Basic Battle Training

Introduction

The contents of this book will take the reader to a number of areas that have been
forgotten, compromised or re-defined from God’s original intent. Some of these
things are obvious and will find a ready place in your soul, while others will
require study and verification beyond our presentation. This said, we have
included over two thousand verses to accommodate this lack and, as the Bereans
of Acts 17:11, we exhort you to follow their nobility and “prove all things”.

We also realize that we will probably not find agreement on all the issues and
content presented, but hope that the reader will find the tools to further the intent
of the Great Commission and exercise the instruction found herein to that goal.

Though this work is designed to be read in sequence, your choice of chapters will
also net that specific facet of the instruction.

Click on the chapter desired.

Part One: The Basics

Fundamental teaching for success in the battle before us.

Chapter 1 "Our Commander"

A COMPLETE description of the God we serve and should represent.

Chapter 2 "The Enemy and His Minions"

Satan's boys described and utilized thru the ages.

Chapter 3 "Preparation for Battle"

A comprehensive Bible study plan that WORKS.

Chapter 4 "Discipleship"

The BIBLICAL teaching on this watered down subject.

Chapter 5 "The Special Forces"

Further on discipleship and truly "following Jesus".

Chapter 6 "The Objective: Salvation Properly Presented"

 "Easy Jesus"...why so many fall away.

Chapter 7 "Stormin' the Gate"

The BIBLICAL MANDATE: public preaching!

Chapter 8 "Principals of Battle"

How to do it...

Chapter 9 "Practical Principals of Battle"

Things learned in our 44 years at the plow.

Chapter 10 "Tough Love"

​ The love most often found, and used in Scripture .

Chapter 11 "Battle Expectations"

What it's really like "in the field"!

Chapter 12 "The Real Christian Life"

...in deference to what is presented today!

Part Two: "Motivations"

What God has provided to encourage us in His Kingdom and service.

Chapter 13 "Motivations: Love"

God's heart for us.

Chapter 14 "Motivations: The Fear of God"

"The Father" ...as he fulfills His role as our parent .

Chapter 15 "Motivations: Rewards"

An often neglected and potent Biblical grace.

Chapter 16 "Motivations: Anger, Truth, Faith and Debt"

The final impetuses that complete this subject.

Part Three: "Diversions"

 Misunderstanding, false teaching and confusion that can divert us.

Chapter 17 "Diversions: The Kingdom of God"

God's plan: oft confused and miss-represented.

Chapter 18 "Diversions: Miracles?"

The BIBLICAL record, or today's claims?

Chapter 19 "Diversions: Pentecostal Theology"

A walk down cartoon alley?

Chapter 20 "Diversions: Eternal Security"

Toward a more balanced and wise view.

Chapter 21 "Diversions: Which Bible"

Old school vs. the supposed"new school".

Chapter 22 "Diversions: The Rapture Question"

Putting your eggs in the right basket.

Chapter 23 "Diversions: Calvinism"

Right up there with the litany of false teaching so prevalent today!

Basic Battle Training

Chapter 1: Our Commander

We open our instruction with some rarely taught or emphasized Biblical
descriptions of the God we serve. This perspective, though easily seen through
the Scriptures cited, has been craftily hidden by the enemy in his effort to water
down the Church and its people. Having a partial understanding of who God is
has ramifications in all areas of our lives. It affects our doctrine and how we view
our temporal and eternal lives. It affects our understanding of people and sin and
it will affect our evangelism. A correct and full understanding of God and His Son
is absolutely essential as a foundation to every other area of our life and thinking.

It has been satan’s gradual deterioration of this correct understanding of God and
His Son that has influenced the dead, apostate, impotent Church we see today.
This is a prime reason for its complacency and a lack of revival: a Christian
population that, while numerous, is virtually lifeless in having an impact on the
society around us.

Since Freud and the popularity of psychology, the pulpits of America have sold
out to "positive thinking," "possibility thinking," psychological "gimmicks" and a
driving desire to be popular and fill the pews. In so doing they have sacrificed the
original Biblical preaching of righteousness, temperance, judgment, and God's
Judgment to come (Acts 24:25). In doing this they have actually "re-defined" God

The popular message today goes something like this:

●​ God is only love

●​ God's love is unconditional
●​ God loves everybody
●​ God loves everybody the same
●​ God has a "wonderful" plan for your life
●​ God's love never includes "judging"
●​ God's love omits the rebuke and reproof of sin and the wicked

This message is then coupled with the virtual omission of anything negative: no
mention of Hell or Judgment to come and nothing about persecution. If Hell is
talked about at all, it is craftily re-defined as being merely a separation from God
or some such.
This "positive message" trend is relatively new. Search through history and the
sermons of Jonathan Edwards ("Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"), or
Whitefield, or Wesley. Look to Spurgeon, or Moody, or Sunday, or any other
preacher of old who actually had an impact on history and on society and you will
quickly see a sharp contrast between their proclamations and those of our
current day.

So what is God really like?

The God we find presented in Scripture and the Jesus seen in the Gospels is truly
laden with grace, forgiveness and love... but He is also fully described as a God
to not be meddled with. In actual fact, the God (and Son) we find in Scripture are
even heavily weighted (about 3 to 1) toward anger, wrath, judgment, vengeance
and justice. This description is very uncomfortable and “politically incorrect” for
the members of God's Church today, but it is nonetheless the truth of God's Word
and MUST be assimilated into our thinking and ministry to properly represent
Him.

God and His Son's Anger

The subject of anger, an angry God, and the demonstrations of anger by Christ
are "intellectually" known by most Christians, but have little effect on how they
actually live their lives. With the following examples and citations we will try to
bring this facet of God’s character into a clearer focus.

Psalm 7:11 "…God is angry with the wicked every day."

If this is the attitude of our Father every day one might ask if this
should be represented to the wicked themselves? Today's Church
gushes with the great love God has for all, to the virtual systematic
exclusion of His stated anger!

Psalm 34:16 "The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut
off the remembrance of them from the earth."

Here we see the eventuality of all that defy God…and His attitude
toward such. (Note this description is in the "present" tense!)

Exodus 34:7 "…that will in no means clear the guilty; visiting the
iniquity of the fathers on the children, and upon the children's children,
unto the third and fourth generation."
 Shown here is the extreem of God's anger: that of following the
transgressions of the fathers to those who had nothing to do with their
errors. So great is the anger and indeed judgment of God that He visits
His wrath on even the next generations!

Nahum Chapter 1: Some selected thoughts...

The Lord revengeth, He is furious, He is jealous, He reserveth wrath for

His enemies, He is slow to anger, but He will not acquit the wicked, He
is indignand and He has “fierceness of anger", and His fury is “poured
out as fire."

Though much of this is shown when His great patience has worn thin,
these verses certainly show an attitude in God rarely brought forward
in today's "God loves you and has a wonderful-plan for your life"
approach.

Mark 3:5 "…Jesus looked on them with anger."

In this passage Christ is once again in conflict with the prevailing

religious leaders. Rarely is Christ's anger (and the Father's) more
evident then when He is dealing with this crowd. As we will detail in the
next Chapter, these are the true enemy!

John 3:36"…he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the
wrath of God abideth on him."

This wrath, as an attitude, does not begin when one dies but rather it
exists in proportion to the exposure and ability we have to know His
grace. As God sees the opportunities we have to know and serve Him
squandered, it is only His great patience that holds back His
indignation, judgment and fury!

Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-47; John 2:13-17: Christ

fashions a scourge and drives the money changers out of the Temple

This event, which took place at the beginning and end of Christ's
ministry, demonstrates the righteous anger He felt seeing the
perversion of His Father’s House. This zeal He had is rarely mirrored
today, even in word and tongue. So, as the bold and righteous men of
old represented God in all He is, so should we.

Life, Death and "The Blood"

With the exception of verses we will cover on the eternal wrath of the Father,
nothing should get our attention more than the Old Testament temporal
judgments He has meted out to mankind. Starting from the fact that our very lives
are limited because of Adam's sin, and proceeding through even our time, we see
that God indeed holds sway over our fragile existence.

Genesis 2-3: The story of the original sin and judgment for it: 2:17 "…in
the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die"

Here we see the abundant provision of God to Adam and Eve with one
small stipulation: The tree of the knowledge of good and evil." In their
transgression of God’s instruction they incurred the wrath and anger of
God to the point that He removed them from not only the blessings of
the garden, but also the eternal life they possessed. From their sin
forward we have all labored under God’s curse for their transgression.

Genesis 6-9: The Flood.

This account, of all things historical, should be the one to arrest us

most when it comes to understanding our righteous Master. To drown
in water is indeed horrible...but to watch as your fate became apparent
---as the rain fell and the water rose! --- must have been torturous! As
all this was happening, even to the little children and babies, God took
hope in anticipating His judgment would drive ensuing generations to
serve Him in fear and respect of His great power. It is truly amazing
that even at this late date, more remembrance of this event is found in
children’s stories of the ark and the cute little animals than what
actually occurred!

Genesis 19: God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah…the cities of the

plain.

In a preview of things to come, God rained down His fiery judgment for
the sins of these people…most notably sodomy. Having already used
water, God at this time consumes them with fire and brimstone. Once
again the horror of this judgment is meant to give us a clear picture of
Whom we are dealing with…to give us reason to serve Him and not
pervert His ways! That this sin of Sodom is now rampant in our world
is testimony again to the selective memory of foolish men.

Genesis 22: The trying of Abraham's faith by God commanding him to

sacrifice his son.
 This event, which would solidify Abraham as the father of the Hebrews,
is testimony again of the seriousness of the God we are dealing with.
In contrast to the way we might see things done, to command Abraham
to actually kill his own son is about as extreme as it gets!

Exodus 1-14: The story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt.

Once again His mighty hand is revealed as He again demonstrates that

we are dealing with a very serious God. In this sequence of events He
plagues Egypt with a variety of ills and crowns His efforts by slaying
their firstborn. These events as with those previous are meant to draw
the attention of the world…to amplify God’s greatness, power and
judgment in hope that men would obey Him!

God's Government: In Exodus15-31 Moses is given the outline and specifics

concerning the government and laws that were to be Israel.

In these instructions God transfers the responsibility of His immediate

judgment to the hand of man. Here He elaborates on the gravity of sin
by commanding the death penalty for 35 of the following offences:

Death for working on the Sabbath (Ex. 32:5), for murder (Lev.
24:17), for kidnapping (Ex. 21:16), for cursing of mother or
father (Ex. 21:17), and for not caring for a vicious animal (Ex.
21:29. Death for witchcraft (Lev. 20:18), for sacrificing to
other gods (Ex. 22:20), and for bestiality (Lev. 20:15).

Death for smiting mother or father (Ex. 21:15), for rape of a

engaged woman (Deut. 22:25), for perjury in murder (Deut.
19:15-21) and for adultery (Lev. 20:10). Drath for incest (Lev.
20:11, 15), for homosexuality (Lev. 20:13), for "wizards" with
"familiar spirits" (Lev. 20:27), and for priest’s daughter
playing the whore (Deut. 21:9).

Death for blasphemy (Lev. 24:16), for giving your seed to

Moloch (Lev. 20:2-5, for “lying” with your daughter-in-law
(Lev. 20:12) and for the stranger who enters the Tabernacle
(Num. 1:51). Death for false prophets (Deut. 18:22), for
enticing you to serve other gods (Deut. 13:1-10), for failing to
heed a judge or priest (Deut. 17:12), and for rebellious son
who goes into sin (Deut. 21 18).
 Death for faking virginity before marriage (Deut. 22:13), for
killing a pregnant woman (Ex. 21:22-23) and for being
uncircumcised (Gen. 17:14). Death for manufacturing
anointing oil (Ex. 30:33), for consuming blood (Lev. 17:10),
and for unclean eating of a Peace Offering (Lev. 7:20).

Death for delaying consumption of sacrifices (Lev.19:5-8),

for sex during menstruation (Lev. 20:18), for entering the
Temple unclean (Num. 19:13), and for teaching a false
religion (Deut. 13:1-11).

The Blessings and the Cursings

Another place where the seriousness of God is clearly seen is in His promises to
the Jews for their obedience or failure. As God set up the nation of Israel He was
quite clear on what they could expect from Him in all circumstances. God's
original intention for His people was that they become a shining light and as
such, an evangelistic tool to enlighten and draw the world to Him. This purpose
however was never realized as The Chosen People usually chose to rebel and in
doing so incurred His wrath and promised judgment. God must have seen this
coming because in His wisdom, and of the verses presented, 26 of them are on
His blessings while 78 tell of His cursing! Some of these judgments are as
follows:

Leviticus 26:

Your crops will be stolen, You will have consumption, burning ague (blindness)
and sorrow of heart, You will be slain before your enemies, You will be made
slaves of those that hate you and you will flee when none pursue you

And if you do not repent I will increase your judgment seven times and all your
crops will fail

And if you do not repent I will increase your plagues seven times and I will send
wild beasts to take your children, I will destroy your cattle, and I will make you
few in number.

And if you still do not repent, I will punish you seven times more for your sins
and I will send the sword among you, I will send pestilence among you, I will
deliver you to your enemies, and I will cause you famine

And if you still refuse to repent I will punish you seven times more for your sins.
and I will cause you to eat your sons and daughters, I will scatter you amongst
 the heathen, I will send you “faintness of heart, I will cause you to flee when
none pursue, you will have no power before your enemies, you will perish
amongst the heathen, you will be eaten up of your enemies, and you will have
terror

Deuteronomy 28 continues…

You will be cursed in the city, in the field, in the basket, in the store, with your
children, in your crops and with your animals.

You will be cursed in your coming in and going out, and the Lord will send cursing,
vexation and rebuke in all you try to do until you are destroyed and perish quickly

And to this God promises that…

You will be subject to pestilence, consumption, inflammation, extreme burning,

blasting, mildew and the sword. You will be chased till you perish. He will cause you
famine. You will be smitten by your enemies and will become meat for the fowls

You will be smitten with the "botch of Egypt", will suffer emerods, and will have the
itch and scab without remedy. You will be smitten with madness, blindness, and will
have astonishment of heart. You shall be only oppressed and spoiled evermore.

You will marry and another will take your wife, will build a house and not live in it,
will plant and not eat the harvest and raise cattle for another to eat. Your sons and
daughters will be taken from you and you will have no strength to retrieve them. He
will smite in the knees, legs, and with sores that will not heal from your foot to your
head. You will be scattered and made subject to a king who will cause you to
worship false gods.

You will serve in hunger, thirst, nakedness and want of all things. You will have a
yoke of iron upon you until you are destroyed. You will be sold as slaves, but have
no value. And again, He will cause you to eat your children! You will be subject to all
the plagues of Egypt and all sickness until you are destroyed and "...as the Lord
rejoiced to create you so will He rejoice to destroy you!"

Conclusion of the Old Testament

This then is the God we see from Creation through the establishment of the
Hebrew nation until the Messiah. This description of God, from Genesis to
Malachi is known, but does not practically exist in Christianity today. With this
disconnect, it is not an effective part of the teaching in seminaries, and so does
not have a real chance to reach the sheep and be translated into attitude and
action.
Satan has hidden this description and character of our Father because to know
of it would cause him great distress. A flock so enlightened to these truths
would be much more sober and focused toward service and the fulfillment of
God's purposes.

Of course all this is a description of the God of the Old Testament…we now live
with Jesus in the “softness of grace”?

The New Testament and HELL TO COME!

Though there is some mention of hell in the Old Testament, the New Covenant
brings new focus and emphasis to this subject. In this, the level of wrath and
punishment in Hell far outdistances the temporal judgments of the Old
Covenant. This immediately, and without question, adds a new dimension to
the sin of rejecting our Creator. The following verses give some testimony and
description of this grave promise:

●​ Matthew 8:12: "…cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth".
●​ Mark 9:43-48: "… fire that shall never be quenched…where the worm dieth
not and the fire is not quenched
●​ Matthew 13:42, 50: "…and cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be
wailing and gnashing of teeth."
●​ Luke 16:24: "…send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water
and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame"
●​ 2 Thessalonians 1:9: "…to be punished with everlasting destruction"
●​ Mark 16:16: "Damnation"
●​ Mark 12:40: "the greater damnation" (to the Scribes and Pharisees)
●​ Matthew 25:4: "…everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels"
●​ Matthew 10:28: "…destroy both body and soul in hell"

These things known, it is truly a paradox that the reality of this description has
little influence on evangelistic efforts today. Because this consequence of
rejecting God and living in sin are not amplified, there is no resulting fear of God
in men's eyes. Indeed, the fear of God has all but disappeared as a doctrine in
almost any frame. Satan's work in "softening" The Gospel to this extent is
another of his premier accomplishments.

