not all that this means. The last church also will have the faith OF Jesus Christ. What does it mean to “have the faith OF Jesus Christ”? It means that the people who comprise the last church— the only church that’s going through— WILL HAVE THE SAME FAITH THAT JESUS HAD. This faith is much more than a profession of belief. This faith believes with the total soul. It’s THE faith that the entire universe possesses. This is the only faith that entrusts itself completely and totally to the Heavenly Father. This faith has total trust, it has made an absolute commitment, and is in complete partnership with the Creator. This faith is the secret ingredient, and the only one, that will ensure total victory. This living faith will, for eternity, bar sin from ever returning to God’s expansive domain. Remember, the Bible says that God “will make an utter end, affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1: 9). This means that sin will never again rise up in God’s universe and Jesus will never have to go to the cross again. Therefore, only those who obtain this faith will be trusted with the responsibilities of the faithful ones in heaven.

The wonderful news is that all of heaven is active in giving us all the help we need to make the faith of Jesus our own. We must want it more than anything else. We must want it enough to lay down our own lives— our own wants and desires— for the Father, for “he that loseth his life for My sake,” Jesus said, “shall find it” (Matthew 10: 39).

When Jesus told the disciples that He was going away to prepare a place for them, they were unacquainted with the Saviour’s UNLIMITED RESOURCES AND POWER. He said to them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name” (John 16: 24). He explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make requests for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard by heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.

If we are honestly seeking to follow God’s will, although we may not know how to ask properly, Jesus takes our personal requests upon Himself and presents them in such a manner that the Father is pleased to grant us the blessing sought. Jesus said to ask “In My name.” In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made for them, they are of value in the Lord’s sight. Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ’s sake the Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see them as vile sinners. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe.

The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him that they may glorify His name. They may expect great things if they have faith in His promises.

But to pray in Christ’s name means much. IT MEANS THAT WE ARE TO ACCEPT HIS CHARACTER, MANIFEST HIS SPIRIT, AND WORK HIS WORKS. The Saviour’s promise is given on condition. “If ye love Me,” He says, “keep my commandments” (John 14: 15 and John 15: 10,14). He saves men, NOT IN SIN, BUT FROM SIN; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.

True obedience comes from the heart. It was heart- work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, He will so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, finds its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.

AS CHRIST LIVED GOD’S LAW IN HUMANITY, SO WE MAY DO if we will take hold of Him for strength. It is true that we are not to be proud and selfish. We are to esteem others better than ourselves, as well. But the fact that heaven paid such a high price for our redemption should help us to realize that we are valued highly in the eyes of the Father. Have you ever had a friend who you knew valued you? Perhaps you have been through a lot together and your friendship has stood the test. As a matter of fact, as you reflect on some of your hard times together, you come to realize that these times helped to cement your relationship even more. This is how God feels about you, my friend. It is hard to explain the love of God, but He has proven to us this love is real.

The Father is not looking for people who have learned to follow a set of do’s and don’ts. The majority of church members have been taught that God is lurking around somewhere, everywhere, just waiting to pounce on them when they sin or make mistakes. With this belief, is it any wonder that the requirements of God seem negative to most Christians? What the Father is really “lurking around” for is to find someone to appreciate Him, just as we would appreciate a true friend who has done much for us. God will have a people who finally realize their best Friend has paid the supreme sacrifice because He so much wants them to be with Him. With this belief intact, they will understand rightly that they are so much in His debt, they will literally do anything for Him. And this is exactly what they will be doing for eternity. Eternity with God will be living with your best Friend forever!

Those who are saved out of this last generation will understand this love relationship better than any other generation before it. True obedience never comes from a heart that HAS to do what the Lord says. True obedience comes from a heart that WANTS to do what the Lord says because that heart wants to please its best Friend.

When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. All the reproaches that fall upon him, fall upon Christ. Christ is condemned over again in the person of His disciple. When incarcerated unjustly for Christ’s sake in prison walls, Christ lavishes the heart with love.

When the battle really heats up, as it surely will, the Lord promised to bring needed help. We are not to be concerned about this, because circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend, but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.

Already many of us are seeing examples of how family members and many in the “church” follow the mandates of the leadership to shun or ignore true and faithful ones who stand for a plain “thus saith the Lord.” We are now seeing a glimpse of our own future, brothers and sisters. The treatment of those who would stand for Bible truth is a prelude of much worse abuses to come. But Jesus promised that though these things would happen and all would forsake us, as they forsook Him, He would NEVER leave us.

In teaching His disciples, Jesus had opened before them a vast tract of truth. BUT IT WAS MOST DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO KEEP HIS LESSONS DISTINCT FROM THE TRADITIONS AND MAXIMS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES. THEY HAD BEEN EDUCATED TO ACCEPT THE TEACHING OF THE RABBIS AS THE VOICE OF GOD, AND IT STILL HELD A POWER OVER THEIR MINDS AND MOLDED THEIR SENTIMENTS. Earthly ideas and temporal concerns still had a large place in their thoughts. They did not understand the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, though He had so often explained it to them. Their minds had become confused. They did not comprehend the value of the Scriptures Christ presented. Many of His lessons seemed almost lost upon them.

Nothing, absolutely nothing has changed since two thousand years ago. The trouble in Christ’s day and the trouble in our own is the same. The following key words are very interesting. The word “maxim” in this previous paragraph means rules of conduct written in precise form. I thought about this in terms of the “church manual” and church creeds that are used by many organized churches today. The word “scribe” means official writers, copyists, editors. I immediately thought of the many Christian publishing houses we have today. The word “Pharisees” is the term for the church leaders in Christ’s day who insisted on the validity of the tradition of the Elders. I immediately thought about church committees who enforce “commandments of men” by opinion or popular vote, putting man’s opinion above God’s requirements. The word “sentiment” means a mental attitude or response to a person, subject, or idea based entirely on feeling instead of reason. Using this understanding of these key words, let’s restate what was said in the above paragraph about Jesus teaching His disciples:

Jesus had opened before His independent ministers a vast amount of truth. But it was most difficult for them to keep His lessons distinct from church traditions as well as the church manual and creed. It was also hard to keep His lessons distinct from what the Christian publishing houses had published and from what the denominational headquarters said. They had been educated by these same people to accept the teaching of their church as the voice of God, and this voice still held a power over their minds and molded their feelings. Of course, here we are speaking of things which go against God’s word, not those which support it.

After the upper room experience, the disciples had a better grasp on things, but the above demonstrates all too well just the situation in which most church- goers find themselves. Most are placing their confidence in the wrong place— what man has written ABOUT Scripture rather than what the Scriptures actually say. Most churchgoers are confused and are having a difficult time taking God at His word. Christians have been educated by their church leaders to accept whatever they say as the voice of God. Two thousand years ago the disciples and the general populace of the “church” had some real problems with

Jesus because they had been educated by their church leaders to believe that theirs was the voice of God. When Jesus tried to show them the truth, they were confused and upset that Jesus had such an apparent disregard for that which was sacred to them. Nonetheless, Jesus forged ahead with the work of re- educating those who would listen. The church headquarters was on one side, and Jesus on the other. The church was telling the people that Christ was a liar and an imposter. They were telling the people that they were the only ones who could correctly interpret God’s word for them. Of course, the people automatically equated “the church” with the church leaders because of the way they had been taught by these men. Their sentiments — their feelings — had been molded in such a fashion as to effectively block the work of Christ.

Today, the exact same thing is happening throughout the ranks of Christianity. The sentiments of the people are the same as in former days. The confusion is also the same, as well as the effectiveness of the various church leaders. But in former times, not all the people stayed confused. There were some who finally took Jesus at His word. These are the ones who went through, not the church leadership. These are the ones who made up the REAL church. It was this group who was saved and biblical history dictates these facts. The leadership is NOT the church! God’s church is made up of people who follow HIM; not traditions and maxims of “scribes” and “pharisees” who claim to teach Bible truth, but who are merely parroting what they have been taught and who are teaching for God’s commands the traditions and ideas of men. Men who protect and defend church manuals above

God’s express word. It was not Christ’s purpose to be at odds with the very system He had raised up. Christ came to save the lost and make salvation sure for all those who would accept His truth. But here’s where the rub comes in. Christ ended up at odds with the ancient conference church because it stood directly in the way of His real purpose, which was saving people. The conference of His day was leading the people contrary to His Father’s will and therefore not to heaven, but to hell. This left Christ with no choice but to oppose this corrupt church.

Most of us who find ourselves in the exact position of those in Christ’s day have not purposed in life to be at odds with the system that Christ has raised up. We want to do the same work that Christ did and has called us to do which is bringing the truth of salvation to the people. But the church is standing directly in the way of truth. The modern church, like the ancient one, is often guilty of leading people contrary to the Father’s will and hence not to heaven, but to hell. This leaves us with no choice but to oppose this corrupt “church”. They may be proclaiming “the church is going through,” but as in the days of old, they mean that the conference is going through. Frankly, we know better because the principles of God have not changed since two thousand years ago. We understand that the same history WILL, without a doubt, bring the same result. I realize the process of which I speak is sometimes painful and upsetting. It’s hard for us to change and come to some of these realizations. As the disciples said, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” (John 6: 60). But Jesus understands this all too well and will help us if we seek His help. If we don’t, we will never understand that we have many lessons to learn, and many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency in opposition to a thus saith the Lord, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.

Whether we like it, whether we admit it, whether we choose to deal with it or not, we are living in the mirror image of Christ’s day. The situation is the same, and our choices, as in the days of old for those in the church in Christ’s day, will determine not so much IF the church is going through to the end, but IF we are in THE church that does! Dear friends, I would never ask you to take my word for this. That’s what led most of the people in Christ’s day into trouble and what is causing the trouble now— people taking a man’s word. The Bible says that the way to prove things is “to the law and to the testimony” (Isaiah 8: 20). The Bible also says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4: 1). “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). We must be diligent searchers of Scripture so that we are not deceived.

Please don’t take anyone’s word, but rather “study to show yourself approved” (2 Timothy 2: 15). This is our only safety. We can have confidence that Jesus is still leading and through the Holy Spirit, will guide us into all truth if this is our desire.

The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth” (John 15: 26). His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in truth but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. IT IS THROUGH FALSE THEORIES AND TRADITIONS THAT SATAN GAINS HIS POWER OVER THE MIND. BY DIRECTING MEN TO FALSE STANDARDS, HE MIS- SHAPES THE CHARACTER. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is through the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ gathers His chosen people to Himself.

Can you comprehend these words, brothers and sisters? Through His holy word, Jesus shows us how deception comes. He is showing us not only how and why the church of His day rejected Him but how and why we are living in the parallel time.

Through false teachings Satan gains his power over the mind. This is exactly what happened in the church structure in Jesus’ day and why it didn’t survive. What I’m concerned most about is that most people do not realize two things that are of prime importance: God’s promises to any person, or any organization, or any nation are always based on obedience. The person who expects a particular promise of God to come true for him is expected to fulfil his end of the contract. Also, you have to realize what God’s church is. How will we know what His church is?

Well this study is a good place to find out. The inspired words telling the history of our forefathers show what the identifying characteristics of God’s church are.

Why do you suppose Jesus was so particular in having these things written? Why do you think the Bible plainly says these things were written down for those “upon whom the ends of the world are come”? (see 1 Corinthians 10: 11). These are not cunningly devised fables or just bedtime stories to tell our children. Our very existence depends on our acceptance of God’s word as it is written. It is not God who is trying to deceive us, but men. What we find hard to accept is that we have far more to fear from within the church than without. It is INSIDE the church system we find the enemy at work. And if we look at the past with candor, honestly seeking for truth, we will learn the lessons Christ desires us to know.

The power of evil has been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this Satanic captivity is amazing. Sin can be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the third person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. CHRIST HAS GIVEN HIS SPIRIT AS A DIVINE POWER TO OVERCOME ALL HEREDITARY AND CULTIVATED TENDENCIES TO EVIL AND TO IMPRESS HIS OWN CHARACTER UPON HIS CHURCH.

It has now been sixty centuries and the days in which we live are worse then when Jesus was here. Did the church of two thousand years ago that claimed to be THE church take on Christ’s character? Did the church headquarters? Was THAT church, which made the exact same profession that the modern- day churches are making, really THE church? Is the same question directed at the churches today any less valid simply because it lays at our own door? Who and what is God’s church— the church that refuses the high standards of heaven or those who accept t h e c h a r a c t e r o f C h r i s t a n d b e c o m e overcomers— worshiping God as He has directed (like Abel)? Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like EVERY OTHER PROMISE, IT IS GIVEN ON CONDITION. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promises; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine. We cannot “use” the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2: 13). BUT MANY WILL NOT SUBMIT TO THIS. THEY WANT TO MANAGE THEM- SELVES, this is why they do not receive the heavenly gift— the genuine Holy Spirit. I’m afraid that often there is a counterfeit “holy spirit” people claim to receive and their life testifies that this spirit is not of God. Do not be deceived by those who make a great show of their religion. Understand that for every true manifestation of God there is a counterfeit put out there by Satan. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their call and reception.

HIS PROMISED BLESSING, CLAIMED BY FAITH, BRINGS ALL OTHER BLESSINGS IN ITS TRAIN. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.

Those who claim to be “Christians” but who continue to allow self to rule on the throne of their life instead of God will come to an unfortunate end. Their kingdom will perish. It is only by having the faith of Jesus (perfect trust in God) that God’s true and faithful can and will receive the blessings of the Early and Latter Rain (see Joel 2: 23 and James 5: 7 regarding the Early and Latter rain).

When the Early Rain falls, all other blessings follow it. God’s people will realize the gift of character perfection (which is merely Christian maturity in its fullness) and become a reflection of the character of Jesus. They will share in the experience of the overcomer and will at last be free indeed! The fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the character, not one characteristic listed in Galatians 5: 22 will be missing. Heaven’s work for this people will be accomplished; God has promised, this WILL happen! There’s no question about it. The question is, will you and I choose to be a part of this experience?

In the blessing of the Latter Rain the Holy Spirit will combine His power with the messages the three angels of Revelation 14 proclaim, giving them convincing persuasion on the heart of the recipient. Those who have been totally engaged in the work of the Early Rain will be privileged at the time of the Latter Rain to bring others to the feet of Jesus. During Pentecost thousands were converted in a day! These scenes are to be repeated, and with greater power. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of

Pentecost was the former rain, but the Latter Rain will be more abundant. The Spirit awaits our call and reception. Christ is again to be revealed in His fullness by the Holy Spirit’s power. Men will discern the value of the precious pearl (Matthew 13: 46), and with the apostle Paul they will say, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3: 7- 8).

