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Before the foundations of the earth there was a plan by God. That plan became visible when God made man in His image. God's plan and its unfolding are recorded for us in the Bible.
In this document, the plan is portrayed as a biblical scenario from Genesis to Revelation with historical backdrops. History is the assurance that God is who He says He is.
This biblical and historical based scenario is a progressive account of the good news for mankind. The bottom line -- Every nation under God.
View the scenario at these levels:
- Overview. A summary of the scenario. See the Table of Contents. Skip around.
- Foot Notes. More details with other references.
- References.
Biblical and others. Hypertext links. Check them out.
- To the left are subjects that are "support ideas" for the main "all the words of this life idea."
Here are some questions we will try to answer. Answers require information from both the Old and New Testament. Some questions are best answered from historical records which show that God is still involved with mankind.
Whether you agree or disagree -- we want to hear from you. God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, through the Holy Spirit, gives us all answers -- in time. Using God's wisdom, we must exercise our creativity and search for understanding -- with divine guidance.
Please contact us with your questions or comments at our e-mail address.
Who is responsible for all of this? Look at some of the background and biography. While you are at it, sign our guestbook, please. Thank you.
Table of Contents Start where ever you would like.
Introduction (First Chapter)--This account of the gospel of Jesus the Christ. Suggestion: skim through the first time.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [Elohim]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
(Psalm 8:3-6, NIV)
[account]This progressive account of the good news for mankind started out as a simple white paper to answer, "Why should nations, especially in the newly independent nations in the near East, need the Old Testament when they are taught the gospel?". The logical answer, of course: "They do not have "all the words of this life" without the Old Testament."
[Overview]One overview of "All The Words of this Life" is a look at the table of contents. In the table of contents, each section can stand alone as an independent study, but the end of each section introduces the subject of the next section. A word picture summary gives the following:
In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heaven and earth. The intent of Elohim was to share all of their (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) creation. Because of the enemy of Elohim, a creature, made in the image of Elohim was created -- MAN!
God gave the earth to man (male and female) and blessed man to be fruitful, fill the earth and subdue the earth. But, man was deceived and give his authority to Satan. Man rejected his image in Elohim. However, God remained faithful to the intent of creation.
For this sin of separation (all sins are a separation from God), God -- loving man and not wanting him to be separated from Him forever -- drove man out of the garden of Eden. Man began to die, but God's providence enabled man to progress in the blessings man was given in the very beginning.
There was a plan of reconciliation between man and God. God blessed man by establishing sovereign nations -- independent with their own language. In the nation of Israel Jesus the Messiah was born to die for the sins of the world.
Jesus, the Son of the Living God, a sinless man, paid the price for our slavery to sin by His death, but more importantly, by His resurrection from the dead! The promise, showing the love of God, was kept. Satan no longer has authority on earth, but he has occupancy.
We, the offspring of God, in order to claim the promise of eternal life -- the inheritance of the family of God -- must become sons of God by imitating Jesus Christ. We must turn from our sins by a death, burial and resurrection. We walk in a new life.
Now, Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth. He is presently reigning in heaven and leading his brethren, the sons of God, in a spiritual fight to destroy rule, authority and power that Satan and the sons of disobedience try to wield. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Jesus Christ is a faithful friend! He left us a record of what He is doing and going to do (future history) in the Book of Revelation. The Revelation record shows that Satan is viciously fighting the intent of Elohim because he knows he has only a short time before he is restrained. The end of that "short time" is approaching.
With the leadership of the Word of God, Jesus Christ, the sons of God will banish the Beast and False Prophet to the lake of fire. With Satan chained in the abyss, the sons of the first resurrection will reign on earth (Jesus in heaven) for a long time with an end.
Satan will be released a short time in a second trial in which nations of the earth will be deceived to surround the "camp of the saints" for a final great war in which fire destroys the adversary. Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire along with death and hell.
A final "great white throne" judgment will examine the works of all the resurrected dead. Those listed in the book of life shall enter the inheritance prepared for the saints. Those men not in the book of life will join the Beast, False Prophet, Satan, Death and Hell in the lake of fire -- banished from the presence of God -- in outer darkness!
The New Heavens and earth, the inheritance of those who obey and trust God, is being prepared for those who are ready with intent and watching for that Day. The "last days" are near and will not be a surprise for the faithful!
However, in the meantime -- until the declaration, "It is done!" -- we must use our time wisely and take advantage of such a time as this in the kingdom of God.
The intent of Elohim is to restore His sons (redeemed offspring) back to His presence and place "everything under his (including man's) feet" in Jesus Christ throughout the universe.
This word picture shows God wants us, his offspring, to return to Him!
Click here to answer, " What Must I Do to become a son of God?"
[Foot Notes]Selecting the foot note words will place you at the foot note then displayed at the top of the page. Click the foot note number to return to the text where the "foot note" word is located. The foot notes are an explanation and expansion of the words highlighted. Biblical and other references are also given.
[References]The scripture chapter and verse (often placed in parentheses) is the NIV version unless otherwise identified. Other online references to documents will be added as available and as developed.
[questions]
So what are the questions? Some might be as follows:
- What is our special purpose here on earth?
- Did God just set us up for a Fall -- to wash us away with a flood?
- Why did God insist on the formation of nations?
- Why did God use a special nation to send His Son (Messiah, the redeemer) to the earth?
- Who is Jesus, the Son of the living God?
- Who is our adversary (enemy) today? How do we recognize him?
- What is the purpose of God's vengeance? We're always having war --not peace -- among nations.
- How can we be saved out of this mess? When can I remove this fear of Death?
- Wasn't the Messiah Jesus going to save us? It has been almost 2000 years since Jesus regained authority on earth, but it seems worse now!
- Is this nation, the United States of America, too far gone for repentance? What do we do about it, one way or the other?
- What is the Christian's responsibility in this Satan enhanced worldly chaos?
- What business does a Christian have with secular government?
- Where is the United States mentioned in scripture (Israel is mentioned)?
- What reason do we have to be especially concerned with the Old Testament? Is not this New Testament times?
- What are the practical and real answers -- the reality to our questions -- especially in the New Testament Book of Revelation?
- What does God, our Father, expect of us, His sons and therefore, heirs?
- When should we express the authority of the scriptures?
[agree or disagree]Every question asked and comment made will be recorded and available for all to see. Respond to this gospel call -- to the Good News.
Reach us by our e-mail.
We may not agree in everything, but we can come to know each other. Let us be united in one mind.
[answers]Click on "questions" above for some of the questions to be answered. However, we don't have to know all the answers before we act on those answers we do know! This is a process of asking, seeking (searching), and knocking for the door(s) to be opened.
[Understanding]By the grace of God the Kingdom of God will grow because there are sinners and repentant saints who want to know and understand what action they should take.
At present we are in a paradigm shift to a rock/drug/sex counterculture mixed in with other confusion, such as something called British Free Trade.
Now (11/1998) it appears that the whole world can slide into a deep depression, depending on what happens in the far East. Is there any thing about this in the scriptures?
"Is it any of this our business? Isn't this God's business?" -- the question that seems to be on a lot of Christian minds, maybe others as well.
We feel for these people who are devastated by economic disaster -- IMF conditionalities, economic cycles, or storms. We do our best to give them aid and even do our part at their side, BUT, could we have done anything to have prevented the situation in the first place?
I believe the answer is yes! How, when, where, etc.? The answer is in "all of the words of this Life" -- the Bible! God uses our feet, our hands, our mouth.
All the Words of this Life
(Every Nation Under God)
Introduction -- This account of the gospel of Jesus the Christ
In the Beginning -- God!
Fall of man -- Authority given to Satan
Anarchy -- Before the flood
Nations -- After the flood
Building of Nations -- Ebb and flow
God's New Kingdom on Earth -- The promise kept
Redemption of Man -- A new birth -- Resurrection from the dead
Who is Man? -- Why would God give us Life?
The Kingdom of God -- God so loved the world
What Must I Do to be Saved? -- Decision to trust and obey!
The Christian Life -- A Newness of Life
The Christian Life -- Gathering with the saints
The Christian Life -- Worship of God
The Christian Life -- Action -- Being led by the Spirit
The Christian Life -- Service -- Being led by the Servant of All
The Christian Life -- Conduct -- Being led by Word and Example
The Christian Life -- Spiritual and servant leadership
The Christian Life -- As you go -- Teach
The Christian Life -- Civil responsibility
The Christian Life -- National leadership
The Christian Life -- God's call for such a time as this
The Christian Life -- The redeemed on earth
New Heavens and New Earth
Introduction -- This account of the gospel of Jesus the Christ
Mark, the author of the second account of the gospel of Jesus Christ, was a follower of the Apostle Peter. Mark was not a direct witness of Jesus Christ. The inspired record from John Mark, the young man (age, 18-19), is of the gospel of Jesus Christ as seen by the actions and words of a witness of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Peter.
The Apostle Paul speaks of "his" gospel as he taught Jesus Christ (Rm 2:16).
Therefore, understand that "my" gospel of Jesus the Christ is based on the word of God (Bible) -- with God derived wisdom and understanding (Jas 1:5-8; Prv 9:10;
19:8, 20; Jer 9:23-24).
This account is not divinely inspired. I do not have the tutelage of one as Peter the Apostle, in the flesh, but I do have the words of Peter, Paul and others of the Old and New Testament. The words of these men are divinely inspired.
This account of the Good News of Jesus Christ is about the progressive building of the Kingdom of God that was from the very beginning to the end of the age. This is a personal account of the gospel for which I am accountable to God (Prv 3:5, 6).
I cannot say there will be no mistakes, but this account of the gospel will include references and notes that will enable the technical and action oriented to assure themselves of the accuracy of this account of all the words of this life (the Good News).
For those amiable and expressive oriented, let yourself be led by your intuition (the spirit). See the big picture first. No decisions are needed right now.
Short term decisions are often based on emotion. Those decisions for the long term must be based on truth.
What ever your social style may be, do not be fooled by what the empiricists have to say (Jude 17-19) about any account of God's way.
We have a very simple statement in Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth." Quite often I find myself with my arms wrapped around a tree, being pulled here and there with all of the busy activity around me, without seeing the forest of why we are here.
In the beginning God, our Father and Creator, had very high expectations of the result of the works of his hands. Without the "work of His fingers (heavens)" and "work of His hands (the earth)," there would be very little reason for man's existence (Psalms 8).
Setting the "foundations" of the earth was an exciting and joyous time for God and his heavenly attendants (angels and morning stars) according to our record in Job 38 and Proverbs 8.
The most emphatic statement showing that God had great expectations is in Isaiah 45:18. God said of Himself;
"...He did not create it ( the earth ) to be empty (in vain) but formed it to be inhabited."
This "not in vain" declaration backs up why God gave mankind the blessing in Genesis (1:26-28) to fill (spread out) and subdue (technological growth) the earth.
The "creative purpose" of God directly contradicts the radical environmentalist concept that we must control earth population because we are running out of natural resources. Technology enables new resources to be found or substituted to allow population growth .
Man is male and female. We are told:
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God He Created him; male and female he created them (Gen 1:27)."
We are not sure about the technological development that Adam (man) accomplished in the Garden of Eden. He cataloged the animals. He worked (dressed) and kept watch over the garden.
Man understood the technicality of the need for suitable help in performing the task God had given him. When man was ready (God knew it wasn't good for him to be alone) He gave him the fit helper, woman.
God gave to man the woman as a co-equal partner to accomplish the blessing of being fruitful and multiplying. Otherwise, the rest of the blessing, to fill and subdue the earth could not be accomplished. So from antiquity:
"...man will leave his father and mother and be united (stick) to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame (Gen 2:24, 25)."
Then the adversary saw that the understanding and culpability of man was ready. Perhaps man had grown lax in watching (keeping guard) over the garden.
Fall of man -- Authority given to Satan
It may be that woman was "technically superior in understanding" at the time she was tempted and deceived by the Devil. Did she think she was on an equal footing with Satan? An aspect of Satan is probably pictured in the description of the fall of the king of Babylon, called Lucifer, the son of the morning (Isa 14:11-20).
The serpent (the dragon, Devil, Satan, Rev 20:2) showed the woman (she was later called Eve) the panorama of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. She was seduced by Satan to believe a lie -- that God had lied.
The woman looked on the surface brilliance of the fruit being good for food (nourishment), pleasing to the eyes (beauty), and desirable for gaining wisdom (power). The woman capitulated.
This fruit nourished the five senses, only. Man took ("ate") the fruit the woman offered, but he was not deceived (1 Tim 2:14). This caused a spiritual paradigm shift in orders of magnitude we can only describe as infinite, in our current limited understanding!
Man was separated from God! Satan now had the authority of man on this earth. What sorrow, the deception of sin! The righteousness of God the creator was rejected.
By the justice of God, only the life blood of an unfallen man, one who had not rejected God, was necessary to pay for the return of fallen man to God's presence.
What ever our reflections on the fall of man may be, we have one clear picture. A time would come in which the seed of woman (not of man) would regain the authority over the serpent (Gen 3:14, 15).
One day the serpent would bruise the heel of the seed (Jesus Christ) -- death, shedding of his life blood. But, the heel of the seed (Jesus Christ) would crush the head (authority) of the serpent -- resurrection of Jesus from the dead, for the salvation (return to God) of mankind (Jn 3:16).