Christ's Character

This softening of today's church has also produced a Jesus whose character
has been severely compromised. The Jesus of today is far from the man who
lived and ministered in the first Century. We find this more fully exemplified in
the following verses:

●​ Mat 15:26: Christ calls the Canaanite woman a dog

●​ John 9:39: "…for judgment I am come into this world that they that see not
might see and they that see might be made blind."
●​ John 14:21: Jesus teaching on conditional love: the condition being
whether or not you keep the commandments!
●​ John 10:1-18: Jesus attacks other people's religion as being "thieves and
robbers" and "those who come to kill and destroy." He calls them
"Hirelings" who do not care for the sheep.
●​ Mark 16:14: Here Jesus "upbraids" the disciples for unbelief
●​ Luke 11: 37-45: To the Pharisees who had invited him to dinner Jesus
replies: "You are clean on the outside, but inside are full of ravening and
wickedness...fools! " Continuing: "...you omit judgment and the love of
God. You love the high seats and recognition...hypocrites, graves!"
●​ Luke 12:51: Here He states: "…I come for division, not peace!"
●​ Luke 12:56: Here He condemns the people as hypocrites.
●​ Luke 14:25-27: On discipleship He admonishes hate of father, mother, wife,
children, brethren, sisters, and indeed one's own life.
●​ Matthew 23: Here Jesus again interacts with His greatest earthly enemies:
the religious leaders of the Jews. In this passage he attacks them 24 times
with the language that follows: Hypocrites (8 times), fools (twice), children
of Hell, blind (3 times), serpents, "a den of vipers," full of extortion, excess,
full of dead men’s bones, all uncleanness and hypocrisy and murders.
Does this sound like the Jesus of the 21st Century Church? …Not hardly!
●​ Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke l and John 2: In each of these books the zeal of
His Fathers house “ate up” the Lord as He fashioned a scourge and
physically drove the profiteers from the Temple. He did this at the
beginning and end of His ministry thereby further sealing His fate with the
religious leaders.

These verses and description then represent a major part of the picture we
Biblically have of the Son of God, and stand in stark contrast to the Jesus that
has "evolved" since he was here. Most have read and are fully aware of these
descriptions. Our pastors, teachers, seminar leaders, authors and editors
likewise are not ignorant of these passages. How is it then that we end up
worshiping a modern day Christ that, for all practical purposes, is devoid of
these characteristics? How is it that when we say, "we want to be like Jesus" we
do not take into account these factors? The answer is quite simple:
 Most of Christianity is more than happy with the modern
“Godlite,” "easyJesus" lifestyle that surrounds us and do
not want the truth of these things: The real God, The real
Jesus and the real life of the Bible!

Application

In Scripture we are consistently warned against false gods and christs. Likewise
the modern evangelical church has written volumes exposing the more obvious
counterfeits of our time. These things are good and certainly needful but, as we
have documented, satan has also fostered a much more dangerous attack: The
dilution the fear of God, The plan of God, The character of God, and The reality
of His Son.

We are not at liberty to choose a God of our liking. Rather we are mandated to
serve the clearly defined God of His Word... and that Word made flesh: The true
God and Jesus Christ of Scripture! Anything less is deception, evil and surly
destined to failure!
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 2: The Enemy and his Minions

With a more complete perspective of God secured from Chapter One, we will now turn our
attention to the enemy and the specifics of his craft. As with a correct understanding of
God Himself, this information is invaluable in our efforts to effectively serve within the
Kingdom of God.

In warfare there is a simple axiom that is necessary to apply if one is to be

successful. This fundamental and critical battle principal is universally
understood to be: "Know Your Enemy." Understanding this, God has preserved
clear instruction throughout His Word for those who would war against the foes
of His Kingdom.

As we track the history of God's dealings with men in His Word, we see that
satan’s primary route has been able to infiltrate the leadership of God’s people:
the pastors, teachers and institutions designed to fuel the children of God. As we
trace their history through the Bible, God gives us the ability to know them and
overcome their influence. As you read and reference the verses and description
which follow, please allow them to sink deep into your mind and soul as they will
change your perspective and life!

With much description, God describes our primary enemies as:

· Vipers (Mat. 3:7)

· Polluters of the house of God (2 Chron. 36:14)
· Covetous (Jer. 8:10)
· Money-grubbers (Mic. 3:11)
· Destroyers of The Lord’s vineyard (Jer.12:10)
· Lawbreakers (Jer. 8:8)
· Fools (Mat. 23:17-19)
· Rejecters of the Prophets (2 Chron. 36:14-17)
· Serpents (Mat. 23:33)
· Not of Him (John 8:47)
· Prophets of their own heart (Ezek. 13:1-10)
· Stiff-necked (Jer. 17:23)
· Rejecters of the Word (Jer. 5:13)
· Wicked (Jer. 23:11)
· People pleasers (John 5:44)
· Envious (Mat. 27:18)
· Vain (Jer. 2:8, 8:8).
· Idolaters (2 Chron. 24:17-19 plus 6 other locations)
· Heretics (Mat. 15:3-9)
· Unclean (Mat. 23:27)
· Exalters of themselves (3 Jn. 9-10)
· Those who do not know Him (Jer. 2:8)
· And even described as dung (Jer. 8:1-2)
· They are as Graves (Luke 11:44)
· Liars (Psa. 27:12)
· Whited sepulchers (Mat. 23:27)
· Lovers of vain and foolish things (Lam. 2:14)
· Lovers of tradition (Mk.7:1-13)
· Those who lack understanding (Mk.8:11)
· Deceitful (Jer. 14:13)
· Devoid of the love of God (John 5:42)
· Bringers of false burdens (Lam. 2:14)
· Brutish (Jer. 10:8)
· Seducers (Ezek. 13:1-10)
· Proclaimers of a false vision (Jer. 14:13-14).
· Resisters of the Holy Spirit (Jer. 5:3)
· Merciless (Mat.9:13).
· Murmurers (Acts 7:51)
· Possessors of a bad heart (Mal.2:1-2)
· Those who turn people from Him (Jer. 2:26)
· Lightweights (Zeph. 3:4)
· Wind (Jer. 5:13)
· Those without pity (Zech. 11:4-5)
· Murderers (Hos. 6:9)
· Followers of their own spirit (Ezek. 13:1)
· Lewd (Hos. 6:9)
· Justifiers of themselves (Luke 10:29)
· Those that cling to lineage (Mat. 3:9)
· Those that "major in the minors" (Prov. 21:23)
· Thieves and robbers (Jn. 10:1,8)
· Conspirators (Jer. 18:18)
· False prophets (Jer. 5:31)
· False dealers (Jer. 6:13)
 · Hypocrites (Isa. 29:13.)
· Lovers of the ”letter of the Law” (2 Cor. 3:6)
· Denying people the Kingdom (Mat. 22:13)
· Transgressors of the Commandment (Zeph. 3:8)
· Insurrectionists (Mat. 27:20
· Betrayers (Mt. 20:17-19)
· Rejecters of any approach to them (Mt.11:16-19)
· Adulterers (Jer. 23:14)
· Rejecters of the truth (Jer. 18:18)
· Treacherous (Zeph. 3:4)
· Failures to rebuke sin (Lam. 2:14)
· Perverts (Jer. 23:34-36)
· Dishonest (Ezek. 22:27)
· Persecutors of the Prophets (Acts 13:27)
· Grievous wolves (Acts 20:29)
· Full of ravening and wickedness (Luke 11:39)
· Destroyers of the sheep (Jer. 23:1)
· And finally, of satan himself! (John 8:44)

As is evident throughout these passages, God is giving us ample warning as to

who the enemy is using and what they are like. How then are they working their
evil today, and how should we be concerned about them?

What did these people actually believe?

Contrary to what might be expected, the doctrines of these people are clearly found in
Scripture...in fact the things that they held to can best be described as "Fundamentalism."

· They believed in the resurrection of the dead, Angels, and Spirits (Acts
23:6-9).

· They supported the Temple, the Priesthood and the Davidic Kings (See: Ex.
28:1; Num. 3:12; 2 Chron.7:12; 2 Sam. 7).

· They believed in the God of the Old Testament, knew and quoted Scripture,
fasted twice a week, paid tithes, prayed and did good deeds.

As is obvious, these were not "Pagan," or a "Cult" or "Liberal," In fact, they believed
doctrinally as most Conservative Christians do today! It is this fundamentalist group that
Christ called "Children of the Devil" (John 8:44) and "Hell" (Mat. 23:15).
In contrast, the Sadducees were similar in doctrine to today’s Reform Jews or "liberal
Christians" in that they denied most of the fundamental beliefs of the Conservative
Religious leadership. (See: Mat. 22:23; Mark 12:18). The Sadducees are satan's first line of
attack against some issues of the faith but they are not a serious threat to those who know
the truth of the Word. For those who know the reality of God's salvation, satan's battle
plan is more "covert" and hidden in nature.

Some history…
Christ traced the problem of Phariseeism back to Cain and Abel (Mat. 23:34-35), to all the
persecutors of the Prophets and true Men of God. Cain believed in and worshipped God.
He brought his offering to God, but ended up killing his brother Abel because: "the Lord
had respect unto Abel and his offering but unto Cain and his offering the Lord had not
respect" (Gen. 4:4-5). Truly the roots of Godly error are seen in the misguided efforts of
Cain and his consuming jealousy that resulted in his brother’s murder!

Moving forward to the Old Testament, God was forced to raise up Prophets and Men of
God outside the Temple Priesthood to preach repentance and His mind to the Children of
Israel. These servants of the most high God were all persecuted and even killed by the false
shepherds who controlled the Priesthood.

●​ Jeremiah’s enemies were Temple officials (Jer. 20:1-2).

●​ Ezekiel’s opposition and foes were the "prophets" of Israel (Ezek.13:1-2).
●​ Amos found his opposition in the form of the priesthood (Amos 7:10).

ALL THROUGH THE BIBLE, “SCRIPTURE-QUOTING,”

“DOCTRINALLY CORRECT,” RECOGNIZED “RELIGIOUS
LEADERS” PERSECUTED AND KILLED THE TRUE MEN OF
GOD!

What about today?

The same spirit and activity of Phariseeism we see through the Old Testament has
continued unabated, and has even accelerated through Church history. Most Protestants
recognize the traits and characteristics of Phariseeism in the Roman Catholic Church but
fail to see it within themselves. While their assessment of Romanism is true, they fail to see
that both the Catholics and the Protestants falsely hold tradition as equal or even above
Scripture. (One is just more obvious than the other!)

Since the publishing of the Bible, following the invention of the printing press, the Catholic
Church’s control over Christendom has been broken. Though this provided a golden
opportunity for the Church to break forth into the truth of true reformation, satan was not
far behind as he shifted his efforts to the Protestants. With this, much of Protestantism has
fallen prey to liberalism (modern day Sadducees) while the more "traditional doctrine" has
been compromised and eroded by the modern day, politically correct Fundamentalists and
Evangelicals.

As a result of these things we see an even more insidious spread of Phariseeism amongst the
Protestant Evangelicals (who continue to maintain that the enemy is Catholicism,
Liberalism or the cults). This is totally consistent with satan's plan of attacking the area of
most threat to his efforts…and thus weakening the true Churches' power.

So as the Catholics, liberals and cults became the fall guys, Satan has successfully
permeated the Fundamentalists. With this he is more than content if the Church has a
"form of Godliness", as long as it has little power (2 Tim. 3:5). Likewise, he is happy with
some salt…but only if it "has little savor" (Mat. 5:13).

As evidence of this we see in Fundamental Christianity today:

· Bibles everywhere (and every possible translation).

· Gospel programs on radio and TV in an unprecedented way.
· Christian magazines and publications in abundance.
· Huge evangelical meetings and gatherings; Mega-Churches with every possible
type of group being catered to.
· All kinds of "special" meetings and groups trying to augment the lack that is
evident in the 20th century Church
· Freedom to worship and serve that in the history of the Church is like none
other.
· Music, praise and worship of God being expressed like no other time in history.
· Books, literature, "Christian commerce" and digital tools utilized in every
conceivable way.

And in the face of all this "Christianity":

· Rampant lawlessness!
· Rampant promiscuity!
· Rampant adultery!
· Rampant divorce!
· Rampant sodomy!
· Rampant violence!
· Rampant drug and alcohol use!
· Rampant abortion!
· Rampant pornography!
 · Rampant promotion of sin in all forms of the media!
· Rampant sexual disease!
· Rampant, sin promoting, music
· Role models that are laughable at best and satanic at worst!
· Christian “leadership” and representation that is weak and effeminate at best
and justifiably scorned at worst!
· And finally, a politically correct “loving” and “tolerant” god that is scoffed at
by people who have no fear of who He truly is!

Application
The bad news? There is little you will be able to do to effectively change this situation,
but must live within it as you are able. Christ himself, with the combined power of who
He was and the miraculous deeds He did, was unable to functionally overcome the
enemy’s power and control of the people and their “leaders”…nor will you!
The good news? With your awareness of these existing and persistent issues you are
now able to rise above them and arm you against their assault. Additionally you are
now positioned to be able to “work around” these people and their influences, and
progress to alerting others of their efforts.
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 3: Preparation for Battle
So how did we compile all the information in the first two Chapters and the ones that
follow? Very simple: a "hunger and thirst for righteousness and a basic Bible study system.
There are no “sound bites” or short-cuts: the study of God’s Word requires time,
dedication and effort. These things guarantee success when combined with the fact that
when God tells His people what to do, He also gives them all the information needed to do
the job. There are many examples of this instruction in the Bible. Here are two:

●​ When God told Noah to build the ark, He did not say, "Make it any way you want."
God told Noah exactly how big to make the ark, how big the window should be, and
what kind of wood to use, etc., etc. (Genesis 6).

●​ When God told Moses to build a Tabernacle He did not say, "Use any materials you
have laying around, and make it any size and shape you want." God told Moses
exactly what kind of wood to use, what kind of cloth, how big it was to be, and what
colors to use, etc., etc. (Exodus 25-31).

There are also clear penalties for disobeying God’s instructions:

●​ 50,070 men of Bethshemesh were struck dead for looking in the Ark of the
Covenant. Even though they were worshipping God, they violated one little detail
about God's instructions. These 50,000 men were worshipping God...but not
according to His instructions (1 Samuel 6).

●​ When David had the ark brought into Jerusalem, he did not follow the Biblical
instructions to have the Levites carry it, but rather put it on an oxcart. When the
oxen stumbled Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark and keep it from
falling, and God struck him dead on the spot. Only a son of Aaron was allowed to
touch the ark. Uzzah was trying to protect the Holy Ark....but he did not follow the
instructions. (2 Samuel 6)

What about today?

In our time one of the clearest examples of erosion from God’s instruction is with
evangelism. For the most part our contemporary tradition has assigned this job to only a
select few: the Pastor, the big name Stadium Evangelist, the Televangelist, the
Radio-Preacher or the like. With this system in place, the flock’s sole exhortation is to then
“share” their faith with others or try to get them to come and hear these select few.

While God does call some to the specific job of an evangelist, this is far from the totality of
His original plan for the Church. The weight of the message we all carry, and the Bible’s
commission to make that information public, from the housetops, mandates far more than
what is in place today.

If a building is on fire our clear and obvious obligation is to raise the alarm! With the
reality of an eternal Hell before us, our mandate to raise that eternal alarm well exceeds the
contemporary approach of “sharing.”

●​ Again, Jesus commanded: “…that which you hear in the ear, that preach from the
rooftops!” (Matt 10:27).

Throughout all of Biblical History men have preached the message of God.

●​ Noah preached!
●​ The Prophets preached!
●​ John the Baptist preached!
●​ Jesus Christ preached!
●​ All the Apostles preached!

In our time, God’s clear instruction on this subject (and many others) has been
compromised and even eliminated from the expected life of His children. In the chapters
that follow will attempt to correct some of this error and re-cement the clarity of these
things into the life God instructs for us all. So how did we learn all this stuff?
Our Method of Study

God-given teachers of the Word should be our primary source of information, but with all
the voices within Christianity who do you trust? After all the preceding years of Christian
history, God's Church looks more like what the Hebrews of old became than one fulfilling
the intents and clear instruction of the Father. As we see the many types of Churches
around us, and the many voices crying for our attention, confusion and error is the
unfortunate conclusion.
To compound this, the neo-Fundamental, cookie-cutter, mega-Churches of today are sorely
shackled with new traditions and the baggage of false or compromised Doctrine. These
things, give an appearance of wisdom, Spirituality, Godliness and strength, but are indeed
weak and ineffectual in the light of how things should be.
This facade of accomplishment and “success” is unchallenging, easy for the flock to
assimilate and is failing to accomplish the job before us. Sadly, the greater percentage
of sheep are satisfied with this situation and even "love to have it so" (Jeremiah 5:31).

The Solution
Only through a comprehensive independent study of God’s Word can we hope to clarify
and eliminate the erroneous tradition that surrounds us today. We must then replace these
falsehoods with the sound Doctrine, goodness and true knowledge of Him and His
Kingdom.
The most opportune time for such a pursuit is in one's youth but, as young people today are
driven toward higher education and career, we would suggest a more enlightened
approach.
Continuing secular education is important, but as one proceeds from high school to the
next level it makes more sense to us to do a comprehensive study of the Scriptures as a
launch to the life that will follow. Following such a study (which could take as much as a
year or two) the young person would be much more equipped to make the good decisions
for their future and be better prepared to fulfill them.
For those of us whose life is already set and structured in marriage, work, and raising a
family, this process of learning would be more difficult, but is still very doable within a
longer time frame.