Israel had been represented as a vine which God had planted in the promised land (Isaiah 5: 1- 7). The Jewish people based their hope of salvation on THE FACT OF THEIR CONNECTION WITH ISRAEL. But Jesus says, “I am the real Vine. Think not through a connection with Israel you may become partakers of the life of God, and inheritors of His promise.” Through Jesus alone is spiritual life received. Remember these verses:

“Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you [the Jews], and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof [true Christians]” (Matthew 21: 43).

“And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom [the Jews who reject their Messiah] shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8: 11- 12).

“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham” (Galatians 3: 7).

“And if some of the branches be broken off [the Jews who reject their Messiah], and thou [Christians], being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; For if God spared not the natural branches [the Jews], take heed lest he also spare not thee” (Romans 11: 17, 21). This verse is a very strong warning to us today. God is telling us that if the Jews were cast away because of their disobedience, then we can also be cast away.

“And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham” (Matthew 3: 9).

“Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham” (Luke 3: 8).

And He did— the Gospel went out to the Gentiles and true Christians are now “modern or spiritual Israel.”

Today there are teachers out there teaching that the Jews are still God’s chosen people and always will be. The Bible doesn’t agree with them, as evidenced by the above verses. But don’t take my word for it, look it up for yourself.

The Jews based their hope of salvation on the fact that their church had been handpicked by God. It is true that God had handpicked their church. It was also true this same God was now standing directly in front of them— He was Jesus— telling them plainly that they were lost unless they followed Him. Today, Christians (modern Israel, spiritually speaking) are claiming that their salvation is sure because their church was handpicked by God. It is also true that this same God is now for the last time, through His word, standing directly in front of US, telling US plainly that we are lost unless we follow Him and obey His teachings— His commandments. It is only by following Jesus that we are saved, not by following any other person or any other group. Our connection with “Israel” will not get us into heaven, only our connection with Jesus.

Many were attracted by the beauty of this Vine (Jesus), and declared its heavenly origin. But to the leaders in Israel it appeared as a root out of dry ground. They took the plant, and bruised it, and trampled it under their unholy feet. Their thought was to destroy it forever. But the heavenly Husbandman never lost sight of His plant. After men thought they had killed it He took it, and replanted it on the other side of the wall. The vine- stock was to be no longer visible. It was hidden from the rude assaults of men. But the branches of the Vine hung over the wall. They were to represent the Vine. Through them grafts might still be united to the Vine. From them fruit has been obtained. There has been a harvest which the passers- by have plucked.

After the church of His day bruised, beat, and killed the Vine Stock (Jesus), the Father took Him back unto Himself and Jesus commissioned His independent ministers to bring His message of life to all who would listen. First to the Jews and then to the Gentiles was this message given. All who studied these things and believed the independent ministers who stood for truth, came into the light of truth. Those who were faithful were saved, although the “church” — the recognized corporate structure was lost. Though He was about to be removed from them, their spiritual union with Him was to be unchanged. “The connection of the branch with the vine,” He said, “represents the relationship you are to sustain to Me.”

The Christian is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, he grows into the vine stock. The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness with Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the Beloved.

We are accepted by the Father only if we, by our own choice, are grafted into His Vine, Jesus Christ. When this happens, the life of the Stock becomes the life of the branch. The fruit comes from the Stock and is exemplified in the branch. Christ’s victory becomes our own. This union with Christ, once formed, must be maintained.

Christ said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me” (John 15: 4). This is no touch- and- go, no off- and- on connection. The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the root to the branches is unobstructed and constant. Separated from the vine, the branch cannot live. “You cannot live apart from Me,” said Jesus. “The life you have received from Me can be preserved only by continual communion. Without Me you cannot overcome sin, or resist one temptation.”

When anyone preaches a message that is anything short of what upholds TOTAL VICTORY through the power of Jesus Christ, utilizing justification and sanctification, you may know that he is a false shepherd. The generation that is now in power in the churches, to a great extent, is of that generation that has always rebelled against authority. It is destroying the moral fiber of Christianity. It believes, “if it feels good, do it!” The power has shifted from one that paid attention to the high standards of God’s moral government to few or no standards— that of the world. This is why the leaders are acting from man- made policy instead of God’s holy principles. But I can assure you on the authority of the word of God that entrance into God’s kingdom will never be based on church committee vote! Whether or not we take God’s standards seriously, He does! This and this alone will determine our entrance into His kingdom, or our banishment from His kingdom. God HATES sin, and He is NOT going to allow anyone off this planet alive who will continue to pollute His work. He sets before us life and death. It may not be popular with the “now” generation, but soon enough it will be realized that the “now” generation will be the extinct generation. I do not wish to be a part of the “now” generation, how about you? Wouldn’t you rather be popular with God than with man?

So long as the soul is united to Christ, there is no danger that it will wither or decay. When we live by faith in the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our life; not one will be missing.

The precious news of true Christianity is, it matters not what background we have. It makes no difference who our parents are or what they stood for or didn’t stand for. It is not important if they have German, Irish, Italian, Hispanic, or African blood running through their veins. If we give ourselves over to Christ, the victory that He has gained for us will be ours. Excuses for our lack of faith will cease to find expression. What will be witnessed instead is a consistent and practical godliness as we exercise our faith. This will be seen by those who are searching and see Jesus in us.

“Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit, He taketh away” (John 15: 2). While the graft is merely outwardly united with the vine, there will be no vital connection. Then there will be no growth or fruitfulness. So there may be an apparent connection with Christ, without a real union with Him by faith. A profession of religion places people in the church, but the character and conduct show whether they are in connection with Christ. If they bear no fruit, they are false branches. Their separation from Christ involves a ruin as complete as that represented by the dead branch.

Many, many Christians have been taught that the fruits spoken of in John 15: 2 are indicated by the number of people we have influenced into being baptized into the “church.” This is incorrect. The fruits spoken of are primarily the fruits of the Spirit found in Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5: 22- 26, and the fruits of obedience. Personal character development with all the fruits of the Spirit, active and vibrant, is the evidence that we are co- laborers with Christ. This love is the evidence of our discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples,” said Jesus, “if ye have love one to another.” When men are bound together not by force or self- interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is restored in humanity, that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil, and that the Spirit of God subdues the selfishness inherent in the natural heart.

The love for the truth and love for the salvation of souls creates the unity among His people that Christ prayed for. This Satan hates, and his agents— those who refuse this love and the converting power of the Gospel— will intensify persecution until Jesus returns. Some of the most flagrant demonstrations of hatred can and will come from those within the “church.”

Love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan. Christ did not mark out for His disciples an easy path. “If the world hate you,” He said, “ye know it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me” (John 15: 18- 21). THE GOSPEL IS TO BE CARRIED FORWARD BY AGGRESSIVE WARFARE, IN THE MIDST OF OPPOSITION, PERIL, LOSS, AND SUFFER- ING. BUT THOSE WHO DO THIS WORK ARE ONLY FOLLOWING IN THE MASTER’S STEPS. Now are you sure you want to be “just like Jesus”? Many do not as yet comprehend or quite believe that there was war in heaven (Revelation 12: 7). They do not realize that the way to eternal bliss is blocked by the devil and that we will have to overthrow him as Christ did to seize the promised land. There is no other way for this last generation but through this terrible struggle. We especially who have been spoiled by “civilization” are at a great disadvantage. If we are to gain the eternal prize at all it will only be by aggressive warfare in the midst of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering. Of course, the weapons used by Christians will be “the sword of the spirit” — God’s word. But praise the Lord! He has traveled this road before us and He knows the way to safety. If you want Him to guide you through this wilderness on to the promised land, you must be willing to follow Him wherever He leads. Are you willing? It is His purpose that the highest influence in the universe, emanating from the Source of all power, shall be ours. We are to have power to resist evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power that will enable us to overcome as Christ overcame.

Christ designs that heaven’s order, heaven’s plan of government, heaven’s divine harmony, shall be represented in His church on earth. Thus in His people He is glorified. Through them the Sun of Righteousness will shine in undimmed luster to the world. Christ has given to His church ample facilities, that He may receive a large return of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. He has bestowed upon His people capabilities and blessings that they may represent His own sufficiency. His true church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is to be the storehouse in which the riches of His mercy, His grace and His love, are to appear in full and final display. Christ looks upon His people in their purity and perfection, as the reward of His humiliation, and the supplement of His glory. Christ is the great Center, from whom radiates all glory.

If you are convinced that what you are reading is something God would have you understand as truth, then this has to be read as more than just a statement of purpose. It is also a promise of the church Christ will present before the universe and to the Father. We must decide if we will be a part of this church or not. This is our opportunity to do something in return for Him who gave us His all. Those who submit fully to Jesus will be to Him the long awaited reward— the bride He has waited for. Then all His suffering and sacrifice will have been worth it. His heart will be satisfied.

As a consecrated High Priest He intercedes for His people. As a faithful Shepherd He gathers His flock under the shadow of the Almighty, in the strong and sure refuge. For Him there waits the last battle with Satan, and He goes forth to meet it.

In the faithful of the Lord— the one and only true church of God— lies the last great battle between Christ and Satan.

Those who develop a pure love for Christ will not desert Him when it costs them something. To the contrary! They firmly and resolutely engage in the warfare with one purpose— to vindicate the character of God.

Copyright © 1999 Servants of the Saviour
Terry & Cathy Ross

Chapter 7 – Calvary ⇒

PROPHETIC PARALLELS – Christ’s Church “Then”. . . and Christ’s Church Now Ch.5

By Terry S. Ross

prophetic parallels - greenChapter 5 – A Servant of Servants

“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility” (Proverbs 15: 33).

Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of the great Judgment Day. And He represented its decision as turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before Him, there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering.

Jesus had told His disciples that they were to be hated of all men, to be persecuted and afflicted. Many would be driven from their homes, and brought to poverty. Many would be in distress through disease and privation. Many would be cast into prison. To all who forsook friends or home for His sake He had promised a reward in the life to come. Now He assured a special blessing to all who should minister to their brethren. “In all who suffer for My name,” He told them, “You are to recognize Me” (Matthew 25: 34- 45). “As you would minister to Me, so you are to minister to them. This is the evidence that you are My disciples.”

Those whom Christ commends in the JUDGMENT MAY HAVE KNOWN LITTLE OF THEOLOGY, BUT THEY HAVE CHERISHED HIS PRINCIPLES. Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them. Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives.

Here Jesus sets forth the truth regarding those who will be saved in the last days— those who are His true disciples. First of all, a ministry that is commended by Christ is one in which people are the main concern. The ministry will be paying attention to the best interests of the people. This kind of ministry puts its resources into filling needs more than its own comfort. True Christian ministry shows sacrifice more than glitz and showy display. Secondly, Jesus also says that true ministers would be hated of all men, persecuted and afflicted. Those who minister, in turn, to these faithful leaders are those whom Christ commends in the Judgment.

I know from my own experience it is not imperative that one knows every answer to every theological question to realize whether a particular point being made is right or not. Many times over the last several years I have waited on something I’ve heard, choosing not to act on it because the principle it was explaining didn’t seem to line up with the Lord’s principles. Many more times than not I have been glad to have adhered to what I believed was God’s principle in the matter. Time and time again this has proven to be the right choice. The better you understand what the principles of God are (and you do this by reading His word, of course), the better you will be safeguarded in any given situation. When you decide to act on the right principle, even if you don’t happen to know everything about the particular subject in question, it usually ends up saving you a lot of unnecessary grief later. The angels of heaven are sent forth to minister to those who will be heirs of salvation. Angels of heaven are passing throughout the length and breadth of the earth seeking to comfort the sorrowing, to protect those who are at risk, to win the hearts of mankind to Christ. Not one is neglected or passed by. God is no respecter of persons, and He cares equally for all the souls He has created.

Two important principles are brought to light. God’s love extends to every soul and is unconditional. Now please don’t get this mixed up with some who would have you believe that because God’s love is unconditional, His promises are unconditional. This would be a fatal mistake! NONE OF GOD’S PROMISES ARE UNCONDITIONAL. ALL PROMISES ARE CONDITIONAL BASED UPON OBEDIENCE. God loves you no matter what you do, but He will not save you no matter what you do. God’s love and God’s promises are two different things and if not rightly understood can result in disaster. God is no respecter of persons. Poverty or riches mean nothing to God. Neither do profession or position. All are judged by the same laws set forth by God.

Also, let us be very sensitive to the timing of the last events which we are now experiencing. While the heat of the battle intensifies, we should be aware that it is only God who closes probation, not any man. Even the angels cannot do this. We are still in for a few surprises before it’s all over. Let’s not forget that Saul, a staunch conference man who fiercely persecuted THE church, became Paul AFTER the “church” leaders had crucified Jesus and AFTER the stoning of Stephen.

Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some entertaining change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be how to save souls that are ready to perish. Conversation will be worthwhile and not filled with trivial matters. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.

Brotherly love is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of Glory became one with us.

And when His parting words are fulfilled, “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15: 12)— when we love the world as He has loved it— then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven because we have heaven in our hearts.

Those who secure heaven will have a genuine love for their fellow man. When one is called to minister, it involves more than just preaching— it means service to others in love. It means having a sincere interest in the well- being of others. Even as the enemy of Christ sought to destroy Him, even though through gossip and slander the “church” attempted to destroy His influence and defame His character, even in the face of apparent failure, Jesus demonstrated that He valued every soul. No matter how vile, no matter what present or past sin, Jesus never turned away a soul who came to Him for salvation. Jesus pitied those who refused His invitations of mercy and forgiveness. He NEVER took pleasure in their destruction. As Christ and His disciples were together in the Upper

Room, on the night He would be arrested, “There was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest” (Luke 22: 24). THIS CONTENTION, WHICH WAS CARRIED ON IN THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST, GRIEVED AND WOUNDED HIM. The disciples clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His power and soon take His position on the throne of David. In heart each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. They had placed their own estimate upon themselves and upon one another, and instead regarding their brethren as more worthy, they had placed themselves first. The request of James and John to sit on the right and left of Christ’s throne, had excited the indignation of the others. That the two brothers should presume to ask for the highest positions, so stirred the ten that alienation threatened. They felt that they were misjudged, that their fidelity and talents were not appreciated.

Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there in readiness for the washing, but no servant was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them to do. By their silence they refused to humble themselves.

How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain over them a decided victory? How could Jesus show that a MERE PROFESSION OF DISCIPLESHIP DID NOT MAKE THEM DISCIPLES, OR INSURE THEM A PLACE IN HIS KINGDOM? How could He show that IT IS LOVING SERVICE, TRUE HUMILITY, WHICH CONSTITUTES REAL GREATNESS? How was He to kindle love in their hearts, and enable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them?

The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside His outer garment that would have impeded His movements, He took a towel, and girded Himself. With surprised interest the disciples looked on, and in silence waited to see what was to follow. “After that He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded” (John 13: 5). This action opened the eyes of the disciples.

Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts. They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in altogether a new light.

