The Rock Almighty: If someone exhibited little or no fellowship with Yahweh or Christ did this cause them to lose their relationship? and License To Become An Angry Christian.

 

PART 4 THE SPIRITUALITY PUZZLE

IF SOMEONE HAS LITTLE OR NO FELLOWSHIP DOES THIS INDICATE LOSS OF RELATIONSHIP WITH YAHWEH OR CHRIST?

If there’s little or no evidence of fellowship, could this result in the loss of an Old Testament believer’s relationship with Yahweh or Christ, which initially came about by believing in Him or in what He’d said?

What we’ll do in our attempt to comment on this is try to answer the following two questions.

Is there an example of a believer in the Old Testament who exhibited no fellowship at all and yet was addressed as being righteous (just)?

Is there an example of a believer who was clearly identified as having a relationship with God but with little or no evidence of fellowship with Him, and yet was signified as someone who, after physical death, went to a place where only the Old Testament saints would reside, which would support the conjecture that his/her relationship with Yahweh or Christ was not affected?

If there are examples that their relationship with God was still intact, then this would provide clear evidence that, in all likelihood, the same effect would probably hold true for a New Testament believer unless Scriptures from the Church Age indicated that there was a drastic change in protocol in this regard.

So, the first person we’ll take a look at lived during the Age of the Gentiles. I’ll give you a hint as to who he is. He was given the first choice by his uncle to pick the best land for his flocks. Another clue is his wife turned back and looked at the destruction of a particular city and became a pillar of salt. I think you know who he is now.

Lot

2 Peter 2:7

And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

The first thing that stands out to me is that Lot was called just. This word means righteous. Could we conclude that this word means that he had a relationship (accepted as righteous) with God, or does this mean that he was in fellowship (righteous in conduct) with God? Well, here’s your test. What do you think the answer is? Does the word just refer to relationship or fellowship?

How can we best go about determining the answer? What might help us is, if we were to look at his life and find out that he didn’t exhibit any righteous behavior, then maybe we could conclude that this word means that he had only a relationship with God. With this in mind, let’s take a look at his life. 

Genesis 13:11-12 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.

When Abram, Lot’s uncle, was called by God to leave the Ur of the Chaldees to go to a particular geographical place, He promised him and his ancestors a land inheritance. As we know, his nephew Lot, along with others, accompanied him on the journey. Over time, the population of both of their families and livestock grew to the point where they had to consider splitting up as the land could not support all of them.

So, Abram allowed Lot to choose first whatever place he wanted to go. He chose for his family to dwell in the plain of Jordan that contained five cities. The one in which he decided to eventually settle down was called Sodom. Abram, on the other hand, chose for his family to dwell in the land of Canaan. So, here’s the question to consider. Have you ever asked yourself, I wonder what kind of a place did just (righteous) Lot actually choose to reside in? Let’s find out.

Genesis 18:20-21 And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

These verses tell us that the Lord became aware that the cry (the outrage; the conduct or behavior [that’s] extremely violent and bad38) of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah was great (was multiplied; was everywhere). And their sin was very grievous (heinous - totally reprehensible39). We can’t blame Lot for moving there as how would he have known the state of wickedness among its inhabitants. The good news was that while he resided there, he had time to preach the gospel of Yahweh to his children and to the inhabitants. Right? Are there any examples of this? I’m sure we’ll find some.

Genesis 18:22-23 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord. And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Unbeknownst to Lot, the Lord appeared (refers to a theophany – a manifestation or appearance of God or a god to a person40) to his uncle, Abraham (at this time his name was no longer Abram), about the idea of destroying all of the five cities of the plain with Sodom being one of them. Conversely, two angels were sent to Lot to warn him of the upcoming judgment.  

Abraham tried to avert this disaster by interceding on their behalf. He asked the Lord, “Will You still destroy these cities if there reside in them so many righteous?” And God would answer no. Abraham would ask the same question over and over again and again, with the number of righteous being found less than the number mentioned before. He stopped after asking, “What if there are ten righteous?” Why? Maybe he thought that if there were a total of less than ten righteous in all of the five cities of the plain that they were too far gone in their wickedness to respond to the gospel of Yahweh.

Genesis 19:1-2 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

The two angels arrived at the gates of Sodom and found just Lot being a gracious host bowing himself with his face toward the ground. Following that, he invited them to lodge at his house. Surely these actions are evidence of fellowship with Yahweh. Right?

According to the customs of the time, the gate of a city was an arched entrance where the inhabitants assembled either for social intercourse or to transact public business.41 The bowing was a sign to show respect to superiors and to demonstrate peaceful intentions.42 And what else is interesting is that strangers frequently decline the first offer of an invitation in the same way as the angels did, until hospitality is pressed upon them.43 What we could conclude was that these responses were cultural and weren’t necessarily evidence of Lot operating by faith. Are there any other examples of his behavior that might evidence fellowship?

Genesis 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

As the story goes, the two angels of the Lord came into Lot’s house and were ready to settle in for the night, but all of a sudden, the men of the city surrounded the house and called unto Lot to send these men (angels) outside so that they may know them (have homosexual relations with them). I’m sure Lot responded to their request with godly integrity.

Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

He basically said to them that instead of taking these men, take his two daughters and do whatever they wanted to them. Lot didn’t pray to Yahweh for guidance or rely on a godly perspective but decided to use human reason to address the situation. It’s pretty obvious that he was not operating in fellowship. Are there any other examples of his behavior that we can look at that would convince us that he had fellowship with God?

Lot was told by the two angels to tell any friends, relatives, sons, and daughters of the upcoming judgment so that they might join him in the escape. Scriptures seem to indicate that he had at least four daughters, two of whom were living at home, while the remaining two were married and living elsewhere. Unfortunately, when the time came to leave Sodom, only Lot, his wife, and the two daughters that were living at home were ready to go. As they were leaving, all of them were instructed not to look back on the city during their departure. However, his wife didn’t heed the instruction. She looked back and was subsequently turned into a pillar of salt. Thus, the cities of the plain and all the inhabitants were destroyed as foretold.

Genesis 19:30-36 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

Eventually, Lot and his two daughters found safety in a mountain. Lot had an opportunity to resume what hopefully was going on with him and his family while they lived in Sodom, which was to teach his two daughters the ways of Yahweh. Is this what really transpired? His two daughters connived to get their father drunk so that unaware to him, he would have sexual relations with each, thus resulting in their pregnancy.