Man fell from being able to experience the wonder of the "voice of God walking in the garden (Gen 3:8)." Now Satan had the authority over man in this system of "the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil."
God drove man out of the garden of Eden (Gen 3:22, 23) to prevent him from living forever in the fallen state. Anarchy was the result!
Anarchy -- Before the flood
The destructive influence of evil prevailed before the flood. Not only do we have the first recorded murder, but we have a situation described, as "...the thoughts of man were continually evil."
Man had the choice in his "non-restrictive condition" (no authority, freedom) in the system of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil; to either do good or do evil or do both.
Man may have had a very good understanding of what was good or what was evil. Today it may be questionable if we know the difference.
The Old Testament record shows what happens when man takes the attitude: "I have my right to choose good or evil!" We see that this leads to anarchy and thus destruction (of nations today).
"It's my choice" is true, in that it can be done, but it is the voice of the authority of Satan in this world system of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Deception -- it is a lie!
In God's Kingdom there is an understanding of good and evil, but the sons of God choose good. Under Satan's authority, he gives freedom to choose either good or evil -- i.e., anarchy -- without law.
It grieved God (Elohim) that he made man, but there was one family, Noah's family, that changed the course of history. Noah found mercy before God because he was perfect. Noah, in a sense, was the first man to perform an intercessory role in physically saving mankind.
The next intercessory role, performed millennia later, was by Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus the Christ died for all mankind to spiritually save, and eventually, physically save those who would choose Him (the good) through obedience to His way.
To save Noah from a destructive flood, God gave Noah instructions to build an ark. It took 120 years for Noah to build the ark. No one believed that rain was possible (dew watered the ground). It had not happened before.
God destroyed all of mankind except 8 people (Noah, his wife, his three sons and their wives). But there was one thing God would not permit any more -- anarchy! God started making nation-states.
Nations -- After the flood
The sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, started the repopulation of the earth. This time man collected himself into groups of family groups around villages. However, this time an organizer, Nimrod, a descendant of Ham, became a mighty hunter of men. Men were controlled in groups of families for the first time (Gen 10:10).
In the plain of Shinar, in present day Iraq, the tower of Babel (city of Babylon) was started with the purpose that the people would establish a name for themselves and not be spread out on the earth.
Babylon started as a physical place. The evil methodology developed there reasserts itself through out the history of man.
It was at Babylon that God intervened with the confusion of languages to assure that the people would be scattered over the whole earth. God said of man's collective capability:
"If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this (build the tower of all towers), then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them (Gen 11:5 and 6)."
Language today identifies a single minded people -- a nation. A common language enables a people to accomplish what they plan to do.
After the flood, the use of nations identifies the battle between God (the choice of good) and the force of anarchy (choice of good and evil -- the kingdom of Satan -- the establishment).
After the flood people started living shorter and shorter lives, until a life span of "...seventy years or eighty if we have the strength..." was lamented by Moses (Ps 90:10).
A proliferation of empires, nations and groups of people developed in the world. Nations conquered other nations and developed a proliferation of "gods," each nation having its own god(s) and goddesses.
Out of all of the Godless confusion and pagan bickering of mankind, God the Most High, creator of the heavens and earth, initiated His plan starting with one family (in about 1700 BC). God led the Hebrew Abraham (first called Abram) out of the Ur of the Chaldeans (Gen 11:26-32).
Eventually Jacob (later called Israel), the grandson of Abraham, and his family resided in Egypt because of a drought. They looked for the promise of God to have a home land.
After 400 years in the Egyptian sojourn, a company of at least 2,000,000 former Egyptian slaves were led out by God (via Moses). Eventually they crossed the Jordan river into the Palestinian area to conquer land promised to them 450 years before. This was the nation of Israel, the ancestors of the people we call the Jews (refers to one tribe, Judah) today.
The record of the building of the Nation of Israel was unique because the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was promised to come from that nation. But, the building of the nation was typical because God chastised the nation time after time as new generations forgot He was their one living God, father, and husband. God chastises all nations (Amos 9:8).
The method of leading a people from one place to a new national home is typical. For example, the Ethiopians (implied), Philistines, and the Armenians were led from one place to a new national home, as recorded in Amos 9:7.
A warning is given to every nation throughout history; God says,
"Surely the eyes of the Sovereign Lord are on the sinful kingdom. I will destroy it from the face of the earth -- yet I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob (Israel), declares the Lord (Amos 9:8)."
The restoration of the conquered nation (after a period of judgment) was not unique for Israel. Jeremiah predicted a 70 year exile before they would return. The restoration of conquered nations is typical from the record we have in the book of Jeremiah.
Israel is the recorded example of how a nation prospers when they trust in God the Creator of heaven and earth. All nations follow the same pattern of chastisement as the chosen nation Israel that brought the Savior into the World.
Jesus of Nazareth did not fit the mold of Messiah as Israel expected. Jesus the Christ (Messiah) established a kingdom that was not fashioned the way world powers and rulers think.
Israel had a theocratic and representative form of government for 350 years. Then that generation asked for a king. God was not pleased with the request, but finally after Israel insisted, they were given an earthly king -- like all other nations.
If the Messiah had come in the 300th year of their nation (no palace with a throne -- God was king), maybe Israel could have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior in His spiritual kingdom.
However, would Israel have accepted a spiritual renewal? Would they have brought the spiritual renewal to all other nations?
Apparently Israel was not ready for the Messiah. Israel still did not believe (enough to obey and trust) that God was the one living God who had created the earth. In about 1095 BC they asked for a physical king.
After Israel returned from Babylonian captivity, it was still 560 years before Jesus the Christ brought in the spiritual kingdom to be preached in all of the world.
Jesus as the Messiah (savior of the world) was born in about the 330th year of the Roman Empire. Collectively Israel focused on what they thought they needed most -- a savior from Roman domination. At this time the religious rulers of Israel were just as jealous of power as their Roman rulers.
God does not conquer nations like the world (the system of good and evil). A spiritual kingdom that rules in people's hearts is God's way. By each individual choosing the good, then each nation would be transformed to become as the nation of Israel before they asked for a king.
Jesus the Christ came to earth to pay for the sins of the world. The necessary payment was his own life -- shedding His own blood. For mankind, through obedience, this is a new birth -- a transformation into a new life.
Redemption of Man -- a new birth -- Resurrection from the dead
Man was forced out of the garden of Eden. The great love of God gave man a way of return to him. Otherwise man would have had to live forever in his sinful state separated from God.
Mankind did not have the capacity to regain his authority from Satan, the liar. Woman was deceived into accepting the status of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
Satan controlled this state of anarchy -- the choice of good and evil -- an oligarchical system. Jesus the Son of the Living God, became a man. Jesus lived, walking in love. HE was as you and I -- but without sin (without disobedience to God's way).
Jesus overcame the world. He recovered the authority Satan had taken from man. Jesus overcame death by way of the Holy Spirit.
To overcome death, Jesus had to die -- to demonstrate as a man that death no longer had control over man. JESUS WAS RESURRECTED FROM THE DEAD AS A MAN! Yes, the Son of God Jesus became man and died for mankind.
Jesus the man was resurrected! He "ate" the fruit of the tree of Life. Being without sin, He became alive in the presence of God. In order to remove the fear of death (a bondage) from our lives, we must take up the form of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection to become like Him.
In the beginning Satan told woman that she would not die, but that she would become as God knowing good and evil. This was a lie! She (man) would die!
Why did man die after the fall? Because God drove man from Eden so that they would not consume the fruit of the tree of Life, that would prevent them from dying. Satan didn't tell Eve (non did she question it) about this significant detail.
Because man was forced to die a physical death he was prevented from dying spiritually. That is, he still had an avenue of return to a direct relationship with God (the good, the creative).
God demonstrated that He is the Good Creator, a giver of life, productivity, and fruitfulness, for all of mankind -- if they choose Him. Satan has demonstrated through out history that anarchy may give a freedom feeling on the short term, but results in death and destruction.
More than 21 civilizations have demonstrated that man cannot bring peace and prosperity in this system of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil!
Why would God the creator, the One above all, bother with puny, ineffectual, and cruel man as we know him from history and from experience in our own lives?
Who is Man? -- Why would God give us Life?
Some insist that man is innately evil, saying there is
nothing good in man. The cruelty that was demonstrated by Germans, Japanese, North Koreans, Russians, and painfully so recently, the Serbians, shows the evil man is capable of doing.
Even within the United States -- to meet a budget--there are those who pass laws that would terminate a percentage of people who have medical, physical, mental, and food needs.
War and related atrocities are generally out in the open, but man (the sons of disobedience) has become more sophisticated and subtle. Technological degeneration (depletion) also kills people, but doing away with technology is less obvious and devious.
In the beginning (Gen 1:28) God had a high expectation of man. Before the fall of man (into anarchy) God blessed man to be prolific and productive throughout the earth. After the fall of man, God established nations to enable that same productive capability of man to spread throughout the earth.
Profound evidence of the joy and expectation of man is found in the books of Job, Proverbs, Psalms, and Isaiah. The gist of the eighth chapter of Psalms is repeated in the second chapter of Hebrews. The Book of Revelation is the crown of what God is going to do for us and what He expects of us, his redeemed sons.
It is a wonder to note that all things have been placed under the feet of man (quoted from Ps 8). Then the Hebrew writer follows through with:
"In putting everything under him (man), God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone (Heb 2:8, 9)."
"All things" is an inclusive statement. The eighth Psalm includes the "works of his (God's) hands" meaning the earth and the living creatures on the earth, that God has given to man. Indirectly this could mean the "work of his fingers" including the moon and the stars.
God knows who we are more than we do. Perhaps, it is not so much who we really are, but WHO GOD IS! It is God who by HIS will made a decision, established a plan, so that the Roman writer declares:
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory (Rm 8:16, 17)."
We may not understand all about God's plan for mankind, but historically we know what happens when His way is chosen. The nation of Israel in the Old Testament is a good example.
When Israel obeyed, followed, and trusted God they prospered. When they forgot God and turned to idolatry, the nation was chastised with drought and invading armies. Amazingly, when they repented and called on God, He defeated their captors and returned them to freedom and prosperity.
We have an example in our own nation. During the war for independence, our leaders trusted in God and we won our freedom from oligarchic tyranny.
In recent times, we as a nation have gone through some hard times. In the last 30 years, we have experienced an accelerated rate of deindustrialization, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, drought, and moral degeneration (rock-drug-sex counterculture). Would God be chastising this nation just as He did Israel?
God always starts with individuals to accomplish anything. From "one" God grows nations, movements and historical events. He developed leaders, such as Abraham, Moses, and Elijah. Last of all Jesus, the greatest leader of all, as the Son of the living God, died to serve all mankind.
You and I are important as individuals. Individuals make up nations. What has Jesus the Messiah done for us to rescue us from our sinful state? Satan was controlling our lives, not God who is our Father.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, preaching, "the Kingdom of God is at hand." Jesus started where John the Baptist left off and taught his disciples the "Way" of the kingdom of God.
After three and one half years Jesus was crucified and was resurrected from the dead. All of this was the completion of a plan mentioned first in the book of Genesis millennia before.
Some people of Israel were spiritually minded enough to accept Jesus as the Messiah (the appointed disciples, for example) right away. But it appears that none really expected him to die (Luke 24:13-35) since kings, who expect to bring in a kingdom, would not intentionally die.
Even after the resurrection the disciples expected He might restore the sovereignty of Israel (Acts 1:6, 7). However, God is first concerned about individuals. Otherwise the following would not be so meaningful:
"For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son that those who believe in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:16, 17)."
It was through Peter (Acts 11:1-18) that the original apostles finally understood that Jesus died for all (Mt 28:19, 20) of mankind.
Jesus established a kingdom on earth that has no national, status, or ethnic boundaries. His kingdom is a relationship between God and man. Saved man are those sons and daughters who love Him and who love those that God loves.
We can become part of that kingdom -- choose the good, reject anarchy -- when we obey His will (way) and place our trust in Him.
The beginning of the church (the called out) -- the kingdom of God in which we obey His will (way) and place our trust in Him -- is recorded in the second chapter of Acts.
The day the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, Peter responded to the people's question about the disturbance that was holding everyone's attention (Acts 2:1-12).
Peter told them they had killed the Messiah, but He was resurrected by God. That same Jesus was the one promised to be placed on King David's throne. They could be assured of this:
"God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Messiah)." (Acts 2:22-36)
After hearing this, the people were cut to the heart . They asked, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter responded:
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call (Acts 2:38, 39)."
With other words Peter warned them and pleaded with them:
"Save yourselves from this corrupt generation!"
Those who accepted Peter's message were baptized and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:40, 41).
Be added to the kingdom of God. Respond to Peter's message just as the first 3000 responded and became Christians. There is only one way to choose the good.
The kingdom of God is not a pyramid organization. We all start at the same place and we all have direct access to God our Father, in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Jesus is our high priest on the throne of God. As sons of God, we are all priests here on earth -- intercessors to God for people -- as Jesus is the intercessor for us with God our Father.
There is a cost! Count it! Turn from old sinful ways. You may loose friends and family. It is a new way of life.
What is Christianity? It is a NEW way of life with People! It is Life with our family, friends, associates, neighbors, strangers,and enemies -- love, concern, and compassion for them. How much we love people shows how much we love God our heavenly Father.
Christianity is a death, burial, and resurrection to a new life. Old things are passed (Col 3:1-17).