So Christ expressed His love for His disciples. Their selfish spirit filled Him with sorrow, but He entered into no controversy with them regarding their difficulty. Instead He gave them an example they would never forget. His love for them was not easily disturbed or quenched. He knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came from God and went to God. He had a full consciousness of His divinity; but He had laid aside His royal crown and kingly robes, and had taken the form of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself as a servant and perform a servant’s task.

Many of us today (not only those in conference church offices) are needing to learn what is defined as humble service. These passages were written primarily, in all fairness, about the experiences of the independent leaders— those chosenand tested by Christ. They were to take a message to the ancient corporate church members and the world especially attended by the power of the early rain at Pentecost. This time and these events are being repeated. We must pass these tests if we are to continue to be Christ’s disciples.

Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart’s purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but how often do we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ? How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity and pride? Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His forgiveness and transforming power— God’s grace. We, like Peter, should realize that we must allow the Lord to wash us totally of every defilement. The foot- washing is a symbol or type of the higher cleansing that comes from Christ alone. It represents His work of purification in the life of the sinner. Judas accepted the outward symbol, but refused this higher inward cleansing. Peter was told that without it he would be lost! Here we have two “independent leaders” (versus organized denominational leaders) with two different experiences. Judas knew what needed to be done. Judas was drawn to Christ. But Judas refused to be humbled and he clung to his pride. Judas became possessed by a demon. Peter at first refused the Lord’s offer as well. But Peter became aware that he needed to let go of his pride and he did. Peter became possessed by the Holy Spirit. Two independent ministers: one entered into the cleansing and was saved; one did not and was lost.

Christ would have His disciples understand that although He had washed their feet, this did not in the least detract from His dignity. “Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am” (John 13: 13), He had said. And being so infinitely superior, He imparted grace and significance to the service.

No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, and which is strengthened by self- serving, Christ Himself set the example of humility. He would not leave this great subject in man’s charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it, that He Himself— One equal with God— acted as servant to His disciples. While they were contending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve, bowed down to wash the feet of those who called Him Lord. He washed even the feet of His betrayer. The system (or individual) that tries to make itself greater than others, because of position or some accomplishment, is not of God. Those who choose to remain self- serving, even though engaged in the “Lord’s work,” will never be in God’s kingdom. God knows the motive of every heart. He requires a life of humble service and this is, in His sight, what is great. He says: “In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others.”

Christ was standing at the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. He, the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin- offering, and he would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to his death. As He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by His followers in all lands and through all ages.

The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. God had directed that, year by year, as the children should ask the meaning of the ordinance, the history should be repeated (see Exodus 12 and 13). Thus the wonderful deliverance was to be kept fresh in the minds of all. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought as the result of the death of Christ.

He shall come the second time in power and glory, and this ordinance is to be celebrated (see 1 Corinthians 11: 25). It is the means by which His great work for us is to be kept fresh in our minds.

The system of types and ceremonies which were instituted during the time of Moses was a reminder to the people that God had freed them from the bondage of Egypt. These were all ended “forever” at the cross. It had been Jesus who had instructed Moses to institute these types and ceremonies, and it was this same Jesus who ended them. It was also this same Jesus who instituted in the place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. He didn’t add to these Old Testament ceremonies, but rather instituted it in their place. There are many well- meaning people who are confused on this issue and are actively confusing others in their attempts to convince them that the Old Testament ceremonies should continue to be observed. What these honest, but misguided folks, apparently don’t realize is that Jesus did away with the Jewish ceremonies that pointed to His coming.

For four thousand years this system, which included the slaying of beasts, had gone on. It had started with Adam and his sons after sin entered the world. At the time of Moses other ceremonies had been added. This is when the Sanctuary service had been instituted as well as all the ceremonies representing the future death of Christ (and a reminder of the release of God’s people the Israelites, from bondage in Egypt).

Christ was standing at the point of transition between two economies. Something was about to change. Something would be set aside forever, and something else— something new— would take the place of the old. Of course, God (Jesus) who had instituted one could replace it with another if He so chose, and this is what He did.

Jesus knew the future. He was about to do away with the system that had been chosen to evangelize the world and properly represent Him to the other nations. He could no longer trust the Jews to witness to the world about Him. They were no longer His “chosen nation.” He was about to fulfil the prophecy Jesus spoke in Matthew 21: 43: “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” They had rejected Him and He was forced to let them go their own way. As would be consistent with a continued rebellion against the truth, the Jews refused to accept that Christ had done away with the types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to his death. But Jesus was moving away from the Jewish leaders. He chose laymen and told them to first re- educate the Jews who would listen, and then go to the Gentiles (Matthew 10: 5,6; Acts 1: 8).

Again, as would be expected, those who had rejected Christ but who were exerting their authority in the “church” rose up against the present truth and steadfastly endeavored to retain and enforce the old. This is what the argument in Acts 15 is all about. This is what Colossians 2 is all about. The Bible plainly reveals that these ceremonies were not to be laid on the Gentiles. The Bible clearly indicates that all these ceremonies are of the past. It has been argued that there is a difference between THE Sabbath and A sabbath. One is the perpetual Sabbath, instituted during creation week before sin entered into the world and will be here after it is gone (see Genesis 2: 3; Exodus 20: 8- 11; and Isaiah 66: 23). The other sabbaths— the seven yearly sabbaths— were instituted as high days and part of the ceremonial laws. These passed away at the cross.

These arguments concerning the feast days and their sabbaths are nothing new. It was argued vehemently by the Apostate church leaders who had killed Christ. They wouldn’t believe Him before the cross and they still didn’t believe Him after the cross! No matter how heated folks may get,it is very obvious in God’s word that Gentiles were not to be yolked with a burden Jesus had blotted out. The Jews were wrong (and still are) to cling to these things and the Orthodox Jew (the old style Jewwho still doesn’t accept Christ as the Messiah) is still lost. He is still keeping the ceremonies. He is still keeping the feast days. He is still keeping all those old sabbaths, but the reason he is doing so is because HE IS STILL REJECTING JESUS!

On the other hand, the Gentiles were NEVER commanded to keep these ceremonies, feast days, or sabbaths (excepting THE Sabbath) because the Apostles rightly understood they had been replaced with the new by Jesus Himself, also the originator of the old. Please don’t miss this point IT WAS ONLY THOSE WHO WERE REJECTING CHRIST WHO TRIED TO FORCE THESE THINGS UPON THE GENTILES. I believe many should and need to restudy this issue and stop trying to make the way of salvation through the methods of the rejected Jewish nation. I do not have to read mounds of “convincing” information from well- meaning but misguided folks to understandand believe the plain words left to us in God’s word.

Now back to the Last Supper. The disciples searched one another’s faces closely as they asked, “Lord, is it I?” Perhaps amid the confusion of questions and expressions of astonishment, Judas had not heard the words of Jesus in answer to John’s question and now, to escape the scrutiny of the disciples, he asked as they had done, “Master, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied, “Thou hast said” (Matthew 26: 25). In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose Judas rose hastily to leave the room. Only two people knew the true condition, character, and motives of the self- serving Judas. Jesus had labored with Him for three and a half years, but Judas (an independent minister, by the way) would not surrender. He had been “doing God’s work” while he was with the disciples and Jesus. He had a head knowledge of the ways of the Master, and he was on the “front lines.” But Judas refused to enter into that experience which every saved person must have. Judas did not possess the saving knowledge that is vital in a “Christian’s” life. He did not have an experiential knowledge of Christ— a belief in God that is a working faith. A faith that works to transform the life from the inside out. A faith that becomes “practical godliness.” I do what is right not to earn or merit heaven (no human can do this) but because I am already God’s child. He had fooled all the other disciples, but he could not fool Jesus.

Here Christ demonstrates that there is a limit to God’s forbearance and man’s probation in His dealings with this disciple. What we need to learn as professed followers of Christ is that the heavenly principles of truth, mercy, and justice always outweigh human profession and position. It makes no difference what “group” or “camp” you are in as far as this principle is concerned. You can and will be just as lost if you support and follow a person like Judas instead of Jesus.

Though Jesus knew Judas from the beginning, He washed his feet. And the betrayer was privileged to unite with Christ in partaking of the sacrament. A longsuffering Saviour held out every inducement for the sinner to receive Him, to repent, and to be cleansed from the defilement of sin. This example is for us. When we suppose one to be in error and sin, we are not to divorce ourselves from him. By no careless separation are we to leave him a prey to temptation, or drive him upon Satan’s battleground. This is not Christ’s method. It was because the disciples were erring and faulty that He washed their feet, and all but one of the twelve were thus brought to repentance.

Oh, the longsuffering of our Lord! We must learn to love and be long- suffering as Jesus was with Judas. Our motives must constantly be checked. There is a time, of course, when we must let someone go, but I fear that in many cases we “throw people away” far too quickly. Christ let Judas go to do his work of betrayal with deep pity in His heart. He had not carelessly driven Judas onto Satan’s ground. Even in the midst of the battle, the motives of Jesus were pure and noble. He was truly interested in the salvation of souls and not in their destruction. He finds no pleasure in the destruction of His enemies (see Ezekiel 33: 11), and neither will we if we have His Spirit within us.

We have all been the enemies of God and those who have loved God’s pity and forgiveness on their own behalf will not carelessly cast off others. Remember, the bridge of forgiveness you burn may one day be the bridge that you yourself may need to cross.

The communion service points to Christ’s second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the mind of the disciples. These are the things we are never to forget. The love of Jesus, with its constraining power, is to be kept fresh in our memory. Christ has instituted this service that it may speak to our senses of the love of God that has been expressed in our behalf. There can be no union between our souls and God except through Christ. The union and love between Christian and fellow Christian must be cemented and rendered eternal by the love of Jesus. It is only because of His death that we can look with joy to His return. His sacrifice is the center of our hope. Upon this we must fix our faith.

As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ. That soul will receive spiritual strength from every communion. The service forms living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ and thus bound up with the Father. In a special sense it forms connection between dependent human beings and God.

As we receive the bread and juice of the grape, symbolizing Christ’s broken body and spilled blood, we in imagination join in the scene of communion in the Upper Chamber. We seem to be passing through the garden consecrated by the agony of Him who bore the sins of the world. We witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with God was obtained.

Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; because pride and self- worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary. He who beholds the Saviour’s matchless love, will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree God’s mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galations 6: 14).

Jesus instituted the communion service in order that we would remember Him. We are to keep in our mind that it was with a tremendous struggle that the Father and the Son paid that supreme sacrifice for each of us while we were His enemies: We are also to remember the self- sacrificing life of Christ and the path that He trod alone to Calvary in our stead. We, too, have the same path to travel in our own sphere if we are to share in His glory. And we are not to forget that others are just as precious in heaven’s sight as we are: We are to maintain a sanctified respect for the worth of every soul. The memories of the communion service are to lift us up to higher ground. This ceremony is to lift those who would follow Jesus above the natural inclination toward pride and prejudice of the carnal heart.

Copyright © 1999 Servants of the Saviour
Terry & Cathy Ross

Chapter 6 – Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled ⇒

PROPHETIC PARALLELS – Christ’s Church “Then”. . . and Christ’s Church Now Ch.4

By Terry S. Ross

prophetic parallels - greenChapter 4 – “No Respecter of Persons . . .”

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons…” (Acts 10: 34).

“And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.” (John 12: 20- 22).

At this time Christ’s work bore the appearance of cruel defeat. He had been victor in the controversy with the priests and Pharisees, but it was evident that He would never be received by them as Messiah. The final separation had come. To His disciples the case seemed hopeless. But Christ was approaching the culmination of His work. The great event which concerned not only the Jewish nation, but the whole world, was about to take place.

When Christ heard the eager request, “We would see Jesus,” echoing the hungering cry of the world, He was encouraged and said, “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” In the request of the Greeks He saw the result of His great sacrifice.

Jesus had labored faithfully and yet it certainly appeared as if His work had been in vain. The church He had come to— the same church He had raised, protected, honored with His presence— had rejected Him. After years in the service of salvation, He stood almost alone. Even His closest friends had little encouragement to offer. But in the words “we would see Jesus,” Christ caught the glimmer of hope that in future days would shine more brightly. These few words Jesus understood.

Jesus was willing to sacrifice Himself so that others might be saved. This is the type of service that is acceptable to the Father. Our work must be of the same nature for it to receive heaven’s blessing. As with Jesus, we must be willing to lay it all on the line for the cause of truth. We must willingly place even our reputation into the hands of God and labor for His glory rather than for our own. We must say the words, “We would see Jesus.” This is what constitutes true service to God and for others.

The grain of wheat that preserves its own life can produce no fruit. It abides alone. Christ could, if He chose, keep Himself from death. But should He do this, He must abide alone. He could bring no sons and daughters to God. Only by yielding up His life could He impart life to humanity. Only by falling into the ground to die could He become the seed of that vast harvest— the great multitude that are redeemed to God out of every nation, kindred, and tongue, and people (Revelation 7: 9).

With this truth Christ connects the lesson of self- sacrifice that all should learn: “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12: 25). All who would bring forth fruit as workers together with Christ must first fall into the ground and die. The life must be cast into the furrow of the world’s need. Self- love, self- interest must perish. The law of self- sacrifice is the true law of self- preservation.

We can choose to keep to ourselves, but heaven requires more. Jesus did not have to elect to die for us. Having made that choice He would have saved Himself tremendous trouble, pain, suffering, and rejection. But Christ loved us with a love that is very difficult for us to grasp. After all, we are not that great a prize except in the eyes of heaven, and then only because of what Jesus did. We may think we are remarkable, we may think we are of great importance, but when it boils right down to it, we are moles on the otherwise perfect body of the heavenly universe.

It is only in Christ that we have any value. We have hope only because Jesus cast His own life into the furrow of the world’s field and died that there might be a harvest of souls. By giving up His own life Jesus demonstrated the true Spirit of Christianity.

We aren’t merely speaking of giving one’s life at the end of the road but rather on a daily basis. “Not my will, but thine” must be the watch words of our daily experience. Many have died a martyr’s death. We have some kind of romantic or heroic attachment to this kind of end and I think to some degree this is understandable. But what Jesus wants more than anything else is that “daily death” which is so elusive to many of us. The miracle to be demonstrated is not so much the martyr’s dramatic sacrifice, but it is the sacrifice in the kitchen— giving up what we WANT to eat for what is healthier for us; at work, in our conversations, in our treatment of others. In other words, in our everyday life. It is by dying daily that the life and death of Christ is honored in its highest expression. To make manifest to the Lord our greatest appreciation, He would have us, as He did, cast ourselves to the ground and die. To do this is placing ourselves as fruits unto salvation. Then the words “We would see Jesus” will change. They will become, “We have seen Jesus!”