I’m sure that Lot wouldn’t allow this drinking binge to take place but rather would drink in moderation always keeping in mind how important it was to preserve his testimony before Yahweh and before them. Well, I say, what testimony? They got him drunk on two separate consecutive occasions with the result that he had sexual relations with each of them, resulting in their pregnancy. So much for just Lot!

2 Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

This verse that we started with tells us a lot more about him in that he was vexed (continually tormented) with the shameless manner of life of the wicked (those who are morally corrupt). His actions revealed his heart. He didn’t follow Yahweh but followed his own desires. Did the fact that there was no evidence of fellowship annul his relationship with Yahweh? No. He was still called just. His relationship with Yahweh was kept intact, even though there was no evidence of fellowship with Him.

The next person we’ll look at is one of the kings of Israel who presided over all twelve tribes at the same time. There were only three kings who presided over all of them: King Saul, King David, and King Solomon. All three transgressed the Mosaic Law. However, only one of them, for the most part, evidenced little or no fellowship with God throughout his life. Do you know which one I’m talking about?

King Saul

Before the Jews were ruled by kings, they were under the rule of judges. These were men or women whom God raised up when they cried unto Him for deliverance or protection from their enemies. The Jews no longer wanted to remain under the rule of judges, as those who were appointed to be their future rulers were found to be corrupt. So, they desired a king to rule over them as was done in other nations. God reluctantly granted them their request when He anointed a man named Saul to be their first king.

Before this took place, Saul had been sent by his father along with one of the servants to find some donkeys that had strayed. After looking for a while and not finding them, he was ready to return home. However, having reached the land of Zuph on his travels, his servant told him of a prophet of God, who if asked, might provide the answer as to where the animals had gone.

When they arrived in the city, the prophet Samuel was told by God the name of the man who would be Israel’s next king. As they met at the gate of the city, Samuel said to him these words, “And on whom is all the desire of Israel?” (1 Samuel 9:20). It appears that after hearing this, he realized he was chosen to be the next leader of Israel. After dining with Samuel and thirty others, Saul was instructed by him in the Word of God on the following morning. Following this, Samuel anointed him to be king. Thus, it turns out at this time that Saul entered into a relationship with Yahweh.

1 Samuel 10:5-7 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.

Saul was then instructed by Samuel to go to a certain city and meet up with a company of prophets, at which time the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him (on-resting Spirit), and he would be turned into another man. Subsequently, Samuel called the twelve tribes of Israel to gather together, and Saul was brought before them as their new king. Israel had its king, albeit one who had the Spirit of God. All appeared good. What could go wrong?

1 Samuel 11:5-6 And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

Initially, Saul gave evidence of fellowship with Yahweh soon after his proclamation as king. The Ammonites were threatening to destroy a Jewish city called Jabesh-Gilead. When Saul heard about it, the Spirit of God came upon him, and he sent word throughout all the land for help. Over three hundred thousand Jews responded. And when the day of the battle took place, the Ammonites were soundly defeated. All began well, but it would soon to crumble.

Two years later, another battle was about to take place. This time it was to be between Israel and the Philistines. The prophet Samuel told Saul not to act but to wait for seven days for him to arrive. Upon his arrival, he would sacrifice to the Lord. On the seventh day, with still no sign of Samuel and feeling the pressure of the Philistine forces that could attack at any moment, Saul took it upon himself to offer sacrifice. Soon after that, Samuel arrived and scolded him for what he'd done. He told Saul that because of this transgression, God had His sight set on someone else to become the next king. This appears to be the beginning of Saul’s downward spiral.

What I’d like to do next is illustrate from this point on, how he no longer communed with the Lord. Let’s take a look at the many examples of his carnal behavior.

Saul didn’t utterly destroy the Amalekites, their king, and livestock per command of the prophet Samuel. 1 Samuel 14:3, 9

The on-resting Spirit departed from him, and he was given from the Lord an evil spirit. 1 Samuel 16:14

Saul didn’t seek the Lord nor respond to the challenge made by the champion of the Philistines named Goliath to send someone out from the army to fight him mano a mano before the battle. 1 Samuel 17:10-11

Saul became jealous of a young man named David who volunteered to fight and kill Goliath and, because of such, received more accolades than he did in respect to his military conquests.

1 Samuel 17:7-9

Saul attempted to kill David with a spear in the palace while David was providing comfort for him by playing the harp. 1 Samuel 18:10-11

Saul set David as commander over a thousand of his army and promised his daughter Merab in marriage. However, the true intention of this arrangement was that David might be killed in battle. When the time came for the marriage to be consummated, Saul gave his daughter in marriage to someone else. 1 Samuel 18:13, 17-19

Saul, being made aware that one of his other daughters, named Michal, loved David, offered her to him in marriage on the condition that he would go out and slay one hundred Philistines. He hoped that during this engagement that David would be slain. 1 Samuel 18:20-27

Saul put a bounty on David and asked his son Jonathon and his servants to kill him. 1 Samuel 19:1

Saul’s son Jonathon seems to have made peace between his father and David. However, when David returned to the palace and played the harp, Saul attempted to kill him again. 1 Samuel 19:7, 9-10

Saul devised to kill David while he was at home with his wife, Michal. She somehow found out about this plot and told him to flee a.s.a.p. 1 Samuel 19:11-12

Saul set out on a campaign with his army to find out wherever it was that David had decided to reside and hunt him down and kill him. 1 Samuel 19:18-20

I could continue on and on, but it’s pretty evident that Saul was no longer in fellowship with the Lord. His behavior was so ungodly that one could assume that if anyone lost their relationship with Yahweh, it would be him. Is there any indication that he lost his relationship with Yahweh?

Before I attempt to answer this, we need to know where the Old Testament saints went after death. Did they go to heaven? To answer this, I believe it’s best served for us to look at a parable. What is a parable? A parable is "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning."44 It may ordinarily signify an imaginary story, yet one that in its details could have actually transpired. The purpose of the story is to illustrate and inculcate some higher spiritual truth, the argumentative or doctrinal value of parables is found in this, that they may, in accordance with the analogy of Scripture, illustrate truth already clearly expressed elsewhere.45    

Let’s go to the book of Luke 16:19-31. You might have read about this parable before. This is about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. The main thing that I wanted us to focus on was the place where each one of them went following physical death.