We imitate Jesus in His life and follow His way. We have chosen the good and we imitate the good. We hate, we resist, evil.
We repent (turn from) of our sins. We confess that Jesus is the Son of the living God. We demonstrate our commitment to Jesus by baptism (1 Pt 3:21, 22). The results are forgiveness of our sins in a new life. First what happens with baptism? In the book of Romans 6:4 we read:
"...don't you know that all of us who were baptized [dipped, plunged into water] into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Because our baptism is a literal action picture -- duplication -- of death, burial, and resurrection, then we are freed from sin (sins forgiven). We read in the next verses (Rm 6:5-7):
"If we have been united with him (Jesus) in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin -- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin."
As we duplicate the process that the first Christians (the 3000) acted on, we also receive a down payment from God -- the Holy Spirit -- to assure us of our salvation (2 Cor 5:5; Eph 1:13, 14). By the Spirit we put to death the misdeeds of the body, then we will live in the service of the kingdom of God.
What is our first priority in this new life? Worship and praise God -- give Him the Glory! Then we show our love of God by loving those who love God and also by loving those who don't love God.
Meet with the saints. We must rejuvenate, strengthen, and encourage ourselves and others who are of like mind. Associate with those who trust in God our Father and Jesus our Lord and Savior!
After the 3000 accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior they met daily (Acts 2:46, 47). Later the saints met on the first day of the week (Acts 16:1). A new babe in Jesus Christ is excited about meeting every day.
The joy of the newness of life is often blurred by the pressures of the world to return to the world's way. An exhortation is given to us to persevere:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching (Heb 10:23-25)."
The sons of God have not been called by God into any situation of confusion. Guide lines from the Bible are:
- Worship meeting (Example 1 Cor 14:26-40) How do we conduct ourselves? In decency and order (1 Cor 14:33)
- The Lord's supper. The first day of the week; the early Christians took the Lord's supper weekly (1 Cor 11:20-22; Acts 20:7).
- People are there. We edify -- build up -- one another (1 Cor 14:26, 31-33).
- Study, learn, teach others when we assemble (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
- Collection for benefit of the saints and others (1 Cor 9:9-15; 16:1-3; 2 Cor 9:5-8).
People are the most important activity in our life -- that is why we assemble with the saints. As we show the world that we love one another we show God that we love Him.
We demonstrate our love of God by how we love His offspring and how we worship Him.
The assembly of the saints to worship God is a joy -- singing, praise and thanksgiving -- a time of mutual edification! Worship of God is both a public (the assembly) and private demonstration. In the assembly the saints worship in the following:
- Lord's supper -- public (1 Cor 11:20-34).
- Singing -- public and private (1 Cor 14:15-17; Col 3:16).
- Prayer -- public and private. Pray all the time (Acts 13:1-3; 1 Thes 5:17).
In private worship and also before those who they meet every day, the saints:
- Walk with God (action and worship) -- public and private (Col 4:2).
- Acknowledge God -- public and private (Mt 10:32, 33; Prv 3:5, 6).
- Still the Enemy and Avenger -- because of the enemy, God establishes a bulwark
(strength) by the praise of "children and infants" against the enemy and avenger(Ps 8:1-2).
In private, the saints praise and pray to God in the "closet." Example by Jesus (Mt 6:7; Luke 6:12).
What is done in private leads you to want to share with and build up (edify, Rom 14:19; 1 Cor 10:23-24) the saints in public.
The praise and worship of God makes saints leaders (servers), each in his own capacity and talent.
A personal relationship with God grows especially in our quiet times of worship -- a walking in the cool of the day with Him (Gen 3:8). This is a time to be led by the Spirit (Rom 8:1, 14).
The Holy Spirit is a many faceted helper in our lives (Rom 8).
Christianity is a process of growth. It is said that Jesus, as a child, "...grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52)." This was after Jesus made himself subject to his parents after staying behind at the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 3:41-51).
Just as Jesus obeyed his parents, so we should obey Jesus and follow his example. Jesus was also baptized by John and then he received the Holy Spirit without limit. The Holy Spirit received by man is measured out according to a man's faith and according to the common good of the congregation where he worships (Rom 12:1-8; 1 Cor 12:7-11).
We are led by the Holy Spirit (Rm 8:1-4; 12-17); we have the resulting fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-26). We are to pray in the Spirit (Eph 6:18) and sing in the Spirit with understanding (I Cor 14:15-17).
The Holy Spirit provides inner strength in our life. We pray for one another to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in our inner man (following Paul's example (Eph 3:16-19). As a result, God is able, by that strength in our inner being, to accomplish far more than what we ask or imagine (by our prayers and God-acknowledged plans, Eph 3:20, 21).
The sons of the kingdom of God are fighting a spiritual warfare against Satan, the adversary. We are told:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers (principalities), against the authorities (powers), against the powers (rulers) of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:10-12)."
The full armor of God is described in physical terms of a Roman soldier's armor with spiritual application (Eph 6:13-18). Having the armor of God on we are able to stand resolutely against evil where ever we are, after we have done everything to stand. Auxiliary to our standing is described:
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints (Eph 6:18)."
Being led by the Spirit with the full armor of God, we conduct our selves in this spiritual warfare as we serve other sons of God and also those not of the household of faith (Gal 6:10).
Service to others is the demonstration of the love of God (1Jn 4:7-21).
God first loved us (1 Jn 4:10) by demonstrating His love. We were not so lovable in God's sight, but because He is faithful, God sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, to die for us, so that Jesus' life blood would figuratively wash our sins away. The sacrificial lamb was killed for us.
We love God because He first loved us (1 Jn4:19).
Jesus came to earth to do the will of the Father (Jn 6:35-40). Jesus gave His life for us(Heb 2:10). In the demonstration of His love, Jesus was the servant of servants here on earth. When John and James (instigated by their mother) wanted to be placed on the right and left of Jesus in His glory, the following happened:
"When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mt 20:27-28; Mrk 10:35-45; Luk 22:24-30)."
As we strive to imitate Jesus, then we also must strive to be servants of one another and love one another as Jesus commanded (Jn15:13-17). In fact, because we love Jesus and obey this new commandment, Jesus said:
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (Jn15:15)
What completes the motivation for our service to Jesus and one another?
- We know we are involved with the plan God started in the beginning (Eph 2:8-10; Heb 3:4; Jas 1:15-18).
- We know the Father and what He is doing for us (Jer 9:24-25; 1 Cor 1:28-31).
- We know the sacrifice (love demonstrated) that Jesus did for us (Jn 15:9-11)
- Since we know the love of Jesus and have the mind of Christ, God can do far more abundantly than what we ask or imagine, according to the power (strength through the Holy Spirit) we have in our inner man (Eph 3:14-21).
- We know that Jesus is our friend -- we can be up front with Him without fear because we obey his commandments (1 Jn 4:16-18).
- We know that we, as sons of God, are heirs with God and co-heirs with Jesus our Lord and Savior, our brother (Rm 8:13-17, 28-30).
- Since Jesus is our friend, he has told us everything He is going to do (Rev 1:1-3).
Knowing the love of Jesus, we conduct ourselves as Jesus conducted Himself -- He could do only what His Father told Him or what His Father showed Him.
Several groups of people were given encouragement how to conduct their Christian life by letters in the New Testament. This means of written communication has not been improved. Even graphics fall short of word pictures in most cases.
Other than the accounts of the gospel, the entire New Testament consists of letters of encouragement and admonition written to congregations and individuals of the church throughout the known world at that time (from about 60 AD to 96AD).
James wrote to the 12 tribes scattered among the nations and Peter wrote to the scattering of God's elect. Paul wrote the most letters to the Gentile brethren (Rome, Corinth, etc.) and possibly to the Hebrews.
The New Testament letters (not to exclude the Old Testament books) provide a rich resource of how problems were solved among sons of God up to approximately 96 AD. People are the same today as they were then. These divinely inspired guidelines apply to us today.
How to conduct yourself day-to-day with people:
- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Mat 7:12; Luke 6:31)
- "Do good to all men, especially the household of faith." (Gal 6:10)
- "Love your neighbor as yourself." The "royal" law. (Jas 2:8; Lev 19:18)
- "Be perfect, therefore, as you heavenly Father is perfect" -- Love your enemies. (Mt 5:43-48).
- Be hospitable, even to strangers. Some have entertained angels without knowing it. (1 Peter 4:9; Rm 12:13; Heb 13:2)
- Pray for all of the saints (Eph 6:18)
- Pray for all men (1 Tim 2:1-4)
Jesus is our example. When there is any question about how the saints should act in the kingdom of God, follow Jesus and the apostles. Follow your local spiritual leaders as they follow Jesus as their example.
Since some are new babes in Jesus Christ, and others are more mature, leadership is required. The elder or older is looked up to as the natural leader.
In the household of faith, all things are done in order and without confusion. Spiritual leadership (things of the heart, conduct before others, demonstration of love, teaching, etc.) is performed by all saints, but especially the elders (overseers, bishops).
Leadership to provide and maintain the physical affairs of a local congregation of the saints is done by those called deacons (servants).
At first there was only the apostles preaching and teaching the word. As the need arose, 7 Spirit filled and faithful men were appointed as deacons, serving the saints that were in need (Acts 6:1-7).
As congregations (assemblies) developed in different locations, deacons and elders were appointed, with the aid of an evangelist, such as Timothy or Titus. The saints selected those qualified leaders who were to serve them.
Paul warned the Ephesian elders of problems that would come out of their leadership (Acts 20:25-31). Leadership structure has deviated over the centuries from the basic and effective guidelines given by the divinely inspired apostles (I Tim 3; Titus 1:5-9).
Group clicks developed among the disciples at Corinth (I Cor 3:1-9). They were not spiritual, but worldly (participating in anarchy). They made their own rules of righteousness.
The leadership of Jesus is as a servant (Mt 20:27, 28; Mrk 10:43-45). Jesus served and died for the church, the body of called-out saints.
The husband/wife relationship is compared with Jesus as the head of the body of Christ, the bride of Christ (Eph 5:22-33).
As a metaphor, the husband is to love his wife and serve her, and (in a sense) die for her as Jesus did for the church. The husband is the leader at home. He serves his wife and children.
The world thinks of leadership as a top down distribution of power. Peter asks of the younger to be submissive to the older. Then he says (to the older and the younger):
"Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (I Peter 5:1-7; Prov 3:34)."
Discipline is a function for the whole church (assembly). The leadership and those witnesses who bring the charge, come with the matter before all the saints (I Cor 5:1-5; Mt 18:15-17).
Older women are to teach what is good. Then in the good conduct of their lives, they can teach the younger women to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:3-5). But, both young and old are to be leaders in teaching.
A persecution of the early church started after Stephen was killed (Acts 7:59, 60) and the saints were scattered, except the apostles (Acts 8:1-3). There was no structured leadership except the Holy Spirit. The saints had a mind to teach the good news as they spread out to Judea and Samaria.
Before Jesus returned to heaven, He gave the great commission to the apostles and thus to all Christians to come afterward. Jesus said:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age (Mt 28:18-20)."
The fact that Jesus, the savior of the world, has come to the earth and died and was resurrected to remove our sins is very good and exciting news! We do not fear death any longer. Death is an opportunity to come face-to-face with Jesus our Lord and savior! Let us teach the good news!
The saints must speak as the "oracles of God" (1 Pet 4:11), but they must learn them first. Live with the word of God (sword of the Spirit) daily and study. Timothy, the evangelist, was instructed by Paul:
"Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing (handling) the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15, NKJ)."
The growing child of God (at what ever age) has this confidence as he studies the Bible:
"...the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:15-17)."
The children of God are ready to give an answer to everyone who asks about the hope they have. Rarely does the one who responds to "Hi" want to risk any more than his opinion about the weather or the Olympics. We must discuss the weighty matters.
Meet people where they are. The saints are not interested in exchange of opinions; not even with other saints. Speak from the oracles of God from the past as well as the future.
As we go about our daily lives, we have the community, the state, the nation, the world who need answers to questions about life and death.
God is the one who established all governmental authority. We must submit to those in authority (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:13-17). We must pray for those in power to assure peace (1 Tim 2:1-4).
In the United States of America we are not under a totalitarian rule or feudal system. We have the Constitution as our supreme rule (rule of laws rather than men).
We have an obligation to all men what ever their status in life. The letter to Titus tells us:
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men (Titus 3:1 )."
As sons of God we must balance the instruction "be subject to rulers and authorities" with the understanding that we are not fighting against flesh and blood (the army of unbelievers as individuals), but we are fighting:
"...against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this darkness..., against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12)."
The spiritual forces related to national power is explained by Old Testament accounts in Daniel 10:10-14 and 2 Kings 6:13-18. We conclude that both good and evil unseen forces are about us in every thing we do. Apparently rulers and authorities have a spiritual shadow in the unseen.
The power of prayer, demonstrated by Daniel and Elijah in the Old Testament, must be duplicated by the saints today in local and national affairs (1 Tim 2:1-4; Jas 5:16-18).
Remove this so called "wall of separation" between the church (God fearing people) and the state (not a secular institution to be run by Godless experts). We as a sinful nation do not deserve preservation. It is God's mercy that will make it possible!
The kingdom of God has no national boundaries. Jesus told the tax collectors, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and render unto God what is God's (Mt 22:21; Luke 20:25)." Jesus told Pilate that his kingdom was not of this world (Jn 18:36, 37).