Among the CHIEF RULERS many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, LEST THEY SHOULD BE PUT OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE. THEY LOVED THE PRAISE OF MEN RATHER THAN THE APPROVAL OF GOD. To save themselves from reproach and shame, they denied Christ, and rejected the offer of eternal life. (See John 9: 22; 7: 13; 12: 42- 43.)

Alas for those who knew not the time of their visitation! Slowly and regretfully Christ left forever the precincts of the Temple.

Take heed to these words! You who are in the pews, in the pulpits, in high denominational positions. If you love the praise of men over the approval of God; if you are denying the truth from fear of the leadership or of being put out of the “synagogue,” you are in danger of making decisions that will cause you to be lost— eternally lost! I do believe that there are those who firmly stand for truth. I do believe that some are holding the lines behind the scenes. But I also know that if these do not get their priorities in order very soon, they will understand too late!

God means just what He says. Please do not trade this opportunity that Christ extends for some temporary praise you might receive from men who cannot save you. If God has called you to lead, then lead, but do so only by following Jesus down the blood- stained path. This is where the true glory lies. Do not trade the glory of heaven for the glitter of this world. It is far past time that those who are going to stand for the cause of Christ stand together! Now is the time of our salvation! Our visitation is today! Do not make the mistake our forefathers made and send Jesus out of the sanctuary of your heart in order to maintain some kind of political status in your church. It’s not worth it!

Christ’s words to the priests and rulers, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23: 38), struck terror to their hearts. They affected indifference, but the question kept rising in their minds as to the import of these words. An unseen danger seemed to threaten them. Could it be that the magnificent temple, which was the nation’s glory, was soon to be a heap of ruins? They pointed to those walls as apparently indestructible, but listen to Jesus’ words: “Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24: 2).

Many churches are shouting “The church is going through, the church is going through” (meaning the conference or corporate body is going through), but the Bible is clear on the issue. Two thousand years ago the “church” was telling the laity that nothing could destroy it, no matter what— that it was the only place to find Bible truth. Jesus expressed the complete opposite. The question is, who are you going to believe? The majority of the church in Jesus’ day went along with their leaders and were lost! How long is it going to take for us to learn that God is no respecter of persons? Any person, any nation, and, yes, any church organization that rejects God, God will reject.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24: 6). Prior to the destruction of Jerusalem, men wrestled for dominance. Emperors were murdered. Those supposed to be standing next to the throne were slain. There were wars and rumors of wars. “All these things must come to pass,” said Christ, “but the end [of the Jewish nation as a nation] is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes; in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24: 6- 8).

Christ was telling His disciples that as the rabbis see these signs, they would declare them to be God’s judgments upon the nations for holding in bondage His chosen people. They would say the signs pointed to the Messiah they were still looking for. Jesus warned them not to be deceived, because these signs were the beginning of God’s judgments on the Jewish nation. The people had looked to themselves. They had not repented and been converted that they should be healed. THE SIGNS THAT THEY WOULD SEE AS TOKENS OF THEIR RELEASE FROM BONDAGE WERE SIGNS OF THEIR DESTRUCTION.

Jesus, speaking to His disciples, was trying to give them a glimpse into their future as it pertained to what the corporate church would be saying. He knew that the church would have their eyes on the events, but because they rejected His truth, they would not see the personal danger the events would point to (the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A. D.).

Those of us who care to look are also staring prophecy right in the face, although most will reject it, as in days of old. Please don’t be surprised or naive as to how this works. Jesus spoke plainly in the common vernacular of His day. He warned them openly and they refused to see it. So why should we be shocked as we witness the exact repeat of this? It is commonly accepted that Matthew 24 has a dual application and this is right and true. Are we willing to take the truth at face value or will we reject it?

Can you not see what is about to take place? I know that this seems impossible but maybe it will give you a better understanding of what the disciples endured. This is no trick, but the truth! As Jesus was warning those who would listen in His day, He is now warning all who will listen in our day. If you will read Matthew 24, you will discover that the very first thing that Jesus says concerns the destruction of the apostate church system.

“And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and His disciples came to Him for to shew Him the building [structure] of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24: 1- 2).

Jesus was saying, “Brothers, I want you to know for certain that the ‘church’ is not going through to the end!” The word “verily” in the above passage means “for certain” or “for a truth” or “You don’t have to doubt what I’m saying. It WILL happen!”

Then Jesus told them, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24: 4). Why did He tell them this? Jesus knew that their church had a firm hold on them and He purposely was bringing these men to a point of decision. By what Christ was revealing, He knew He was placing them in a position of having to choose between Him or the recognized corporate church.

He went on to disclose to them that the conference church would try to convince them of the opposite of what He had just said and that many would claim to be working for God by using this falsehood.

The things that Christ shared with His disciples in Matthew 24 were to warn them of two things. There is indeed a dual application to this passage, but maybe not until these last days have we understood what it is, because Jesus is even now trying to warn you and me of the very same dangers. Jesus said that they should beware of certain things as they viewed events in the world. BUT THE INSIGHT WE HAVE MISSED UNTIL NOW IS THAT JESUS ALSO WANTED HIS DISCIPLES TO BEWARE OF THE ACTIONS THE APOSTATE CHURCH WOULD TAKE. Here was their larger danger! The next passage will make this warning even clearer:

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake, And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another” (Matthew 24: 9- 10).

Christians have suffered all this. Fathers and mothers have betrayed their children. Children have betrayed their parents. FRIENDS DELIVERED THEIR FRIENDS UP TO THE SANHEDRIN— THE PERSECUTORS WROUGHT OUT THEIR PURPOSE BY KILLING STEPHEN, JAMES, AND OTHER CHRISTIANS. Brothers and sisters, I hope you can see the plain truth in the above statement. Matthew 24 reveals what happens to Christians and these things were done by the recognized corporate (conference) church!

“Oh, I don’t think so!” some poor soul may still be saying. Then answer this simple question, What was the religion of these fathers and mothers who were betraying their children? What was the religion of these children who were betraying their parents? What was the religion of the “friends” who delivered their friends? And if you still haven’t arrived at the truth yet, who were the Sanhedrin? And if you’re still confused, who killed Stephen? Through His servants, the disciples, and those who would accept Christ through their witness, God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity to repent. He manifested Himself through them in their arrest, in their trial, and in their imprisonment. Yet their judges pronounced on them the DEATH SENTENCE. They were men and women of whom the world was not worthy, and by killing them the JEWS crucified afresh the Son of God. SO IT WILL BE AGAIN.

Those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, please allow this to sink in deeply. History is indeed repeating itself almost to the letter. Today God has raised up faithful servants to warn the professed leaders and laity alike of the impending doom that is sure to come. Most, instead of repenting and reforming, will end up persecuting these true messengers and will ultimately, at some point in time, be guilty of murder, as were their ancient counterparts.

On every occasion when persecution takes place, those who witness it make decisions either for Christ or against Him. Those who manifest sympathy for the ones wrongly condemned, show their attachment for Christ. Others are OFFENDED BECAUSE THE PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH CUT DIRECTLY ACROSS THEIR PRACTICE. Many stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith (you notice I’m not saying from the “church”) they once advocated. Those who apostatize in time of trial will, to secure their own safety, bear false witness, AND BETRAY THEIR BRETHREN. CHRIST HAS WARNED US OF THIS, SO THAT WE ARE NOT SURPRISED AT THE UNNATURAL, CRUEL COURSE OF THOSE WHO REJECT THE LIGHT.

Christ has left clear instruction and warning of how things will be in the last great struggle— that struggle which we have, even now, entered. There is a shaking taking place in all the churches. A polarization is taking place of those who stand for Christ and Bible truth, and those who just want to treat the church as though it is a country club. There are those who seriously want to know what their responsibility before God is, and those who want to have a good time. There is also a class who appear to be very scholarly. They make a great show of their intellectual knowledge. But what they are doing is merely building on false theories and incorrect assumptions made by other men before them. Thus they perpetuate their misinterpretation of Scripture and compound error.

All the players, to a large extent, are in place. Do you believe the words Jesus speaks, or are you in the group that will be deceived? Your own destiny will be determined by which group you choose to be in.

In the prophecy of Jerusalem’s destruction Christ said, “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24: 12- 14). The abounding iniquity of that day finds its counterpart in our generation. So with the prediction in regard to the preaching of the gospel. Before the fall of Jerusalem, Paul, writing in the Spirit, declared that the Gospel was “preached to every creature which is under heaven” (Colossians 1: 23). So now, before the coming of the Son of man, the everlasting Gospel is to be preached “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Revelation 14: 6). God has always given men warning of coming judgments.

Those who had faith in His message FOR THEIR TIME, AND WHO ACTED OUT THEIR FAITH, in obedience to His commandments, escaped the judgments that fell upon the disobedient and unbelieving. So Christ’s disciples were given warning of the DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. Those who watched for signs of the coming ruin, fled from the city and escaped the destruction. So now we are given the same warning of Christ’s return and of the destruction to fall upon the world. Those who heed the warning will be saved.

“So, you see, Terry, Jesus is speaking about the destruction of the world, not of the conference.” Yes, that would be right as far as it goes, but Jesus has clearly pointed out that in the final phase of this planet’s history is also involved the destruction of the apostate structure. Jesus is plainly telling His disciples that the “church” will be preaching the destruction of the world and not realize that its doom comes first!

Those who watch for the Lord’s coming are not waiting in idle expectancy. The expectation of Christ’s coming makes men concerned and they will respect God’s judgments upon transgression. This expectation is to awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to what the Bible says, with vigilant watching combined with earnest toil. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to cooperate with the Lord in working for the salvation of souls.

While expecting the Lord’s return, we are not to sit back in the pews and be bench- warmers. Those who are in tune with God’s last day program will be busy for souls. They will have a realization of the coming judgment and they will be in preparation for the coming event. They will be actively engaged in the sanctification process by allowing God to purify their souls through obedience to the truths as presented in God’s word. They will possess a faith that is not passive, but energetic and at work. They will understand the truth for their present day and will be acting upon that truth.

But Christ brings to view another class: The evil servant says in his heart, “My lord delayeth his coming” (Matthew 24: 48). The evil servant does not say that Christ will not come. He does not scoff at the idea of His second coming. But in his heart and BY HIS ACTIONS AND WORDS HE DECLARES THAT THE LORD’S COMING IS DELAYED. HE BANISHES FROM THE MINDS OF OTHERS the conviction that the Lord is coming quickly. His influence leads men to presumptuous, careless delay. They are confirmed in their worldliness and stupor. Earthly passions and corrupt thoughts take possession of the mind. The evil servant eats and drinks with the drunken, unites with the world in pleasure- seeking. He derides his fellow- servants, accusing and condemning those who are faithful to their Master. He mingles with the world. Like grows with like in transgression.

Many of these people are in the church claiming to love Jesus. They know deep down that something is not right— they can “feel” that the needed preparation in their own lives is being delayed; they are anxious that the day of the Lord’s visitation may come unexpectedly and their chance will pass them by. These ones will change “tomorrow.” But when the scorner, the rejecter of truth, has become presumptuous, and when the lifestyle is carried on without regard to principle, and when the student is eagerly seeking knowledge of everything but his Bible, Christ comes unexpectedly, “as a thief” (2 Peter 3: 10).

Now is the time to engage in the preparation needed! The time is far spent and the tomorrows are running out! Most will delay one day too long! Deep down you know, dear friend. Right now as the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart, won’t you give it to Him? What do you have to lose except your sins and a trip to the fiery abyss? The Lord loves you so much that He gave His life for you. If this were not true, why then is He speaking to your heart right now? He wants you to live with Him, forever.

Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are ominous. Coming events cast their shadows everywhere. The Spirit of God is withdrawing from the earth, and calamity follows calamity by sea and by land. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires, floods, murders of every kind. Who can read the future? Where is security? There is no assurance in anything that is human or earthly. Rapidly are men arranging themselves under the banner they have chosen. Restlessly are they waiting and watching the movements of their leaders. There are those who are waiting and watching and working for the Lord’s appearing. Another class are falling into line under the leadership of the first great apostate, Lucifer. FEW BELIEVE HEART AND SOUL THAT WE HAVE A HELL TO SHUN AND A HEAVEN TO WIN. The crisis is stealing rapidly upon us.

Oh, how I would like to say that this is a description of the world only, but it only too accurately describes the makeup of the “church.” The polarization is taking place and we are living in the days of the shaking and all that can be shaken will be shaken. God means that the tares will be shaken out of His true church. Many poor souls are being willingly deceived. Let me ask you this question: When the Jews killed Jesus, how many of them were in the “church?”

Many people are waiting for this mass exodus of tares leaving the church to be some kind of sign that they are all right with God because they’re still with the organization. But in the days of Christ when the “church” killed Him, the only exodus was that of those who followed Christ! Most of the members stayed with the conference church— the church that killed Christ! So, those who are waiting for the shaking to shake out the “dissidents” from the church may find themselves in the EXACT SAME POSITION the people who stayed with their leaders in Christ’s day found themselves.

The majority of Christians don’t realize that when people leave the faith— if they are not living by the principles the Bible teaches— they leave God’s true church! It matters not, as graphically demonstrated by the destruction of Jerusalem, where people are physically; what matters is where they are spiritually. Our ancient counterparts who followed popular opinion and followed their leaders ALL LEFT THE TRUE CHURCH BECAUSE THEY HAD ALL LEFT THE FAITH.

The same crisis that stole a march on the people two thousand years ago is with us again. It is no longer gradually coming our way, we are IN it! I have one more question to ask. Are you sure you are in the church— God’s true church? God’s true church knows no denominational boundaries; it is made up of those who are studying their Bible and who have a living, breathing relationship with Him. God’s people are described very well in these two verses: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12: 17).

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14: 12).

Are you in God’s church? I pray that you are.

Copyright © 1999 Servants of the Saviour
Terry & Cathy Ross

Chapter 5 – A Servant of Servants ⇒

PROPHETIC PARALLELS – Christ’s Church “Then”. . . and Christ’s Church Now Ch.3

By Terry S. Ross

prophetic parallels - greenChapter 3 – Who and What Is the Church?

As we continue our study on the subject of Prophetic Parallels, let us pause for just a moment of silent prayer. Will you ask just now, as I have done so many times, for the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. Please ask the True and Faithful Witness of Revelation (see Revelation 1: 1,5 – 3: 14) for the eyesalve (spiritual discernment) He offers in Revelation 3: 18. Will you take just a moment to do that before we continue our study?

Now let us ask the Lord for HIS definition of HIS church, and who are those who really are His church. We cannot afford to guess or as many of us are painfully becoming aware of, we dare not leave it in the hands of the majority of the leadership to guide us into the truth on this matter. Especially in the atmosphere of these last days of “political correctness,” “the new morality,” situation ethics, “if it feels good do it” generation which now wields much power in conference churches, it is imperative that we go to the word of the Lord to establish who and what the church is. And that is just what we are going to do.