22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

We’re clearly told that the spirits of both of these men went to hell, albeit in two different compartments. The rich man went to a place that I’ll call Torments. The beggar went to a different place called Abraham’s bosom. The rich man, suffering from intense heat, asked Abraham if he could send Lazarus to him with some water so that his tongue might be cooled. Abraham said this was impossible, for there was no way to get from one place to the other as there was a great gulf between the two places.

Then the rich man asked if Lazarus could be sent back to the land of the living and warn his five brothers of this God-forsaken place. Abraham responded that they had Moses and the prophets, so let them hear them. In other words, the gospel of Yahweh would be presented to them, and his brothers, like himself, would have an opportunity to respond to it and thus avoid going to the place of Torments in which he was residing.

You might ask, why were the spirits of the deceased Old Testament saints sent there? They were sent there because heaven wasn’t open to receiving them. Why not? Because the penalty for sin and its cancellation hadn’t been achieved by Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection.

And by the way, we’re also told that when Jesus died on the cross, his spirit went to hell, where he not only preached to the spirits (fallen angels) that were residing in prison being referred to as hell (Tartaroosas) or Tartarus in 2 Peter 2:4 but also raised with him the spirits of the righteous dead when he ascended into heaven.

1 Peter 3:18-19 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Ephesians 4:8-10 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

With that said, how does this parable relate to King Saul? Let’s go to 1 Samuel, chapter 28. Saul and his army were set to meet the Philistines in battle, and while he was observant of their much larger force, he was very concerned that this could result not only in defeat but also in his own death.

1 Samuel 28:6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

Saul realized that he needed divine counsel that would provide for him an answer as to how the outcome of the battle would go. He couldn’t go to the prophet Samuel because he’d since died. So, he tried to obtain divine counsel through three different means:

Dreams – by praying to God that He would answer him in this manner.

Urim – by going to the high priest, asking him counsel, and seeking an answer from the response by one of the two stones that were placed over the garment he was wearing, called an Ephod.

Prophets – by asking one of them to consult the Lord on behalf of the disclosed situation.

However, no answer was forthcoming from any of these avenues. So, he decided to seek counsel from a forbidden source, a witch. How the mighty have fallen! Saul’s servants were sent to seek a woman who could provide counsel. Eventually, they finally found one at a place called Endor. Saul asked her to get in touch with someone whom he believed would provide for him the counsel he needed, this person being the deceased prophet Samuel.

1 Samuel 28:15-17 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David:

The witch did her thing, and to her amazement, the prophet Samuel appeared, and Saul proceeded to ask him about the outcome of the battle with the Philistines. Samuel told him that not only would Israel lose the battle, but both he and his sons would perish. And then Samuel made this astounding statement to the king, whom God had rejected.

1 Samuel 28:19 Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

He conveyed to him that following their demise, both he and his sons would be with him where he was residing. And where is it that Samuel and the Old Testament saints went when they died? To Abraham’s bosom. This is clear evidence that both Saul and each of his sons had a relationship with Yahweh and that irrespective of Saul’s daily decisions to not be in fellowship with the Lord, his relationship with Him was not forfeited.

Before we go on and look at the next dispensation, called the Church Age, let’s summarize what we’ve learned concerning the answers to the following questions in each dispensation.

 

The Age of the Gentiles

What caused an unbeliever to have a relationship with Yahweh?

An unbeliever entered into a relationship with Yahweh by believing in His blessings or what He’d promised would come to pass, and because of such, he/she would be righteous (declared righteous; would have righteousness credited to his/her account; admitted to God’s favor and friendship; be regarded as a righteous person; be accepted as righteous; be given a seal of righteousness). Romans 4:3

 

What caused a believer to have fellowship with Yahweh?

A believer had fellowship (became righteous in conduct; experiential righteousness) with Yahweh by faith (his will acted on what God told him46). Hebrews 11:7

The Age of Israel

What caused an unbeliever to have a relationship with Yahweh?

An unbeliever had a relationship with Yahweh by believing in Him or in what He’d said, and as such, He would impute righteousness to him/her (credited righteousness to him/her; treated him/her as a righteous man/woman; admitted him/her to his favor). Romans 4:6

What caused a believer to have fellowship with Yahweh?

A believer evidenced fellowship (being righteous in conduct) with Yahweh by being faithful (of doing reliably the tasks associated with an office or title47). Hebrews 3:5

 

The Incarnation of Christ

What caused someone to have a relationship with Jesus during His incarnation?

An unbeliever had a relationship with Jesus if he/she believed in Him as the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

What caused someone to have fellowship with Jesus during his incarnation?

They had fellowship with Him if they were obedient to His commands (i.e., preach the Kingdom of Heaven, heal the sick, cast out demons, etc.).

 

Did little or no evidence of fellowship in any of these dispensations cause a believer to lose their relationship with Yahweh or Jesus?

No. As evidenced by Lot and King Saul, a believer’s spiritual standing in time and their eternal destiny was not affected by little or no fellowship.

We have one more dispensation to look at which is called the Church Age. This is the age in which we, Christians, currently live. The same questions we’ve been attempting to answer in each dispensation concerning relationship, fellowship, and salvation, we’ll now attempt to answer in this dispensation.

However, what we’ll find out is there are at least four different views or avenues concerning what constitutes salvation, i.e., someone finding God or becoming a child of God and going to a better place at death. Will each of these avenues, or only one of them, have the answer? Let’s find out.

 

Endnotes

38UBS Old Testament.

39Dictionary.com.

40Dictionary.

41Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament Pc Study Bible version 5, 2005, 30 November 2018

˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.

42IVP Bible Background Commentary Pc Study Bible version 5, 2005, 30 November 2018

˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.

43Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

44Easton.

45International Standard Bible Dictionary Pc Study Bible version 5, 2005, 30 November 2018

 ˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.

46The Bible Exposition Commentary.

47UBS New Testament.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ITJ1wj

Website: https://bit.ly/3mWKJ2r     

New Covenant Ministries - Ministerios NuevoPacto - Harbor Church, Block Island                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Sunday & Thursday Worship - Domingo & Jueves 7:00PM                   

 

My name is James Rondinone. I am a husband, father, and spiritual leader.

I grew up in Massachusetts and began my own spiritual journey early on in life.

I attended Bible college, having completed a two-year Christian Leadership Course of Study and graduated as valedictorian (Summa Cum Laude).

Studying and teaching the Word of God has been a passion of mine for over 20 years.