However, there is no separation between the kingdom of God and the nation. God had this in mind when the Spirit said:
"From one man he (God) made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:26, 27)."
Sovereign nations provide the means whereby the whole earth is to be inhabited (Gen 11:9).
The sovereignty of the nation provides the means whereby men have the security, peace and freedom to seek God.
The national purpose is to provide the protection of the people so they can have the opportunity to reach out for God.
God is not far from each of us. God is not far from every aspect of a nation. How far is God from the National Bureau of Standards? We are informed:
"Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making (Prov 16 :11; 20:10, 23)."
A nation provides the incentive and opportunity for development of technology:
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest (Prov 14:4)."
The United States of America is a sovereign nation-state established by the authority of God over 200 years ago. The founding fathers were God fearing men. This nation was uniquely different -- God was King. The Constitution elevated the people as the Government. The government was of the people, for the people, and by the people.
The government was served by representatives of the people. These representatives legislated a fundamental nation-state system called the American System of Political Economy, for promoting the prosperity and welfare of the people.
The kingdom of God is not bound by national boundaries -- it is bound in people -- the sons of God. The kingdom of God is wherever the sons of God, the saints, the children of Abraham are located.
The sons of God are admonished to obey the laws of the land. They submit to the supreme authority (1 Peter 2:13, 14) whether he is a king or governor sent by the king.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land in the United States of America. The saints submit to the Constitution. Voting alone does not preserve the Constitution -- understanding does.
The evil nation is judged by God (Amos 9:8).
Voting is not enough to prevent judgment by God. Consider the Civil War of the United States of America. This was a judgment on the South especially -- 11 million people altogether. Three hundred thousand were killed. The saints in the South would have done well to heed:
"...my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I (God) also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also ignore your children (Micah 4:6)."
The South was ignorant of the difference between the American System, as God had established in 1787, and the British System of Political Economy (a feudal system) setup in the South.
Earnest prayer pleading for mercy for our disintegrating families and nation (and world) will save the nation from the destruction it rightly deserves.
We must do more than just shake our heads in sorrow and disbelief at the pagan worship and rock/drug/sex subculture that is around us. We can do something! First, trust God! Next, eliminate our ignorance of the past, present and future (Rev 1:19).
God calls for the saints to preach/teach the gospel as we go in our lives (Mt 28:19, 20). A second calling immediately with the "great commission" is given to us in the United States of America.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1), the last book of the New Testament, was perhaps a book well understood about 1800 years ago. We must know it that well today, otherwise the admonition in Micah 4:6 will over take us.
By not knowing the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we will be destroyed from a lack of knowledge and our intercessory capacity will be taken away.
If we know past history of the world (non scriptural records and original sources) and the Old Testament, we can understand the book of Revelation. If we know it, we can apply it as any other scripture.
Why should we know and understand the revelation of Jesus Christ? We are blessed by reading it (Rev 1:3). We are to "...take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Another reason to know and understand the book of Revelation -- we are warned in the last chapter of this book:
"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book (Rev 22:18, 19)."
The Book of Revelation reveals what was to happen during John the revelator's time and the future, even to the final judgment of this world. This revelation of Jesus gives us a glimpse of the new heavens and earth (Rev 1:19).
The revelation of Jesus is done in symbolic language that can be interpreted from the same symbols in the Old Testament.
God was interested in nations in the Old Testament. God is interested in nations in this revelation of Jesus Christ.
Jesus gave messages to 7 churches in Asia. Each message can be applied today as examples to be avoided, and even what to imitate. Personal awards for the faithful are identified (Rev 2-3).
In John's visions he is told to come up (to heaven) to be shown what would take place after this (in the future, Rev 4:1). John was transported In the Spirit to God's throne.
A scroll (this book that was to be revealed) was finally given to Jesus. Four living creatures and 24 elders fell before the Lamb (Jesus) and sang this song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth (Rev 5:9, 10)."
Jesus starts opening 7 seals on the scroll (Rev 6-8), then 7 trumpets were given to angels to sound. At the blowing of the 7th trumpet, loud voices from heaven said:
"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever (Rev 11:15)."
After the final seal was opened and the final trumpet sounded, these words are given to us:
"...and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightening, and an earthquake (Rev 8:5; 11:19)." With the trumpet passage is added, "...and a hailstorm." One other instance is in Rev 16:18- 21.
The pyrotechnic and seismic display appears to be like a curtain call. It appears that the 7 seals and the 7 trumpets are the same scenario with the trumpets adding more detail.
After the 7th trumpet (two chapters ,12-14), the dragon was cast down to earth, a beast from the sea (whose deadly wound was healed), a beast out of the earth and a harvest of the earth is pictured. Angels were attendant during this scenario. The patient endurance and faithfulness of the saints is called on. The judgment of Babylon is announced (Rev 14:8).
The 7 last plagues -- bowls of wrath -- are poured out in chapters 15 and 16. The last plague in the air ends with the curtain call (flashes of lightening, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake). The third curtain call is completed.
The woman on the beast, "...Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth..." is judged in chapters 17 and 18. Three passages are especially interesting since it appears to be for us today:
- "The ten horns you saw are ten kings (powers) who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings -- and with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful followers (Rev 17:12-14)."
- "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! (Rev 18:2)."
- "...Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues (Rev 18:4)."
Maritime trading operations come to a halt from the destruction of Babylon. This appears to be an economic destruction, such as the bankruptcy of the world financial and maritime system (Chapter 18). The reason this appears to be a financial/maritime system is that in chapter 17 we read:
" With her (Babylon the prostitute) the kings of the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries (Rev 17:2)."
The bankruptcy of the Wall Street and London banking system, the International Monetary Fund along with the World Bank will indeed produce such an effect as described in Chapter 18. This is a reality! Remember the financial derivative speculation blowout in Orange County, California.
This world bankruptcy may happen in the next 6 months to, say, 3 years. Scripturally (so not my opinion) it will happen in one hour (Rev 18:10, 19).
How could God's people come out of Babylon? It is not migration or return to Jerusalem, but overcoming the oligarchic financial system with the Lamb as His called, chosen and faithful followers.
We must be on our knees in earnest prayer and other action to back the President and Congress to eject Babylon from this nation.
Answer the Call for God's people to come out of Babylon (influence of): Seek God's face! Place the Federal Reserve System in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization!
Replace the creation of money back into the hands of congress as the Constitution calls for. With the leadership of the United States of America, every nation of the world can do this. Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!
God's people in this nation can perform such a task (Rev 17:14). As a sinful nation we do not deserve it, but God says His people can do it. Why would God call us out of Babylon if it could not be done?! (Rev 18:4)
The call to God's people to come out of Babylon is for every nation! A question was put to Queen Ester by Mordecai when all the Jews in the Median/Persian empire were to be annihilated (about 500 BC):
"...Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:12-14)
The people of God, the saints, are here in the United States of America for such a time as this!
What is our position of strength?--The royal priesthood of the most high God (1 Pt 2:5, 9, 10)!
What influence do we have? "If God is for us, who can be against us?" We have the influence if we know the truth of the spiritual war the world is fighting. Our weakness is ignorance! Satan knows he has only a short time before he is chained or stopped from deceiving the nations (Rev 12:12)!
The revelation of Jesus Christ shows a new era when Babylon is destroyed. The power of Satan is chained when the kingdom of the World has been changed to the Kingdom of God and His Christ (Rev 11:15).
After the destruction of Babylon on earth (through chapter 18), there is a great celebration of praise in heaven starting in chapter 19. This time of joy is summed up in the true words of God:
"Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9)!"
In chapter 19, the rider on the white horse, who has many golden crowns, conquers, resulting in a great "feast of the fowls." (Rev 19:21-23) The first picture of a white horse with a crowned rider is shown in In Rev 6:1, 2.
The feast of the fowls of Chapter 19 introduces Chapter 20, the chaining of Satan for a thousand years. There is a first resurrection judgment (beginning of the 1000 years) and the final great white throne judgment (after the 1000 years). Those in the Book of Life do not face the second death.
Judgment (thrones) is established to identify those that would be redeemed and resurrected from previous trials. These were those:
"...beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years (Rev 20:4)."
Saints who receive a full reward must recognize the mark of the Beast!
Satan is not chained today (Sept, 98)! Why? Nations are being deceived (Rev 17:2; 18:9, 23)! God knows those of his people who have not been deceived.
To date (Sept, 98), history does not record the time when nations were not deceived about Satan's oligarchical control.
At the end of the "thousand years," Satan is unchained (Rev 20:7, 8). Saints, use your wisdom and understanding. Share with us what you understand!
Nations are once again deceived by Satan and a great battle is set into array, but God miraculously wins the fight against Satan (Rev 20:7-10).
Now Satan is thrown in the "lake of fire," joining the beast and the false prophet. The righteousness of God (2 Pt 3:12, 13) now is established in the new heavens and earth.
The called out, chosen, and faithful have been waiting for this:
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Rev 21:3, 4)."
Chapters 21 and 22 show us a view of the new heavens and earth (old has passed away). The key view shows our relationship with the New Jerusalem (adorned as a bride). In that Holy City flows the river of the water of life with the tree of life, on either side of the river, bearing fruit each month.
Individuals who have overcome the world inherit their part in the city. They are sons of God.
Individuals who will not have an inheritance with God as their Father are:
"...the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death (Rev 21:7, 8)."
The nations will walk by the light (provided by the presence of God) of this city and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. The gates of this city never close and:
"The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life (Rev 22:26, 27)."
The leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations (Rev 22:2).
Even in the New Heavens and earth, God has a purpose for nations.
So now brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, let us remind ourselves about God's love and purpose for man:
"In putting everything under him (man), God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone (Heb 2:5-9)."
In the new heavens and earth we will see everything that is subject to man.
Let us be about God's business! Amen. Come, Lord Jesus (Rev 22:20)!
Foot Notes follow:
[1] "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this Life." These words (Acts 6:2, KJV), spoken by the angel of the Lord, were declared to the apostles (about 33 AD) as they were led out of a Jerusalem common prison. They returned to the temple [built by Herod the Great] to continue teaching the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The words in the Old Testament [The NT did not exist on paper then.] about the Messiah, the savior of the world, had come to pass.
The following is an outline of "all the words of this life." The draft was started 9/15/96. All quotations of the Bible are from the NIV (New International Version) unless otherwise noted.
[2]I am not trying to boast that I am anyone special. All Christians have a personal witness of the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I trust in God. I remind myself daily of Prv 3:4, 5.
However, there is a special boast that God gives us: "...but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness (Ps 107:43), justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord (Jer 9:24)." I am delighted in what delights God (Prv 8:12-31). If God our Father is delighting in certain things going on in the earth, let us submit to God and delight in the same things. Let us do our part in these things God is doing (exercising).
[3]The original source is inspired. The words of the Bible are the words of the Holy Spirit (Jn 6:63; Eph 6:17; 1 Thes 2:13). Recorded historical events are not opinion. God's wisdom is required to distinguish between the good and evil, the facts and misinformation.
[4]You may be skeptical about the validity of the Bible. Good! That means you will search to find if this account of the good news is reasonable. This is simple (direct) but not easy. Find out what is in the Bible (you don't have to know it all). Understand the overview of history -- a record of how God has interacted with man (you don't have to know it all). History is not opinion. Use history as a science. Prove to yourself that the one true and living God is the creator of the heaven (universe) and the earth[1].
[1] This globe on which we stand was designed and built by a master engineer and builder! Just as when we visit someone's home, we see the evidence of that person's creativity. We see God's handiwork (called nature), but we do not see Him. Just as when we see a hand crafted chair, we do not see a part of the person who made it, but we see an expression of his being.]
[5]Where the record of the Bible and history give a picture of God's way, it is not opinion. I am reporting facts. This personal account of the gospel is not my opinion. But, there are certain high points (the tip of the iceberg) that I may not understand. God's word as we have it is not of private interpretation (opinion), but it is God breathed[1] (2 Pet 1:16-21, KJV).
[1] There is no question that the words of the Bible are the words reported for God. Some words are not clear to us. Our understanding must grow. Wisdom is a gift from God (Ps 111:10; Jas 1:5-8) , but we must search for understanding (Prv 4:5-7).]
[6]The good news is discerned by all six senses. The gospel cannot be discerned by the common five senses of see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, or empirical methodology only. The creative nature of man, depicted by his being made in the image of God -- a relationship with God the Creator -- will be the guidance and source of understanding (Mt 18:15-17).
[7]The radical environmentalists are in a world system that presently includes the international banking interests of Wall Street and London. Malthusian/Zero population[1] growth concepts were a forerunner.
[1] Population control introduced the return of an old paganism (Gaia) that includes the oligarchical interests that are presently led by the House of Windsor in England. The Club of the Isles and the United Nations are the visible organizations used by the oligarchical interests. The Bilderberger Association is included. The best biblical description is in Eph 6:12.]
[8]It has been estimated that without the benefit of technology, about 10 million people (yahoos) would be able to subsist in a hunting and gathering society in the whole earth. It has been said that by utilization of all our present technological capability, over 12 billion people could populate the earth living under a high standard as experienced in the United States of American in the early 1950s.