It is alarming to find so many people who profess to be Christians tossing aside inspiration, the true word of God, for the opinions of men. Dozens of times I have asked dear folks in different congregations and of different persuasions the reasons they do things certain ways. I have been almost overwhelmed at times to hear the same response repeatedly from the majority I have spoken with in this fashion. The response which alarms me is “Well, my pastor says…”

In the book of Acts we will discover the plain, simple truth about who and what the church is. We will better see if people are throwing out only the word of God to exchange it for the popular opinions of leading men. Actually, this will prove that those who do not want to accept the truth will throw it aside no matter where it is found.

The good news is that this little study in Acts is amazingly clear and the honest Christian searching for truth and direction from the Lord will praise His name! Now remember that one of the reasons this study is so valuable to us today is that Cathy’s and my investigation over the last several years has uncovered what has now become “open season” on fundamental or historic Christianity.

There is a planned agenda (now in full operation) from WITHIN THE CHURCH to lower all the standards of TRUE Christianity and bring all churches under one roof —a global church. This is the reason for the big push for “Unity.” This is why many of you who are reading this book are becoming alarmed and distressed as you see your belove d church change (away from God) right before your eyes!! This is also the reason you are starting to witness the persecution of those who challenge this agenda. The bad news is that it is going to get really ugly before it gets eternally better. The good news is that God and everyone who invests themselves, body, mind and soul, will win!!

If you are anything like Cathy and me, a few years ago you may have looked upon home schooling or even private schools with a skeptical eye, or perhaps open disapproval. But not so anymore! Even many non-Christians are screaming at what the public education systems are doing to the young people in this country.

A similar phenomena is taking place as it pertains to the way many of us used to view home churches, independent churches, independent ministries, and independent ministers. But what is happening, although new and alarming to us, is paralleled in the days of Christ. So let us continue our study.

You know the story of Stephen. Now, was Stephen a conference man or an independent man? Well, of course, Stephen had been chosen by the disciples (independent preachers). The conference did not recognize these men and told them they had no authority to preach. They forbade them to preach in the name of Christ.

The independent preachers (including Stephen) preached anyway because they did not get their orders from the conference, but from the Lord. Stephen was “called in” by the “conference committee” and as he was explaining to them the prophecies concerning Christ, the conference men became very angry. In fact, Acts 7: 54 says, they “gnashed on him with their teeth.” Let’s pick up the story in verse 55.

Acts 7: 55- 60: “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord [UNITY], And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Now we know that those who stoned Stephen were conference leaders. And we know that Stephen was an independent preacher who was being murdered by the conference leaders for preaching for the cause of Jesus.

Who was Saul? Was he a conference man or an independent? Saul, of course, was a conference man in whom the conference put a lot of confidence. His future with the conference looked bright indeed. Saul was gifted in the ability of argumentation and he was bold.

One important lesson we surely do not want to miss is the spirit Stephen possessed as the conference was literally stoning him for taking a stand for Jesus. Stephen rather than being bitter, rather than being vengeful, asked the Lord not to lay this sin against their charge. This is the same spirit that Jesus Himself demonstrated as He was being martyred by the same conference people. Neither one of these men shunned the duty of exposing the true character of this apostate conference and neither took on the spirit of hate while doing it. Both Jesus and Stephen truly were “not blind, nor bitter,” but let’s read on.

Acts 8: 1- 4: “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against THE CHURCH which was at Jerusalem;” STOP!

Let’s look at this closely because in these few words is a great truth and revelation! “And at that time there was a great persecution against…” whom? Yes! The church! Now who was persecuting whom in Jerusalem? Were the Romans persecuting the conference men? No. The conference men were persecuting the independents and here the Bible, God’s word, plainly says that this was THE church. Not A church but THE church. Brothers and sisters, can it be any plainer than this? Here it is right in the word of God, and to dismiss these plain words you will have to throw away your Bibles! But let’s read on. There’s more.

“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, EXCEPT THE APOSTLES.” STOP!

Do you see it? The Bible plainly states that THE church being persecuted which was scattered abroad had the Apostles in it. This proves beyond any doubt whatsoever that THE church in Christ’s day was NOT the conference but those who followed Jesus or whom the conference would have called the independents at that time. The conference hated the Apostles and the other independent leaders who had been chosen. This is why they were persecuting them and this is why Saul was persecuting them. But hate them or not, recognize their authority to preach Christ or not, the conference plainly did not have the say. God did! God said they were THE CHURCH! But we are not done yet!

“And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of THE CHURCH…” STOP!

Saul made havoc of whom? Yes! THE church. Now just whom was Saul making havoc of? Was Saul making havoc of the ancient conference leaders? Of course not, for he was employed by the ancient conference, he being an ancient conference man. You know, Saul was making havoc of the independents and those who supported them for taking a stand for Jesus. Going on…

“And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of THE church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”

Folks, it just doesn’t get any more simple than this. Here we see clearly that although the ancient conference had originally been raised by Christ Himself and was claiming, “The church is going through, the church is going through,” it was NOT THE CHURCH THAT WAS GOING THROUGH.

Most Christians (modern day Jews) have fallen into the same trap that the Jews of Christ’s day (ancient Christians) fell into. Their pride influenced them to trust wholly in the conference which had been raised by Christ. But when the conference became corrupt the people which did not adhere to principle became corrupt with them and with blind loyalty followed after these men. That is why Jesus had so much trouble while He was here. That is why Jesus was rejected by the conference while He was here. That is why Jesus rejected and brought to an end the conference HE HAD RAISED (they had not raised themselves) while He was here. That’s why Jesus chose independent leaders and told them to move on with the work while He was here. AND THAT IS EXACTLY THE REASON HE IS DOING THE SAME THING TODAY.

Later in the same story of Saul, what happened to him? He was on his way to Damascus continuing his persecution of THE church. He was on his way there to find those who were following the independents and to throw them in jail. We read about it in Acts 9: 1- 2: “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”

So what Saul was doing was securing the authority from the conference to go down to the local churches to disfellowship people in the strongest way. He was going to take care of these troublers of Israel who followed Jesus Christ, those whom the conference rejected. But Saul never got the job done. Something happened out of the ordinary and we read about it in the very next verses.

Acts 9: 3- 5: “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined around about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:…”

And so on the road to Damascus Saul literally sees the light and realizes that although he may have thought he was doing the proper work, he was actually persecuting the wrong people. The story goes on, as you know, and because of this experience on the Damascus road, Saul is blinded and spends a few days in Damascus. While there the Lord sends a disciple, Ananias, to him who gave him back his sight and he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 9: 17- 18: “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”

This is where the story of Saul’s intended work takes a drastic change and also where the prior claims which the Bible sets forth regarding who was THE CHURCH is verified once again.

Acts 9: 19- 21: “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that DESTROYED THEM WHICH CALLED ON THIS NAME IN JERUSALEM, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?”

Can there be any doubt about what the Bible is clearly saying here? I think not. God’s word is expressing in Acts 9 exactly what it did in Acts 7 & 8. God’s church was being persecuted in Jerusalem and that church was NOT the conference.

Understandably, the church in Damascus (the followers of Jesus) was very apprehensive of Saul. They rightly stated that this was the same man who was persecuting the church in Jerusalem and they were nervous about trusting this conference man. They were concerned that his intent was to drag them off to the conference committee that had already killed Jesus and stoned Stephen. It is true that this was

Saul’s original intent but the Lord had other plans, praise His name!

Acts 9: 22: “But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.”

So, I think Saul understood the situation and was willing to take up his new duties immediately to prove his new loyalty. You might want to ponder the point that Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, lead Saul to preach in His name rather than send him back to some literary institution. What happens next is very interesting and proves that the apostate conference will, in the end, even turn on its own men rather than listen to plain words of truth.

Act 9: 23: “And after that many days were fulfilled, the JEWS TOOK COUNSEL TO KILL HIM.”

The story goes on, of course, and Saul tries to work with the disciples in Jerusalem but they are nervous about his intentions. The Lord eventually works out the details and Saul becomes Paul — one of our heroes.

In this story we can learn many things and I want to ask a few questions which will give opportunity for you to reflect upon some important points. Why did the Jews now want to kill Paul, (Saul)? When he saw the truth as it is in Jesus, what was his course of action? Did Saul, who became Paul, continue to persecute THE church or did he support it and which church after his conversion was it that he supported? Did Saul remain a conference leader or did he become an independent leader? Did the ancient professed “Christian” conference support his decision? Will Saul, who became

Paul, who became an independent leader for Jesus, be in heaven or will the ancient conference leaders?

I cannot place enough emphasis on the above scriptures and the vital lessons that are clearly in them. What a glorious God we serve Who has made provision for our every need. Most will end up like the ancient conference Leaders and their supporters— the popular majority within the “church”— did, unfortunately. God’s word tells us this and we who love the truth as it is in Jesus, seek the truth as hidden treasure, need not be deceived. Now let’s continue our study in prophetic parallels.

Speaking of treasure, perhaps this is an ideal time to unveil another parallel. Both in Timothy and Titus (there are other places we could add), God’s word reveals a definite concern about “filthy lucre.” Some may wonder what filthy lucre is. It’s money or goods gained in a dishonest, shameful or greedy manner.

By the time of Christ’s visitation to His own church, filthy lucre had become a real problem within the Levite Tribe— the clergy. This is why Paul (who knew all about it, first hand) warned of and openly rebuked the practice as well as those pastors who were guilty of it. Now nothing like pastors squandering millions of dollars for themselves while preaching sacrificial giving to the laity is happening today, right? (Wrong.)

There was one other concern spoken of, that ranks right along with stealing God’s money. In fact it is one of the primary reasons that the chosen people of the ancient church became the rejected church. We read Christ’s own words from Matthew 7: 3- 14:

“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Dear brothers and sisters, the problem we are facing today is exactly what it was when Christ was here the first time and it boils down to two words — power and money.

Jesus who is the Founder and Finisher of the Real Christian Church will reject apostate leaders who are preaching the popular messages of “peace and safety.” Who are purposely distorting “love” preaching it from the “Dr. Spock Bible” instead of God’s holy word. Who have an agenda which removes the discipline (disciple) out of love and makes an open mockery of mercy and justice which is sorely demonstrated in churches and our society. Christ continues to reject and tells His followers also to reject apostate leaders who are turning God’s churches into unsanctified businesses for the love of personal gain or glory.

Christ came to save His people but ended up in an open confrontation with apostate leadership who had seized power (human) in it. They stole His church and as a direct result of their preaching, they turned the people aside from the saving knowledge which God’s word provides. Today NOTHING HAS CHANGED!

Did you know that although most of us have been caught sleeping on these matters (just as did the Lord’s disciples) that Jesus said we should expect it? Let’s read Matthew 10: 16,17,21- 25. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;… And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house

Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?”

If we plan to fair well in the judgment soon to come we had better be spending some valuable time preparing for the testing time just around future’s corner. We know that many of you (as we once did) have felt that the most painful persecution would come from the world. But not so! It was not the world that killed Christ but His church! Allow me to slip in a little supposed secret that is directly tied to this topic. A “secret” that was a part of the agenda of the largest religious system during the dark ages. A “secret” which many churches are purposely withholding from you!! The “secret” that was believed, proved from God’s word, preached in every Protestant church in this nation 150 years ago, is the very reason for the Protestant Reformation, and the very essence of its total existence!

For the last several decades, Christians have been taught from the pulpits of their churches that the books of Daniel and Revelation can’t be understood by anyone other than preachers or theologians. This is exactly what Christians were told during the Dark Ages and this lie is the very reason that Protestant churches came into being.

My heart aches every time I hear another soul (who represents millions with the same problem) is scared out of his wits because something out in the world ends up with the numbers 666 on it. The reason many are so scared is because first they believe the pastors who tell them that laymen cannot understand the books of Daniel and Revelation. I will admit that the last book of the Bible takes some work, like geometry or physics, etc. But the name of the book itself speaks against those who wish to keep it hidden. Open your Bible and look at the name — REVELATION — now ask the Lord to help you to understand and believe the name of His last book means just what it says.

The second reason may be more painful but nonetheless true. Most people in churches claiming to be followers of God’s word are too indolent to find out for themselves what matters to Him and what He warns us about. Here is the painful part. Do you know what the word “indolent” means? L- A- Z- Y. It’s incredible but folks around the globe will spend years studying to ensure themselves a better life, a temporary life. While comparatively speaking almost nobody is spending any real time much less years of hard study to ensure THE better life, eternal life! At the judgment bar, many will blame an apostate pastor for leading them astray, rightfully so, but it will not save them. If we expect to reap the rewards of God’s true children, then we must act as God’s true children act. We will ‘study to show ourselves approved. ’

Are you still waiting for that secret? All right, without any further delay here it is:

If you are looking for the number of the beast, 666, in the world (meaning from a worldly source) you are searching outside the REVEALED word of God and in vain. The number of the beast, 666, is plainly revealed in Revelation 13: 18. I am purposely not placing the verse here so you will go look it up. I will not be at all offended. Now lay down this book and open your Bible to Revelation 13: 18.

To what does God’s word plainly, in full view, say the number 666 belongs? “For it is the number of a .”

What else does it say in that same verse? That you have to be a scholar or theologian to understand this verse? No! It does not say that at all. You do have to be a student to figure out the entire equation but all subjects are like that. As a matter of fact, Revelation starts out in chapter one, verse three, by saying “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and KEEP those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Well at least for those of you who will choose belief over unbelief, part of the equation has now been unraveled and you don’t have to worry about taking the Mark of the Beast on some license plate, or in some bar code, or by some monster computer called the beast in Europe.

Satan laughs as he tosses us around like spiritual rag dolls when we through neglect or laziness allow it. But it does not have to be that way! The reason the gospel of Jesus is Good News is because it reveals to us that God loves us so much that He has left us with enough revealed truth to save us from the deceptions of Satan, IF we choose to do our part.

Now I want to give you another piece of the prophetic puzzle. Jeremiah, in chapter six, verse two of his book reveals that God likens His church to a comely woman. Isaiah also speaks of God’s church being as a woman, better still, a virgin, meaning a pure church (see Isaiah 62: 1- 5).

Paul following Divine representation, speaking to the Corinthian church says “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11: 2). Jesus Himself says, speaking of His redeemed church in (guess where?) Revelation 14: 4 “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins…” Now don’t leave Revelation just yet. We will come back to it in just a moment.

Now you can easily see that God, in slightly different ways has used a pure woman in many different parts of His word, both Old and New Testaments. We have given you only a very few verses, but if you have ever wondered why Jesus uses ten virgins in His parable about His coming, now you know. He is talking about those who get ready and those who say they are Christians but do not get ready. All the other stories He tells along the same lines, such as the marriage feast parable, and that a husband should love his wife as Christ loves the church, all dovetail with God’s representation of a woman and His church.