The Rock Almighty: Jesus Christ the Comforter and The Healing Power Of Praise!

 

• Author Brian Barns

Jesus said "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you"

The Holy Spirit is God's spirit, in the same sense that man has a spirit. It's not some being seperate from the man, just as it is not some seperate individual in God.

1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Notice the comparison of the spirit of God to the spirit of man in that verse. I have a spirit. My spirit is not someone seperate and distinct from me in the same sense that God the father has a spirit which is not a seperate and distinct being from him.

Now you are probably wondering the identity of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise known as the "comforter" or the "spirit of truth". Well the bible teaches us something about who God is.

1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

So we have one God the father, not "One God the father, the son and the holy spirit". We also have one Lord Jesus Christ.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Now I'm gonna propose something to you that the original Adventist pioneers knew. That is that Jesus Christ is our comforter. It is Christ in you the hope of glory. Our one Lord Jesus is that spirit. Let's look at John 14 very carefully.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Many stop reading there. And they say "Christ said another comforter" so clearly there is a third divine being. But let me propose that Christ is "another comforter" however he is "another of the same" in the same sense as "Saul was turned into another man"[1 Sam 10:6]

1Sa 10:6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

Now Saul was not someone else seperate and distinct from himself. He had just been through an experience which changed him. Remember the comforter could not come until Christ was glorified.[John 7:39, John 16:7]. But in verse 17 of John 14 he says "he dwelleth with you and shall be in you"[John 14:17].

The question is how could that spirit be dwelling with them when the spirit would not be sent till Christ was glorified? The answer is because Jesus Christ himself is that comforter who was dwelling with them. Jesus doesn't stop at verse 17.

Let's look at verse 18.

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

It's Jesus Christ himself who is our comforter. Why is he "another" comforter. Well he is "another" comforter in the sense that he is the same but different after he is glorified. Let's look at Hebrews 2:18 to see this difference.

Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

See the difference? The word "succor" means "help. It's much more of a "comfort" to be helped by someone who has been through what you've been through. It's not very comforting to have a comforter who doesn't really understand what your being tempted with. So praise God that we have Christ as our comforter. As Ellen White once said:

"There is no comforter like Christ, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart.… The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul." (Ellen White, Review & Herald, October 26, 1897)

Contrary to popular belief there is not another comforter like Christ. Also the greek word used for the "comforter" is "parakletos". John uses this word 5 times. 4 times it is translated comforter. The 5th time it is translated "advocate" which is in 1 John 2:1.

1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate[parakletos(comforter)] with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

The church has apostacized and is now serving the God of Babylon[Rev 13:2]. Not one of our significant pioneers were Trinitarian. This should be a disturbing fact and worthy of study considering "this is life eternal to know the only true God"[John 17:3]. And I'm sure that you will want to study this out as I don't believe you would want to ignorantly worship the "mystery of the Trinity" otherwise known to us as the modern day "UNKNOWN God".

1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

http://www.elijah144.com/thegiftholyspirit.htm,

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US Sports Softball: Softball Conditioning - Core Training is the Secret to More Power and Pitching by THSCA Softball

 

• Author Marc Dagenais

We know that the trunk plays an important role in softball.

More specifically, the trunk and the muscles of the abdominal region are responsible for (1) generating rotational power and (2) stabilizing the trunk which necessary to transfer a maximum amount of power from the lower body muscles to the upper body (the trunk links the two). The power generated by the trunk and the lower body muscles (transmitted to the upper body through a stable trunk) are vital for actions such hitting, pitching, and throwing.

As you can see, it's very important for a softball player to have a stable, strong, and powerful abdominal region not only to be successful on the field, but also to prevent injuries.

This is why proper abdominal training is so important. However, too many softball players don't train their abdominal region properly. Too often, most of their abdominal training consists of leg raises and floor-based crunches and sit-ups. While these exercises help develop a "six-pack" and good-looking abs, they do very little to increase performance and prevent injuries.

 

The abdominal region is often referred to as the "core". However, the "core" is more than just the rectus abdominis (the "six-pack" muscle). According to many exercise specialists, the core can be defined as the lower trunk musculature. The major muscles of the lower trunk musculature are the rectus abdominis ("six-pack" muscle), the external and internal obliques, the transversus abdominis (deep internal abdominal muscle) and the erector spinae (lower back muscle). abs big Softball Conditioning Core Training is the Secret to More Power

Now, the problem with leg raises and floor-based crunches and sit-ups is that they mostly target one muscle: the rectus abdominis ("six-pack" muscle) and while it may help make you feel good about yourself by developing good-looking abs, this muscle doesn't contribute to the generation of rotational power or the stabilization of the trunk (transmission of power from the lower to the upper body).

In other words, it is a pretty useless muscle in softball. So, if your routine consists mostly of leg raises and floor-based crunches and sit-ups, you are pretty much shooting yourself in the foot!

Most of the influence in abdominal training comes from the bodybuilding field where the only goal is to make the abdominal muscles that you can see (mainly the "six-pack" muscle) bigger, more defined and good-looking. They really don’t care about performance but we do and that's why we need to do things differently.

To train your core properly, you must integrate into your routine exercises that will (a) involved many muscles of the core and (b) force the trunk to stabilize. The key is to target deeper abdominal muscles such as the transversus abdominis, a deep internal abdominal muscle that plays a key role in stabilizing the trunk and transferring power from the lower to the upper body. Any exercise that is not a leg raise or a floor-based crunch or sit-up (or a close variation of it) is likely to accomplish these two goals. Throw away that old-school and ineffective ab exercises and starts using innovative, highly effective core training exercises.

Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball peak performance coach that helps players and teams hit with more power and be more dominant on the softball field. To get tons of great FREE softball drills to boost your game, visit us at: http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-drills

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The Rock Almighty: God's Abundant Life and Time To Heal, Be Ready To Fight Back. Jesus Style!

 

• Author James Rondinone

PART 5 GOD’S ABUNDANT LIFE

CHAPTER 4

WHAT MAJOR DECISION WOULD HELP A BELIEVER EXPERIENCE GOD’S ABUNDANT LIFE?

The answer is by attending a Spirit-filled church assembly. This begs the question.

How would a believer recognize a Spirit-filled church assembly?

It might sound like it’s a church environment where everyone knows each other, likes each other and enjoys volunteering for church functions. And might I say, I would hope these interactions would be such. But at the heart of it all, there should be something or someone that binds everyone and everything together.