[9]We tend to think that man was very primitive before the fall (being forced out of the Garden of Eden and starting to experience death), but my personal opinion, based on Solomon's statement, "...there is nothing new under the sun," is that significant (but still limited) technology we have today is not all that new. Remember that biblical writers (Job, especially) had an understanding about star groups and that the earth was round, long before man regained the technology (telescope and advanced navigation) to empirically prove it so. The "establishment" believed these facts only after they were proven by the 5 senses, even though it was "old" knowledge.
[9A]The Hebrew meaning is to be on guard, but did this mean keeping Satan away? Keeping invaders out had no meaning at that time. I give God the glory and thank Him for this my understanding now: I believe this means guarding the "intent of Elohim" pictured in Gen 2:26-28. Now, with the authority in Jesus the Messiah restored to man, we again are to keep watch (Eph 6:18) over the "intent of Elohim" as was man's business in the beginning.
[10]Man rejected the authority of God and man's co-creative authority with God over the creation of God (Ps 8:5, 6). Man gave his own authority to Satan and then, being forced out of Eden, placed himself under that authority. Man submitted himself to the system of the "fruit of the knowledge of good and evil," rather than the productivity of the system of the "fruit of the tree of life." The tree of life goes the narrow way (liberty in God's way, which is creative) whereas, the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil goes the broad way (liberty in Satan's way, which leads to destruction).
[11]The Devil offered at least some of that authority (Mt 4:8-10 and Luke 4:5-8) that he had to Jesus just before Jesus started his ministry. Satan offered the honor of the kingdoms of the world[1], but not the glory. Man was given glory and honor [Ps 8:6, Heb 2:7] in the beginning. In Mt 28:18 Jesus was given (he had overcome the world [kosmos, Jn 16:33]) all authority[2](privileged) in heaven and earth.
[1] In Mt 4:8 it is "kingdoms of the arrangement (Greek, kosmos)", and in the Lk 4:5 account, it is the "kingdoms of the habitable earth (Greek, oikoumene)". In Jn 3:16, "...God so loved the kosmos..."]
[2] This authority we now have, through Jesus Christ, is privileged right of inheritance -- a family ownership as royalty (consider the Greek word, exousia). We are not using the capacity of this regained authority.
Satan is still exercising the dunamis authority (ability, power) over the earth by deception (2 Tim 3:13; Titus 3:3; Rev 12:9) and possibly even by permission (Job 1:6-22)]. When we resist Satan in the authority of Jesus Christ, he flees (Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8-10).
[3] God knows that man requires maturing. Why didn't he make male and female at the same time. A process from male to female was apparently necessary. Mankind's salvation requires a process. The royal sons of God require exercise -- confrontation -- with the adversary to reach maturity. Israel had to fight for their promised land. They had to fight to keep it. But, they lost their nation when they rejected God, whether by idol worship, immorality, hypocrisy, or lack of trust.]
[12]There are the expressions, "free will" of man and "free trade" in commerce. Both expressions are used for deception. God knows and history demonstrates that every man and sovereign nation needs guidelines and boundaries. Satan wants a vacuum -- no laws -- to effect his methods.
[13]The once pagan king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:34-37) describes the kingdom of God during the time after the flood. By the use of kingdoms, God made a way for those who choose good to be protected from anarchy (freedom to choose and do either good or evil).
[14]In the New Testament the Greek word for perfect means fully mature (not without flaw as a diamond), but here it may mean that Noah (and family) were perfectly healthy (without sickness or deformity as such from drugs or debauchery).
[15]If there hadn't been Noah, would God have destroyed all of man and started over again? Maybe this was the conditions for another time of destruction of the earth. Was the description of the earth as described in Gen 1:2, as being "void and without form" with the spirit of God (Elohim) moving upon the face of the deep (apparently water), a previous destruction[1] of the earth? There are those who say it was. As remote as we may think it might be, we may be smart to fear and respect God.
[1] How many times does destruction have to happen to mankind before we start taking it personally and seriously? Ours is to assume the responsibility, to choose good and use it for such a time as this. As for me, I will learn from the historical past, relying on the wisdom of God and searching for understanding that reflects His way.]
[16]The shedding of blood of animals (under the law of Moses, and earlier), was the predecessor to the blood of Jesus, who ushered in a new testament. God the Son "bruised the head (authority)" of Satan. Blood which is the life of our physical body, was the price Jesus paid to repurchase mankind from death and return us from the separation from God our creator.
[17]The pattern of Israel: God led Israel in a miraculous manner (spiritual phase) out of Egypt and eventually across the Jordan River. In the Palestinian area, Israel had to physically conquer their promised land (righteous war with God's guidance). This is an historical reality that foreshadows another reality -- Christianity. The sons of God wield the sword that proceeds from their mouth (the word of God) to physically retake this inhabited earth from the adversary, Satan. God is consistent in all He does. He does not leave us without guidance from what he tells us (Bible) or shows us (history).
[18]Since God was grieved with man, he said He would limit their life time (Gen 6:3) to 120 years.
Men had been living toward 1000 years[1]. There are 5 places on the earth today where entire populations of people live to be 120 to 140 years old (living above 8,500 to 14,000 feet). The significance is that they live on a diet that includes a complete compliment (more than 60) of trace minerals from plants. It may be that the flood leached out most minerals from the surface of the ground, but not at some higher elevations. Tests show that rare earths increase the life span of laboratory animals considerably.
[1] It could be conceivable that man has a genetic coding for 1000 years which is a spiritual "tick" in eternal time. The fruit of the tree of Life would allow us to renew ourselves for the next "tic." Since man was made from the dust of the ground, the mineral intake of his body surely has a significance in reaching that 1000 years. The consideration of minerals in longevity, in light of the Bible, may take on this conclusion: Jesus has indeed destroyed the enemy death (1 Tim 1:7-10; 1 Cor 15:51-56), but we must regain the understanding[2] why man lived close to 1000 years before the flood.]
[2] There was a significant change in the longevity of man after the flood. Noah lived after the flood for 350 years and died at the age of 950 years (Gen 9:28, 29). In contrast, it appears that Shem lived to be only 600 (Gen 11:10, 11). The ages of Ham and Japheth are not mentioned. Shem's progenity lived just over 400 years in the first thee generations, dropped to just over 200 years for five generations to include, Terah, the father of Abraham (Gen 11:10-32).]
[19]We still do not have control of the weather. We don't know the technical significance of the rainbow yet -- but Jesus Christ does (Mk 4:37-41).
[20]Was this God directed? Before the flood, the first murderer Cain was the first recorded city builder (Gen 4:17). It appears that before the flood there was a tendency for the lineage of Seth to simply spread out over the earth without city building. However, after the flood cities seemed to be places for protection, even control of people (Gen 11:1- 9), and places of corruption. Consider the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 18:16-20).
[21]Now is these days, with nation-states, the satanic methodology of evil is to discourage and destroy technology in order to keep the earth's population as low as possible. This method assures that oligarchic powers (Gen 10 & 11) can remain in control of the earth. At the same time Satan is still trying to destroy the sovereignty of nation-states (a people with one mind, acknowledging God) through the United Nations. This is being done by reintroducing "free trade" to establish a mentality of globalism.
[22]The first Babylon, started by Nimrod, was then rebuilt by King Nebuchadnezzar [Chaldeans and others] with the famous hanging gardens. Saddam Hussein, who considered himself a reincarnation of Nebuchadnezzar, rebuilt about 10% of the old Babylon city. In the book of Revelation the term Babylon is used for the depiction of deceptive and evil power, not necessarily a specific place.
[23]This is the first recorded effects of diversity! Satan's word is that it is only "fair" to allow diversity in a nation. Diversity disintegrates the sovereignty of a people (nation) as this Babylonian record shows. Diversity is typical of an empire. Consider what the past Russian empire had to do to maintain order!
[24]This concept of anarchy (no government) as used today may include the idea of no law, but does include organization. Satan's anarchical system excludes God's law, but there is an apparent method or organization of evil. Today the "organization of anarchy" is the oligarchical control of peoples by slavery[1] such as the British and Russian feudal system. At high financial and international commercial levels, the methodology of evil developed by the Venetian Empire and adopted by the New British Empire is prevalent. This is Satan's system that reasserts itself against the God established nation-state in every age, including today!
[1] It took Israel about 1000 years before their slave mentality completely rejected idolatry after their Egyptian bondage. We can keep this cycle of evil shorter because we have records of history we can learn from. Israel has been a sort of fall guy so that we can learn from their mistakes.]
[25]This nation was chosen because God loved them, not because they had any redeeming qualities such as being bigger or better (Deut 7:7-11).
[26]Judges 2:10-19 is a summary of God's dealing with Israel because of the "generation gap."
[27]Even the United States of America is a nation in which sons were called from every nation under the sun. What would the Zulus say about their migration to the Republic of South Africa today? On this one point we see God still working to fill the earth with mankind (Gen 1:28).
[28]Israel was first conquered by Babylon under king Nebuchadnezzar, taken to the Babylonia area for 70 years, and then a group of over 50,000 returned to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem. God had a special relationship with Egypt also, since he sent them into captivity for 40 years before they were brought back (Eze 29:12-14).
[29]Other nations who were taken into captivity, but were returned:
- Moab -- Jer 48:47 says, "Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the Lord. Thus far is the judgment of Moab."(KJV)
- Ammon -- Jer 49:1-6. Verse 6: "And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the Lord."(KJV)
- Elam -- Jer 49:34-39, "...later days...bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the Lord."(KJV)
[30]A totalitarian method of rule appears to lean toward idolatry, if the example of other nations is any indication. People tend to follow what they see. Only after the return from the Babylon captivity (536 BC) did Israel completely reject idolatry.
[31]Jesus told Pilate, "My kingdom (method of ruling) is not of this world...(John 18:36)."
[32]Israel was free for about 100 years during the Maccabeean period which ended in 63 BC when Pompey captured Jerusalem.
[33]Before Israel asked for a king (1 Samuel 8:1-9), several times in the book of Judges it was said (in so many words), "...There was no king in those days; every man did what was right in his own eyes." This was not anarchy because God accepted those conditions (1 Sam 8:7, 8). The nation of Israel, collectively, knew the law that God had given them through Moses who had led them out of Egypt with the power of the miracles that God supplied. See Judges 8:22, 23, where Gideon was asked to be king but he told them, "...the Lord shall rule over you." This was about 200 years after Israel crossed over the Jordan into Palestine.
[34]The Holy Spirit is directly from God. In the Old Testament the (Holy) Spirit was given to leaders such as Moses and a group of 70 leaders to help Moses in the day to day judgment of the people of Israel (Nu11:16, 24-29). Today, a measure of the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, sons of God.
[35]Satan is the master deceiver, the father of lies (Jn 8:44). Satan, with all sincerity, told woman that she would not die (he was thinking spiritually) -- knowing that God would remove man from access to the tree of life. But the woman thought Satan meant physical death. Spiritual death is for those not written in the Book of Life (Rev 20:11-15). The second death is a lake of fire (separation from the presence of God, 2 Thes 1:5-10).
[36]In this 20th century we have demonstrated that our advanced technology does not produce peace among mankind. Technology has allowed more people to live on the earth and even live longer. Even so many are morning that the quality of life is lacking. As a result we have phenomena such as Dr. Kavorkian providing a service of assisted suicide for those in physical or mental pain. Anarchy! Confusion! Who gives Life[1]? Why should we take it away when we cannot give Life?
[1] God the Sovereign Creator gives life. We stand upon this earth, His creation. This earth created by the Father, it is not a mother, it is a work of the hands of the Creator, Elohim. The global radical environmentalist moves to establish laws that are "good" to preserve the earth (some even defining the earth as a mother goddess). That "good" established by some environmentalists is against the Good established in the beginning by God.]
[37]We have record of many civilizations that have completely disappeared. However, in the last two thousand years it appears that Satan has grown more adept in his methods of survivability from the judgments of God. Certain oligarchic powers (fondo, mafia, etc.) remain no matter who is in governmental control from generation to generation. Satan is countering with a "spiritual kingdom" of his own in opposition to the kingdom of God. Ignorant and naive masses of people (pagan and saint) are caught in between this great SPIRITUAL WARFARE!
[38] Actually man will follow either good or evil, depending on his leader. It is not within man to direct himself (Jer 10:23; Prv 16:1, 9). There is a tendency for man to be "depraved." However, the
righteousness of Jesus Christ freed us from our depravity when we are transformed by the new birth by the power of his word of truth (Jas 1:17-18).
[39]Technology masked the atrocities that are recorded in the Gulf War of 1991. A push of a button does not allow you to see the faces of those killed, mutilated or starved or diseased eventually by the destruction unleashed. But we can see the lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness of God (Jer 9:24-26).
[40]The Toronto (Canada) protocols, in which CFCs[1] are being replaced by a more expensive refrigeration system (new equipment and refrigerant), is expected to cause yearly deaths of some 40 million people (largely in third world countries) from reduced food supplies because of reduced refrigeration availability.
[1] As of January 1996, CFC and HCFC was no longer being manufactured in the United States of America. There is expected to be some impact from increased deaths (food poisoned from lack of refrigeration) and the cost of living will go up for all Americans again putting a certain amount of people at risk of decreased quality of life, shortened lives, etc.]
[41]More correctly, United StatesTM, U.STM, U.S.ATM, USATM or AmericaTM. A corporation known as "the united states government" was formed in 1868. The government first passed the Government Incorporation Act of 1868 to better handle the business interests and needs of the government in the reconstruction of the South. This Corporate USA was not well received initially and went defunct in 1873. However, in 1878 the corporation was reestablished with its trademarks. The issuance of bonds by the corporate USA[1] resulted in the take over of the Treasury by the Federal Reserve some 34 years later. See the newsletter, WARN, July 4, 1996, Team Law Publications, c/o non-domestic, P.O. Box 17063, Denver, Colorado Republic, near #80217.