Well, guess what? A woman representing God’s church does not stop there! I want to ask you a question that will demonstrate to you — with some study on your part, an honest seeking for truth, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit — that God loves you just as much as He ever loved any pastor (and I am one), and that His revealed word is for you just as much as for the rest of us. If you can ask the Lord, who loves you enough to give His life for you, to help you to believe He wants you to understand His revealed word, then get ready to answer a very important question. Remember, we are still talking about a woman representing a church.

Through the prophet Isaiah (in chapter fourteen, verses twelve through fourteen), God reveals what plans Lucifer has made. We are told that he wants to build a kingdom of his own and raise it higher than God’s and his goal is to have every human being bow down to him and pay him homage. As a matter of fact the continued implementation of this plan is further revealed in the New Testament and shows how far Satan would really go if possible.

Just after Jesus was baptized by His cousin John and the beginning of His ministry, He was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to remain there forty days and be tempted by Satan. In this contest between the Son of God and Lucifer where your salvation and mine hung in the balance, Satan is unmasked and the magnitude of his plans laid bare.

The second temptation in my opinion makes the point most clearly. Satan takes Jesus to a high mountain and shows Him the glories of the earth. Then he tells Jesus “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4: 9). Satan, if possible, would not stop with the worship of human beings, he wants God to pay him homage as well! The whole battle over the souls of men has to do with worship.

Whom do you worship? God has a specific way of acceptable worship which is His proscribed SIGN of allegiance or SEAL of approval between God and His people. (Remember the story of Cain and Abel?) Satan has a counterfeit system that is his sign or MARK of allegiance. This is exactly what Revelation is speaking of when it refers to the people of God being sealed in their foreheads. They have made their decision, once and for eternity, to stand under the sign or banner of God’s seal of approval, the only thing written by their Creator, Lord, Master and Saviour, by His own finger.

Like Cain, the majority who claim to be a part of God’s family and even come to the altar of worship, insist on doing it their way and, knowingly or unknowingly, they are worshiping the same god that Cain worshiped. ONLY those who realize, respect, and reverence the truth that GOD makes the standards of how, when, why and where our worship to Him is acceptable — NOT MAN — can be or will be safe to be trusted with the awesome privilege and responsibility of eternal life. So back to our question.

If the entire controversy between Christ and Satan revolves around worship and God has chosen to use a pure woman, a chaste virgin to represent his true church, then what would be represented as just the opposite of this virtuous woman that would appropriately represent a system of worship that, like Cain, makes “family” claims but in fact worships Satan? Do we find any such counterfeit in God’s word?

The answer is YES! And what is the express opposite of a virgin? Of course, a whore! In the book of Revelation (I told you the name of that book means just what it says), just where you found God’s true church, His virgin, and the sign of allegiance, the seal of God’s approval, you also find the counterfeit religious system, the great whore, the place where people, like Cain, come to the altar of worship, but not the altar of their Creator, but a place of Lucifer’s MARK, the counterfeit, where he has signed his name, has the number 666, and where most will receive the mark of the beast.

As a matter of fact this whore has many daughters which represent churches who, like the mother, are prostituting the truth of God’s word. (See Revelation 17: 4- 5.)

I hope that you will check me out by following along in Revelation to find out these truths for yourself. I believe in the very short time we have left in the history of this present world, the Bible reveals that our very lives are at stake and our eternal destiny one way or another hangs in the balance. That is why the Bible commands us to study for ourselves and why God’s champions such as Paul, commended those who checked his messages against God’s holy word. Although it is almost unbelievable even as I write it, most “Christians” will never gain eternal life or heaven for the simple and pitiful reason that they were just too lazy to take the time to make the truths of God’s word their own. Many of you reading this book are probably in this condition. Now before you consign the rest of the forthcoming pages to flames, please allow me to quickly say that overwhelmingly, most of us either are or have been under this self imposed curse at one time or another. The sweet news of turning the hope of better things into a reality is to give God’s word the priority it deserves. The fact that you are searching is proof positive that the Lord loves you, He wants you to know His will for you and He still very much wants you with Him forever. But we must be willing to set our jaw and face some of truth’s harsh realities, work through them with a sanctified motive of “whatever it takes with God’s help” and then steadfastly move forward!! For without resolve that brings decisive action, hope is mere fantasy —without meaning. That may work wonders at Disney World but it will only work ruin in the very real realm of God’s Kingdom!

What makes the present day ignorance of whom the whore of Revelation represents, the number 666, the beast power, and the image of the beast and his mark so deplorable is the fact that ALL Protestant churches both in Europe and America preached the truth right out of Daniel and

Revelation during the last century. Just as the name Revelation means just that, so does the name Protestant. To the fearful credit of Satan’s power to deceive and to the discredit and shame of those in the Protestant family the question is raised:

Why do you call yourself a Protestant? What does the name signify? Where did it come from? What is its history? What are you protesting?

The horrible truth is that most Protestants don’t have a clue to any of the answers (at least not to any significant measure) to the above questions. And if there is anything more horrible it is this: all the answers in essence are the very things that determine whether or not we will be saved!

Revelation chapter three tells us about the most deplorable condition those claiming to be God’s church could find themselves in, and it says the last church WOULD BE IN THAT CONDITION. It is a condition of thinking itself to be all right when in fact it is all wrong. Then Jesus says what He would do to all those who do not take His counsel that follows. Please read about this in Revelation 3: 14 – 22.

If you would like further study on all these issues, just write us and we will gladly send you one of our most precious and powerful books that deals with and gives the biblical answers to all the questions I have just raised. I have nothing to gain or lose if you chose not to pursue, but you may have everything to gain or lose based on your choice. Our motives do not include compulsion but they do include invitation and so we offer an open one with no strings attached.

Today, right at the very time when many are witnessing what they believe to be a great revival of Christianity, are actually in one of the greatest perils of this earth’s history. I know that is a pretty strong claim and it may seem that I’m really going out on a limb here but I am really not. God has been so good to us in giving us His word which contains all of this information. That is why He wants us to study it. He is not just giving us some arbitrary assignment because He is bigger than us. Far too many people think that way. Our God is the Heavenly Father who loves His children so much that He wants to make sure we are protected from the deceptions of His and our arch enemy — Satan. This is the reason He has taken all the time to write, compile and protect His word to us and why He yearns for us to study it. Those who come to this understanding and take full advantage of our Father’s gracious generosity and loving protection will survive the deceptions and horrors of the last days we have already entered.

In the first part of this chapter we discovered who and what is God’s church. God’s church is people who follow God’s plan — not man made plans with God’s name attached!

We discovered that Saul, a conference preacher who became Paul an independent preacher, really didn’t belong to God’s church at all (although he really thought he did) until he was willing to follow what God said even when (and it did!) it went directly contrary to how he was raised, what he thought, and what was “politically correct” with leaders calling themselves God’s true church.

Because Paul made the right choice and continued to do so, God made Paul one of the greatest examples of living faith expressed in flesh and blood that this world has ever seen. Because Paul gave himself totally to Jesus, he was entrusted with many valuable treasures from God’s storehouse of knowledge. Did you know that Paul knew about the deceptions and counterfeits of our day? Do you realize that although Paul lived during the days of Jesus and the disciples, 2000 years ago, he speaks of what we’ve been discovering in Revelation? Did you know that if Paul were alive today, he would say exactly what you have been reading about the beast and that the number belongs to a man? Paul could (and would) tell you who that man is! I can (and will if you asked for the book) tell you who the man is!

Let us read what Paul says about the times in which we are living. Please take a few moments and read all the verses in Second Thessalonians, chapter two. Paul is speaking here about the time of Christ’s second coming.

Okay, I hope you took the time to look carefully and prayerfully at the entire chapter. But now let us take another look at verses three and four. Please study them carefully! If you do, you will see that Paul knew just what we have been discovering, that the controversy between Christ and Stan is over worship. Paul knew Satan’s plan and agrees exactly with what Isaiah said Satan’s plan is.

Paul warned that just before Christ’s second coming many claiming to be Christians would leave the true faith — there would be a “falling away.” Paul warned about men who would deceive many about this, and he would tell you just as we have shown you that the number 666 does belong to a man who Satan is using in a mighty way — a man who claims to have the powers of God.

Paul says that all these things would happen just before Jesus came back. Paul also said that before Jesus comes back “… that MAN of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” and he continues on to say in verse three that this religious man would be worshiped by other men, and that people would actually bow down to him!! (Revelation 13: 3,4)

If we are living in the time of the end; if we are living in the time just before Jesus is to come back and the destiny of every man, woman and child will be fixed for eternity, then such a man should exist and he should be gaining power as Revelation 13 says he would and many should be worshiping him as Revelation 13: 8 says they will.

Does such a man exist on earth? Are all the things concerning this man existent today which were spoken of by Isaiah, Daniel, Matthew, Paul, and Jesus, through John the Revelator, among the many other Bible writers?

Brothers and sisters, the somber answer to these questions is definitely yes! And the only two reasons that most people do not know all about this is, first of all, people do not study God’s word for themselves. Secondly, almost every Protestant church in the world has quit preaching this lifesaving, vital message. The Trojan Horse came among us decades ago and we did not even know it! But by God’s grace, we can know it now and like Noah save those in our spiritual families who wish to climb aboard God’s ark of safety before the flood of destruction that is just upon us, hits!

Share this book with many others. Get copies and plead with them to read it, then be praying privately that they will.

Give a copy to your pastor. Most will reject it, and it may even get you into trouble but SOME will study and accept its messages, diving deeper into God’s word. And for the faithful who have their loved ones with them in God’s Kingdom, I can assure you it will then be worth any “trouble” anyone has had to suffer. If you write for and read the book I told you was much more important than this one, the one which deals with last day events and the book of Revelation in much greater detail you will certainly want to share that one with others as well.

I hope you have found this chapter as exciting and provocative as I did as I wrote it. I pray that if you have, through it the Holy Spirit will stimulate you spiritually to dig deeper and continue to discover God’s vast treasure chest of truth. Now on to Chapter Four in our study of prophetic parallels in Christ’s Church Then and Christ’s Church Now.

Copyright © 1999 Servants of the Saviour
Terry & Cathy Ross

Chapter 4 – “No Respecter of Persons . . .” ⇒

PROPHETIC PARALLELS – Christ’s Church “Then”. . . and Christ’s Church Now – Intro

By Terry S. Ross

prophetic parallels - greenAcknowledgments

It pleases me very much to be able to give credit where credit is surely due. First of all, I would like to dedicate this book to my partner and best friend, my wife, Cathy. There is just no way that I could do what I do without her. I praise the Lord for her every day!

Then I wish to give a special thanks to Sandra Pinkoski who gave me a big “kick” to get this book done. Thanks Sandra, I needed the push.

Also deserving of special thanks is Graham Cutts for his keen eye and attention to detail while proofing this manuscript.

If someone had told me that I would be publishing a book at any stage of my life I would have, like Abraham’s wife, Sarah, laughed, but here it is, and it’s folks such as my publisher, Clinton Jones and his parents Ivan and Gladys, who have made it all the easier. Clinton, founder and owner of CHJ Publishing, is a missionary in his own field. He has, at his own expense made hundreds and hundreds, perhaps thousands of books available for those who otherwise could not afford them. It is this spirit that will finish the task before us and what pushes folks like me ahead, in spite of ourselves.

And to close out this “thank you” list I wish to praise our precious Lord for the generous ministry family that makes up the Servants of the Saviour’s team. This book is possible because there are folks out there who have an ear to the rail and a finger in the wind. We are proud, in the proper sense, and humbled to have such a supportive Christian family as the Lord has and is providing us with. It is to these that this missionary book is dedicated.

Introduction

No longer is it the sound of distant rumblings. No longer is it from afar that we witness an attack on Christian standards and values. The greatest battle ever to be fought in these last days has already begun! It rages even now. It has come to our shores and is being waged on a global scale. It will take us into the darkest hours of earth’s history since there was a nation. Wishing it away will not change it or help us.

Even non- Christians understand that something is not right. Something is amiss. Uncertainty and fear for the future is in the very air we breathe. Something is wrong in America and no one seems able to fix it. They may not realize exactly what it is but the last battle between Christ and Satan for the souls of men has already commenced. The startling truth that a growing number of sincere Christians are discovering is that while we thought it would be “us against the world”— we have more to fear from within the “church” than without. The Trojan Horse of heresy and apostasy is already inside the gate!

In Revelation chapter three, Jesus said I want you to be hot or cold. Either be 100% or zero. But because you are luke- warm; because you want to have one foot in the world and one in the church, I will spew you out of my mouth. You make me sick!

The shaking of the church has begun! It is decision time. Do we want to be hot or cold? The choice is ours. The choice we make will decide our eternal destiny. It is now that we must take serious inventory of ourselves. No longer can we fool those around us as we “play” church. For we have entered a time of individual examination in the courts of —not man —but God. A court where all human veneer is stripped away. If we hope to retain Jesus as our friend and advocate during this trial, we must ask ourselves the most serious questions of our lives —and answer them honestly.

Do you know what you believe and why? I’m not asking if you know what your pastor believes or what your denominational creed is or what your parents believe. I’m not asking what some prominent television personality who has written “a really great book” thinks. I am asking if you know what YOU believe and the biblical reasons why you believe it.

This book is a wake- up call to Laodicea. Laodicea is the last church mentioned in the book of Revelation.

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 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: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3: 14- 18). We are living in the time of the last church— the “Laodicean” church. The Lord’s return is closer than we even dare to hope for —even at the door. Are we ready? Have we studied the Bible for ourselves? I don’t mean the kind of study that consists of spoon- fed sections given to support a point of view held by church headquarters, leaders, and pastors; I mean the kind of study where YOU find, on your own, scriptural support for what you believe.

We must not think we can acquire a saving knowledge of the Lord based upon the study of others. You have to “. . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2: 12). We each have to dig into God’s word for ourselves and see what it says to us personally. We shouldn’t think that we can be ready for the Lord’s return by merely giving money to the church, attending services once or even twice a week (or more), and then put our Bible back on the shelf when we get home without doing our own study. We have to know FOR OURSELVES what it says.

We can’t entrust television preachers or even our own pastors with our salvation. We have to work it out ourselves— the Bible says so! I have heard statements made and even Bible verses quoted from the pulpit and on television that were misquoted or taken out of context to prove a piece of faulty theology. The speaker was trying to make a point that was, at best, scripturally unsound, and, at worst, downright heresy! You must study for yourself— the “arm of flesh will fail you.”