With these thoughts in mind, let’s define what should characterize a Spirit-filled assembly. A Spirit-filled assembly is an assembly where the believers are being influenced and prompted by the Holy Spirit not only when they attend the worship services but every day of their life.

How do I know whether the church I’m attending or the one that I might attend is Spirit-filled?

This is the million-dollar question. I believe there are certain characteristics that will be evidenced when a believer attends a Spirit-filled church. Some of these you might recognize, and some of these you might not. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at them.

The Gospel of Christ Should Be Clearly Presented.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I can’t stress how important this is. There should be a time during the assembly gathering when the gospel of Christ is presented to unbelievers.

The presenting of the gospel in a church service would most likely be done by leadership who would declare to anyone that was an unbeliever their need to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. While we’ve already talked about this earlier in this study, it’s crucial to point out that at this moment, the new believer would receive the indwelling Spirit into their life along with eternal, abundant life and a number of other spiritual benefits.

The gospel message and the unbeliever’s response to it allow each new member to be able to experience God’s presence, be convicted of sin, have access to God the Father in prayer, receive at least one spiritual gift which signifies his/her place in the body of Christ, be provided with the proper motivation to serve God, and be enabled to grow spiritually.

And just to mention what the gospel is not. You cannot receive the indwelling Spirit by being baptized in water. Furthermore, belief in Christ solely as a teacher or prophet and not God incarnate, being one of the members of the Trinity, being deity will also negate salvation from taking place.

What else should we look for when we gather together with the saints for worship and praise?

2.  Grace Teachings.

These are teachings that are given to us without human effort or ritual. They are contained in God’s Word, the Bible. I’ve given different names to the varied classifications of these doctrines.

Foundational Doctrines: These are doctrines upon which our faith stands. The names of some of these are the doctrine of the Trinity; the deity of Christ; the deity of God the Father; the deity of the Holy Spirit; the gospel of Christ; salvation; atonement; redemption; the blood of Christ; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of Christ; Christ is the only way to get to heaven; and eternal security.

Intellectual Doctrines: These give us further information about our faith. The names of some of them are the doctrine of Spiritual Blessings, of Baptisms, of the Seven Crowns, of a godly Mouth, of Divine Guidance, of Defense Mechanisms, of Complaining, of Spiritual Growth, of the Virgin Birth, of the Lord’s Supper, etc.

Remember that we can’t lose or undo any of the foundational doctrines. I know that this sounds like a strange statement. What I mean is that we can’t undo Christ’s atonement, His payment for our sins, the providing of forgiveness, His resurrection, salvation, or the indwelling Spirit by our behavior or lack of performing good works. Our standing with Christ is different from our walk with Him. One is permanent, while the other is conditional.

One of the intellectual doctrines that I consider paramount is what we’ll take a look at next.

3.  Church Teachings That Include the Doctrine of Personal Sanctification.

You might be thinking, I know what you mean by this. You mean, find a church where the teachings are all about not committing certain sins. Most churches will have a preset doctrinal platform whose teachings present the foundational and intellectual doctrines along with what I would call Spiritual Growth doctrines.

What do I mean when I talk about spiritual growth? And how do we grow spiritually?                                                               

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We grow not only by learning about the truths of our faith but also by the renewing of your mind. The Apostle Paul was instructing the Christians at Rome to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The word transformed in Greek means inward transformation; to appear as new people with new habits; of a person changing his outward expression from that which he has to a different one, an expression which comes from and is representative of his inner being.36 So, what causes inward transformation in the believer?

It’s having our minds renewed that brings about inward transformation. The words renewing of your mind means the variation of new views and feelings; a complete change for the better of the believers’ mental processes; as the mind keeps on being made new by the spiritual input of God's Word, … his lifestyle keeps on being transformed37; as you spend time meditating on God's Word, memorizing it, and making it a part of your inner man, God will gradually make your mind more spiritual.38 Wow! Wow! And Wow!              

After salvation, we still have a sin nature whose preoccupation is with thoughts that are contrary to all that has occurred in our lives before our conversion. These thoughts, words, and actions that have had a lifetime to develop need an intervention. They need to be replaced with a new perception, i.e., divine viewpoint.

Thinking anew. Responding different. If someone says bad things about us, we bless them by saying good things about them. If someone has done something against us, we pray that they would acknowledge their sinful ways and an opportunity would open up for the gospel to be shared with them. Thoughts of lust can be replaced with thoughts of not loving others for our own advantage.

As we begin to apply the Word of God, what we’re actually doing is developing the fruit of the Spirit. Before we know it, the Holy Spirit’s influences and promptings become more apparent to us. And the next thing you know, we’re engaged in prayer, giving financially, and volunteering to participate in this or that with the right motives.

So, be careful when the emphasis of the church is on doing, doing, and doing with little or no teaching on this doctrine. Be aware when messages are brought forth that says you will lose the Spirit, or you’re standing with God because of whatever it is they say will cause these things to be removed (e.g., sinful behavior, not attending church, not exhibiting good works, not being obedient to leadership commands). Be on guard for teachings that emphasize following the tenets of the Mosaic Law, the institution that was given to the Jews by Moses from God (observing the Sabbath; tithing; earning and maintaining salvation by obeying its many commands). 

4.  The Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Every time I mention this topic, I would get a response from a fellow believer that I must be involved in a Pentecostal church. In my youth, I would attend a mainstream church with my parents, and I can honestly say that I never heard of the gifts of the Spirit. After my spiritual conversion, which took place in my mid-twenties, I attended a Spirit-filled non-denominational church that evidenced these gifts even though I wouldn’t describe it as being Pentecostal with the impression of there being an overemphasis placed on them. I would describe this church as being God-centered in the sense of teaching on the fulness of the doctrines of the Word, of emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit, of experiencing God’s presence, and of evidencing godliness in everything we say and do.

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

What are the gifts of the Spirit? What is their purpose? How many are there, and what are their names and functions?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are divine empowerments, extraordinary powers, and a favor that one receives without any merit of their own. Are the gifts of the Spirit natural talents? No. Talents are received at birth. They are natural endowments.