[1] A lot of homework is needed here! Initially you could not tell the difference between the UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT corporation and the government of the United States of America. Now if you know the context of the corporate trademarks and if you know the Constitution, related codes and statutes, and history, it makes sense why the International Monetary Fund[2] (IMF) and the associated families (fondo, majia) have such a financial strangle hold on every nation of the world. The truth makes us free! Come out of Babylon, my people! The first step would be to find out the difference between a 1040 and 2555 form. Start with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (see the 1040 instructions) and pursue an understanding of "agents of foreign principals."]
[2] Read the United States Code Title 22 § 286. And further, why did the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania become "THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA?" All state names changed, such as Republic (for California and Texas) to "THE STATE OF......" between 1962 to 1968. Check out inter-state governor meetings and state constitution administrative changes!]
[42]The United States GovernmentTM and state governments are scurrying around to reduce budgets[1] to meet their tax income. As a results, programs for the needy (a responsibility given to them by the people) are cut, putting a percentage of that group of people at risk of death[2]. We would not overtly kill these people, but they are killed indirectly by not following the God given concept of productivity.
[1] We have the Kennedy administration record crying in our face! Increase the tax base (productivity) to meet the needs of PEOPLE rather than reduce the budget to placate an uncompassionate fascist way of thinking for the benefit of the financial system!
In Pennsylvania, the state budget was reduced (SB 1441, May 16, 1996) by $250 million to balance the budget by eliminating over 220,000 persons from medical assistance. However, a financial transaction tax of only 0.2 percent (presently untaxed) would raise at least $10 billion (state budget $16 billion). It is estimated that about 3,500 of the 220,000 persons needing medical assistance will die within 6 months of terminating the medical assistance. See the pamphlet, "IMPEACH Governor Ridge for Nazi Crimes Against Humanity," Committee to Reverse the Accelerating Global Economic and Strategic Crisis: A LaRouche Exploratory Committee, P.O. Box 730, Leesburg, VA 22075. Also see, people at risk of death[2].
[2] From a California study, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that 3 out of 186 adults died directly due to lack of health care. See the article "LaRouche: Impeach Pennsylvania's Governor Ridgeway for 'Nazi-Like' Policies," Executive Intelligence Review, June 7, 1996, EIR News Service, 317 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E. 2nd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20023, (202) 544-7010.]
[43] We have the evidence that God participates in the affairs of man even today. In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 9, verses 23 and 24, we find that there are three areas of activity that God is involved: lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. The lovingkindness of God, described in Ps 107, shows his participation in the affairs of peoples and nations and individuals. God "delights" in these things indicating that there is a joy of creative activity not found in the short lived sensual pleasures touted in the world of anarchy. Justice (judgment): Gen 18:25; Isa 26:8-10; Mt 25:31-46. Righteousness (God's): Jer 23:6; Prv 8:20-21 (wisdom speaking).
[44]The United States of America was an example to the world in productivity during World War 2 (WW2). Approximately 58-percent of the working population was in productive projects. Presently about 20-percent of the working population is in productive endeavors (manufacturing, agriculture, mining, etc.). Now, more people are working in more lower paying service jobs[1] whether high tech or pushing hamburgers, that must be supported by production labor output.
[1] Our standard of living is less. Why? Every national economy must be balanced between productive and service activities. See So You Wish to Learn All About Economics?, Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr., revised 1996, Ben Franklin Booksellers, Leesburg, VA, (800) 453-4108. This is a text on elementary mathematical economics -- the physical economy, not monetarism. The text includes the historical development of the American system of economics (basically starting with Gottfried Leibniz {1647-1716}) in contrast to the British system typified by Adam Smith's book (1776), The Wealth of Nations. Genesis 1:28 is the first known writing on economics.
Why and how did the Kennedy space program enable the nation to recover from the depression coming out of the Eisenhower administration?]
[45]In the book of James, 1:16-18, we read: "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose (by His will) to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created."
[46]Jas 1:12, 13: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
[47]Judges 2:18; Psalms 107, etc., show the Old Testament mercy of God.
[48]References to those who trusted in God in the early development of the United States:
- A refreshing view of the infant United States of America: George Washington and his trust in God, The Bulletproof George Washington, by David Barton, The Wall Builders, P.O. Box 397, Aledo, TX 76008, (800) 873-2845.
- Preparing for a nation by the early colonists: How the Nation was Won, by Graham Lowry, Ben Franklin Booksellers, Leesburg, VA, (800) 453-4108. This book is a repository and reference of original sources not found in modern history text books. The Massachusetts Bay Colony made more iron than England at one time.
[49]We allowed evil to almost overcome the sovereignty of this nation prior to 1812. The Civil war tried this nation again to see if we would choose the good or evil. For some 80 years we had been under a siege against oligarchic tyranny in the South. The forces and voices that call for a return to feudalistic oligarchy are active today (8/1998).
[50]After the assassination of President Kennedy, there was a shift to a "post industrial society" started by President Johnson. Economically the people of the United States of America went from a single job to support the family, to some two and a half jobs today (1998). For a high percent of working families, we are experiencing the effects of a service (feudal, British Free Trade) society.
[51]See 2 Tim 1:7-10 (NKJ) for the summary of the action that Jesus accomplished in our rescue and what our participation must be. Jesus "...has abolished death (2 Tim 1:8-12, also see, 1 Cor 15:51-58) and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." We didn't do anything that merited Jesus' coming here, but this "purpose and grace" was setup before the world was started (before the times of the ages). However, we must not be ashamed of what He did!
[52]A promise is given in Gen 3:15 where God says He would put enmity between the seed of woman and Satan. The seed of woman would "strike" Satan's head (remove the authority of Satan), whereas Satan would strike the heel (death of Jesus the Messiah, but resulted in His resurrection ) of the woman's seed. This was spoken to Satan as a judgment for his deception -- a coded message[1]. Moses gave another picture of the seed of woman in Deut 18:15 (a prophet like Moses). The book of Isaiah, 9:6 and 7, reveals that a child would be born who would be called "Mighty God" as well as "Prince of Peace." Then the entire chapter of Isaiah 53 describes Jesus as the "lamb" taken to slaughter (crucifixion) who "was pierced for our transgressions,...crushed for our iniquities", and inflicted with punishment that "brought us peace..."
[1] Otherwise, this was a simple statement that man has always stepped on the snake's head (to remove the authority [existence] of the snake) and the snake has bitten the man's heel to kill or defend himself. ]
[53]God has always started everything with an individual [Adam, Eve, Abraham, and Jesus]. The first priority is the souls of people and then the nation. Jesus answered the apostles question about restoration of the kingdom to Israel with (Acts 1:7, 8): "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus did say the kingdom of Israel would be restored, but not then. It was none of their affair. They were to be witnesses of Jesus through out the earth, after they received the power of the Holy Spirit.
[53a]Many people consider the God of the Old Testament to be a cruel God! Not so! God wants repentance from people. If God was that cruel God, He would have condemned the world right away with the resurrection of Jesus as Christ. God our Father, wants repentance from us, He does not want us to be destroyed. But, He will condemn the hard hearted and unrepentant sons of disobedience. God will give the world "all the rope" they will take. Then, there will be an end described as, "It is done!" (Rev 16:17-21)
[54] In Luke 17:20, 21, Jesus said the kingdom of God would not come visibly. The Kingdom of God was among them. But, behind the scenes, Jesus is reigning:
"Then the end will come, when he (Jesus) hands over the kingdom to
God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he has put every thing under his feet (Ps 8:6)'." Read all of 1 Cor 15:20-28, 50-57.
[55]To save us from the corruption on earth and receive forgiveness of our sins, we must reject evil. Evil professes to have the freedom to choose either good or evil, depending on the circumstances, and rejects God the creator of the heaven and earth. There is no compromise. We will either love God and hate Satan or we will love Satan and hate God. We choose to have a loving relationship with God and Jesus, His first Son born from the dead -- life eternal. Or, we choose to have a relationship with the father of lies -- with eternal death.
[56]The kingdom of God here on earth is described by several different words: called out, church [assembly], the way, body of Christ, the bride, household of faith, church of the First Born, church of Christ, church of God.
In the same way, there are several major different names for God in the Old Testament, which describe a certain manifestation of God. God's way is consistent. The different names for the kingdom of God in the New Testament shows God's way of relating to His called-out sons.
[56a]Has the death of Jesus Christ for your sins touched your heart? Thank you, Beloved Father! Contact me at our e-mail address and I will contact those who can instruct and guide you, from where you are, as it was done 2000 years ago! Welcome, learner of Christ!
[57]A high priest who made one sacrifice, himself, for all time (Heb 7:22-28; 8:1, 2; 9:14, 5).
[58]The saints, sons of God, redeemed sons of men (male and female), belong to a "royal" priesthood here on earth (1 Pet 2:9).
[59]Christians do not hate the evil person. Christians hate his evil ways.
[60]The confession that Jesus is the Son of the Living God is very important. We can understand that importance when we compare the confession of Jesus by Peter (Mt 16:16, 17) with the denial of Jesus by Peter (Luke 22:60-62). Peter wept bitterly when he denied Jesus at the crucifixion trial.
[60a]Our past associations can drag us back to the world's way. A babe in Christ must associate with those of like mind in trusting God. You may have a compassion about the lost condition of your old crowd, but consider these guidelines inside and outside of the assembly: 1 Cor 15:33, 34; Prv 13:20; 1 Cor 5:9-13.
[61]In context, the "day" may mean the day of regular assembly. Remotely this reference may mean the day of return of Jesus as he promised (Acts 1:10, 11; 2 Peter 3:3-7).
[62]To be done in Spirit and in truth [God's word is truth, reality] (John 4:19-24). Jesus is our best example.
[63]The bottom line of all worship is walking with God. Enoch (the son of Jared who lived 962 years), walked with God for 300 years (He was 365 years old) and "...then he was no more, because God took him [1] away (Gen 5:21-24)." Enoch and Elijah are examples in the Old Testament. They are an example prefiguring what will happen in the New Testament. The New Testament was brought in by the death (shed blood), burial and resurrection of Jesus, the savior of the world. Jesus will (has) destroy (destroyed) death (1 Cor 15:19-27; 2 Tim 1:8-10).
[1] Enoch was translated to heaven without death. The only other men who did not die on this earth was Elijah and possibly Moses (2 Ki 2:1, 9-12 (Moses: 2 Ki 2:15-18; Deut 34:5-8; Luke 9:28-36; Jude 8, 9).]
[63a]Jesus and his "warriors" surround us in this spiritual warfare. See the army that Jesus leads as depicted in Rev 19:11-16. This is a symbol of Jesus' activity in the background, out of our sight, but a reality!
[64]Satan continues with deceptive schemes. By submitting to God we resist Satan as we stand firm in faith, confident (knowing) that "greater is He that is in us, then he who is in the world (1 Jn 4:4)." (1 Peter 5:8, 9; Jas 4:7-10).
We understand Satan's schemes: Satan's servants, the sons of disobedience (Eph 2:2; 5:6; Col 3:6) use words that mean one thing to them and another thing to us. For instance, diversity, pluralism, peace, democracy, free trade, saving the earth, etc., have good connotations for most people. But, the sons of disobedience have an ulterior scheme -- world (global ) domination by the father of lies. Their meaning of the same words are methods and tools of manipulation in the kingdom of darkness.
[64a] A picture is indeed worth a 1000 words. If it is a "graphic" only -- not art -- it communicates precisely (TV is a good example). A word picture leads, with wisdom and understanding, to a more complete or perfect picture. Words used in creativity, a facet of God's image, has the opportunity to promote fullness (Eph 3:14-19; 4:7-14), whereas, a graphic is at best two dimensional.
[65]James writing to the dispersed Israelites gave this summary of conduct and admonitions.
- Ask for wisdom. Believe and you will receive. (Jas 1:5-8)
- Keep a tight rein on your tongue -- otherwise your religion is in vain (worthless). (Jas 1:26)
- Religion that God accepts -- ... being pure and faultless...visiting the widows and orphans ...keeping unspotted from the world. (Jas 1:27)
- Keep the royal law -- "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Jas 2:8; Lev 19:18)
- Snow your faith by your deeds. -- Demons believe and shudder (They believe in one God.). (Jas 2:14)
- Submit yourselves to God (don't fight among yourselves) -- Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (Jas 4:7)
- Be generous to the poor, pay those fairly who work for you. Don't condemn innocent men.(Jas 5:1-6)
- Happy is the man who perseveres -- ...the crown of life will be his (Jas 1:2-4, 12).
- Be patient "...until the Lord's coming." Don't grumble against each other -- don't be judged. (Jas 5:7-9)
- Job's perseverance is our example -- the compassion and mercy of God is a reward. (Jas 5:10-11)
- Elijah's prayer of faith is our example -- the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. (Jas 5:13-20)
[66]Paul said, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Cor 11:1).
[67]The younger is always asked to submit to the older. In God's kingdom, the leader leads. He never subjects the younger or even older to himself. The leader serves.