There are many tried and true ministers of God out there in the churches. There are many who are standing strongly for Bible truth and are living up to the light they know. These are the faithful “watchmen on the wall” mentioned in Ezekiel 33: 1- 7. But there are many others who are not part of the “true and faithful” who make up God’s true church. Many are finding out today that placing a sign that reads “CHURCH” on the outside of a building does not make it one. Profession without possession is worse than worthless. In fact, Jesus said that one who makes a profession of Christianity without possessing the living, active faith of Christianity, is worse than an infidel. In the judgment it will have been better if he had never been born or if he had a millstone tied around his neck and had been cast into the depths of the sea.

Jesus came to make clear in person, who and what constitutes His true church. PROPHETIC PARALLELS has helped thousands to come to the understanding that Jesus came personally to bring the wonderful news that today we can know what constitutes God’s true church! But we must also realize that this life- saving discovery comes with all the ingredients the disciples had to swallow. The Lord asked them if they were able to drink of the same bitter cup He was going to drink from. Now we discover that we as individuals must face the same question.

Those pastors who do not take the time to do their homework are in the group discussed here. Those denominational leaders and church committee members who do not take time to know what God’s word truly says are also in this group. Also in this group are those preachers who predominantly read books by high profile Christian celebrities that give man’s “I think” instead of a plain “thus saith the Lord.” These authors often base entire doctrinal positions on one or two isolated texts, frequently taken out of context and unsupported by the many other Scriptures pertaining to that subject. It also includes those who are “policy” men rather than those of principle. Not a few in this group know a whole lot more than they are telling.

The pastors in our churches are to be the “watchmen on the wall” mentioned by the prophet Ezekiel. There is danger coming and they are to warn the people. But who is sounding the alarm?

“But if the watchmen 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. 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. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand” (Ezekiel 33: 6- 8).

The Bible interprets itself. “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28: 10). If there is a passage of Scripture that seems to contradict another passage of Scripture, you can be sure that it is not the Bible that is contradicting itself, but a faulty understanding of what the Bible says. The ENTIRE BIBLE must be used to understand the principles God has laid out before us. And we must search this out for ourselves. We must ask God to remove our preconceived opinions and to give us the Holy Spirit to be our teacher. Preconceived opinion must be laid at the door of investigation. Remember what we are told in 1 John 2: 27:

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”

If you are in doubt about a certain topic, take your concordance and do a word study about it. Pray about it. Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to enlighten you about it. And most important of all, don’t just take someones word for it, even if it happens to be a close friend. See what the Bible says. You may be surprised what the Bible teaches and it may totally be the opposite of what you have been taught. But make no mistake— Bible truth is not subject to what your pastor “thinks” it says, nor is Bible truth subject to popular vote! It is not majority opinion that determines the truth of Scriptures, BUT WHAT THE SCRIPTURES ACTUALLY SAY. Be not deceived!

As you choose to serve God first and relegate to man a second position, the study in PROPHETIC PARALLELS, rightly understood, will be a blessing from the Lord. In Christ’s day the “church” had strangely changed leaders and the people rejected the Originator of their movement. In our day we face this same tragedy. Most “ancient believers in God” (ancient Israel) —our spiritual ancestors— were lost because of their misplaced loyalty in a leadership (priesthood) that had become corrupt. Today their history has once again become our (Modern Israel’s – in the spiritual sense) reality.

It is now your privilege to discover and understand that this same Jesus who existed throughout the history of our ancestors, in His grace and mercy toward us, has had the Bible written not just to show us what love is, but for much deeper reasons. He is giving us a last chance to learn from the mistakes of others and take heed. Whether or not you decide to enroll in the school of Christ as an active, honest student will determine your eternal destiny!

Our prayers are with you and it is our hope and desire that you will find the freedom that our Saviour died to give you — only then will you be free indeed. But if not, you are in danger of being chained to men who have no higher concept of Christianity than did their ancient counterparts (the Sanhedrin) in the “denominational headquarters” of the ancient church.

This book is primarily dedicated to those men and women who have through the ages taken their stand on the side of the Lord at the cost of their reputation, of being misunderstood, and being persecuted for the name and cause of Christ and our Heavenly Father.

This book is also dedicated to such men as the disciples, who after the Upper Room experience went boldly forward proclaiming the truth for their day in the face of deadly opposition from a corrupt priesthood that called itself the “church”; to the first martyr, Stephen, who told it like it was but had no spirit of hatred in him, who was not blind, nor bitter; to Saul, the conference leader who became Paul the church leader, who although obeying man instead of God at first, saw the light on the Damascus road and was converted to follow Jesus anywhere He led; Paul, who became an honorable defender of Jesus and who quite possibly understood the purifying effects of trial more than any other man; to these and the many others who have sacrificed so much that God’s word might continue to shine in a world of darkness; and to those who will yet hear the call of the Master’s voice, pick up the blood- stained banner and contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.

Our study will take us through the heart of the four Gospels and into some Old Testament references. When you have finished, we hope you will be much richer and wiser for your study. May the Lord be with you.

Terry S. Ross

Copyright © 1999 Servants of the Saviour
Terry & Cathy Ross

Chapter 1 – Thy King Cometh ⇒

Lost in Church?

by Cody Francis

Lost in ChurchIt was the largest church that little Sam had ever seen. It had a steeple towering so high that it nearly touched heaven. The pillars at the front of the church loomed as sentinels to the massive doors that the deacons held open. And then there was the torrent of people that came from all sides and funneled through those pillars and in through the doors. Sam pressed closer to his aunt. It was the antithesis of the little country church that Sam and his family attended. As they approached the doors, they too became a part of that great mass of people that seemed to be jostled and pushed through those massive doors that looked to Sam as if they belonged to a castle and not a church. Inside was not quite as formidable as the lofty architecture outside, and Sam began to feel more at ease. His aunt seemed to know just where to go. “How could she remember which steps to take and which way to turn?” Sam wondered, but his aunt didn’t seem to be in the least bit intimidated. Sure enough, they stopped in front of the class that he recognized as his. Inside the classroom they went, and after making sure that Sam was comfortable, Sam’s aunt hurried away to her own class. Sam looked around him. He didn’t know any of the people here, but they seemed nice enough to him. There were many more than were in his class at home, and they were all his age! Not even at Sam’s school were there this many boys and girls his age. Eager to take advantage of all of the new friends that he could have, he started playing with his peers around him. In just a few minutes he had lost all fear of his mammoth surroundings. He listened intently as the teacher taught the lesson. It didn’t seem that different from his little white church in the country after all. At the end of the class period the mothers came and would take their child to sit with them during the church service, but where was his aunt? He dare not venture into those halls without his aunt, but it seemed like all of the other children were leaving. Finally the mother of the little boy who was sitting next to him came to get him. His new found friend wanted him to come and sit with him, and since his aunt hadn’t come yet, Sam decided to go. As soon as they entered those halls again, though, fear surged through Sam’s little body. He froze with fear as he could hardly see through the maze of people, and then where was his friend? All he saw now was a forest of legs going this way and that. Not knowing what to do, Sam started pressing through in the direction that he thought his friend had gone, but they had vanished. He went this way and then that. He peered upward, trying to detect a familiar face, but there was none. He pressed through the crowd and came into another hall. It seemed to him as if he was in a gigantic maze. It was all halls and doors that stretched on before him. His knees began to quiver and big tears began to roll down his cheeks and splatter upon the tile floor. Here he was–lost in church. He had been lost in the woods at home, but never before had he thought it possible to be lost in church.

It would not seem strange to us to hear of a child, or even an adult, getting lost in the mountains or in the wilderness, but lost in church? We have known of, or perhaps even experienced ourselves, the terrors of being separated from our parents and realizing that we were lost. Perhaps in the grocery store or a mall, but we don’t usually think of becoming lost in church. Yet even in the enormous churches of our land we can imagine a child getting lost, as in the preceding parable, but have you ever stopped to think that when Jesus returns there will be millions eternally lost in church? We can imagine that many will be lost in the taverns and gambling halls of the land, but lost in church? It hardly seems possible, yet this is exactly what the Bible says will happen. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'” Matthew 7:21-23. Here is a group of people, who are not just sitting in church every week, but these are leaders! It is not just a small isolated group of people either; this is a large group. Jesus said that there were many in this condition; many who have been given the gift of prophecy, many who have even cast out demons in the name of Jesus, and many who have worked mighty miracles in Jesus’ name. These are leaders that people have looked up to and admired. They were looked upon as men of spiritual insight and favored of God because of the gifts they had received; but the sad reality was that Jesus never knew them. So, far from being favored of heaven, they were unknown to heaven. You would not find this group of people in the taverns and dens of vice. This group of people would never be found in houses of ill repute. On the contrary, you would find these people sitting in church every week, but still lost in church. They really and truly believed that they were headed to heaven. They thought that their ticket was sure, but they were lost in church. Will there be others who likewise are lost in church? How can a person be lost in church? What characteristics do those whom are lost in church have? We need to know, so we can be certain that we are not among that mournful group.

Lost in Church–How?

“They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, You will be made free?'” John 8:33. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day treated with contempt the idea that they needed anything. Were not they the privileged children of the patriarchs? They were not only church members, but there fathers had been good and faithful church members for hundred of years. Their connection with the church was sure to save them. They needed nothing else. The same thinking is still very prevalent in the world and churches of today. People think that as long as their names are registered in the church books, then they are safe. As long as they are in church each week, they are going to heaven, or maybe even if they are in church on Christmas or Easter they are going to heaven. I was having a rather unpleasant conversation with a man, in which this very topic came up. This dear man had fallen into sin and was not living according to God’s Word. It was my painful duty to try to help him see the mistakes that he was making and to attempt to help him overcome them. During the course of the conversation, he made it very clear that he did not see anything wrong with what he was doing. He was living in open violation of the Word of God, and it is clear from God’s Word that while persisting in rebellion against God, he could not enter the kingdom of heaven. He angrily said that he knew he was going to heaven because he had his passport hanging on the wall, and he pointed to his baptismal certificate. This thinking is not uncommon. It is easy to think that if our names are in the church books, if we have been baptized, then everything is fine and we are heaven bound. Nothing could be further from the truth. Simply because our names are on the church books or because we go to church every week, does not mean that we are on the right track. We need to make a profession, but profession alone is not enough.

The children of Israel felt that because they were the descendants of Abraham, they were secure in their salvation. Because they were in the true church they thought that they were saved. They did not realize the fact that they could be lost in church. “And do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:9, 10. They were boasting their claim that since they were the descendants of Abraham (church members), they were the children of promise and they were saved. Not so! John the Baptist states that God is even able to turn stones into faithful church members (children of Abraham). God is not looking at the profession; God is looking at the heart. Every tree (church or person) which does not bring forth good fruit will be lost. The question is not, are you going go church? Do you claim to be a Christian? The real question is, does you life show that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Are you obeying Him? Do you have good fruit in your life?

In the old covenant, the outward sign that a person was a church member was whether or not they were circumcised. “And God said to Abraham: ‘As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;'” Genesis 17:9, 10. Circumcision corresponds to baptism and church membership today, but circumcision is not what saved a person. Circumcision was simply the outward sign of their acceptance of God’s covenant. There are many examples of people who were circumcised that are lost. (Esau, Nadab, Abihu, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, Saul, etc.) Lost and circumcised. Lost and in church. Ishmael is an example of all those have the outward sign of circumcision or church membership, but not the inward experience. Ishmael was circumcised on the very same day that God told Abraham to be circumcised, (Genesis 17:23) but Ishmael is “he who was born according to the flesh.” (Galatians 5:29.) The Scripture says to “cast out the bondwoman [Hagar] and her son [Ishmael], for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” Galatians 5:30. All those who have only an outward connection with the church are included in this scripture. All those who sit in church every week, all those who may even be leaders and teachers in the church, who make a profession, but do not show it by their lives. All who have not borne the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (Galatians 5:22, 23) will be bound, hand and foot, and cast into outer darkness. (Matthew 22:13.)

God repeatedly pled with ancient Israel to have that inward experience and not just the outward sign. “Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.” Deuteronomy 10:16. “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your hearts, you men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, lest My fury come forth like fire, and burn so that no one can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.” Jeremiah 4:4. It is the circumcision of the heart that counts, not the mere external sign. Here were circumcised church members in good and regular standing, but they were still lost in church. It is the same in the new covenant. “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Romans 2:28, 29. Paul plainly tells us that it is what is inside the heart that counts. Just because you are a Jew (in the new covenant we could say, just because you are a church member) does not mean that you are really a part of the “church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven.” Hebrews 12:23. Just because you have the outward sign of circumcision (or in the new covenant, of baptism) does not mean that you will be saved. There will be many church members lost. There will be multitudes of people who have been baptized in the lake of fire. The only thing that is of any value with God, is the heart experience.

When we understand this concept, what Paul says in Romans 9:6, makes perfect sense. “They are not all Israel (spiritual or true) who are of Israel (professed).” Not all that make a profession and claim to be a part of God’s true church will, in the end, be saved. They are lost in church because they have made a profession, but it went no deeper than that. They accepted with their mouths and intellect the truth from God’s Word, but the truth had not been implanted in the heart. Millions were lost in the old covenant for this very problem. They had the sign of church membership. They were among God’s people. They were in the church, but they were still lost in church.

Judas – Lost in Church

Perhaps there is no better example of a man who was lost in church than the most infamous man in history–Judas Iscariot. Jesus said, “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those who You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” John 17:12. Judas had been with Jesus for over three years. He had been one of the most privileged men in the history of this world. He had been in constant association with the Lord of Lord and King of Kings, the One to whom all the angels bowed in worship. He walked with Him along the way. He talked with Him as we talk with our friends. He ate with Him. He slept where He slept. Judas saw the mighty miracles that our Lord, the Life giver performed. Judas actually performed miracles himself. The Lord’s hands had been placed upon him in ordination. Judas was not just a church member. He was not just a disciple. Judas was a leader in Jesus’ true church. In fact, Judas may have been the most high-ranking officer in the church, for he was the treasurer. (See John 13:29.) Even though Judas had all of these tremendous advantages, Judas was lost. Lost in church. “The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born. Matthew 26:24. The most fearful condemnation is here given against Judas. Jesus says that it would have been better if Judas had never been born, and the saddest part of all is that he was in the church, but he was lost.