As for their purpose, I love this explanation. God gives to each member of the body of Christ at least one gift as shall manifest the work and nature of the Spirit’s operation on the mind, which gives each person some proof of the Spirit’s presence in order to promote harmony in the church.39

Some believe there are fifteen gifts. Their names can be found in the book of Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7-10, 28. I’ll mention a few of them now just so we can have an awareness of what they’re all about.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

The word of wisdom can be described as insight into doctrinal truth. It could also refer to supernatural wisdom about how to solve a practical or spiritual problem.40

The word of knowledge is the revealing of a fact in existence (of the present or past) that can only be supernaturally revealed. In other words, this is not something that could be known naturally, but something one’s eyes have not [seen] and ears have not heard.41

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

Faith is a peculiar impulse, … that came upon the apostles when any difficult matter was to be performed, which inwardly assured them that God's power would assist them in the performance of it.42 Another way of describing this gift is to say that God brings about a supernatural change with no human effort involved. God does something on our behalf but independent of us. This gift can also operate in areas of divine protection and divine provision.43

Healing is the power to heal various kinds of illnesses or diseases. Healing can come through a prayer of faith and the laying on of hands by the elders (James 5:14-15) or by speaking a word from the Lord for specific healing (Acts 3:6). We can pray and lay hands on the sick as we respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit (Acts 28:8).

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

The working of miracles has to do with God entrusting a believer with strength or energy that we don’t normally have. Another way of saying this is a believer does a supernatural act by the divine energy of the Holy Spirit.44

Discerning of spirits is the divine ability to the presence and activity of a spirit that motivates a human being, whether good or bad.45 Their doctrine is subject to examination, and what they’re saying is considered as to whether it proceeded from the Spirit of God. 

Prophecy is the anointed speaking forth of words of edification (to build up), exhortation (a call to encouragement), and comfort (consolation- includes the healing of distress, of sorrow, of persecution, and of suffering) for the church.46 Its exercise is not solely intellectually based. [It’s] calling forth words from the Spirit of God.47 [It’s also] designed to warn men and [women] of sin or shortcomings.48 Someone who has this gift might also predict future events if they were called to the leadership gift of prophet.

Divers kinds of tongues mean speaking in a foreign language that one has not learned, which is inspired by the Holy Spirit. If it’s not interpreted, then it speaks mysteries to God, and the speaking is unable to understand what is being said. While the believer conveying it might be edified, those in the periphery will be unaware of what God would like to proclaim.

Interpretation of tongues is used to explain the meaning of the words that were spoken in a foreign tongue into the known language of the hearers.

There you have it, the characteristics of a Spirit-filled church. The true gospel is proclaimed, the foundational and intellectual doctrines of the faith are being taught, learning how to grow spiritually is brought forth by leadership in their teachings and examples, and the operation of the gifts of the Spirit is promoted to be exercised decently and in order. In this church, God’s abundant life is ever flowing. Lives are being changed from glory to glory. Church is fun because God shows up. Hallelujah! Praise God! Thank you, Lord!

Just meditating on what was just said is exhilarating.

What I’d like us to discuss next is the kind of decisions we could make that might help us experience God’s abundant life on a daily basis. While I might have already given you some advice in this area, there’s more to discover.

But before you turn there, please read the following article that conveys the additional characteristics of a Spirit-filled church.

10 CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRIT-LED CHURCH

by Paul Chappell | Jun 16, 2014 | Christian Life, Ministry Leadership

[It’s] impossible to read the book of Acts without seeing the evident power of the Holy Spirit working through the first-century churches—not just in the miraculous sign gifts, but in the daily witness of the churches.

I’m convinced that the reason we [don’t] always see this power in our churches today is [that] we tend to focus more on programs and action items than we do on seeking God’s power. It has been said, “If you can fully explain the ministry of a church, something is wrong.”

What evidences do we see in the early church of the work of the Holy Spirit? The same [evidence] set forth in a Spirit-led church today:

Fear of the Lord

Worship has never been about bringing God down to our level but about worshiping God for who He is. When we have a sense of awe and godly fear in the presence of God, we carry an awareness of His presence through the week and live in obedience to Him.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul…—Acts 2:42–43

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.—Proverbs 14:26

Desire for the Holy Spirit’s Fullness

Although I regularly preach on the holy lifestyle God calls His children to live, in the past twenty-eight years of pastoral ministry, I’ve preached more on the Spirit-filled life than any other topic. Without a yieldedness to the Holy Spirit and a hunger for His power, no matter how free from worldliness our lives may be, they will be empty and shallow. Having a desire for the power of the Holy Spirit means we move from self-reliance to God-reliance in every facet of our lives.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;—Ephesians 5:18

Fervent preaching

Biblical preaching that lifts up Christ and boldly declares the truths of His Word is the great need of the hour. As E.M. Bounds rightly said, “The power of Christ’s dispensation is a fiery pulpit. Not a learned pulpit, not a popular pulpit, not an eloquent pulpit, but a pulpit on fire with the Holy Ghost.”

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.—Acts 4:13

Doctrinal teaching

Nothing is as important as the doctrines of the Word of God. The early Christians saved at Pentecost continued first in the [apostles’] doctrine. With the emphasis on doctrine—the clear teaching of God’s Word—they continued in fellowship and prayer. The doctrine of the [apostles] was the natural backdrop for teaching young Christians the lifestyle set forth by those doctrines. To reverse the pattern—teaching what we do before teaching what we believe—is to give people the fruit without helping them develop the root.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.—Acts 2:42

Fervent prayer

One of the overriding characteristics in the early church was prayer. Prayer was their source of power, comfort, courage, and hope, and it was the underlying force for their witness, faithfulness, and growth. A church without frequent times of fervent prayer is a church without power.

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…—Acts 1:14

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.—Acts 6:4

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.—Acts 12:5

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;—Romans 12:12

Loving fellowship

We easily connect the two words fervent prayer in our minds. But what about fervent love? Indeed, the early church was a loving church—a church with an intense spirit of love for one another to bear burdens, sacrificially give, and gladly fellowship.

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.—1 Peter 4:8

Sacrificial spirit

The natural outflow of love is sacrifice. As Amy Carmichael once said, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.—Acts 2:44–45

Obedient witness

The early church not only witnessed in the power of the Holy Spirit, but they did so in spite of intense persecution. A Spirit-led church is a church that witnesses for Christ regularly, passionately, and faithfully—regardless of the obstacles.