The Method we propose

The Bible can be viewed as a vast puzzle with its pieces scattered throughout. The problem
we have with this comes with the fact that you have no “box” to reference to for the final
picture. With this you then need to methodically assemble the pieces as you see their
individual fit to the eventuality of that final picture.
In studying the Word what we learn often comes from example or direct statements on
given subjects. The first type of instruction would be to learn of discipleship by an
examination of the Lord’s actual "left all" lifestyle: no job, wife, house, etc. In the second
instance, one of learning by direct instruction, you would see verses that directly taught the
subject such as Luke 14:26-27. The objective of all this is to find out all God has to say on a
given subject, and the emphasis He places on it.

“Sectioning"

The study method we suggest is to provide a structure for you to organize the verses and
examples you encounter in a logical and methodical way…gathering them into what we call
"sections."
Continuing with our example, as you find a verse on Discipleship you would either start a
new “Discipleship section” or add that verse along with a brief description of what is being
said to the existing section. Continuing with your study, you will continue adding verses
and examples until the subject materializes in the depth and clarity such an assembly
would provide.
From some verses only one subject will be addressed, while from others multiple subjects
can be found. An example of this is John 3:16. From this one verse can be found subjects
such as: "The love of God." "Salvation." " Who Christ is” (the only begotten Son of God),
" Eternal life." " Hell” and “Judgment.”
For each of these subjects found in John 3:16 you will then either begin a section, or add to
one previously started. As you study further and find more verses that are related to any of
these subjects, they will also be added to your existing sections. As your sections grow with
these citations, you will begin to see God's mind and intent on the subjects chosen, and
thereby learn the doctrines.
This organized gathering of information can be done in a "loose leaf" Bible or a notebook
with an index system to quickly find the sections to be accessed. With today's technology
there are also opportunities to pursue this method using a PC or Laptop computer (see:
"e-Sword" on the net utilizing their "Verse List" function).
This then is what we suggest; trusting that though this method you will net the fewest
errors because of it's simplicity and your dependence on His Spirit. In this, you will not be
learning from another’s work, but from God Himself… trusting Him to indeed: "...lead
and guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

Which Translation?

It is popular among today’s Bible teachers to promote the newest translations and
encourage the use of the "original languages." We on the other hand recommend the 1611
King James Version of the Bible, and reject the notion of having to use Greek and Hebrew
to find the purest meaning of Scripture.
Though we believe that God and His instruction can be found in virtually all translations,
we also fear that the "modern" translations actually contribute to the weakening of the
Church. With this, we see the contemporary translators injecting their current dogma, and
thus watering down God's Word in an attempt to make it more acceptable to modern,
sensitive, and "spiritually correct" ears.
As an example, the New "Bibles" (including the NASV and oh-so-popular NIV) eliminate
many of God's references to Hell, replacing them with "death," "the grave," "Hades" or
"sheol." This done, and with the current emphasis on God's love heavily promoted, the
"negativity" of judgment and accountability are effectively compromised.
Likewise, the fear of God has been replaced with "revere," "worship," or some such,
thereby "softening" the image of God to a more "acceptable" 21st Century political value.

So what about The Greek and Hebrew?

Like the Catholic priests of old, who took the Bible out of the hands of the people with the
excuse that "only the priests" could read Latin, modern evangelicals have accomplished
the same thing by giving the flock the impression that "only Greek and Hebrew scholars"
can truly understand God's Word.
On this subject, much of what is proclaimed by today’s Bible teachers ranges from
half-truths to outright falsehoods. With this, the King James wording is often said to be
wrong and another "more accurate" word is proposed to replace it. As these things are put
forth, the sheep are not told that the Greek or Hebrew can have more than one meaning
and that King James reading is perfectly legitimate. As Greek and Hebrew words can have
multiple meanings, it is always a good rule that the context determines the best
understanding.

In addition to this, knowledge of the "original languages" has never solved one doctrinal
controversy in all of Church history. Equally qualified Greek and Hebrew "experts" are on
both sides of the great debates of Christianity: Calvinism vs. Arminianism, Pre-Millennial
vs. Post-millennial, Pre-trib. vs. Post-trib. etc., etc.

Finally, there is no Biblical precedent for this modern "have to know the original
languages" mind-set. Nowhere do we see Jesus, Paul or any other New Testament writers in
the 300 times they quote the Old Testament ever once talk about the "original Hebrew," or
"better manuscripts say," or "a better translation would be," etc.

Further treatment of this subject will be found in Chapter 21.

Application
This then represents the plan we suggest:
· Rely on The Holy Spirit to lead and guide you to all truth (John 16:13).
· Systematically "section" God's Word to a full understanding of each subject.
· Avoid contemporary "intellectual" trends of the day, work hard, and keep it
simple!
· Realize that this endeavor will require time, commitment and diligence: Be
prepared the time necessary to fully realize this method's potential.
 · Seek out others to engage in this effort with you…thereby securing a
“networking” of your study and providing the Lord opportunity to utilize the variety
of minds and maturity such would afford.
· Look for and utilize all possible advances in technology to simplify and maximize
your efforts (I currently have all my sections stored on my cell phone).

Finally, realize that through utilizing this method you will achieve the clearest and most
unaffected picture of who God really is. In doing this study you will learn of His kingdom
as nowhere else and be more fully prepared to serve Him well beyond the status quo.
Additionally, this will provide you with the tools to be fully persuaded (or not) concerning
things you have already learned.
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 4: Discipleship: The Front Line!
With a more accurate definition of God, a better understanding of the enemy, and a course of
study and preparation set forth, we can now examine the specifics of the battle we find
ourselves in.

The forces of God’s Church as originally planned and outlined in The New Testament, are
broken into three distinct and definable areas:

The leadership or management group: In this position we find God, His Son, and The
Holy Spirit. These three in concert with The Word form the top of the organization.

The disciples or front line workers: Closely following the leadership are God's front
line workers: the Disciples. With Christ as their example and the Scriptures defining their
life and role, they are designed to be the primary thrust and vanguard of the work God
seeks to accomplish in the New Covenant.

The logistical or support branch: Finally, the balance of God's Church comes into play
with its responsibilities of infrastructure and support for the Disciples.

Satan is a formidable foe and works diligently to neutralize and compromise this force. Only
through knowledge of God’s word and faithfulness to it, is there hope to fight and defeat his evil
objectives, maintain the proper structure of the Church, see real discipleship, and accomplish
the goals of The New Testament.

So what is the state of affairs today?

Briefly stated, things are not doing well at all. As with what happened with the Jew’s
2000 year slide into their responsibility for their Messiah’s crucifixion, the Church
likewise has been evolving into the weak state found today. The primary result of this
failure is weak and anemic evangelism, with virtually no real Biblical disciples.
Replacing these intended men is a large body of untrained troops who have been led to
believe that they are disciples. This has, to a large degree, been accomplished by
re-defining, softening and watering down the truth of what a disciple really is

God's two plans

In order to properly understand the role and definition of a disciple it is necessary to briefly
review the Old and the New Covenants.

In the Old Testament we find God's covenant with the following characteristics:
 ●​ A plan more geared to the temporal level of nation, marriage, and family.
●​ A covenant in which reward for one’s faithfulness was realized in this life.
●​ The need for disciple-type "front line workers" limited to a few prophets, etc.
●​ Prophecy relating more to the redemption of the earthly Kingdom of Israel, not the end
of the world.
●​ Concepts such as "Forsaking all," "laying up treasures in heaven," and "persecution for
righteous service" were not emphasized, taught or expected.
●​ An emphasis on overcoming enemies via warfare, victory and success as a Nation, not
martyrdom.
●​ Finally, the blessings and judgments of God were meted out in a mostly temporal
fashion, with little reference to Hell or judgment to come.

In contrast to God's direction in the Old Covenant, The New Testament introduces a much
different approach on to how to live our lives and what to expect from such service.

●​ Christ’s lifestyle becomes the new pattern of life to be emulated with discipleship itself
being introduced and clearly defined (Luke 14:26-33, Matthew 10:25; I John 2:6).
●​ Rewards for faithful service are to be expected in heaven, not on earth (Matthew
6:19-20).
●​ In contrast to the Old Testament mandate of Earthly blessings, believers are introduced
to the concept of "leaving all" and sacrifice (Luke 14:33; Matthew 10:9-10; 19:21,27).
●​ The ultimate sacrifice, the service of being a "eunuch for the Kingdom of Heaven's
sake" is vigorously introduced with examples of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and Paul
(Matthew 19:12, I Cor. 7:32-33).
●​ In contrast to the "nation building" of the Old, the New Testament emphasis is now on
Evangelism for the Kingdom to come (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke
24:47-48).
●​ The New Testament prophecies now emphasize the return of Jesus Christ and the end of
the world.
●​ In contrast to God's promise of victory over enemy armies, persecution, trouble and
even martyrdom are now to be the promised result of vigorous service (John 15:20;
16:2).
●​ And finally, Hell becomes an issue as never before.

Although there is much in common between the two plans and God has certainly not changed,
it is obvious that the New Testament direction is vastly different than the Old. Unfortunately, this
basic truth is not much of a factor in today’s doctrine and requires re-foundation in order to
properly understand the definition and role of the disciple. Once again, New Testament
Christianity follows a very clear pattern and outline: God, His Son, and the Spirit in the
Leadership position, directly followed by the Disciples, who are then to be supported by the
Church.
Church History since the Apostles

For about 1500 years (prior to the invention of the printing press) there were virtually no Bibles
available to the masses. Indeed, even had they been available, most people lacked the ability
to read as literacy was reserved to only a few. The result of this situation was limited hard
information concerning God and His plan.

For the last 500 or so years we have seen an explosion in literacy and unprecedented access
to the Scriptures for the common man. These events immediately led to the Reformation and a
more clear understanding of The Kingdom of God. Luther and the reformers took the church a
considerable distance from the errors of Catholicism, but not far enough.

Today, God’s Church is characterized (and bogged down by) expensive building programs,
property ownership, and tax disputes ("non-profit" status compromising the message via
government control). The work originally commissioned to the Disciples and the Church has
found itself relegated to a few select "high profile" men or sloughed off to the technologies of
the day.

With these these things, "Discipleship" has come to have a new meaning: that of teaching the
basics in a "new converts class" in order to prepare them for proper entry into the
afore-described "status quo". Discipleship, as defined in the New Testament and exemplified
by the men of the early church, has virtually disappeared from our culture today.

In its place, most believers live in and love our current culture of Christianity with its easy goals
and worldly compromising ways. As God, through His prophet Jeremiah clearly stated:

"The prophets prophesy falsely, and the

priests bear rule by their means; and
my people love to have it so…" (Jer.
5:31)

Having virtually abolished the understanding of discipleship is one of satan’s greatest

accomplishments. This continues as a logical extension of his greater deception: the blatant
compromise of Christ and God Himself. He has effectively done this utilizing:

●​ Misinformation.
●​ The traditions of men (see: Mark 7:1-13).
●​ The "redefinition" of terms and word meanings.
●​ And an easy acceptance by a naïve and worldly flock.

So what is the Biblical definition of a disciple?

Forget what you have been taught in your Church, read in a book, or heard in a seminar. In
order to properly understand this issue of discipleship we need to look to the Master himself:
Jesus Christ. His lifestyle is, and will always be a clearest example to those who strive to carry
the mantle of a disciple.

●​ No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life (II Timothy 2:4).

In Matthew 19:16-22 The Lord exhorted the rich young ruler to sell what he had, give to the
poor and "come and follow me." Following this exchange the disciples said to Jesus, "Behold,
we have forsaken all, and followed thee" (Matthew 19:27), and Christ followed their comment
with,

●​ Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother,
or wife, or children, or lands for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold,
and shall inherit everlasting life (Matthew 19:29).

Now let us look at Luke 14:25-33. As Jesus Christ was speaking to great multitudes...he said:

●​ If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and
children and brethren, and sister, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My
disciple….So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath,
he cannot be My disciple.

Search as you will, these teachings are not found and instructed in the Church today. With the
terminology and understanding found in our time, this instruction is relegated and re-defined to
only the time when Christ was actually here, or somehow "spiritualized" to mean something
much less than the obvious, simple reading of Scripture.

When Christ first called His disciples He directed them to leave their jobs and confidence in
worldly security, to trust Him to meet their needs, and to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22; 9:9;
Mark 1: 16-20; 2:14; Luke 5:1-11). And they did indeed follow His simple instruction as they
"...forsook all and followed him" (Luke 5:11).

Discipleship defined:

A “disciple” is one who follows, patterns and

disciplines his life and lifestyle after The Master:
A soldier called to the front lines of the spiritual
battlefield!

So what were the characteristics of Christ’s life?

●​ No worldly possessions (II Timothy 2:4).

●​ No wife (Matthew 19:12; I Corinthians 7:32-33).
●​ No job or career options: giving him freedom from their demands and required
compromises.
 ●​ No house (Luke 9:58).
●​ No money: to be supported by the brethren (Matt. 10:9, I Cor. 9:7-15).
●​ No responsibility except to God.
●​ Pursuing this life with the understanding that few will follow (Matthew 9:37).
●​ Motivated to this service by the gracious promise of God's reward (Matthew 6:19-20,
Hebrews 12:2, etc,).

Not for today?

In western culture we sometimes hear the view that these characteristics were applicable to Christ and His
time, but not ours. While living at that time was certainly unique, one can easily counter this
understanding with the fact that the values and direction of discipleship are timeless in scope and exhorted
to all generations. Once again, Biblical discipleship is characterized by a very simple, unbureaucratic, low
overhead lifestyle...one that was successful in winning the first century world to Christ and establishing
the New Testament Church!

Watering it down?

Another contemporary view of "leaving all" is to re-define the concept to one of having
"dedicated your possessions to the Lord." As such they then somehow become magically
"unworldly" and you become more "disciple like." Although this is a nice idea, and you should
use your possessions in a Godly way, this is definitely not discipleship! Again, according to the
Bible you are not a "disciple" if you have not forsaken all! You may call yourself a "believer" in
Christ, or even more properly defined "a worldly follower" (I Corinthians 7:32-33), but you are
not a disciple!!

Application

In Matthew 28:19 Christ mandated us to make disciples of all Nations…teaching them to

observe ALL things He commanded.

First and foremost, it is necessary to have your forces defined, identified, organized and
properly understood. As stated earlier, the most severe compromise within the Church today is
the degradation of the leadership: God, Christ, His Spirit and Word!

This solved, and the balance of the Church clearly formatted, the revival of true discipleship will
place before believers a goal and service that will have it’s intended effect: a realistic
manifestation of the sons of God!
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 5: “The Special Forces”
As described in Chapter 4, the brief life of Jesus Christ shows the clearest example of
discipleship within Scripture. In his life Christ never married, fell in love, or engaged in sexual
activity. He was a fully equipped soldier, prepared for and fully given to the service of His Father.
As such, he exemplifies the true warrior / disciple: unentangled with the affairs of this world and
fully given to the service of the Kingdom (II Timothy 2:4).

Throughout Christian history few have followed Christ’s example. Before the reformation the
Albigenses, Waldenses and others taught and exhorted eunuch service of God, but in “modern”
times few seem to even understand this doctrine. As with real discipleship, Satan has been able
to successfully eliminate the truth, practice and power of this service from the Christian Church.

What does the Bible say?

Our first instruction comes from Christ Himself in Matt 19:11-12:

"All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some
eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some
eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs which have made
themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it,
let him receive it."

Key wording within this verse should be noted:

●​ To whom it is “given”.
●​ Those who have “made themselves” eunuchs.
●​ And he that is “able” to receive it.

Decisions

As consideration for service in God’s kingdom is explored, decisions are made concerning the
distance and sacrifice one is willing to make. The most telling of these decisions is that of
marriage or remaining single.

Nothing outside of salvation will have greater impact on your life than marriage. From the joys
and tenderness found in the Song of Solomon to the bitterness of adultery and divorce,
Scripture covers the full range of male/female relations.

Worldliness

The worldly impact of marriage on your service to God is found as your heart becomes divided
between God and the love of your wife and children (as indeed you are commanded: I Tim. 5:8).
With this, the substance of your labor is, for the most part, given to the worldly support of your
family and it's interests. This is not meant as an indictment of such things, but serves to give
graphic context to what is indeed "the better way."

In consideration of these things, wisdom is found in the following Scriptures:

· "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life that he may
please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" (II Timothy 2:4).

· "It is good for a man not to touch a woman (1 Cor. 7:1).

· “For I would that ALL men were even as myself. But every man hath his proper gift of
God, one after this manner, and another after that” (1 Cor. 7:7)

· "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as
I" (1 Cor. 7:8).

· “But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned.
Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you" (1 Cor. 1:28).

· "But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things
that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: but he that is married careth for the
things that are of the world, how he may please his wife" (1 Cor. 7:32-33).

· "And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that
which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction." (I Cor. 7:35)

· In Luke 9:23 Christ said: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily, and follow me." Remember, by Biblical definition you cannot be a
disciple unless you forsake all (See also Matthew 19:27-29 and Luke 14:26-33).