[68]The letters from Paul (to Timothy and Titus) outlined the qualifications that elders or deacons should be demonstrating. The saints made the selection from among themselves of those qualified. The evangelist, in all probably, made the appointment in a similar manner as the apostles did in Acts 6.
[69]The Greek word Agape', means a divine, selfless love as Jesus demonstrated for mankind.
[70]The scriptures do not define this as a task for older men. How fitting it should be that older men (who are married or widowers) teach younger men how to love their wife and children. Men and women are given guideline instructions in loving and submitting to one another (Eph 5:22-33).
[71]The Greek word Philo, means a responsive love. This is the kind of love we had in response to the Agape' Jesus has for us all as sinners. We respond in philo as little children and grow in agape' as we mature in the kingdom of God.
[72]The record of God's way in dealing with leadership is not structured as we think of it. Leadership appears to evolve to more visible structure first for the young and inexperienced who need the example of leadership. Then as older people get further from a personal relationship with God they tend to develop and demand structures of control. As leadership structures grow, people tend to establish their own rules and call them righteousness.
[73]Philip went to Samaria and proclaimed Christ. He had the gift to heal and cast out evil spirits, but could not give the baptized convert a miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John came to Samaria and prayed and placed their hands on them to give them the Holy Spirit. The baptized believers had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. This account points out the necessity of the command that Jesus gave to baptize in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as in Mt 28:19, 20.
[74]There is no fear in facing Jesus, the Son of the Living God, if we have been washed clean of our sins by His shed blood.
[75]It is easy to think of teaching the good news about the resurrection from the dead of Jesus the Son of the living God to a primitive[1] people. You give them the whole story -- all the words of this life -- from Genesis to Revelation. To these "ignorant" people there is no separation between politics (purpose and guidelines for a group of families), economics (family productivity for the optimum standard of living), and religion (a moral and loving (agape') way of life trusting God, their Father and creator of the universe).
[1] The primitive (technologically unlearned) people, after being brought to the saving and trusting knowledge of Jesus the Christ[2], must be taught that iron plows provide greater productivity, wheels provide easier modes of transportation, etc. So that Gen 1:28 may be realized to its fullest, we (should) teach technology (includes the science of economics) and politics (not democrats and republicans) in light of the Bible[3].]
[2] Often it is said we have to feed people's physical hunger first before we talk about spiritual things. But, how can we say that satisfying physical hunger is not a spiritual thing?. Satisfying physical hunger is a God given blessing (Gen 1:28)!]
[3] How primitive is Russia today with some 40% of their productivity after the Berlin wall came down? We see the satanic operations of Babylon! When we teach the gospel to a person burning the candle at both ends with two jobs or a widow barely making it on a fixed income decimated by inflation, we must teach them all of the words of this life! We see the satanic operations of Babylon that especially started in this nation after the assassination of President Kennedy!]
[75a]This is not to say we don't talk about sports (our opinions), but we must focus on those weighty matters that are both short range and long range in importance. The Bible and history (the results of God's interaction with man) should be the most significant part of our conversation. Being led in thinking by television and the analysis of the news makes the adversary smile!
[76]Under the providence (guidance) of God in the affairs of men, there is not any son of God who does not live in a nation, no matter how chaotic the government might be. The saints are instructed to be subject to their governing totalitarian powers. The Christians were persecuted and killed because they would not confess that "Caesar is Lord." Finally, in 1787 a nation was created that is the closest to a theocratic republic since the first 350 years of the nation Israel -- the United States of America.
[77]The scriptures in Dan 10 and 2 Ki 6 give another example of the evidence of unseen forces and the warfare going on there. The power of prayer in national affairs is demonstrated by Daniel, Elijah, and Elisha.
[78]Read the congressional record during the time when the first amendment was being formulated (1789). The founding fathers wanted the assurance that a national religion would not be established by congress, such as in England. Oligarchic and new age religion forces are pushing the idea of "separation of God and state," only they are saying, separation of church and state. President Kennedy (1963) stated he supported the idea of separation of church and state, but he apparently meant in context of the Catholic church[1]. The American founding fathers did not advocate separation of God and state. Evil forces are saying one thing (that we might accept it) but meaning another.
[1] As a political entity, the Catholic church clearly cannot be tied to the United States of America -- a sovereign nation. Citizens of the United States of America agree with this type of separation. However, citizens are intimidated by the use of "separation of church and state" when the meaning and intent is "separation of God and state" by powers that be, such as the supreme court of the United States.]
[79]Most all "churches" will agree that the people make up the church that Christ established. Therefore, the evil forces pressing for separation of church and state are actually advocating separation of the people from the government. The people are the Government in the United States of America. The United Nations and oligarchic feudalistic powers want the people to be separate from the government.
[80]However, national repentance will preserve us. See Jer 18:6-8, 2 Chr 7:14 and Jas 4:9-10.
[81]The authority of God in a nation is pictured from Romans 13:1-7 (Dan 4). God says everyone must submit to the governing authorities. Whoever rebels against peaceful authority is rebelling against God.
Also see Deut 6:4-9. Any time there is a call to Israel with an admonition or principle (that is not specifically required of the old sacrificial law), God's people and every nation should heed it as if their national name was substituted for the name of Israel.
[82]Sing the fourth verse of the song, America. The last words are, "...Great God our King." We rarely sing the third verse of our national anthem.
[83]It was 86 years after the Constitution was in place that president Abraham Lincoln expressed this understanding.
[84]The American System of Political Economy was a term first used by Alexander Hamilton (secretary of treasury) in his reports to congress (approx. from 1791-1793). Congress legislated the national bank (not private as the Federal Reserve today), protective tariffs (no British, etc., free trade), and internal improvements (infrastructure -- roads, canals, etc.) to carry out the American System of Political Economy[1]. This nation was not founded on Adam Smith economics. That is the British System of Political Economy.
[1] Reference The Political Economy of the American Revolution, Editors: Nancy Spannaus and Christopher White, 1996, Executive Intelligence Review, Washington, D.C. (EIR, P.O. Box 17390, Washington, D.C. 20041-0390)]
[85]See Gal 3:22-39. The promise to Abraham, that in him all nations would be blessed (Gen 12:3; 26:1-6; 28:10-14), was fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Now all of mankind (what ever race, color, sex, or servitude status) are one in Jesus Christ. In Jesus they are the seed (progeny, children) of Abraham. In obedience to Jesus, all will receive the inheritance promised through Abraham.
This inheritance includes the aspects that we, as sons of God, are God's inheritance and the land (nation, the earth) is our inheritance as given to us by God's providence(Deut 4:20, 37-38; Acts 17:24-27). The new heavens and earth are our final inheritance.
[86]See Article VI of the Constitution. Our obligation as sons of God is to the Constitution and other supporting laws, not the legislators or the person who is president. The president and legislators are servants of the people.
[87]The Civil war was a judgment on the entire nation. The biblical revival in the 1830s, concentrated in the South, gave them greater responsibility in upholding biblical truth. With the hindsight of history, we in this generation have a greater responsibility to preserve this nation. The South will be the one judging this generation if we do not take heed and turn from our evil and ignorant ways.
[88]Of the 11 million people, about 4 million were blacks (slaves), and out of the 7 million whites (feudal slaves) there were some 300 thousand whites (feudal masters) who owned about 90 percent of the slaves and land. The British Crown was attempting to reconquer at least part of the emerging powerful United States of America. If it had not been for the American "alliance" with Czar Frederick II, who sent Russian ships to the east cost and west coast, England would have entered the war with the South.
[89]Some Southern saints did escape to the North. It is not important to know how many saints were part of the carnage. We need to heed their example. I would suggest they gained eternal life, but they lost a blessing here on earth. I know we can say, "So what? They went to their rest with Jesus." The Civil War is history we do not want to repeat. There is talk of states rights, etc. to day. How does Mica 4:6 apply to the religious people today?
[90]The embryo of this nation was started in 1620 with the Mayflower Compact.
[91]The saints in every nation have the responsibility to intercede for their own nation. Each nation of believers can plead the same model prayer of Daniel (Dan 9:4-19).
[91a]Our first responsibility is to declare the saving news of Jesus Christ, but in context, we must share "all of the words of this life." We must declare God's plan to use republican nation-states to chain Satan and bring prosperity and freedom to the earth (Rev 20:1-3).
The United States of America was the first nation to have God as their king just as Israel did for 350 years. This nation was the first to return to anywhere close as God planned in the beginning. Perhaps, only in this generation can this truth be recognized and implemented. Thank you, Father!
[91b]Confusion is the result when we mix a reality with symbology and then (try to) force the conglomerate to be literal! For instance, "Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter'" (Rev 19:15). In context, the Word of God is riding on a white horse with the armies of heaven following. Read all of Rev 19:11-21.
Are we to anxiously wait for this literal army with Jesus physically subduing the nations? With reality behind all of the symbols, what is likely to happen? See Revelation 17:14. Who will wield the sword (the word of God, Eph 6:17)? What does the white horse of Rev 6:1, 2, in reality (not literally) mean? I don't know everything; you disciples and seekers out there -- give me some feedback! Here is my e-mailaddress.
[92]The Greek wording indicates these ten as "horns" or powers. Probably these are the major oligarchic families of the earth: Windsors, Rothchilds, Morgans, etc. They own or control some $16 Trillion.
[93]National adultry, according to God, is when a nation compromises their sovereignty and economic security by trusting in other nation(s) by treaty for that security, rather than trusting in God their King! See Ezekiel, chapters 16 and 23, and Hosea, chapters 1 through 4. The productivity of the people of a nation is security (Japan is an example). Sovereignty with fair trade provides mutual development of each nation. A good example is the United States and Russia in the 1800s up through the Civil War. In one sense, each nation is an island unto itself. Sovereignty -- but not isolation -- is God's way! British free trade is a lie! British free trade is adultry with other nations!
[94]You may ask, "What world bankruptcy?" Look at the stock market apparent value (inflationary) climb and high speculation in derivatives by the banking system world wide. When these "paper profits" are introduced into the commercial system, inflation results because those profits were not based on real productivity. Why are two and one half jobs needed by most working families to maintain a living ? Because, we are no longer an industrial nation producing our own goods. We are a service society. From a graph of the price index we see that since deregulation of the banking system in 1982 the price index has increased geometrically. The price index was level from 1745, except during wars, until about 1913. Reference the Executive Intelligence Review, Jan 1, 1996, Leesburg, VA 22075.
[95]Some banks are pulling out of the Federal Reserve System. Find out who owns them. The oligarchical families are looking for a place to land when everything falls.
[96]Let us call for a blessing in this land as in Isa 19:25, "Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance (KJV. See all of Isa 19:16-25)."
Let God Almighty declare, "Blessed be the United States of America, My witness to the world that I am the Creator of the heavens and earth and that My Son Jesus the Christ is the savior of the inhabited earth -- savior of all those who seek My face."
[97]To eject ourselves from Babylon, we also reject that this nation is a democracy. See the Constitution, Article IV, Section 4, where every state is guaranteed a Republican form of government.
[98]See 2 Chron 7:14. The restoration of the nation of Israel could come about only if God's people turned from their sinful ways (including Mica 4:6), turned to walk in a face-to-face relationship; then would God heal their land.
It is the same for this United States of America today! God will go as the saints call for. If they are passive and silent, so will God be. Are there Elijahs out there? Know that there is another 7000 who have not bowed their knees to Baal [deception of "Babylon" today] (1 Ki 19:9-18).
[99]Since 1944, the Federal Reserve System has been owned by the International Monetary Fund. It is estimated that about 180 nations are depositing their income tax revenue directly into an IMF account, including the United States GovernmentTM. Look at the endorsement of your checks sent to the IRS for tax payments. Ask questions of those who should know the answers. Be kind, but hold them accountable.
[100]See Article 1, Section 8, 4th paragraph of the Constitution. The responsibility of Congress to coin money and regulate the value was sluffed off to a private banking system (Federal Reserve) in 1913, during President Woodrow Wilson's administration.
[101]The United States of America must start the bankruptcy process. Then major nations, such as the Group of 8 (G7 plus Russia, with possibly the exception of England, ) will follow to setup the bankruptcy process, despite the mighty howl and threats of the IMF and the UN. This is a great spiritual warfare -- threatening words (furious tossing of the sea)! The minor nations, such as Brazil, Republic of South Africa, etc., will follow with the support of the United States of America.
[101a] What will cause (is causing) "Babylon" to fall? Remember that Revelation is couched in symbolic language. When it talks about a city, it is probably a system. There is a reality to this system (deceives and creates spiritual prostitution) just as the "fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" is real.
Consider that "Babylon" is apparently the global system of free trade and unregulated banking system that is disintegrating before our eyes -- consider the Asian nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, and Japan! All nations of the earth have been deceived by the free-trade system, the British System of Economics (Rev 17:1-5; 18).
[102] In Jer 51:44, 45, the remnant of Israel were called from Babylon[1]. Being in Babylon means to be under the methodology of evil that started with the first Babylon. To come out of Babylon, we must remove that evil -- moral decay and international financial control.
[1] In about 600 BC, Babylon was known as a land of merchants (Eze 16:29; Rev 18:9-20). The Venetian Empire was a city-state of maritime merchants and such is the Northern Venetian Empire (England) today. Adam Smith wrote his Wealth of Nations (1776) under the sponsorship of the British East India Company, to justify their methods of geopolitical maritime trade -- British free trade (Opium wars, etc.). Today, we drop the word British to express a misleading idealism of free trade. The idea of "global competition" is to the advantage of the international and maritime traders and international financial interests, not to the workers and citizens of each nation.]