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock 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.—Acts 8:1–4

Gracious spirit

A Spirit-led church overflows with the grace of God. And that grace will never be more evident than it is in the relationships within the church. Whether it be the member to member, member to [pastor,] or pastor to member relationship, every relationship in the church should set forth the graciousness of Spirit-filled people. A bickering, quarreling church is not likely to see the supernatural power of God.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.—Acts 4:33

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.—James 4:1–2

Dedicated ministry

While the first characteristic we saw—the fear of the Lord—is an attitude of the heart, this characteristic—dedicated ministry—is the corresponding outward action. To serve the Lord is to obey His will by obeying His commands. And a Spirit-led church will be focused on obeying Christ’s command to preach the gospel in its community and around the world.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.—Acts 1:8

Do these characteristics describe the church you pastor or attend? More importantly—because, after all, a church is comprised of people—do they describe your life?

I’m all for [carefully planned] programs to further a biblical vision of fulfilling the Great Commission. But programs without the power of God are empty and fruitless. As it has been wisely said, “Anything done in our own strength will fail [miserably] or succeed even more miserably.”

To see the power of God in our churches and spiritual fruit for our efforts, we need to return to a dependence on and yieldedness to the Holy Spirit of God.49

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ITJ1wj

Website: http://bit.ly/1RQnYJ8          

Endnotes

36 Weust.

37 Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament, 2000. BIBLESOFT. WEB. 09 February 2020 ˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.

38 The Bible Exposition.

39 Barnes.

40Jewish New Testament Commentary Pc Study Bible version 5, 1992. BIBLESOFT. WEB. 26 October 2021 ˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.

41Lester Sumrall. “The Gifts and Ministries of the Holy Spirit,” Lester Sumrall Evangelical Association, 1982. .

42Adam Clarke.

43Lester Sumrall.

44Lester Sumrall.

45Lester Sumrall.

46“Motivational Gifts – What are Spiritual Motivational Gifts?” 24 March 2012 ˂http://christianity.about.com/od/holyspirittopicalstudy/a/spiritualgifts_2.htm>.

47Lester Sumrall.

48Lester Sumrall.

49Paul Chappell. “10 CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRIT-LED CHURCH,” 15 December 2021 .

My name is James Rondinone.

I grew up in Massachusetts and began my own spiritual journey early on in life.

I attended Bible college, having completed a two-year Christian Leadership course of study, and graduated as valedictorian (summa cum laude).

I’ve written and published a number of spiritual books on various biblical topics.

The Rock Almighty. We are NOW to Enter into DEEPLY FRIGHTENING TIMES and The Death Of A Warrior, Given Rise To A Nation Of Warriors!

 

• Author Garfield Gregoire

When I said we are now to enter into frightening times, I am speaking about the United States and the dire national troubles that are going to befall the nation.

America’s Influence is in Decline

Just consider where America’s standing is in the world today: as a nation, America has been the leader among the nations of the world and there was a time when America was feared and respected by other nations, but over time that respect and leadership role of the United States has been eroding – causing other nations to not only lose respect for the United States, but are now threatening the United States. Even Niger – which was once a partner of the United States, has asked the US to leave its country, and also as this article is being written, Chad, another country in central Africa, has indicated that it wants the United States to leave the country – for possible cooperation with Russia instead of the United States. Truly America is in decline.

I have said before that there are those who will say the shameful exit or pull out from Afghanistan has served to bolster the aggressor nations such as China, Russia, and Iran to be even more defiant against America- because they see the lack of will on the part of America to fight; and there are those who will tell you that this weakness has emboldened Russia to attack Ukraine. And even as this article is being written, I read a news report stating that Putin warned that any Western air base hosting U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets that are slated for deployment in Ukraine would be a “legitimate target” for the Kremlin’s forces. It is clear, Putin sees America’s weakness and is feeding on it.

As of now, America has been attempting to protect three frontiers – Europe, Middle East and East Asia – of which is it becoming more questionable whether or not the United States would even have the will to use its military power to protect another country; For example, would the United States be willing to send its forces to fight and protect Taiwan from China? Considering how timid we have become - it should place a high degree of doubt in people’s mind that America would be willing to do any such thing; and as a result, it is quite realistic to consider China taking Taiwan with no military intervention from the United States; and if this were to happen this would be a most SIGNIFICANT BLOW to America’s credibility.

Our Foolish and Rebellious Ways are Bringing Down the Nation

Just look and consider the deplorable moral state of the United States today; we are wallowing in the cesspool of immorality and divisiveness; it seems that every form of evil is being perpetrated in the nation; we have uncontrollable violence and wickedness being carried out across the cities; there is lying stealing and murder on levels that are of epic proportion. Both Democrat and Republicans are at each other’s throat – with each Party seeking to blame the other - unable to come to agreements that are supposed to benefit the nation. For example, look at the overwhelming immigration problem; the nation is being overwhelmed with illegals coming from all over the word and is being spread abroad throughout the various cities – with some living on the streets because of housing problem; Is it not a foolish thing for leaders to allow illegals to overwhelm its cities – creating problems for the well-being and safety of the American people?

I recently read Newsweek report in April 2024 - which states that the Migrant’s monthly payment in New York City is higher than veteran’s compensation; the article states that a family of four migrants in New York City receives more monthly funding that a family of four which include a military veteran who receives disability compensation. The article went on to say: “Migrants coming to New York City are being given prepaid debit cards that in certain cases, like food assistance, dwarf the amounts provided to families of legal status. For example, the average family of four's monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment is $713, but migrant families of four $1400 a month.”

There is also the incident of illegals rushing at a portion of a border fence and overpowering Texas National Guard; one New York Times Reporter called it a “riot.” And one of the things that greatly disturb me personally, is that it is very disconcerting to hear is that there are thousands of little children that come with the illegals and are unaccounted for – meaning no one seem to know what happened to these innocent little ones; and it is even more disturbing to hear that some of these children may be used for sex trafficking and child labor; how heartbreaking it is to even think about something like this, and from what has been explained or expressed on a certain News Media, is that there has not been a deeply concentrated effort on the part of the United States government to find out where these children are; if this true, then it appears these children may have been left to their own fate - and such should be deeply troubling to our leaders to know this is happening; and even more so when our elected leaders consider this in light of the fact that they too have children or grandchildren of their own –to which they would never want any such fate to befall their children or grandchildren.