· Christ called people to leave their families, jobs, income, and even to sell all, give to
the poor, and follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22; 10:9-10; 19:21; Luke 9:57-61; 14:26-33).

· The apostle Paul taught that marriage was provided "if you cannot contain," and that
"it is better to marry than to burn" (I Corinthians 7:2,8-9).

· Marriage is God’s blessing and acceptable state for those who have insufficient power
over their own will in fleshly matters. Getting married is doing "well," while staying single is
doing "better" (I Corinthians 7:37-38).

Again, we are not here indicting the status of marriage! It is God and His Word which describe these
things, and to this that we will be held to account. Also, we are very aware that there were many married
people throughout the Bible that were mightily used of God...we are not, in any way, "forbidding to
marry" (I Timothy 4:3).
Elements of the Eunuch Lifestyle
Though some pervert this teaching, an undeniable element in successfully being a eunuch is
that of being "gifted” for this service. This is clearly taught by Christ in Matt. 19 and again by
Paul in 1 Cor 7:7. Within this gift element however, we find Christ’s teaching of "making one’s
self a eunuch" (Matt 19:11-12), and a parallel passage brought forth by Paul in I Corinthians
12:31 that you should "covet earnestly the best gifts." So, the properly understood ingredients
needed to have this gift are your desire to possess it in concert with God's will and grace to
bestow it.

Gifts and Gifting

The subject and understanding of gifts and “the callings of God" are greatly misunderstood in
today's church. Most have the idea that God chooses the gifts for each individual and it is
somehow our job to "find" the gift he has bestowed on us. Though God does select a few for
special callings, this "find your gift" concept is nowhere to be found in Scripture. As seen with
the gifting of the eunuch power and lifestyle, interaction between God and His children is the
prescribed Biblical path

Gifting for service within the Kingdom of God is certainly at the will and grace of the Father, but
our involvement in the process is a key ingredient. As we are told In I Corinthians 12:31 to
"earnestly covet the best gifts," our interaction in the process is clear. As God then sees our
desire, He looks into our heart to be assured that we would fulfill the gift. This is critical as He
tells us in Rom. 11:29 that His gifts and calling are without repentance, and His grace in these
things are only given to those He has a confidence in.

Understanding this interaction between God and man is critical in understanding the language
surrounding the gift of “being able” to be a eunuch. As stated in Christ's instruction: the ability or
gift to remain single is one that is gained as the believer pursues God to “make himself a
eunuch for the kingdom of God". In contrast to this instruction we see within the Catholic
Church and the erroneous teaching of others, the "fleshly" pursuit of this service apart from the
specific gifting of God. As we have seen in our time, this "willful" path is destined to fail and is
quickly followed by all sorts of mischief and error.

With these things understood, the service of real discipleship and "following" Christ is clearly
God-given and to be considered (and even "coveted") by all! Victory over the flesh (Philippians
4:13) and the ability to "do all things through Christ which strengthens you" rounds out this
instruction and further empowers the recipient of the gift with "the ability to receive it."

As a final note, we would like to make clear that, though a lot of the harder service appears to
be "male oriented” in Scripture, this in no way excludes women. As is made clear in I
Corinthians 7:32-34, this option and service is truly open to all.

What then is the problem?

Why is there no effective treatment of this subject in our time? Why are there no leaders,
examples, exhortation, books, seminars, Sunday school materials or articles on this issue? Why
is it not treated, in some way, at Billy Graham Crusades, Harvest Crusades, "men’s and
women’s meetings” (Promise Keepers, Women of Faith, etc.), retreats, seminary and "singles’
groups"? And lastly, why is there little support (and even rejection) within many mission
boards?

The answer to this is painfully simple: beyond satan’s efforts to bury, confuse and alter this
teaching, most of us do not want to sacrifice all, and indeed "follow Christ.” What we are happy
with is to follow Christ “from a distance,” and from that distance “have our cake and eat it too”:
Christianity, marriage, sex, family and to some degree, the world.

Most, if not all of us, have chosen to marry or are looking for a mate. Deep down, if we are
honest and truly understand the options before us, we know that this is far short of what we
could be in service to God. With this continued mindset and the enemy’s efforts, the issue of
following Christ within the eunuch lifestyle continues to find itself relegated to a resisted,
back-burner status

Not for this time?

Additional resistance to this subject is argued that this was only to be done "because of the
present distress" (I Corinthians 7:26). Although remaining single and unencumbered with the
world’s cares makes much more sense during hard times (see Jer. 16:1-4), we believe that this
in no way diminishes its value in even the best of times.

Population threat?

Finally, it has been the concern of some that the injunction ​ to “be fruitful and multiply”
would somehow be hindered by this teaching. As this borders on the ridiculous (because most
will marry) we will not give it further comment.

The rewards Involved

A vast percentage of Christianity does not practically view the teaching on rewards in its proper
context. Many believe that we will all be "equal" or some how "become equal" as we give honor
to Christ by casting our reward at his feet. But as taught in Galatians, "what you sow you will
reap" and in some unrevealed fashion, robust service for God will pay huge eternal dividends to
those who sacrifice for Him.

With this in mind (and all things being equal) who would you suppose to be in line for the largest
portion? Would it be those who have had their cake and eaten it too, or would it be the ones
who had sacrificed and forsaken all? It is not hard to see that those truly worthy will have their
work richly remembered!
Understanding this, we see God’s instruction and promise of special reward in the following
verses:

"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife,
or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit
everlasting life." (Matthew 19:29)

"Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying,
the Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, I am a
dry tree. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose
the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; even unto them will I give in
mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and daughters:
I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 56:3-5)

Application

This doctrine needs to be seriously re-established, taught, and encouraged to all. As

things stand now, the "marriage factory" mentality that permeates the Church is far from
the mark.

This instruction should be the first one on the table for young people entering their adult
lives. Church, Sunday school, singles, high school, and college classes should all be
oriented toward this proper order of things, instruction and encouragement. With these
things done, the power that would exist within the men and women who chose to follow
this completely discipled lifestyle is mighty, and the world would finally see those who really
“follow Jesus”!

From the beginning with Christ, John and Paul, through the church age, till the final 144,000 last
effort, this eunuch gift and service is to be in place and active within the believing church. With
the Scripture clear, and the freedoms we enjoy to follow it, there is no further excuse for failure
or omission.
Basic Battle Training

Chapter 6: The Objective: Salvation Properly Presented in 10 Steps

Having God’s forces properly defined, established, and arrayed we can now look
at the ultimate objective that satan seeks to thwart: the firm salvation of a soul.

Much critical content dealing with true salvation is omitted today in an effort to
win converts. As a result of these ommisions, many of those "saved" are then
lost when they become aware of the realities of the Christian life or, in an equally
destructive way, become cookie cut to the soft conversion they received. Today’s
salvation package is virtually devoid of eternal values and in its place is
represented as "cool" and “in” with ample additions of worldly music, buzzwords,
dress codes and ungodly thinking.

Unless all things related to the true realities of the Christian life are fully explained to the
perspective convert before they make their decision, that individual will begin the journey
ill-equipped to remain in the faith.

With the following steps and information outlined below, converts can properly enter and stay in
The Kingdom of God.

The Basics
Step 1: As seen through His creation, knowledge that there is a God is clearly revealed: Heb.
11:3; Rom. 1:20
Step 2: From this awareness a recognition of His vast power is hopefully realized: The fear of God
is the beginning of wisdom: Prov. 9:10
Step 3: With these things known, choice can be made to seek Him!

Note: Birth into the Kingdom of God is by the manifold grace of God in combination with our
receipt of His matchless gift. We are not, as some teach, individually "chosen" or "destined" for
this meeting…in fact salvation is only found when we seek Him with all our heart.

· In Matt. 7:7 Jesus said, "seek and ye shall find"

· Jer. 29:13 states: "Ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all
your heart”

The Good News: There IS a plan!

Step 4: Next comes God's interaction through one of His servants or a personal study of His Word
revealing pertinent details related to salvation:
 ●​ That He is holy (1 Pet. 1:16)
●​ That we are sinners (Rom. 3:10, 23)
●​ That God is not pleased with us as we are (John 3:18)
●​ That God will judge us into Hell if we die as we are. (Matt. 13:49)
●​ But God is merciful, forgiving, loving and kind (John 3:16-21)

With these things known life’s two paths are revealed:

Reject God and live in the vanity of one's own mind and sin: in death becoming an object of His
wrath and justice in Hell and destruction forever (Note: see also "degrees" of punishment in Hell
Matt. 11:22, 24; Luke 12:47-48).

Accept God’s provision of His Son with the guidance He will provide. With this one will enjoy the
forgiveness of all past sin, and begin to live your life in the wisdom of His instruction (John
3:16-21)

With this acceptance and forgiveness will come:

· Salvation from Hell

· Eternal Life
· Entrance into the Body of Christ
· The promise of rich reward for service to Him
· Enlightenment
· His Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth
· The joy and fulfillment of being born into God’s Kingdom

Note: At the moment of our conversion we are sealed into the Father's grace and our eternal destiny
is changed from sure judgment and Hell to the promise of His Kingdom. From that point forward it
becomes our responsibility to work out our salvation with The Father's provided strength and
guidance (Phil 2:12).

The bad news

At this point (prior to a decision) the prospective convert needs to be thoroughly briefed to the up
and "downside" realities of the Christian life. These details, described throughout the whole of
God’s revealed Word, are omitted in most modern efforts (Mat. 13:3).

These realities include:

●​ Persecution to come (John 15:18,20; 16:2)

●​ The spiritual battle he will enter (Acts 14:22)
●​ And the “flesh vs. the spirit" fight he will face (Rom. 8:5-14; Gal. 5:16-24)
 ●​ A complete picture and structure of The Kingdom of God, including a total
understanding of its "economy" of reward for faithful service.
●​ Sure problems with friends, family and supposed brothers

Decision time

Step 5: The next step is up to the hearer. With all the information clearly on the table, it's decision
time: To repent and believe by faith the things learned about God and the life presented or to
remain in sin and unbelief.

Note: Salvation only comes through believing by faith (Acts 16:31; John 8:24; 3:16; Rom.
4:5; 10:9-10). The Biblical definition of this faith however is not one without consequence, or
a "one time experience." Repentance is a quantum shift from your thinking and ways to an
adherence to the mind and will of the Father. Continuance in sin is not something that
equates with true repentance. As clearly spoken of in James 2: 14-26 "...faith without works
is dead."

Step 6: With these things done, salvation provides that:

· You are "Born Again" (John 3:3)

· You become a Child of God (John 1:12)
· You receive His Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14)
· You are enlightened with "the light of the living" (Job 33:27-30)

Onward and upward!

Step 7: From here God’s new child is encouraged to grow from birth through further instruction,
personal study of The Bible, and interaction with other older believers. This maturity would
include:

· Assurance of salvation (John 3:36)

· Learning of the economy of The Kingdom of Heaven and system of rewards within (Matt.
6:19- 20; 10:41-42)
· Pursuing the Father for "Gifts" or abilities to better serve in the Kingdom (1 Cor. 12;
Rom. 12:4-8; Eph. 4:8-13)
· Growth to stability (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; Heb. 5:11-6:3)
· Seasoning to strength and maturity for service (Rom. 12:1-2; Heb. 12:1-2)

To the end (or the beginning!)

Step 8: With these things fulfilled the mature man of God can profitably serve God and hopefully
persevere through the troubles and realities of the Christian life that will surely ensue (2 Tim. 3:12;
Matt. 13:20-21; 24:13; Heb. 3:6,12,14; 6:11; 10:23-29; 2 Pet. 2:20-22)
Step 9: Finally there is death and judgment. Here he will either be:

· Reward based on the value of service in the light of the ability to perform it. (2 Cor. 9:6)
· Or stripes and loss, based on "sloth" or mishandling of the opportunities that were
afforded. (Luke 12-41-48)

Step 10: Having been righteously judged and in receipt of reward for your labor, you will begin
eternity with whatever it will hold. Hint: …"At thy right hand are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm
16:11)

Application
With the omission of much of this information, it is any wonder that the many "saved" in
evangelism efforts today quickly fall away? What job, organization or movement is able to
successfully recruit people if they are given half-truths or have important information held back?
Surely it is clear from any reasonable perspective that those who enter The Kingdom of God should
do so with all the cards dealt and on the table!

With these things in place, there is no doubt that some of the "numbers" will decline…but this
measure will quickly be replaced by a quality of believer that will far exceed the supposed
multitude.
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 7: Stormin’ the Gate!
"What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light,
and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the
housetops." (Matthew 10:27)

In Bible times life was much simpler than today. From the written page to
communication in cyberspace, today's transfer of information is radically
different from earlier times. Why then should one consider or emphasize the
description of open air preaching found with Scripture? The obvious answer is
the clear definition of these things, God’s direct commands, the numerous
examples of public preaching within His Word, and the success it has had in
reviving a dead Church and culture.

Webster speaks
According to Noah Webster, "Preach" come from a Latin word meaning “to proclaim publicly"… a
message "urging acceptance or abandonment of an idea or course of action" specifically "in an
earnestly tiresome and officious manner."

A key word in this definition is "officious". The Prophets through Christ and the New Testament
publicly proclaimed God's mind and The Gospel, suffering persecution and even death for their
boldness and the offence of their message.

As Webster continues with his definition: "volunteering one’s services where they are neither asked
for or even wanted; “meddlesome" and "high-handed."

True Biblical preaching conforms exactly to the above definition and was often to hostile crowds
outside "religious" services...to those who would seek to even kill the messenger. In contrast,
preaching today is confined to church or public meetings where only those who have interest are
informed.

The Biblical Record

The Old Testament is rich with accounts of public preaching:

"Wisdom cryeth without. She uttereth her voice in the streets: she crieth in
the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she
uttereth her words" (Prov. 1:20-21).
"Doth not wisdom cry? And understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high
places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the
coming in at the doors." (Prov. 8:1-3).
 ●​ "Crieth" means speaking out loud.
●​ "Without" means outside.
●​ "Chief place of concourse" means where the people are.

Old testament prophets often preached at the gates of the city. These entrances were
the busiest place in town and it was here that all kinds of activity took place:

●​ Business transactions (II Kings 7:1)

●​ Community meetings (Prov. 31:23)
●​ Legal decisions/court (II Sam. 15:2)
●​ Public executions (Deuteronomy 22:24)
●​ Public mourning (II Samuel 18:33)
●​ Daily chores (I Kings 17:10)
●​ Religious meetings/idolatry (II Chronicles 18:9)
●​ The poor (Proverbs 22:22)

A man preaching at the gate would not only reach a large amount of people, but would also
have an impact on the business community, court decisions, idolatrous meetings, soldiers,
government, etc., etc.

Amos was a gate preacher: "They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that
speaketh uprightly. (Amos 5:10)

Isaiah was a gate preacher: They "lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate…" (Isaiah 29:21)

Jeremiah was a gate preacher: "Thus said the Lord unto me, Go and stand in the gate of the
children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in
all the gates of Jerusalem; and say unto them, Hear ye the word of the Lord, ye kings of Judah,
and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem that enter in by these gates: Thus saith the
Lord…" (Jeremiah 17:19-20)

These men of the Old Testament did not use low-key, soft approaches. There were no
invitations to religious meetings, literature tables, tract distributions, traveling Gospel
singing teams, puppet shows, motorcycle jumps or drama teams. They simply stood up
publicly with the clear message of God's mind and proclaimed it with the vigor it
demands.

New Testament examples and exhortation

●​ Go ye into all the world, and." preach the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
●​ "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that
we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28)
 Lasting only about 6 months before his martyr’s death, the first preacher in the New Testament
was John the Baptist. Once again, his preaching was lacking comfortable buildings, music,
entertainment, etc. John was a public, open-air preacher.

●​ "In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and
saying, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:1-2; see also
Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3)

Jesus’ Ministry
Facing an almost immediate death within His own home synagogue, Jesus’ most famous
sermons were all delivered outdoors. These he demonstrated in:

●​ The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7).

●​ In Luke 6:17 he preached to a "great multitude" in "the plain".
●​ His "Olivet discourse" (Matthew 24) was delivered on the Mount of Olives.
●​ In Matthew 13 His well-known parables were preached to "great multitudes" by the
seaside as he sat in a boat and taught to the shore.

Several times a year, all the Jews in the world would come to Jerusalem for the Feasts (see
Exodus 23:14,17). Grasping this opportunity, Christ would go and preach to the large crowds
gathered there.

●​ The Passover is mentioned in John 2:13; 6:4; and 12:1,

●​ The Feast of Tabernacles is in John 7:2, and John 5:1.
●​ Hanukkah is recorded in John 10:22.
●​ Twice it is remembered that Jesus came to Jerusalem to “cleanse the Temple” and
preach to the multitudes. John 2, Matthew 21, Mark 11 and Luke 19.

Our Time?