[103]God has his saints in other nations as well. The other major powers, such as Russia, Germany, Japan, France, and China can, with the example of the United States of America and by the mercy of God, come out of Babylon! The United States of America has the moral responsibility of leadership in bringing the world out of Babylon!
[104]The sons of God cannot use the expression, "What can I do? I'm only one person!" This expression has no meaning to the saints in the kingdom of God. Especially see Rom 8:14-32.
[105]This is from Rom 8:31. The next concluding verse tells us, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
[106]Some of our problem may be thinking too small. Largely, it is being ignorant of history -- the long term development in how this nation was created and even more important -- the long term plans of the New British empire to retake the "colonies" and the rest of the world. See The Sun Never Sets on the New British Empire, Executive Intelligence Review, Special Offprint, June 1996 (EIR News Service Inc. 317 Pennsylvania Ave, S.E., 2nd Floor, Washington , DC 20003, (202) 544-7010)
[107]The religious world has various ideas about this 19th chapter. The white robed rider with the many crowns is obviously Jesus Christ[1] (Rev 19:11-16), who with justice, judges and makes war. His name is the Word of God -- the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Let me suggest we search the scriptures concerning "the sharp sword" that comes out of His (our) mouth. Secondly, search for the scriptures describing ruling with an iron scepter. All this is wrapped in capturing the beast and the false prophet (Rev 19:17-21).
I would appreciate your feedback. No, I don't have all of the answers. But, by the mercy of God, we can all understand each other, though we may not agree! Send an e-mail message, please!
[1] It may be more obviously a word picture of the power and influence of Jesus Christ, with His army, in the unseen realm backing up the called, chosen, and faithful in the war against the 10 powers (Rev 17:13, 14). As the crowned rider on the white horse in Rev 6:1 and 2 appears to be a picture of righteous wars in forming nations, so this picture of Jesus is in the righteous spiritual war (use of wisdom, understanding, and guts [boldness]) in wielding the sword of the Spirit {Prv 21:22; 28:1}) in conquering the kingdom of the world for the kingdom of God (Rev 11:15).]
[108]An Old Testament reference to vultures after a great battle: (Eze 39:17-20; Jer 7:30-34).
[109]This may be only my opinion, but it grieves me to think it! The Southern saints who died fighting in the Civil War appear to have had the mark of the Beast[1] on their hands. It may be that these saints will be resurrected at the Great White Throne Judgment, assuming their names are written in the Book of Life. This is God's judgment. But, let not this history repeat itself in our life time!
[1] The Beast goes back to the Roman Empire, the Venetian Empire, and the Venetian Northern Empire (England). In my opinion, (I don't have all of the answers) the mark of the beast is probably our knowingly or unknowingly aiding or abetting the methodology of evil of this Venetian spawned oligarchic system. Therefore, knowledge of the methodology of evil of the beast allows us to clean our hands. Those who understand the methodology of evil and support it have the mark of the beast on their foreheads. God is serious about this mark of the beast: see Rev 13:15-18; 14:9-12!]
[110] In the past some of us have believed that we are in the time when Satan is chained. If that were so, we are passed to the time when Satan has been turned loose, since nations are being deceived today (Rev 20:8). That means Rev 20:8, 9 should be fulfilled any time, as soon as Gog and Magog[1] gather around the saints and fire comes out of heaven. However, since 1948 when Israel was declared a nation again, Israel has always been under threat of war. We have never seen Israel dwell in peace as a sovereign nation (since the time of the Maccabees)!
Only when we see Israel dwelling in safely without walls, will we know that Rev 20:8, 9 can be fulfilled (Eze 38:8-23). That time will come after Babylon has fallen and the nations are not deceived, but are in a state of peace and prosperity.
Ken, Dean, Lee, Delbert; let's do more study on this question. I need your feedback. Whoever is right makes no difference -- we still have a lot of work ahead of us. If you are right, it appears that God's pure miraculous power will destroy the enemy surrounding God's people. All we need to do is keep teaching the saving power of Jesus. But, what about the mark of the beast? Will that not matter? What principles are couched in the example of Israel. How do we apply them?
[1] This Gog, the land of Magog, is described in Eze 38:2; 39:1, 6, 11. Did this destruction happen in the past? It may have happened already, but it can be repeated in the future (Rev 20:8, 9).]
[111]We as a nation were not deceived during the first 120 years of this republic. The first major deception was in 1913 at the inception of the Federal Reserve central banking system[1]. If citizens had known that it was a central bank, such as was prevalent in Europe, the bank would not have been allowed! This 120 years, in which only the United States of America knew the freedom of a nation-state under God, was only the prelude to the 1000 years during which all nations are sovereign under God, as described in Rev 20.
[1] The implemented Federal Reserve bank was a culminated takeover sequence by the Wall Street and London Banking system (various families) to remove President Lincoln's banking Acts of 1861-63. Lincoln had restored the National Bank (the 3rd National Bank), but it was never called that. The takeover sequence included the Specie Resumption Act of 1875 (Greenbacks redeemed in gold), United States Treasury issuance of bonds, and the buyout of the defaulted United States Treasury bonds in 1912 by major financial families. Now we know why the personal income tax was really implemented (Amendment 16, Feb 3, 1913).]
[112]The period of one thousand years is a special period of time. The 1000 years is apparently an era that does have an end, but is not just 1000 years only. This is apparent since the events of the Book of Revelation were to take place soon. So far, 1900 years have passed. People are involved. God gave 400 years before the judgment of the Amorites (Gen 15:12-16). People make and change history. The unbelief of Israel extended the time to judgment of the Amorites an extra 50 years (to a total of 450 years). The repentance of Nenevah extended that city state for more than 100 years after Jonah preached to them of their immediate destruction.
[113]In 2 Peter 3:8-13, the old world and old heavens -- elements -- are described as being "melted with fervent heat." It may be that the "elements" are the elemental laws that Satan imposed which brings all of creation subject to decay, including our bodies. It is not that God could not destroy the universe with a bang. It could be destroyed in this sense: the earth would be refurbished or restored as suggested in Romans 8:18-25. The earth was first destroyed by water, next it will be destroyed by fire (2 Pet 3:5-7; 1 Cor 3:13-15; 2 Pet 3:12). Fire could resurface the earth just as water destruction resurfaced the earth.
[114]Another list of those who will not inherit the kingdom of God: 1 Cor 6:9-11. However, if you are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus and by the Holy Spirit of God, you are freed from the second death.
How do we avoid the second death? We obey His will (way) and place our trust in Him. The record in Acts 2:36-39 shows how the process to eternal life, in the presence of God, was started in this Christian age.
[115]It appears that what we have learned about nations includes wisdom and understanding that will be used forever. Apparently the nation-state is a principle used in subduing the "works of His hands" in every galaxy in the "works of His fingers (Ps 8)."
[116]In 1 Cor 13:12 we find, "Now we see but a poor reflection, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." As sons of God, we will see Jesus face to face and become as he is (1 John 3:1-3). Then we will be back to a kind of square one. We will see an inheritance, prepared for us by the mercy and righteousness of God, that He was trying to show us before the fall of man!
[117]I welcome your comments and questions. What words of this life are you not sure about? How about an E-mail Bible study? Is Jesus the Lord of your life?! Let the United States of America be a witness of the sovereignty of God on this earth! God bless you!
Don Tirey. Talk to me by e-mail.
I am fleeing to the North is a spiritual expression responding to the call in Rev 18:4:
"...Come out of her (Babylon) my people, that ye may not partake of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues!" (KJV)
Each of us is responsible for leading a good moral life and teaching the gospel (soul salvation). However, soul salvation does not take us out of Babylon! By knowledge and understanding (Jer 9:24-25), we come out of Babylon to escape the plagues -- the destruction as pictured in Rev 18:8-24.
The Confederacy was physically destroyed with the saints who did not flee to the North. But, before the establishment of the Confederacy, there was a spiritual warfare over the ideology of slavery, the insistence of states rights, and an oligarchic mentality putting men at different levels of worthiness for purposes of control.
Today we are in a spiritual warfare in this nation, as in every nation. But, we are in that "one day" (Rev 18:8) in which the plagues come before the "one hour" (Rev 18:17) of total economic destruction -- of the maritime system including international financial control, "Babylon."
In the United States there will be a major escalation of physical suffering if we do not come out of this international free trade, monetary and financial oligarchic control. Already, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Brazil, and ever Japan, have suffered severe economic devastation.
So What can you and I do about it? Become informed of the heritage of this United States of America and the enemies that we face. Probably the best place to start is to read Where Franklin Roosevelt Was Interrupted, by Lyndon LaRouche. At the same time, subscribe to the New Federalist, a weekly newspaper that will keep you aware of the reality that is happening in our own nation as well as the world -- news that is more than misinformation.
book references (From Lyndon LaRouche's Where President Roosevelt was Interrupted) Note [3] Elliott Roosevelt, As He Saw It, 1st ed. (New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1946). See, also, Life, Oct. 12, 1942, in which publisher Henry Luce writes that the United States was not fighting the war in order to perpetuate British imperialism. On the history of the American patriots' conflicts with our British enemy, see Anton Chatkin, Treason in America, 2nd ed. (New York: New Benjamin Franklin House, 1985), and H. Graham Lowry, How the Nation Was Won: America's Untold Story (Washington, D.C.: Executive Intelligence Review, 1988).
[118]To start with, I saw the need to write a simple white paper to answer, "Why should nations, especially in the newly independent nations in the near East, need the Old Testament when they are taught the gospel?".
Then I started to get into deep water. Even with God as my constant companion and struggling with my frailties, the answer was not easy. I found that I had to draw on the history of the world, especially were the Bible was silent. In 1985 I learned about a man who held to the understanding that Gen 1:25-28 was the economic plan for the earth. He is a Physical Economist -- a term abandoned at the end of the 19th century.
This man, Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr., also holds to the truth that, every man is made in the image of God (Gen 1:26-28). Therefore, every nation on the earth should be sovereign (Gen 10:32; 11:8-9). Only then can every citizen, being free to seek God, (Acts 17:26-28) enjoy a high standard of living, besides the oligarchic few.
Investigate Lyndon LaRouche at LaRouche Publications, Executive Intelligence Review Home Page. You may not agree with everything he or his staff write about, but, you must investigate it.
After some 10 years of knowing Lyndon LaRouche, I know his voice is one of the few of reality, not chaos or ignorance as it is with our professional politicians and international oligarchic financiers.
No, Lyndon LaRouche is not Jesus Christ, but he is here for such a time as this (Est 4:13-14)! He should be the economic advisor for the current president, just as Henry C. Carey (USA: Henry Carey) was the economic advisor for President Lincoln. Appeal to the President by signing a petition calling for Lyndon LaRouche to be his economic advisor is getting late. President George W. Bush must be replaced by Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr.
There should not be "third world countries" and other nations burdened under a bureaucracy of new colonialism, environmental extremism, and maritime-marketing and financial globalism!
I know, if you have not heard of this before, you may be skeptical. We have been brainwashed to be leery of "conspiracies." Is your knowledge hazy of the problems in Europe that forced "conspiracies" to enable some colonies to come to this new world?
For me, I was certainly hazy about the fundamentals of how this nation started! Here are some book references that will be helpful. What conspiracies led to the declaration of independence?
I found that Gen 1:26-28, Ps 8, Heb 2:4-12, Ps 107, and Jer 9:25 is the blue print of what God is doing for mankind. Then the reality of the book of Revelation, along with knowledge of the Old Testament, started to make sense with respect to today's historical (events) activity. The actuality of Revelation is not discernible nor implemented without some understanding of history in the last four millennia.
Yes, I grew up in the church where everyone thought it was (almost) heresy to be in politics or make too much money, though we were the richest nation in the world because of our politics.
Some of my brethren, pillars in the church (good men), remembered Franklin Roosevelt with appreciation because he helped them during the great depression (1930s). Also, I remember that my Dad, as a farmer, didn't like Roosevelt because he "made" the farmers plow under crops and destroy livestock. We were all ignorant of the whole elephant.
Franklin Roosevelt did not totaly bring the USA out of the depression, but the attack on Pearl Harbor did, which some say he knew was going to happen. What ever his real understanding, Roosevelt redeemed himself in listening to advisors during reindustrialization for the second world war and he confronted Churchill's (British) colonial policies, insisting on a change after WW2.
Elliot Roosevelt's book, As He Saw It, was written in 1948 about the Allied meetings and the clash between Roosevelt and Churchill. The Churchill memoirs never talk about this, as I understand.
See Where Franklin Roosevelt Was Interrupted, for a succinct account of what happened then and how the past is affecting what is happening to this world system now.
At this point you may see some of where I'm coming from. But, where am I going? Skim through, All the Words of This Life. That is were I'm going. The tip of the iceberg is shown in the next two paragraphs.
For myself, or my family, I don't want to be caught in a war, as many saints did in the South during the Civil War, and loose blessings including my life.
I am fleeing to the North (spiritually coming out of Babylon, Rev 18:4; Jer 51:44-45) to join the Union, to preserve this nation that God established over 200 years ago. Of course, the reality is, I do not do this by myself.
Come join me for the sake of Jesus Christ and His kingdom! Let us join forces for this spiritual warfare! Please, contact me at my e-mail address.
Don Tirey
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