Why was Judas lost while being an important leader in the church? Was it because he had never heard good sermons before? No, Judas heard the best sermons that have ever been preached. He heard the Sermon on the Mount, the sermon that has never been, nor ever will be equaled. Was it that those around him were hypocritical? Absolutely not. The one individual, who never had a particle of hypocrisy in Him, was the one whom Judas was in constant contact with. Was it because he didn’t have enough time? No, he had three years of constant witness to the life and teaching of Jesus. Judas had all of the advantages that it was possible for him to have. Jesus tried and tried to break through to the heart of Judas, but Judas was lost in church because he never came to the point of full surrender to Jesus. “Therefore submit to God.” James 4:7. If we are to be victorious in the Lord at last, we must learn the lesson of full surrender and submission to Jesus. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time.” I Peter 5:6. Those who receive the grace of humility and learn to submit to the Lord will indeed be exalted, but not until they have fully submitted. That was Judas’ problem. He never came to the point of full submission. Instead of submitting to Jesus, his Lord and Master, he exalted himself, clung to his own ways, his own ideas, and his own plans. “But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse.” The Desire of Ages, page 717. Judas was eventually led to criticize one of the greatest acts of love that has ever been done–the anointing of Jesus’ feet by Mary. “Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.” John 12:4-6. He had hardened his heart for so long that it seemed nothing to now find fault with what Jesus had allowed to happen. He thought that he knew better because he had not come to the full point of surrender and submission to Jesus, and all those who refuse to submit and surrender to Jesus, will eventually, like Judas, find themselves lost in church. “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

The Foolish Virgins–Lost in Church

Judas is a very graphic instance of a person who was lost in church while being an important leader, but there are other examples as well. A person does not have to do the most ignominious deed of betraying our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that Judas did to be lost in church. A person does not even have to commit a terrible crime to be lost in church; all a person has to do is simply neglect to do certain things.

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps…. The bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly I say to you, I do not know you.'” Matthew 25:1-4, 10-12. Here is another tragic example of precious souls who are lost in church. This time it is not an individual person, but an entire group of people. This group of people is not a few isolated churchgoers here and there, but it includes large numbers of people who think and believe that they will be saved, but will find out too late that they have been deceived.

By allowing the Bible to explain some of the details of the parable, it begins to have more meaning to our minds. First of all, there were ten virgins who were going out to meet the bridegroom and then at the end of the parable the bridegroom finally comes after a period of delay. Who is the bridegroom? “And they came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, He who was with You beyond the Jordan, to whom You have testified–behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!’… ‘He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.” John 3:26, 29. John the Baptist, clearly talking of Jesus, says that He is the bridegroom. It is Jesus’ Second Coming that is their hope, and it is Jesus Second Coming for which five of them are unprepared. They are virgins. Why are they represented as virgins? A woman is a church. A pure woman is a pure church. (Revelation 12.) A corrupt woman is a corrupt church. (Revelation 17.) “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” II Corinthians 11:2. These ten virgins are all pure women, because “they profess a pure faith.” Christ Object Lessons, page 406. They are not deluded by the thousands of false doctrines that abound in our world. They have a pure faith, or pure doctrine. They bring their lamps with them. A lamp is a symbol for God’s Word. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105.

Both the wise and the foolish are virgins. They have a pure faith. They have a pure doctrine. Both claim to be looking for the Second Coming of their Lord and Savior. Both have their lamps, or the Word of God, with them. These are not simply your nominal Christians who go to church every week and then go home. Their faith goes deeper than that. They believe and perhaps even tell others that Jesus is soon to come. They have a high esteem for the truths of the Bible. They probably even study their Bible. Their lamps, or their Bibles, are with them, so they are not just sitting on the television gathering dust, but are being studied. To all outward appearances, this group of people looks like respectable Christians. They look as if they are the strength of the church. In fact, you cannot tell the difference between those who will be lost in church and the ones who will, in all reality, be saved. There is no external difference, but there is a very major internal difference. The wise took oil in their vessels, but the foolish did not. What does the oil represent? “And I further answered again, and said to him, What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?’… So he said, ‘These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” “So he answered and said to me: This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'” Zechariah 4:12, 14, 6. The oil that was emptying out of the two olive trees is said to be God’s Spirit. So the oil that the foolish virgins did not have, was the oil of the Holy Spirit. They had all of the external characteristics of being a true Christian in the true church, but they had not the inward work of the Holy Spirit. They did not have the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23) in their lives. “The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit’s working. They have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their old nature to be broken up. This class is also represented by the stony-ground hearers. They receive the Word with readiness, but they fail of assimilating its principles. Its influence is not abiding. The Spirit works upon man’s heart according to his desire and consent, implanting in him a new nature, but the class represented by the foolish virgins has been content with a superficial work. They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live.” Christ Object Lessons, page 411. The mournful words of Jesus, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you,” are not said because they didn’t make a profession, but because they did not allow God to finish the good work that he had begun (Philippians 1:6), and as a result they are lost in church.

The Tares–Lost in Church

“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.'” The wheat represents “the sons of the kingdom” while the tares represent “the sons of the wicked one.” Matthew 13:38. There are two classes of people here described in the world, but more specifically in the church. Jesus said that that field was the world (vs. 38), but more specifically it represents the church of God in the world, because the entire parable is teaching about the “kingdom of heaven.” (Verse. 24.)

In the early stages of growth, it is nearly impossible to discern the difference between the tares and the wheat. Both have small green spires and as they continue to grow the tares continue to copy the wheat, but at the harvest it is truly seen which are tares and which are wheat. The wheat is heavily laden with a head of grain, while the tares, as a worthless weed, bring forth no such fruit. Both have the advantages of sunlight, rain, and good soil, but one produces fruit and the other does not. As the wheat in the field, so there are two groups of people are in the church. They both have the benefits of good sermons, of faithful reproofs from God’s Word and God’s messengers. God provides both with the necessary elements to grow spiritually and bring forth fruit, but the ones representing the tares do not take advantage of the precious opportunities granted them by God. It is impossible to tell the difference between them from man’s perspective, but the angel’s can see another story. In the lives of the tares there may be something that they are unwilling to surrender to the Lord. Perhaps it is some cherished idol, a wrong habit, practice, or belief, but it is there and it is enough to separate the soul from God. The Holy Spirit works upon the heart convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment soon to come (John 16:8-11), but to no avail. The heart of the tare refuses to yield to the convicting voice of God’s Spirit. “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,'” Hebrews 3:7, 8. The Holy Spirit pleads, convicts, and appeals, but the heart of the tare grows harder and harder. Any known sin, secretly practiced, will silence the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit. The Lord calls and calls upon the heart to surrender, but there is no answer. No one else can see the sin of the tare, but it is still there. The tare may be a faithful church member, he may be a deacon, an elder, or even the pastor, but if there is sin cherished in the heart, he is a tare. Outward distinction means nothing, anything can look good on the outside, but God is looking deeper, into the heart. “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7. A tare may have the highest distinction in this world, but, in the Day of Judgment, that will not cover the fact that he is a tare. The lives of all professed Christians will be laid bare and each shall be known as he really is. (I Corinthians 13:12.) The tare, like Judas and the foolish virgins, is lost in church.

Not only is being lost in church something that is possible, it is something that is going to happen to many that are comfortably seated in the pews today. There are millions of Christians. In fact there are billions of Christians. It was estimated by the International Bulletin of Missionary Research that in the year 2000 there will be a total population of over six billion people, and of those, a little over two billion profess Christianity. Lumping all kinds of Christians together makes it the largest religion in the world, but the sad fact is that the majority is going to be lost in church. Millions of Israelites, in Christ’s time and before, were lost, and they were in the church. Lost in church because, like Judas, they refused to submit and surrender all to the Lord. Lost in church because, like the foolish virgins, they believed the truth but they did not yield themselves fully to be filled and worked by the Holy Spirit. Lost in church because, like the tares, they clung to some secret sin and refused to give it up for Jesus. Bible prophecy even predicts this. Revelation tells us that like the millions of Israelites, who were lost in church, the same scenario will be reenacted in the last days.

The Beast–in the Church

Bible prophecy depicts a power that will arise and have authority “over every tribe, tongue, and nation,” and lead “all that dwell on the earth” to “worship him.” Revelation 13:7, 8. This is the leopard-like beast of Revelation, the little horn of Daniel 7, the man of sin of II Thessalonians 2, and the anti-christ of I John. This power “opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God.” II Thessalonians 2:4. This power opens “his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.” Revelation 13:6. This power is the power that “shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law.” Daniel 7:25. This is the power that God has warned us against worshipping in the last days. This power will seek to enforce the mark of his authority, and all the world will be deceived into accepting it. “I saw one of his heads as if it has been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.” Revelation 13:3. But all that accept this mark will receive the most fearful judgments from God ever on record. “Then a third angel followed them saying, with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation.” Revelation 14:9, 10. All of the world will be coerced into going along with this beast power, but they will suffer the wrath of God.

Although most are familiar with this power, many are unaware of the character of this power. I was studying this subject with a man one time and he told me how he thought this was going to be played out. He thought that he would receive a knock on his door and standing outside would be some very muscular men dressed all in black who would tell him that he had to receive the mark of the beast. He then planned on shutting the door in their face and going about his business. That is not quite how the Bible says the mark of the beast will be enforced. First of all, the beast power is actually a religious power. It is not an atheistic system as many people think. The very word anti-christ is a combination of two Greek words anti and Christos. Anti in this context means more than just against but, “instead of, in the place of.” Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Gingrich and Danker. This is a power that sets itself up instead of Christ; that puts itself in the place of Christ. This is not atheistic communism or some other non-religious power; this is a religious power that puts itself in the place of God. Daniel tells us, “He shall be different from the first ones,” Daniel 7:24. He was going to be different from the first ten horns. The first ten horns were solely political kingdoms, but here is a religious political kingdom. “He sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” II Thessalonians 2:4. He even sets himself up in God’s temple and claims to be God. Many have mistaken this verse to mean that the Jewish temple will be rebuilt and that the anti-christ will then set himself up in the rebuilt temple, but what they don’t realize is, this has already happened! Temple has several meanings under the new covenant. There is the temple in heaven where Jesus is ministering. (Hebrews 8:1-5; 9:11, 12, 23, 24; 10:12, 19-21; Revelation 1:12, 13; 8:3-5; 9:13; 11:19.) There is the temple of our bodies, or the temple of the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19, 20; John 2:18-21.) Finally, the church is called a temple. It is this final temple that the anti-christ will set himself up in. (Obviously, it is impossible for the anti-christ to set himself up in heaven or in our individual bodies.) “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God [the church], having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22. The church is called a holy temple, so it is in the church where the anti-christ, beast power sets himself up, and it is in the church that the mark of the beast is going to be enforced. (See Steps to Life’s booklet The Beast’s Mark, for a full study on who the beast is and what his mark is.) Lost in the church with the mark of the beast. Not one single person who receives the mark of the beast will be saved; every last one will be lost. This is a serious and important subject because in the last days, the ENTIRE WORLD will be lost in church!

The True Church

There will only be a small group of people who will not be swept into this titanic delusion of being lost in church. Revelation describes these people as well. “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 12:17; 14:12. God’s people, who not only make a profession but who live out their profession, are represented as those who keep all the commandments and have the testimony of Jesus. They are not content to keep most of the commandments and they are not content to simply keep nine of the commandments. While all of the world is following the traditions of men, they are standing firm for the truth of God’s Word. They will not be moved to the right hand or to the left. They, with Peter, say, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29. All of the world is following the beast power and rejecting “the commandment of God,” that they “may keep” their “tradition.” Mark 7:9. But like the three worthy Hebrews in Babylon they say, “Let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:18. They refuse to keep man’s laws when they conflict with God’s Law. When an image to the beast is set up, they refuse to give homage to it.

You will not find this small group of people in the big churches of the land. They are not the ones who will be lost in church. In fact they may not even have an organization, denomination, or even a church building to go to, but they are still the true church of God. God’s true people are not those who have the most money or the most education. God’s true people are the ones who know, teach, and live the truth. “Which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” I Timothy 3:15. It is not a building that makes a true church. It is not the longevity of an organization that makes it the true church. It is the fact that God’s truth is there. If God’s truth is not there, God’s presence is not there, and it is not a true church. Many people have asked me, how do I know where to go to church. The answer is found in the John 4:21, 23, 24, “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father…. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.'” A true church is one that truly worships God in the spirit and in the truth. If it doesn’t have both of these things, it is not a part of God’s true church. God’s truth, from the Bible, must be proclaimed and the presence of the Holy Spirit must be there. Even if there is not a church building, if these two things are there, it is a part of God’s great true church. In a town where Paul was there was no church building that matched the prerequisites of God’s true church. Did he say well, I guess I will just have to stay at home and study my Bible at home? No. “And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had met there.” Acts 16:13. You don’t have to have a church building to go to church, but there must be God’s truth and His Spirit or else it is useless to go. You will end up lost in church if you go to a place where the truth and the spirit are not. In fact, in the last days, it is predicted that God’s people will not have church buildings and the like. “He will dwell on high; his place of defense will be the fortress of rocks;” Isaiah 33:16. Many of God’s people will be forced to find a refuge from the ire of the beast power in the mountain fortresses. There certainly are not many churches there, but God’s presence will still be there if we have the truth and the spirit.

We can be lost in church even if we belong and attend God’s true, commandment keeping church, but do not have the necessary heart experience. But if we belong to the churches of our land in these last days, who are not teaching the truth, we will most inevitably end up being lost in church. God’s true people are described throughout the Bible as those who love God enough to keep His Law. (John 14:15, 21) It is not enough to keep some of the commandments. It is not even good enough to profess to keep all of the commandments. If we are breaking one, we are judgment bound. “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all…. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” James 2:10, 12. If a person is guilty of breaking one of the commandments, they are guilty of breaking the entire Law and will be judged as a lawbreaker. How much more true is this for churches who are breaking one of the commandments and teaching others to do so. What a fearful account they will have to settle before the judgment bar of God. When a church teaches that it is all right to break the fourth commandment, (Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, for in six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, thy God. See Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; 31:13-17; Isaiah 56:2-8; 58:12-14; 66:22, 23; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Mark 2:27, 28; Luke 4:16; Acts 13:42, 44; 16:13; 17:2.) it is teaching its members to break God’s Law, and thus will be guilty of breaking them all. When a church keeps the traditions of men instead of the Commandments of God, they are not teaching the truth from God’s Word and thus are not a part of God’s true church. If a person stays in a church that is teaching the commandments of men over the commandments of God, he will end up being lost in church. “And in vain they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9. There may be a beautiful choir, an eloquent preacher, padded pews and impressive ceremony, but God’s Spirit is not there. God’s message to all those in these popular, Commandment-breaking churches is, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen and has become the habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! Come out of her my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” Revelation 18:2, 4. All, who stay in these churches, will share in her sins, receive of her plagues and be lost in church. Where will you be? Will you be among the small group without the buildings, institutions, or numbers, but who have the truth from the Bible and are living out their profession? Or will you be LOST IN CHURCH?

All emphasis the authors unless otherwise stated.
All texts from the New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Sources:

  • Christ Object Lessons, Ellen G. White, 1900.
  • The Desire of Ages, Ellen G. White, 1898.
  • International Bulletin of Missionary Research, January 1999, David B. Barrett & Todd M. Johnston
  • Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, F. Wilbur Gingrich & Frederick W. Danker, 1983

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