In place of the Biblical mandate and the numerous examples found therein, the traditional
approaches today are far from the mind of God. As we have cited, today's approach has
become one of "the Church alter call" or large meetings that target only those who have
interest. At best, the sheep are exhorted to only witness or bring someone to hear “the
expert”. Even the whole tone has been lost, as the jargon and practice of "sharing"
(which verbiage in nowhere to be Biblically found) has replaced the salt and light of true
Biblical proclamation. When confronted with these facts, Satan's influence is manifested
as the shepherds of today explain that the preaching found in the Bible is “passé”, "out
of date", and "not for our time".

Again, compare this position to Jesus' actual words:

●​ "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light, and what ye hear in the ear,
that preach ye upon the housetops." (Matthew 10:27)
 ●​ Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and
that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the
housetops. (Luke 12:3)

The Whole Council of God!

It should be noted here that preaching repentance involves the whole counsel and Law of God as
foundation for the Gospel. In the decadence of our culture today this will involve the whole of God's
character, His attitude, and all the moral instruction found in Scripture. This confrontation of
culture is not new:

"Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city
wholly given to idolatry. “Therefore disputed he in the market daily” (Acts 17:17)

Yes, the apostles’ evangelism often involved "disputing"...not just the preaching about God's love,
but actually demonstrating it by disputing and trying to convince the gainsayers

Application

"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap
also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Public proclamation of God’s Word and mind is not an option for the Church, but is our mandate.
The definition of this ministry is clear from language, Scripture and common sense …and should
either be fulfilled or supported by all that name the name of Christ
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 8: Principals of Battle
Biblical, outdoor, public preaching is a battle for the supremacy of Christ and the Gospel. It is also a
warfare directly confronting specific events or groups targeted because of their sin and evil nature.
Finally, it is often the only way to directly influence the culture of God’s people: The Church

A number of years ago we were encouraged when 25,000 believers marched in protest on Universal
Studios when "The Last Temptation of Christ" was released. Visualize the same response of believers
showing up to protest the sin and evil at the annual Academy Awards, or at the Emmys (TV), or the yearly
Sodomite Parades that dot our land or, as they once did, in active protest of the continued crime of
abortion.
In western culture public proclamation of God’s Word and mind can be done in virtually any
circumstance: Sporting events, Conventions, Parades, Festivals, Holliday events, etc., etc. For young
people, College free speech areas offer a great "Mars Hill" environment in which to influence the minds
of the next generation.

So then open air preaching is:

●​ The ideal vehicle with which to reach those who have never heard The Gospel (2 Cor.
10:16),
●​ The most obvious way to present the Kingdom of God in open rebuke of sin (Eph. 5:11;
Prov. 28:4),
●​ The most Biblical way to "exhort the brethren " (Jer. 7:2; John 7:37; Matt. 23).

The Cost?
So what exactly are you getting into with this type of ministry? Biblical preaching is the truest form of
"front line work" that a follower of Jesus Christ can engage in. An open-air preacher is the point man
representing God's mind to all things of the world. As such open-air preachers can be attacked, beaten or
jailed. This is not a pastime for those seeking popularity.

The Reward?

In this ministry, there will probably be little or no earthly recognition or reward for your work. A Biblical
open-air preacher can also see little fruit as a result of his labor in spreading the seed. In this he is in good
company: Noah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and other Biblical preachers proclaimed their message for years (in
Noah’s case 120!!) without one convert! This ministry will probably also receive little or no tangible
support. A faithful street preacher will typically be both spiritually and financially self-supporting (Phil.
4:15; 2 Timothy 4:16)

Qualifications
Open air preaching requires faith and fortitude most lack, not all are suited for this work. Also, due to the
time and effort required, a single man is more advantaged in street preaching than one who is married
(Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7:32-33). But it is not necessary for one to be "noble, mighty or wise"... in fact God
delights in developing those least obvious for this work (See: 1 Cor. 1:26; 1 Sam. 22:1-2).

Any who would undertake this mission must possess much faith and attachment to Biblical truth. He must
also be willing to devote his life to a mission that many will severely criticize. He must have conviction
that what he is doing is right, Biblical, and the best Biblical way. Only this will sustain him when he is
opposed by his brethren, his pastor, the one who led him to the Lord, or even those who would label him
as a "cult" or "divisive".

The open-air preacher must have a workmanlike knowledge of the Bible, the Kingdom of God and God's
character (Deut. 28:63; Psalm 7:11). Public, confrontational, open air, Biblical street preaching requires
men with a certain type of attitude, zeal and commitment. The street preacher must be courageous and
bold, as he is often faced with opposition, sin and evil.

As you can see this type of ministry has a full description and some tough qualifications. As such, we
realize that few will want to fulfill it.

Preparation
The knowledge and faith required to do this work are only built by means of diligent personal Bible study.
Reading books about the Bible will not do it. You need something that you personally have researched
and will stand up under criticism. There are many doctrines that an open-air preacher will need to know to
face this criticism. Christianity, like the Jews of Christ’s time, is heavily influenced by tradition and overt
error. You will need Biblical sections on:

●​ SALVATION
●​ STREET PREACHING
●​ REBUKING AND REPROVING
●​ RESPONSES TO YOUR METHOD (USUALLY BAD)
●​ REAL FRUIT
●​ HELL AND JUDGMENT
●​ THE WRATH OF GOD
●​ JUDGMENT DAY
●​ GOD HATING OF SINNERS AND THE SIN (Psalm 5:5, etc.)
●​ JUDGING
●​ NAME-CALLING
●​ REWARDS
●​ SINGLE FOR GOD
●​ ETC.

There are also many subjects in the Bible that come up while preaching on social and political
issues.
 ●​ CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
●​ ABORTION
●​ POLITICAL MOVEMENTS
●​ RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
●​ STRONG MILITARY
●​ FORNICATION
●​ HOMOSEXUALITY
●​ DRUNKENNESS
●​ IDOLATRY
●​ ETC.

Along with these, you will need verses and information to use with such issues as:

●​ MORMONS
●​ MUSLIMS
●​ HARE KRISHNA'S
●​ JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
●​ EVOLUTION
●​ ETC.

Note: It is possible to research and learn all this without the aid and encouragement of other
brothers, but it is much more difficult. The best situation is to associate with those who have the
knowledge, experience and a track record of faithfulness. These brothers are few and far
between, but God is able to fulfill this requirement as you seek Him.

Application

Open air preaching is a tremendous opportunity and service. It is a great source of blessing for
those who have what it takes to prepare for, commit and stick to it through opposition and even
persecution. As we have pointed out, this ministry is not for those who seek acceptance and
popularity on earth, but it is for those who know the promise of His reward, and eternal wisdom
of “laying up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6: 19-20).

Networking

For more information and connection with others in this ministry the Internet has become an
extremely valuable tool.

To connect with folks we work with visit our website: [Link]

Basic Battle Training
Chapter 9: Practical Principals of Battle

In this chapter we will provide some practical information on how to go about this
ministry. Specifically, we will demonstrate how to do it in our day and culture with its
particular problems and opportunities.

Based on our experience, we will discuss the different types of street preaching, settings,
audiences, security problems, laws, how to work with the local police, and things you need
to know to be effective. Our first topic of concern will be:

The Audience

As a public proclaimer of the Word you are called upon to preach not only the simple
Gospel but also the Kingdom of God. With this in mind your subject matter will range
across the Biblical gamut of wisdom and exhortation. As with Paul on Mars’ Hill, you will
be called to challenge current thought: the mores and standards of our time. In line with
the prophets of old your field will encompass the evils of the day and even your wayward
brethren.

Each preaching situation has a different audience and thereby requires a difference in
message as well as approach. On a street corner the preacher is addressing an audience
that is constantly moving. As such, his “sermons" must be tailored by condensing the
message to a few seconds or a minute or two. In contrast, a college lends itself to hours of
dialogue with a stationary crowd discussing an endless number of subjects

Cults and false religion present a different audience with different challenges. Preaching
outside a convention center full of these folks obviously requires research into their
doctrines in order to properly minister to them. Further categories with their own special
set of considerations are overtly evil events such as sodomite parades and porn conventions
(yes they really have these). In addition there are special events, sporting events and a
multitude of music concerts and the like.

In approaching each of these unique situations you will ask:

· Who are they?

· Why do they do what they do?
· What are their arguments?
 · Do they have a specific agenda?
· How should you respond?
· Is the crowd potentially violent
· What, exactly, should they hear

The Authorities

Many times close co-operation with local authorities is necessary. Over the years we have
found them to be generally receptive to a reasoned approach within the context of our free
speech laws. "Special event" people within the police department should be approached in
a timely manner with details of your plans. Additionally, some "follow up" with said
authorities is in order with thanks given for the help provided!

Picketing and the usage of signs and banners is another area of consideration. This involves
an understanding of local laws, private vs. public property, dealing with the police, legal
size of signs, requirements to keep moving, etc. Each of these situations needs to be
evaluated and planned for by the street preacher as he plans his message and method of
communication.

The Mission

Our mandate is to preach the Kingdom of God, His Gospel, and Judgment to come: to
accurately and clearly communicate God's mind and will. Though some may disagree, we
do not believe our mission is the establishment of a "Christian Nation" or demand that we
should bring the Kingdom of God to pass in our time. Our work is to focus on the accurate
delivery of eternal Godly information...whatever the response (Ezekiel 2:5)

A Proper understanding of God’s Mind

It is very popular today to preach a "positive" message and to be to be as inoffensive as

possible. In deference to this un-balanced, “politically correct” approach, we believe it is
very important to understand what the Bible says about the character of God and
accurately reflect that in your preaching.

While the Bible says great things about God’s love, it is still true that nowhere in Scripture
can you find men proclaiming, “God loves you”. Much more prevalent is the message of
“Repent or Perish”. In the book of Acts, which is the first example the Apostles
evangelizing the world, the word love is not to be found. In contrast to this, the fear of God
and consequence is mentioned 10 times!
Jesus felt no political incorrectness as he proclaimed that most of humanity would be
bound hand and foot and thrown into a lake of fire (Matthew 7:13-14; 13:40-43, 49-50).
Much of today’s approach lulls sinners to sleep rather than stirring them to repentance.
Though both directions are valid Jude clearly states:

· “Some come by love and some come by fear" (Jude 22).

· “Of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear,
pulling them out of the fire." (Jude 22, 23)
(See also: Ezek. 3:15-21; Col. 1:28; Eph. 5:11; Prov. 28:4)

The following are further examples of a harsh message directed by The Father:

· "Because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the Lord thy God...the Lord will
rejoice over you to destroy you." (Deuteronomy 28:62-63)
· “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing; the Lord will abhor the bloody and
deceitful man." (Psalm 5:5-6)
· "God is angry with the wicked every day." (Psalm 7:11)
· "God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious;
the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and reserveth wrath for his
enemies." (Nahum 1:2)
· "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to
come?" (Matthew 3:7)
· “Woe unto thee, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum, which art exalted unto
heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been
done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But
it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the Day of Judgment, than for
thee." (Matthew 11:21-24)
· "O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all
righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?" (Acts
13:10)
· "The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels, in
flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8)

This type of preaching is a far cry from today’s watered down, milk, and even effeminate
message that fails to rebuke sinners and call for repentance. Today’s churches need to
return to the spirit of the Prophets and God Himself, taking bold stands against sin
wherever it is found and unashamedly proclaiming the whole council of God.
Logistics

There are many details on how to preach in a public setting. In the area of amplification
there are times you can use it and times you cannot. Most of the time, when preaching to a
crowd that is close, your voice alone will do the job. On a college campus it is very common
to get crowds of up to 100 or more who can all hear quite well without amplification. Power
megaphones are handy in a number of situations, so you should have them ready as the
circumstances demand.

Other things to understand are the various possible settings for outdoor preaching.
Holliday events provide one such opportunity. These times present unusual formats,
large crowds, as well as a built in message. Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and even
New Years Eve are all holidays that have their origin in God and His Son. These provide
an obvious and ready opportunity to publicly proclaim their significance and tie them into
the Gospel

With these things in mind here are some specific situations to consider:

A stationary preacher reaching a stationary crowd: This is very effective on a college,

where you can walk on the campus at noon, go to the free speech platform, and begin
preaching while curious students will gather, sit, listen and often argue/debate/ask
questions for many hours.

A moving preacher reaching a moving crowd: The use of picketers, which requires them
to keep moving back and forth in front of the crowd, is a consideration in this type of
situation. Other places might be beaches, or any area that has a crowd spread over a
large proximity.

Preaching from a moving vehicle: This comes in handy when reaching large spread out
crowds.

Other creative methods: These have been used by some who will go "undercover"
inside gatherings or cult or occult meetings, and stand up and preach until escorted out
by security

Signs: These have many advantages. Carrying a sign with a Biblical message
accomplishes several things: it immediately identifies to those passing by the speaker
and where he stands. This eliminates confusion and often even receives news coverage.
Millions can be reached by a message on the sign shown on TV or in a newspaper.
Digital and cell phone cameras also are a constant multiplier of a carried sign. Often
signs can be used in situations where police will not allow loud preaching, but the
 message still gets out via the sign. Signs are also an invaluable tool when targeting an
audience, event, sin or context that requires you to deliver a clear specific message.

Laws: These need to be clearly understood as far as use of amplification, legal size of
signs and poles, location of public vs. private property, etc.

Permits: These are usually not required to carry a sign or pass out literature. Most
colleges require no permit but some require notification of your presence and intent that
are easy to get. Private schools can be difficult and have widely varied policies. If you
feel your legal rights of free speech are being violated it is best to have witnesses, videos,
tape recordings, and good legal counsel to fight for your rights in court if police or
security are overstepping their legal bounds.

Note: As a general rule we avoid these legal battles, choosing to rather go to

another area where our freedom is allowed. There are multitudes of areas and
people to preach to, and in addition legal fights are costly and quite time consuming
to be involved in (Matthew 10:23; 5:25).

Security: Though it does not happen much, there are times when people may get violent
with any who publicly oppose them. In this situation we may have some designated as
"security" to passively protect the person who is preaching. In addition it is sometimes
good to have an "undercover person" in the crowd to keep an eye and ear open for
possible trouble. As stated before, we also try to work with the police and secure their
cooperation, assuring them that we are not there to cause trouble but only to exercise
our rights of free speech.

Application

These then are some of the lessons we have learned by trial and error over our
years of preaching on the streets. This information is again unavailable (as far as
we know) in any Church, seminary, seminar, Christian bookstore, magazine
article, or the like. As time goes forward, and conditions change, there will also
be need for change in some of the issues we have cited. Utilizing what we have
put forward in this chapter and remaining flexible to our changing world will
ensure as much success as is Earthly possible and net you the most “free
course” to proclaim His Word. (2 Thes. 3:1)
Basic Battle Training

Chapter 10: “Tough Love”

The public proclamation of God’s Word and mind is often met with hostility because of the
sharpness of the message and the clear definitions it brings. Proper presentation of the
message we are charged to bring mandates this consequence and makes it necessary to
Biblically answer this oft-heard response.

The form this usually takes is with the charge that we are "Judging"…and that this is a
wrong thing to do! Satan’s attack on this critical function of ministry has resulted in a
variety of things detrimental to the Kingdom and of God and the world we live in. That this
is a defining issue at all is indicative of the ignorance and lack of solid Bible teaching in
today’s Christian culture.

With the enemy’s success in quenching this understanding we see that:

· He removes the clear need for sinners to repent by eliminating the clear standards
God expects.
· He softens Christianity to being unable to proclaim the truth of God’s law and
mind…the salt looses its savor!
· He eliminates the standards that are necessary for our culture to survive.

So what does The Bible teach?

Judging is clearly taught throughout the Bible in both Testaments. In this chapter, we will
establish we are:

· Commanded to judge
· That our failure to judge is sin.
· That is impossible not to judge.

We will start our instruction by looking at the passage that is most often miss-quoted by the
critics: Matthew 7:1-20:

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall
be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest
not the beam that is in thine own eye?
 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye;
and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the
beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the
mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before
swine.... If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts...how much more
shall your Father.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction.
Beware of false prophets, ye shall know them by their fruits"

Allow us to point out the following facts about this passage:

· Jesus is commanding us to judge. He says to get the beam out of our eye so
we can see clearly to get the mote out of our brother’s eye.

· In this narrative Jesus Himself judges citing "hypocrites", “dogs”, “swine”,

and calls his own hearers "evil”! With this, Christ also commands us to not give
what is holy to dogs, or pearls to swine, thereby requiring us to judge what is
holy, who is a dog, and who is a swine. The context here further commands us
to beware of false prophets, which again necessitates that we judge who is,
and is not, a "false prophet."

By clear instruction, the Bible requires us to judge!

· Leviticus 19:15-18 "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment… in

righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor… thou shalt in anywise rebuke thy
neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him…thou shalt love your neighbor as yourself."
· Proverbs 31:9: "Open thy mouth, judge righteously…”
· Ezekiel 22:2: “… thou shalt show her all her abominations."
· Ezekiel 23:36: "…declare unto them their abominations."
· Luke 12:57: "… why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?”
· John 7:24: “…judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous
judgment."
· 1 Cor. 2:15-16: "He that is spiritual judgeth all things…”
· 1 Cor. 6:1-6: "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the
world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know
ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?
· Isaiah 58:1: "cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet and show my
people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins."
The false understanding of judging is seriously compromising the Kingdom of God and
destroying out culture. Christians are supposed to judge and tell the world what a holy
God thinks of their sins. The failure to do so has given us a nation infested with
pornography, militant homosexuals, drugs, crime, abortion, cults, heresies, promiscuity,
venereal disease and aids.