And just look at the News Media and see how deeply divided they are – especially in their reporting on politics. For example, MSNBC refused to air the speech of Mr. Trump when he won the Iowa Caucuses. Now, I am not taking any sides in politic, but one has to wonder why should a News program decide for itself that the American people should not have the right to listen to the person who wants to be the next president of the United State; does it not seem that this act on the part of MSNBC is akin to something that would occur in Russia – where certain news is censored? Is this not bordering on totalitarianism – when a small few can seek to decide what you should hear and not hear? I mentioned this to show how America is changing.

China a Danger Within

And what about China? A lot of Chinese nationals have been illegally coming into the United States; And while many of these people may be seeking a better life, who is to say or even deny that there may be others among them who come to do harm to the United States? The Chinese have a lot of Safe Houses across the United States and Christopher Wray – the FBI Director had warned about China attacking USA electrical grids and other infrastructures – causing havoc. The FBI Director also admitted that there has been too little public focus on Chinese Hackers targeting our natural gas and oil pipelines, our transportation systems and water treatment plants.

The Chinese have also been buying up the farmlands of the United States. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem – testifying before a U.S House Agriculture hearing on Chinese ownership of U.S farmland in March of 2024, pointed out that we should be vigilant about the ownership of the farmland; She is quoted as saying: “Over the years, I have witnessed this hostile communist country work to systematically take over more of America’s vital food supply chain …”

Considering what the governor said, it would appear that China could possibly be selling the United States food from its own farmland. There is a prophecy in the Bible – where God warns the people of Israel that if they turned from him that “The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high and thou shall come down very low. He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head and ye shall be the tail” (Deuteronomy 28:43,44). It is the United States that is in debt to China. The Bible says “… the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

We Are Entering a Time of Serious Troubles

As a nation, we are already in serious trouble, but our troubles are to intensify – leading national troubles that will be of epic proportion or the likes of which we probably never could have imagined.

The book of Amos contains prophecies that are for our time just as it was for the time of Amos. Amos lived at time when the political and religious leader were at ease – having this false sense of security - never wanting to believe that anything bad was going to happen. Both the leaders and the people had blinded themselves to the deteriorating moral condition of the nation – as they were preoccupied or concerned with their high living and their indulgent lifestyle. Chapter 6: 4-6 (of Amos) speaks of the lifestyle of the leaders in Israel – saying, “That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock… That chant to the sound of the viol … That drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph (meaning Israel.”

The leaders were living high and enjoying their life – treating themselves to the best that life could offer - while not showing any urgent concern for the nation and its moral deterioration. Amos 6 says, they “put far away the evil day …” This means they never thought evil would befall them or that the nation was in danger, but the ancient Assyrians did come up against Israel and destroyed the nations – taking them into captivity – even as it shall be in our time.

Notice what God says is soon to strike our people – the people of the United States: “And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places … And I have also withholden the rain from you … I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and our fig tree and your olive tree increased, the palmerworm devoured them … I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword …” (Amos 4: 6, 7, 9.10).

These things that happened to ancient Israel are to happen to our people; and we are living in the time now when these prophecies are going to come upon the United States; we are going to be afflicted with drought, famine and disease epidemic; and not to mention the danger we face from terrorism; we are going to be in state of civil unrest – ultimately leading to the breakdown of our society; the current situation with college students protesting on college campuses around the United States and where hundreds of protesters blocked traffic in cities throughout the country in protest against Israel’s war in Gaza, are a sign of the soon coming terrible times of great national unrest to come upon this nation and tear the country apart; we are never going to recover.

In a prophecy for our time, the prophet Ezekiel declared what was to come upon the people of Israel: he said, “… pestilence and blood shall pass through thee …” (Ezekiel 5:17). Please keep in mind that these words of the prophet Ezekiel were written when Ezekiel was held in captivity by the Babylonians and when Israel (the Northern kingdom), over one hundred years before, had already been taken out of their own land by the Assyrians - where they ultimately entered into Europe – with many coming to the British Isles – and where many of the people ultimately left the British isles to become the people of the United States; this is a fascinating story of how God – by his GREAT HAND – guided a people to become the single greatest nation on earth today, and has also preserved the royal throne of David in England to this day – fulfilling his promise that David’s seed would be established forever and build up his royal throne to all generations (see Psalm 89: 3,4, 36,37). The Book – America in Prophecy, explains the amazing identity of both the British and American people in prophecy, and anyone interested can see the information at the end of this article and get the book - should anyone desire to do so. I would add that I would rather offer the book freely to anyone who may be interested in reading it, but unfortunately, I do not have the means to offer it free, and so, the book is available at Amazon.

Understanding the identity of both the American and British people in Bible prophecy truly opens the door for people to understand those bible prophecies that pertains to the time of the end – for without this knowledge of the identity of America in prophecy, a person can read these prophecies and not understand what is being talked about or who God is addressing in these prophecies. The Bible says God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). The Bible also says, “… as fishes are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in a snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it suddenly falleth upon them” (Ecclesiastes 9:12). Jesus did say that like a snare “it shall come upon all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:35). Because of a lack of knowledge and awareness, people, are going to be caught in a snare because they buried their head in the sand - ignoring what God says is coming upon our people; they ignore God’s prophecies.

The future is bleak for our nations – as we have rejected God and are wallowing in the cesspool off immorality and God is going to bring us down; we are going to be a nation in great distress and troubles of epic proportion; this is what is ahead of us; And considering where we are now, I wish to inject the thought that it is quite possible that the falling of the Baltimore Bridge could possibly be a sign that God’s hand is against our people – because this place in Baltimore is the very place where the inspiration for Francis Scott Key to write the star spangled Banner – which became our national anthem – originated; it could be a sign of our coming downfall; perhaps God, by this fall, is sending our people a sign of our coming national troubles and destruction. But most people are probably not likely to consider these things as they would like to go on believing that no evil is going to befall the nation and that we are just going to continue being a great nation.

But whether or not you believe that the people of the United States are the modern day descendants of the house of ancient Israel, I will say we have been a nation who clings to the Judeo Christian tenet and should have known to have the fear of God before us but we DO NOT, and God is going to hold this United States of America accountable – for God says, “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12). There are tragic times to soon break forth upon the land -as we are headed into troubles of epic proportion.

If interested, feel free to go https://www.amazon.com/America-Prophecy-Israel-people-consider-ebook/dp/B0C4M8R77J

I am an old man who has, long ago, came to the realization that this professing Christian world – with all its Mega -Churches and various denominations do not proclaim the true teaching of the Bible -as they fail to correctly teach many vitally important doctrinal truths of the Bible.