Who’s Judgment?

The plain fact of the matter is that we are not doing the judging; God is…we are only the
messengers! The question is not, "who are you to judge?" The real question is: "who are
you not to tell the world what God says?" No human being has the intelligence to tell
another about what is right or wrong: only God has that authority. If a person says
homosexuality is normal, he is “judging” as much as someone who says that it is an
abomination to God. The real question then is this: is the judgment based on God mind, or
subjective, sinful, human “intellect”.

Discernment!

Judging and discernment go hand in hand, and a number of factors need to be determined
to properly minister:
Who am I dealing with?

Presenting the Gospel to a 10 year old obviously requires a different approach

than preaching to 150,000 militant homosexuals at a sodomite parade. It is also
a vastly different situation to be in a foreign country that is unfamiliar with the
Gospel, compared to America which inundated with it.

How big an issue is it?

Contrary to popular thought John 19:11 teaches that there are degrees of sin.
Someone who slipped a profanity under his breath is not the same as a
pornographer!

Am I qualified to make the judgment?

This is the main point of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7. Hypocrisy in relation to

one’s life is critical in judging. The pureness of your life not only affects the
content of what you are able to deal with, but also the zeal you are able to apply
to the problem. Remember: "the measure you meet will be measured to you".
In the best of circumstances, this part of ministry will follow caution and the
 admonition of Proverbs 25:11: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in
pictures of silver”
Name-calling?

Identifying a sin or behavior utilizing a moniker or descriptive language is a natural

extension of judging. Here then are some of the names and description used by the
men of the New Testament.

· Wicked and adulterous: Mat. 16:4; 12:45; 13:49; 18:32; 21:41; 25:26; Luke 19:22;
1Cor. 5:13; 2Thes. 3:2; 2Pet. 2:7, 3:17.
· Dogs: Matt. 7:6; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Rev. 22:15.
· Swine: Matt. 7:6.
· Vipers: Matt. 3:7; Matt. 12:34; 23:33; Luke 3:7.
· Hypocrites: Matt.6:2, Matt.6:5, 16; 15:7; 16:3; 22:18; 23:13-15, 29; 24:51, Mark
7:6, Luke 11:44, 12:56.
· Children of the Devil: John 8:44; Acts 13:10
· Perverse: Mat. 17:17; Luke 9:41; Acts 20:30; Phil. 2:15; 1Tim. 6:5.
· Reprobate: 2Cor 13:5-7, Rom. 1:28; 2Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:16.
· Whited wall: Acts 23:3.
· Heathen: Mat. 6:7; Mat.18:17; Act 4:25; 2Cor. 11:26; Gal. 1:16; 2:9; 3:8.
· Fools: Mat. 23:17; Luke 12:20; 1Cor.15:36; Mat.23:19; Luke 11:40; 24:25; Eph.
5:15.
· Of little faith: Mat.6:30; 8:26; 14:31; etc.
· Stiff-necked and uncircumcised: Acts 7:51.
· Liars: Titus 1:12
· Evil beasts: 2Peter 2:12, Titus 1:20
· Slow bellies: Jude 10, Titus 1:20
· Adulterers and Adultereresses: James 4:4.
· Whoremongers: Hebrews 13:4; Rom 7:3; Mat. 12:39; 16:4; Mark 8:38.

As is then obvious, name-calling has always been a definite part of Biblical "ministry".
Remember, our job is to communicate in the most clear and specific manner possible…not
based on the reaction of the hearers, but rather to the righteousness of the situation.

Application

Assume that you are a Doctor trained to deal with someone who is ill. As your job is to help
the patient with the knowledge you posses, a proper diagnosis is required for the individual
to know the severity of his sickness. This is not an easy task. In most ministry instances you
will be called upon to minister such truth knowing that it will probably be rejected and you
will be vilified for even doing so. But with this rejection remember that:
His Word will never come back void…but will accomplish its purpose of
salvation or final judgment! (Isaiah 55)
Basic Battle Training

Chapter 11: Battle Expectations

In today’s Christianity the driving force in what is preached is the response it generates.
Current philosophy finds that that one should seek a good response and therefore tailor his
message only to that end.

Men today are saved to a shallow and compromised Jesus, a weak God, and an incomplete
understanding of how things will eternally be. While this approach is successful in drawing
converts, those converted often fall away and have no root (It is approximated that 80-90%
of converts won at major evangelical outreaches end up falling away). With these things in
mind, we turn our attention to what Scripture has to say on the subject of response.

What response should we expect?

There are only two possible responses to any communication concerning God and His
Kingdom: acceptance, or rejection. In accepting the message the hearer must receive
correct information and be pursuing the knowledge of God.

· Jesus said, "seek, and ye shall find", "knock and it shall be opened" (Matthew
7:7).
· Jeremiah tells us that God is found when He is "searched for with all one's heart"
(Jer. 29:13).
· Further Scripture teach: "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you"
(James 4:8)
.
This shows that the acceptance is up to the hearer, not just the proclaimer. Jesus taught in
the parable of the sower and the seed that 3 out of 4 seeds bear no fruit at all, not because
of the sower or the seed, but depending on the soil (Matthew 13)
.
Get used to it: Rejection is the norm!

Jesus declared in Matt. 7:13-14 that the road to destruction is wide, "and many follow
it”...those finding the narrow way to God and life are few.
Rejection can and will range from hearers just ignoring you to their active violent
persecution, depending on what is said, to whom, and with what strength (salt). The
proclamation of God's mind in bold public rebuke by the prophets and apostles often met
with their persecution and even death.
The Bible repeatedly warns us to expect a negative response and persecution.

Jeremiah 1:8,19: "...They shall fight against thee...."

Jeremiah 7:27: "… they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they
will not answer thee."
Ezekiel 2:4-5,7; 3:6,7,11,19: God sends Ezekiel to "a rebellious house" that "will not
hearken," and instructs him to deliver the message "whether they hear, or whether they
will forbear." (See also 33:9)
Ezekiel 33:31: "...They hear thy words, but they will not do them...."

The instructions of our Savior to His followers are likewise full of exhortations to
expect rejection:

Matthew 5:11: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall
say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
Matthew 18:7: "Woe unto the world because of offenses! For it must needs be that
offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!"
Matthew 23:34: "Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and
scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in
your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city."
John 7:7: "The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the
works thereof are evil."
2 Timothy 3:12: "Yea, and all they which live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution."

As well as active persecution, those charged with this work often received no response
at all. Jeremiah preached through the reigns of 4 kings with no record of any converts.
Noah preached for 120 years without one convert. Jesus Himself ended up on a cross
with even His disciples having fled. John 6 records that in one day He even had 5000
leave him!

While there are times of revival, most who serve God see negative results

Exodus 6:9: "they hearkened not unto Moses...."

2 Chronicles 24:19: "Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord;
and they testified against them; but they would not give ear."
Jeremiah 20:2: Jeremiah’s preaching resulted in his being put in the stocks.
Jeremiah 32:3: Jeremiah is imprisoned by the king for his preaching.
Jeremiah 37:15: "The princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in
prison...."
Jeremiah 38:6: Jeremiah is rewarded by being cast into a dungeon, “…and Jeremiah
sank in the mire."
John the Baptist begins the New Testament.

Matthew 14:3: "Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison...."
He later was decapitated.

And Jesus finds negative responses in the following:

Matthew 12:14: "the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might
destroy him."
Mark 3:21: "And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they
said, he is beside himself."
Mark 5:17: "And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts."
Luke 4:28-29: Jesus preached in a synagogue, "and all they in the synagogue, when they
heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and
let him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that thy might cast him
down headlong."
And finally, Christ is betrayed by Judas and arrested, falsely condemned, and executed.

On to the early Church: The book of Acts records the Apostles persecution in
numerous examples:

Acts 4: Peter and John are arrested and threatened by the high priest and captain of the
temple.
Acts 7: Stephen is stoned.
Acts 9:29: Grecians try to slay Paul.
Acts 13:50: Jews raise persecution against Paul & Barnabas.
Acts 14:4-5: Assault made "to use them despitefully & stone them."
Acts 17:13: Jews stir up people against Paul.
Acts 19:9: Some were hardened & spake evil of that way.
Acts 22:22-23: Paul’s listeners want Paul killed.
Acts 26:24: Festus accuses Paul of being mad.

Finally, it is recorded that the apostles preached in the following places, with no
record of any conversions:

Acts 8:25: Many villages of the Samaritans, Acts 8:40: All cities between Azotus and
Caesarea, Acts 11:19: Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch, Acts 13:5: Salamis, Acts 14:24-25:
Pisidia, Pamphilia, Perga, Attalia.

So how do we Biblically assess Godly Fruit?

In John 15 Jesus proclaims that any man who does not bear fruit is hewn down and cast
into the fire (Chapter 15:1-8). In this passage, Jesus clearly warns us to bear fruit…yet in
the entire context He never once mentions converts. Nowhere does He define "fruit" as
followers… in fact He states the exact opposite!

Here the Lord gives His disciples one of His biggest warnings about rejection and
persecution. So based on this passage, it would be more accurate to say that the fruit Christ
is referring to is faithfulness in persecution, not proselytes!

2 Timothy 3:12. "Yea, and all they that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution.

The real Biblical teaching on a favorable response is that the false teachers are the ones
that usually see it

· 2 Peter 2:1-2 says, "Many shall follow their (false prophets) pernicious ways."
· Jesus, deserted by His disciples, was certainly in the minority when the crowds
were yelling, "Crucify him! Crucify Him!"
· All the prophets of the day were united against Micaiah, yet he was the only
faithful one with the truth. (1 Kings 22),
· Jeremiah (and all the prophets) found himself alone against the majority of priests
and prophets of his day
.
Look at today’s at the growth of Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the other cults. Do
their large numbers and converts certify they are of God? God's true people have always
been persecuted and in a very small minority":

Jesus said, "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you
from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil for the Son of
man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in
heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets," and "Woe unto you,
when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke
6:20-26).

So what did the Apostle Paul glory in? Do we read in his writings the long lists of his
converts, or the churches he started? No! Rather we find that he spoke of his rejections and
persecution at the hands of men:

· "Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool,) I am more; in labors more

abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the
 Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once
was I stoned...." (2 Cor. 11:23-25).

These then are the credentials Paul sets before the Corinthians in his appeal to appeal to
them to follow him and turn away from the false apostles.

Follow the Instructions!

Open air preaching is often the object of ridicule with the justification that one seldom sees
converts in a street preaching ministry. This "lack of fruit" (read: popularity) is cited as
evidence that it does not work and that God does not bless it, etc.

The truth is, open air preaching leads to changed lives as much as any other method.
While it is true that only a few respond positively, this is true of all methods. Most people
you witness to individually will not repent and most people you hand a tract to will not
get saved. No method results in huge conversions.

Conversions are in the hand of God and no method will reach anyone without His Spirit
working in their hearts in conjunction with their desire for that to be so. We need to be
careful to not try to do God’s job. Our work is to disseminate the information about Him
and His Kingdom, pray for the hearers, and allow God to work on their heart
.
The Bible says that he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully, and he who sows
sparingly will reap sparingly (2 Cor. 9:6). Open air preaching is sowing BOUNTIFULLY!

Within the range of preacher’s voice many hear. Some will avoid you, some will think you
mad, some will challenge you, and a few will choose Christ. Most of this work will not be
tangibly known until Judgment Day, so we again accept God’s Word by faith that “His
word will not return void” (Isaiah 55:11).

Application

With the information presented in this chapter it becomes abundantly clear that any
"success" to be enjoyed in this world must be measured in the terms of God's faithfulness
to His Word and the eternal glory to come! Though the negativity of response presented
here could be viewed by some to be a glum appraisal, it follows the clear pattern found in
the Word and should serve as a warning to any whose ministry reflects otherwise.
Basic Battle Training

Chapter 12: The Real Christian Life & Battle

For the last 200 years we in the West have lived in a virtual "Disneyland" of Christian belief and
service. In this circumstance we are guaranteed freedom to worship and serve God in virtually
any form we choose. Beyond this we are even granted special monetary privileges on the
assumption that the work we are doing is "non-profit" and advantages society as a whole.

America is rich with opportunity and material wealth beyond any time in recorded history. In this
environment it becomes very easy to miss the life promised to those whose life is described in
the New Testament

The Two Covenants

"Yea, and all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution" ​ 2 Timothy 3:12
The life promised in the New Testament is not the life taught in the Old Covenant. This
is a critical point that is often missed by believers as they are taught the expectations of
the Christian life. In the Old Testament God designed a plan that was to provide
temporal blessing and reward for the faithful as well as swift judgment for sin and
rebellion. For 2000 years this was so, but moving to the New Testament you find an
entirely new concept: that of the Kingdom of God. This new plan and its service is vastly
different from the specific work and expectations of the Old Covenant.

Standing on the Promises?

Understanding these basic differences between the two covenants, we can now move to the meat of this
chapter: a multitude of verses and clear instruction and promise from God that teach:

"The Real Christian Life"

· "Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…blessed are ye when men shall
revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice
and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the Prophets
which were before you". (Matt. 5:10-12)
· "Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves…beware of men: for they will deliver you
up to councils…they will scourge you in their synagogues…ye shall be brought before governors
and kings for my sake…" (Matt.10:16-18)

· "And brother shall deliver brother …children shall rise up against parents and cause them to be
put to death…ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake…. Think not that I am come to send
peace on earth; I come not to bring peace, but a sword...to set a man at variance against his father
& daughter against mother...and a man’s foes shall be they of his own household..." (Matt 22,
34-39, 10:21)

· "If they called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household…"
(Matt. 10:25)

· "A prophet has honor except in his own country…among his own kin…" (Matt.13:57; Mark
6:4; Luke 4:24)

· "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me…for whosoever will save his life shall lose
it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it. For what
shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:34-35)

· "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their
company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like
manner did their fathers unto the prophets..." (Luke 6:22-23)

· "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you..." (John 15:18)

· "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20)

· "In the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33)

· "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world,
even as I am not of the world" (John 17:14: Jesus praying to the Father)

· "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22)

· ”Who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Chris” (Acts 15:26)

· “We be slanderously reported” (Romans 3:8)

· ”For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter”
(Romans 8:36)
· “We are fools for Christ’s sake, we are weak. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and
thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place. Being reviled, we bless;
being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world,
and are the offscouring of all things unto this day” (1 Corinthians 4:10-13)

· “We are troubled on every side: we are perplexed, cast down and persecuted. Always bearing
about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus... For we which live are alway delivered unto death
for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh” (2
Corinthians 4:8-11)

· “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions,
in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in layouts, in watchings, in
fasting...by honor and dishonor, by evil report...as unknown...as dying...as chastened...as
sorrowful...as poor...as having nothing” (2 Corinthians 6:4-10)

· “…in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews 5 times received I 40 stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I
stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often,
in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen,
in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and
nakedness” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)

· “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer
for his sake...” (Philippians 1:29)

· “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: ...I am instructed both to be full
and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:12-13)

· “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God” (1
Timothy 4:10)

· “Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8)

· “Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3)

· “Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain salvation” (2
Timothy 2:10)

· “And others were tortured...and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea,
moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted,
were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute,
 afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:), they wandered in deserts, and in
mountains, and in dens and cave.” (Hebrews 11:35-38)

· “Disallowed indeed of men” (1 Peter 2:4: about Christ)

· “If, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even
hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should
follow his step.” (1 Peter 2:20-21)

· “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (1 John 3:13)

This litany of verse and description stands in marked contrast to the promise of supposed "abundant
living" offered today. From Billy Graham to Campus Crusade for Christ to Promise Keepers to the 700
Club and to even your own Pastor, the above truths are often hidden in a misguided effort to gain
converts. The expectations of the erroneous "Channel 40 Prosperity Doctrines" are a likewise a huge
deception in light of the true Biblical descriptions you have just read.

This is by design, a well thought out approach that delivers a host of converts to a "partial truth" and
misguided Christianity: a faith in which failure or compromise is all but guaranteed. Is it any wonder that
as "converts" stream down the aisle most will fall away? It is like being sold an automobile that is
gleaming and impressive to the eye but is like a farm tractor to drive. That some overcome this initial
"sales pitch" and go on to labor in the true work, is testimony only to the ensuing knowledge of the real
Word of God and His faithful Spirit

Application

There is an axiom in Christianity that needs to be learned and riveted to the frontal lobe of all
believers.

THE BETTER YOU ARE AT

FOLLOWING CHRIST IN
THIS LIFE, THE WORSE
YOUR LIFE WILL BE ON
EARTH ...BUT THE
BETTER IT WILL BE ON
JUDGMENT DAY!
In our Western civilization, the life most of us live is far from the description in the verses we have cited.
To live within the material and governmental blessings we enjoy puts us in a position of great
responsibility and judgment (Luke 12:48). That we may be someday graced to partake and taste of the
“real” Christian life described herein is quite possible and should be vigorously prepared for. To those
properly prepared, and faithful, will come the blessing and reward promised!
Basic Battle Training

Chapter 13: Motivations: Love

Why does a man or woman pursue full service in God’s kingdom, especially to the extent of
sacrificing marriage, career, and the trappings of "worldly living?" In the following four Chapters
we will deal with motivations for such service as they are taught in the Bible.

Within Scripture there are eight basic motivations taught that are designed to motivate us to serve
The Father. These are:

· The love of God. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, soul, and
strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5).
· Compassion. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Leviticus 19:18).
· The fear of God. "The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).
· The truth. "Jesus Christ: the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
· Anger. "God is angry with the wicked every day" (Psalm 7;11).
· Faith. "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:20).
· Rewards. "Labor not for the meat that perisheth" (John 6:27).
· Your debt. "We love him because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

As you can see, God has gone to a great deal of trouble to give us every impetus and
encouragement to serve Him!

In this chapter we will be focusing on the two great commandments left us by Christ as He distilled
all that had come before. These are: that we should "love God with all our heart, mind and strength",
and "our neighbor as ourselves". (Matt. 22:36-40)

Love for God: "We love him, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19)
Certainly when we think of God’s love for us we should need no other motivation to serve Him with
all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30)That this does not always happen as
originally intended is caused by a variety of clearly defined reasons. One of the more important of
these is that the mode of expressing that love has been distorted, and needs to be re-defined

So how does God wish us to express our love for Him? We believe it is not found in today’s euphoric
Church services with their over-emphasis on music (at the expense of solid verse by verse Bible
teaching), shallow emotionalism, "mountain-top experiences," and mindless attempts to duplicate
the "Pentecostal experience".

Many Church services today dwell far too long on music and emotionalism as "worship," with very
little emphasis on training the troops for battle with intense Bible study. (Followed by leading
those troops out on the battlefield to have an impact on society for Jesus Christ.)
Certainly God works through music, "worship," and genuine miracles, but much of this has been
replaced with cheap counterfeits and misguided emphasis. As things stand today most Churches are
more interested in keeping their members busy—inside the church—with activities geared to
providing entertainment and substitutes for worldly events. Most of this is just “busy work” and
has little to do with fulfilling of the Great Commission and original intents of God (Matt. 28:18-20;
Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47-48; John 20:21; compare Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:28).

What then should our love for God move us to do and be? Above all, the truest definition of loving
God and His Kingdom is found in the reality of service: tangible, real time, real money, real life
service that advances the goal of God’s will and Kingdom on this earth.

We who live in America have opportunity above virtually all who have come before us: Freedom
of Religion, wealth beyond most of the world, much disposable time, literacy, and the availability
of Scripture. As the Lord clearly taught:

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required." (Luke 12:48)

Charity
It is noteworthy that in the King James Bible "love" is often translated "Charity": an obvious
action word. Our Churches are full of people who say that they love God, and love Him
with all their heart, but as stated, there is often little outside service for Him to verify this
boast.

Many think that weekly attendance and worship constitute service. The simple truth is that the
Church was designed to serve and equip the believer for service, not the other way around! That we
should love Him in response to His great love for us is not a mystery. That we fail in this should
provide a place of humility and repentance in us all.

With this assessment of how our lives are and should be, we will now focus on Christ’s second
commandment:

Compassion for the lost.

"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:18)

The two great commandments, on which all the law and the prophets can be fulfilled, are to love
God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:29-31). This second
citation (to love our neighbor as we love ourself) is from Leviticus 19:18 and is quoted in the New
Testament more times than any other OT reference (see Matthew 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31;
Luke 10:27; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8).

Probably the most famous example in the Bible of compassion for the lost is Jesus
Christ: "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it" (Luke 19:41).
Likewise, perhaps no one has ever expressed a more gripping passion for souls than the
apostle Paul, when he wrote: "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also
bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow
in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my
kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites. Brethren, my heart’s desire and
prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved" (Romans 9:1-4; 10:1).

Love’s Definition

Before we can effectively express love for the lost, we must first understand Biblically what Godly
love truly is, and how to show it.

God’s Love is not defined as giving someone what they want, but rather what they need. Deciding
and communicating to people what they need, in place of what they want, will not often be received
with open arms….indeed, virtually all within Scripture and Church history lost their lives
practicing this Biblical form of Love!

To understand this in more specific terms, we return to Leviticus 19:18. As with most of Scripture,
the importance in understanding this verse is found in the context, which starts at verse 17:

"Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart:

thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and
not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge,
nor bear any grudge against the children of thy
people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself: I am the Lord."

Notice in this passage that love for your neighbor is tied to, manifested by and defined as: “not
allowing sin upon” and "rebuking your neighbor". Love, the truth and rebuke clearly and
consistently go hand in hand throughout the whole Bible!

· "Open rebuke is better than secret love." Proverbs 27:5

· "Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee." Proverbs 9:8
· Jesus said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent."
Revelation 3:19
· "For whom the Lord loveth he chastiseth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If
ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father
chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye
bastards, and not sons…." Hebrews 12:6-11 (see also Proverbs 3:11-12)
· "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue); but in deed and in truth." 1
John 3:18 (see also 1 Corinthians 13:6)

God’s instruction in this can easily be defined within the contemporary

term of "Tough Love". This is often shown necessary with a father
disciplining his children in order to break them of bad habits and instill
proper behavior (Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13; 29:15). Love once again,
often means being willing to tell people what they may not want to hear,
regardless of the consequences!

Limits to Love?

It should also be noted that there are Biblical limitations to love...indeed God, as well as some of
those that loved him, had this perspective.

· “Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise
up against thee? I hate them with a perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies." Psalm
139:21-22
· Ahab, confronted by the prophet Jehu: "Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them
that hate the Lord? There for is wrath upon thee from before the Lord!” 2 Chronicles 19:1-2
· Proverbs 6:19 records that of the six things that God hates, two are the actual people
doing them (Lying and sowing discord among the brethren)

God’s unconditional love?

Our modern society needs to be delivered from the delusion that we are supposed to
unconditionally love everybody or that God Himself does. Clearly, from the Word of God:
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE IS AN
OXYMORON. THERE IS NO SUCH
THING AS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
AND GOD DOES NOT
“UNCONDITIONALLY” LOVE
ANYBODY.

· "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he shall
be loved of my Father, and I will love him. (John 14:21)
· “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come
unto him, and make our abode with him”. (John14:23)
· “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my
commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments,
and abide in his love. (John 15:9-10)
· “For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me! (John 16:27)
· "I love them that love me." (Proverbs 8:17)

Agape?
For those who tell you that "agape" is unconditional love, the Greek word in the above verses is
Agape! Once again, look to the context... it will clear up the Greek and Hebrew every time!
"Unconditional love" is nowhere to be found in the Bible!

John 3:16 and God is love?

For those that might attach their cart to one verse or description of God we note here that this verse
in John is in the past tense and that there are a number of other verses in the Bible descriptive of
“who God is” (a consuming fire, a man of war, jealous, etc.). The real truth of God’s love is that it is
available to all until death, but in any given moment He has a definite attitude (and emotion) about
men and what they do.

God Hates…?
In clear, unmistakable terms the Bible also tells us that God does not love everybody, and in some
instances even hates the sinner as well as the sin.

· "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I HATED." Romans 9:13 (see also:
Malachi 1:1-4)
· "Thou HATEST all workers of iniquity.
· The Lord will ABHOR the bloody and deceitful man." Psalm 5:5-6

Some “scholars” try to argue here that the Greek and Hebrew words for hate really just means to
"love less”. Following their reasoning, does this mean that God wants us to love sin ”less” as well?
In God’s definition of "hating Esau" his judgment involved ‘laying his heritage waste’ and calling
them ‘the people against whom the Lord hath indignation forever.’

Application
Many criticize us for our approach, but then have no rebuke (read: love) for rebellious sinners.
Accurately then, and as commanded, we should love God with our service and our neighbor in like
fashion. This love however, must reflect God’s values and clear instruction…not man’s!
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 14: Motivations: The Fear of God
The fear of God understood in the 21st century (and practiced by the church) is one of
the most confused, misunderstood and truly lost doctrines in the world today. Satan, in
his efforts to quench the people of God, has effectively used a variety of approaches to
nullify this powerful motivator. In this chapter we will bring this doctrine back into focus
so the reader may benefit by understanding God with this facet of His character and
plan clearly stated.

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).

What then is this fear that is the genesis of a wise man? To this doctrine Satan has
brought one of his most crafty tricks.

Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men. (Isaiah 29:13).

Being unable to remove the word and do away with the concept within Scripture Satan
has done the second best thing. As understood and practiced by much of the Church
today, he has succeeded in re-defining the word and concept of this doctrine.

What then does the Bible say about the fear of God?

That we are commanded to fear Him!

· Luke 12:4-5: "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body,
and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:
Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear
him."

· Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God, and
keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work
into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

That the fear of God purifies our lives:

●​ 2 Corinthians 7:1: "…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

And that the fear of God is a requirement for leadership:

 ●​ 2 Samuel 23:3: "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." (Ex.
18:21; 2 Chron. 19:7,9)

Word Games apostasy

For the most part today the word “fear” has been re-defined as “awe” or “reverence”. It is not
fashionable in current faith to talk about "fearing God”. Modern Bible scholars reflect this error
in their translation of many subject verses. For example the New American Standard Bible
eliminates the word fear found in the KJV by re-translating it as "awe" or "respect" in the
following verses

●​ Exodus 15:11; 32:26-28

●​ Leviticus 19:14’ 32, 36 and 43
●​ Deuteronomy 28:58
●​ Nehemiah 1:11
●​ Job 15:4; 25:2
●​ Psalm 2:11; 5:7; 22:23; 65:8; 119:38; 135:20
●​ Isaiah 25:3; 29:13, 23
●​ Daniel 9:4
●​ Hosea 3:5; 10:3
●​ Zephaniah 3:7
●​ Haggai 1:12
●​ Malachi 1:6; 2:5
●​ Acts 2:43
●​ Hebrews 5:7; 11:7; 22:28
●​ 1 Peter 3:15

Not to be outdone, the popular NIV does the same thing in these passages:

· Exodus 15:11
· Leviticus 19:32
· Deuteronomy 4:10-11; 8:6; 13:4; 13:23; 17:19; 25:58
· 1 Samuel 12:18
· 2 Kings 4:1; 17:25, 28, 33-36, 38, 41
· Nehemiah 1:11; 5:15
· Job 15:24; 25:2; 37:24
· Psalm 22:23; 102:15; 119:120
· Ecclesiastes 3:14; 5:7; 8:12
· Isaiah 25:3; 29:13, 23; 63:17
· Jeremiah 2:19; 10:7; 33:9; 44:10
· Daniel 9:4
· Habakkuk 3:2
 · Malachi 1:6; 2:5, 4:2
· Luke 1:65, 5:26; 7:16
· Acts 2:43
· 2 Corinthians 7:1
· Ephesians 5:21
· Colossians 3:22
· Hebrews 5:7; 12:28
Note: While some may excuse these changes by saying they represent little threat,
we see any change from the true meaning to be detrimental and influential to the
current lukewarm thought.

Greek and Hebrew?

Contrary to popular misconception, the Hebrew and Greek languages are not
somehow imbued with some supernatural accuracy where each word has, without
exception, only one precise meaning. Hebrew and Greek words can have many
meanings and can sometimes be translated in numerous ways. The Hebrew and
Greek words for "fear" can at times be translated "revere," but it is obvious that the
primary meaning in the majority of cases (even in modern translations) is that of "fear,"
"terror," "dread," etc. As we will detail in Chapter 21, the best way to understand a word
is not in consulting Greek or Hebrew lexicons, but by reading the passage in context!

In the Old Testament the word for "fear" is translated from the Hebrew word ya-re. This
word is translated "fear" 154 times in the King James Bible. It is the word used by Jacob
in Genesis 32:11, when he said, I fear him (Esau), lest he will come and smite me." In
Deuteronomy 2:25 it is used as synonymous with “trembling” and being “in anguish”. It
is translated "dread" in 1 Chronicles 22:13; it is translated "terrible" in Joel 2:11,31;
Exod. 34:10; Deut. 7:21; and Zeph. 2:11.

The Greek word for fear in all of the New Testament passages on the fear God is
phobos (from which we get “phobia”). "Great fear came upon the church after Ananias
and Sapphira were struck dead. (Acts 5:11) It is the same word translated "fear" in the
following verses: Matthew 14:26; 28:4; Luke 2:9; 21:26 ("men’s hearts failing them for
fear"); Acts 5:5; Rev. 18:15…passages which refer to men "shaking," "becoming as
dead men," and fearing for their lives.

Virtually all of this information is systematically ignored by those who insist that fear of
God" in the Bible does not mean fear, but "reverential awe."

Biblically defined Fear

Descriptive words
 · To be "Afraid" Exodus 3:6 "

· To "Dread" Isaiah 8:13

· To "Tremble" Jeremiah 5:22

(See also: Job 23:15; Ezra 9:4; Psalm 2:11; 119:120; Daniel 6:26; Acts 24:25.)

Descriptive Situations

· Isaiah 2:10-21 "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the
Lord….

· And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth,
for fear of the Lord…." (Hos. 10:8; Rev. 6:15-16)

· See also 1 Sam. 11:7; 12:18-19; Psa. 9:17-20; 90:11; Isa. 25:2-3; 59:18-19;
Zeph. 3:6-7; Hag. 1:9-12; Acts 5:1

Fearful Consequences

· Deuteronomy 28:58-68 "If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law
that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and wonderful
name, The Lord thy God; then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful…until
thou be destroyed…. The Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you…."

· 2 Kings 17:25 "…they feared not the Lord: therefore the Lord sent lions among
them, which slew some of them."

· See also Deut. 25:17-19; Prov. 1:26-29; Isaiah 29:13-14; Eccles. 8:13; Jer.
2:19; 5:24-25

Blessings and reward come from fearing God

· Psalm 128 "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord. Happy shalt thou be,
and it shall be well with thee. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion."

· Psalm 31:19 "Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them
that fear thee"

· Luke 1:50 "And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to
generation." (Prov. 22:4; Mal. 3:16)

· See also: Exod. 1:21; Psalm 34:7,9; 103:11,17; 145:19.

Fear in the Covenant to the Hebrews

God used the fear of punishment in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 in the blessings
and the cursings. A light skim of these chapters will reveal that God put far more
emphasis on the fear of cursing than on the anticipation of blessings. Lev. 26 contains 6
blessings to 37 cursings, and Deut. 28 contains 12 blessings and 78 cursings.

God used fear as the great motivator for Israel to remain obedient to His word. That the
cursing was in such proportion to blessing again gives context for one of God’s greatest
tools for service and obedience: that of FEAR!

Fear as understood by acts of God

●​ Gen. 6-8, 19
●​ Exodus 8-12, 14, 21
●​ Num. 14, 16, 20
●​ Deut. 20
●​ 1 Sam. 3, 4, 6, 15
●​ 2 Sam. 6, 11, 12, 24
●​ 1 Kings 11, 13, 17, 20, 22
●​ 2 Kings 1, 5, 6, 7, 17, 25
●​ Job 1, 2
●​ Isaiah 13-23, 37
●​ Jer. 46-51
●​ Ezek. 24, 25-32,35;
●​ Dan. 4, 5
●​ Amos 1
●​ Jonah 1,2
●​ Matt. 15
●​ Luke 1
●​ Acts 12, 13

Fearful “Pronouncements”

(Though the word "fear" may not be specifically used in a verse, description
often will suffice)

●​ Isaiah 19:6; 24:1, 34:2&7; 40:15&17; 45:9; 47:12-15,

●​ Jeremiah 4:10; 7:20; 12:12; 13:14; 15:7; 16:4; 20:7; 23:9; 25:23; 20:7
●​ Ezekiel 9:10; 14:19; 20:33; 21:2
●​ Hosea 5:6; 8:7; 9:15
●​ Joel 1:15
 ●​ Micah 3:4; 5:15
●​ Nahum 1:2,5,6
●​ Zechariah 11:6; 14:3
●​ Malachi 3:2
●​
And for those who say we are putting too much emphasis on the Old Testament (as if God had
changed between the covenants!), the following verses represent the Fear of God from the
New Testament:

●​ Matthew 3:10; 5:22; 7:21-23; 11:21&24;18:16; 21:44; 25:30,

●​ Mark 13:2
●​ Luke 16:19-31; 20:16
●​ John 15:1-8
●​ 1 Corinthians 3; 5:5
●​ 1 Timothy 1:20
●​ 1Thes. 2:11
●​ 2 Peter 3:10
●​ Jude 12,13
●​ Revelation 7, 8, 9

(Also take note again that the word "love" is not found in the book of Acts
once; but "fear" is mentioned 10 times!)

The New Testament God?

"To whom much is given, of him shall much be required" (Luke 12:48)

Some try to spread the old Gnostic lie that the Old Testament God was one of wrath, but
the New Testament one is the God of love. In the Bible, this description is actually the
other way around!

The Fear of Hell

"Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men" (2 Corinthians

5:11).

Hell is the promised destination of the unbeliever and the threat given to the apparent
believer or those who turn their back on their salvation and God. In Jude 22, 23 it says
that some come by love and some by fear. Unlike the Old Testament, God no longer
threatens us with the loss of our freedom, goods or even our life. His New Testament
guarantee is that we will suffer loss of even our eternal existence in the most horrific of
circumstances: That of tortuous, unquenchable fire! This fear of hellfire as a prime
motivator to the unbeliever has been satanically reduced in our time by its lack of
emphasis and the re-definition of the concept (read: “separation” from God”). With this
done, “those that would come by fear” has likewise been reduced.

Sin Proliferates!

Another consequence of this fear of judgment is evident in the runaway slide of moral
decay we see around us. From our supposed leaders and "role models" to the
degeneration of the youth of our land, there is no fear of accountability and judgment
before God’s throne. With this void, sin proliferates and continues to find its own high
level! The only stopgap to this decay is the declaration of clear moral principals found in
the Scripture, coupled with the THREAT OF JUDGMENT before a holy God!

Eternal Security?

As with any web of deception, one doctrine can often times have an influence on
another. This is the case as one struggles to equate the fear of God in a believer’s life,
and the current beliefs of “eternal security”. Salvation of a soul being accomplished,
how does the extreme of this doctrine and the doctrine of the fear of God correlate? A
close study of this subject from Scripture shows a far different picture than is commonly
believed in many Churches today. The truth is that this subject is not as clear from
Scripture as many would have you believe.

· Hebrews 10:26-31 "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the
knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain
fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the
adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three
witnesses: of how much SORER PUNISHMENT suppose ye shall he be thought
worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood
of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the spirit of grace? ... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a
living God."

· And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are SEALED unto the day
of redemption. Eph 4:30

These two verses, used to define the eternal consequences of a believers standing with
God, are seemingly at odds. Proper division and understanding of these things is further
explored in Chapter 20.

Love trumps fear?

Many believers like to quote 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love
casteth out fear…." Though this is true, notice in the verse that only “perfect love” can
cast out fear. When we love God perfectly and serve Him completely every day with
every thought, word, and deed, then we indeed have no need to fear His punishment.
As many today even sing of their great love for God, how many can truly say that they
possess this "perfect love?"

Application

We have strayed far from God’s intents in this doctrine and now face a world crumbling
under our feet as men live lives far from the fear of judgment to come. Sadly, this fact is
true for believer and unbeliever alike. Satan has done a masterful job of dissolving this
motivation and only a full revival of this understanding will suffice. With this, the
motivation for believers to be better, the lost to convert, and sin to be withstood, will be
in place. Do it now, or suffer the consequence of its continued omission: This is the
course set before us
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 15: Motivations: Rewards
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves do not break through not steal: for where
your treasure is, there will your heart be also." ​ (Matthew 6:19-21)

Through this chapter we will explore a vast quantity of verses instructing us on the
“economy” of the Kingdom of God. As we trace this doctrine through Scripture we will
see that, though not emphasized as it should be within the church, we are all motivated
in this way. Continuing, we will show that indeed God is driven by His righteousness to
include this motivation and judgment. This follows His intention for a right balance and
His desire for a perfect fairness and recognition of work accomplished. (Deut. 25:13;
Heb. 6:10; Prov. 11:1; 16:11; 20:10,23).

Common sense (and experts) tell us that the best way to raise children, train animals,
or run a business is through a proper mixture of punishment and reward. A light skim
of God's Word will reveal that this is also His pattern in dealing with the human race.

●​ Adam and Eve were promised the tree of life if they obeyed God, and death if they
disobeyed (Gen. 2,3)
●​ Cain was offered a promise of reward mixed with a threat of judgment (Gen. 4:7)
●​ Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were promised descendants and land for their faith (Gen.
12:1-3,7; 13:15; 15:5,6; 22:17-18; 26:3-4; 28:13-14...)
●​ OT Kings were rewarded with long-lasting dynasties for faithfulness, and many OT
promises prophesied wealth and long life to the faithful (Prov. 2:21-22; 3:1-2, 7-10...)

Although the Old Testament is more preoccupied with rewards in this life, it still
promoted promises related to Judgment Day and the resurrection to come. The
promises to the patriarchs were never fulfilled in their lifetime, (see Acts 7:5; Heb.
11:13,29), a sure sign that their faith was in a future fulfillment and resurrection (See
Job 19:25-27).

Selfishness?

Some argue that the promise of reward prompts people to serve God for a selfish
motive. We have even heard some say that God put the teaching of rewards in the
Bible because of the hardness of our hearts! Besides the fact that Scripture says no
such thing, God continually commands us to "lay up treasures in heaven," etc. Starting
prior to even the Old Testament, let us consider the example of Jacob and Esau.

Esau was the firstborn, and therefore had the right to the Birthright and the Blessing.
But Jacob obtained them both through cunning, deception, and extortion. Esau was
motivated by short-term gratification, while Jacob’s desire was to do whatever it took to
get the birthright and secure the long term blessing. Was it wiser to seek pleasure now,
or to deny oneself and seek the blessing later? (Remember also that God said, "Jacob
have I loved, and Esau have I hated" Romans 9;13; Mal. 1:1-4)

The New Testament

In contrast to the Old Testament that offered rich temporal reward for faithfulness, the
New Covenant emphasizes the importance of Judgment Day and eternal reward (Col.
3:2). In conjunction with this, we also see that justice is not to be meted out now, but
later (2 Peter 2:9). With this in mind, the believers Judgment, or the "Judgment Seat of
Christ", is to be the preeminent issue for the New Testament Christian (Romans 14:12;
2 Cor. 5:10-11).

"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made
manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by
fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any
man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a
reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he
himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

Understanding these things, several aspects of the New Testament teaching on

rewards need to be pointed out:

· The Kingdom of God (John 18:36). Here we must distinguish between the
idea of getting your rewards now (prosperity doctrine?) versus later. In Luke
18:22 Jesus taught: “yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and
distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come,
follow me".
· That rewards are a “necessary grace” (Heb. 6:10). God is bound by His
righteousness to recognize service as distinct from sloth. To do otherwise would
be unjust! God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love.
· The idea of “The Race” (Heb. 12:1). "Know ye not that they which run in a
race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every
 man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to
obtain a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as
uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body,
and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to
others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Cor. 9:24-27) We are all in a race, but
not all will win the prize!
· God’s standard of judgment (Luke 12:47-48). "To whom much is given,
of him shall much be required". In the Bible God often used pagan nations to
judge Israel. The reason he judged the Jews so harshly was because they had
been the recipients of blessing. To them He had sent the prophets, the
Scriptures and the promises. They were more accountable, and so received a
harsher sentence when they disobeyed. With the position we in the West have
in the World, will we not likewise be held to account? (Selah!)
· Christ Himself served for reward! (Hebrews 12:2). "Looking unto Jesus
the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the
throne of God." Did Jesus serve His Father God for a “selfish” motive when he
accepted His reward at the right hand of God?
· Righteous pride and standing. This is an aspect of faith missing from
most church teaching today. While the Bible condemns a man’s heart being
"lifted up" with fleshly pride (2 Chron. 26:16; 32:25) it also notes that
Jehoshaphat’s "heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord" (2 Chron. 17:6). Also
noteworthy is an exhortation toward "covetousness". While being commanded in
the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not covet," we are exhorted in 1 Cor.
12:31 to "covet earnestly the best gifts." It is righteous to be proud and to covet
things of the Lord!
· God’s pleasure! This, the most obvious reason for a system of rewards,
follows the love, wisdom and mind of God in all things...if He had not wanted
such a system He would have not instituted it! God knows us (as His creation)
and He knows what we value and what we are motivated by. We will not attempt
to second guess, or "interpret" this most obvious part of God's plan!

Clear Biblical teaching on rewards:

In addition to the previously cited Scripture and reasoning, the following is a sampling
of God’s instruction to be studied:

●​ Job 34:11
●​ Psalm 19:11; 58:11
●​ Proverbs 24:20
 ●​ Matthew 5:11-12, 19; 6:1-4; 10:41-42; 19:21-30; 25:21
●​ Luke 6:22-23, 35; 12:21, 33, 34; 14:13-14,
●​ John 4:35-36
●​ 1 Cor. 9:17; 15:40-58
●​ 2 Cor. 5:10
●​ Eph. 6:8 Phil. 4:1
●​ Col. 3:24-25
●​ 1 Thes. 2:19
●​ 2 Tim. 2:12; 4:8
●​ Heb. 11:6
●​ Jas. 1:42
●​ 1 Peter 5:4
●​ 2 John 8
●​ Rev. 2:23; 11:18; 14:13; 22:1

Objections?

As we have "exhorted the brethren" over the years with this obvious Biblical concept
we have often received a negative response, usually in one of the following forms:

“But it is selfish to serve God for reward, we should only serve Him out of
love”.

As we discussed previous, the idea of righteous "pride" and "covetousness" are valid
emotions when properly channeled in the Kingdom of God. In addition to these, the
idea of "selfishness" is valid if channeled the same way. Ask yourself: Why did you
believe in Jesus Christ in the first place? An honest answer will range from your desire
for a better life, to the salvation from sin and hell that was your destiny. In all of the
reasons you may have, your own "self interest" was the predominant factor. Is this a
bad thing? Were you "wrong" to seek such from the Lord? We think not!!

Why then would one believe that the pursuit of the Kingdom of God, with its values of
reward, would be somehow "unrighteously selfish?" Certainly, and well-established
Biblically, our relationship with The Father has its foundation and reality in the love and
appreciation we all feel for His matchless gift. The question here is not weather we
should serve the Father out of love...that should be a natural occurrence! The question
before us is whether it is righteous to follow the plan He has outlined and
established...A plan that obviously contains reward!

The old “Look Spiritual” trick.

Certainly it is Satan’s work to weaken the fabric of the Kingdom and eliminate the
motivating power of rewards...but how does he do it? A possible answer to this
question might be a believer who is weak in his Spiritual life. In his weakness, the
individual in question may not want to admit this failure and so could strive to "look
Spiritual" by proclaiming motivation only through his supposed "love of God". Certainly,
with the abundance of people loudly proclaiming their great love for God in our time,
this would not be out of line with current Church thinking. With this done, he looks
Spiritual and is able to mask the truth of his life by not appearing "selfish".

With this understood, is this not possible on an "institutional" level? One reality of this
problem is that "serve God out of love, not reward" has become a "by-word" in many
Christian circles. This is where the error takes truest form: at the Church level, where
the "mores and standards" of Christianity are established and held in strict control. It is
for this very reason that the Berians were considered "noble"..."in that they searched
the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so". Searching this subject on
even a simple level will quickly wipe away the false humility of this "spiritual" position
and establish the reality of things to come!

"But aren’t we all going to just throw our crowns at Jesus’ feet?” (Rev. 4:10)

The real question posed here is: how many crowns would you like to throw? One…or
thousands? (See Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27). And after you throw the crowns at
His feet, then what will happen? Will we be sent to the slums? Or will we be given a
mansion and a position?

The bottom line is this: we will all have a job and position for eternity. The 12 Apostles
will sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). In God's Kingdom
some will be Priests and Kings (Rev. 5:10) and some will rule over 5 cities or 10 cities
(Luke 19:17,19).

It is logical to think that if some are going to rule, then there will be others who will be
ruled over. Which would you rather be?

"But doesn’t the parable in Matthew 20 teach that we will all be rewarded
equally?”

In the above parable each worker was also rewarded according to what he did with
the opportunity he was given. Those given much opportunity to work were
expected to perform within that opportunity. Likewise, those with little
opportunity would be judged in accord with that standard. (Kind of like the
opportunities we have in the West, compared to the ones in countries where
Christianity is not tolerated).
A further point of this parable is concerning the Jews. Namely, that they should
not think themselves as special since God is about to add Gentiles to the family
of God and "make them equal unto us" (Matt. 20:12; Romans 11).

Note also that as there are degrees of glory in Heaven so likewise are there also
degrees of punishment in Hell: Jesus said to Pilate, "he that delivered me unto
thee hath the greater sin"! Some sins are, and will be punished worse than
others. In Matt. 23:14 Jesus proclaimed that the Pharisees would receive “the
greater damnation”. (See also: Matthew 22:20-2; Luke 10:10-14; 12:47-48).

Satan’s historic attack on this doctrine

Another way this ideology of minimizing rewards has penetrated modern churches is
through a "de-emphasis" of works. Originating with Martin Luther, the reformer gave us
"justification by faith," but went too far with it. While it is certain that we are saved by
faith (Romans 4:5; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), the Bible also clearly commands us to work.
Backlashing against Catholicism’s salvation by works, Luther called the book of James
a "right strawy epistle" and actually tore it from his Bible! He did this in his confusion
and because "faith without works" (James 2:14-26) did not fit into his theology. Many
passages on faith are typically followed by exhortations to work.

Ephesians 2:8-9, followed by verse 10

"For by grace are ye saved through faith...not of works lest any man should boast, "
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God
hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Notice also Titus 3:5, which is followed by v. 8

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he
saved us... "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly,
that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These
things are good and profitable unto men."

Even John 3:16 is immediately followed by a discourse on deeds (v v. 19-21)

"Men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For every one
that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light lest his deeds should be
reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made
manifest that they are wrought in God.")

Scripture is abundantly clear that we are to do good works! Not for salvation, but as
fruit of our salvation (2 Cor. 5:17). Those truly saved will be new creatures with
changed lives, laboring in tangible service to God with rich reward to follow. James
here made this quite clear: "show me your faith without your works, and I will show you
my faith by my works" (James 2:18).

Ramifications

Neglecting this doctrine has immense ramifications. Misunderstanding this concept will
lead to confusion in other areas, but proper understanding of rewards in the Bible can
be an essential and effective vaccination against other false doctrine.

One error cited is a misunderstanding and de-emphasis of works in the life of the
believer. Another example of this are those who teach that every time a believer sins
he looses his salvation. These people seem to see everything as either heaven or hell,
as if God has no other options. Be sure that the Almighty has more weapons in His
arsenal than the flames of perdition.

The Bible speaks of believers losing their rewards: He shall suffer loss: yet he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (See 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Matt. 10:42; Mark 9:41; Col.
2:18; 2 John 8). "

Also found in Luke 12:47-48 is the issue of receiving “stripes”, or being actually beaten
for unfaithfulness. Though taught in parable form this illustrates another method of
God’s Judgment that can be utilized.

Application

Time is the ultimate commodity an each of us is only given so much...and none of us

know how much we have! Of all that we possess, it is the one thing that can never be
replaced. What we choose to do with our time is the most important issue for each of
us has before us.

It is our prayer that the content of this chapter will stimulate you to re-think what you
have been taught and been exposed to. To realize the opportunity you have to profit
the eternal Kingdom of God and indeed yourself!
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 16: Motivations: Anger, Truth, Faith and Debt.
The motivations in this chapter, though not as obvious as the previous three, are still
powerful within the arsenal of the properly prepared believer. To this they constitute a
strong threat to the enemy and, as such, are targeted by him. These motivations have
great need to be understood and implemented to be in proper orientation to the
Kingdom of God, God’s mind, and our responsibilities in this world.

Anger? In Eph. 4:26 God teaches us to "be angry and sin not".

Anger in today’s culture is not often seen as "politically correct" and acceptable. Within
Christian culture as well, the concept of righteous anger found throughout Scripture (as
we will document), is frowned upon. The virtually exclusive picture of a loving God,
coupled with the weak and even effeminate witness of the 21st century Church,
provides little place for the Scriptures that we will cite and elaborate on.

Anger, by itself, can neither be viewed as good or bad. Rather it is the specifics of the
situation that determines its "righteousness". Within a believer’s life there can, and
should be, many instances where righteous anger should be shown as a witness to
God’s mind. As we stated in Ephesians, we are even commanded to have such an
attitude and action.

As ambassadors for The Father it might be helpful at this point to remember the
obvious: God himself gets angry! The Bible is full of verses that speak of God’s
wrath, anger and indignation.

God’s Anger!

· In Psalm 7:11 we are assured us that "God is angry with the wicked every
day."
· In Ezekiel 8:18 God says, "Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall
not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud
voice, yet will I not hear them."
· In Nahum 1:2 it is taught that: "God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the
Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries,
and he reserveth wrath for his enemies."
· Habakkuk 3:12 tells us, "Thou didst march through the land in indignation,
thou didst thresh the heathen in anger."
 · In Zephaniah 1:2-3 God says, "I will utterly consume all things from off the
land, I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and
the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked; and I will cut off
man from off the land"
· In Zephaniah 3:8 God reiterates, "...my determination is to gather the
nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation,
even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my
jealousy."
· Revelation speaks of God’s judgments on this world for its sins, including
blood up to the horses’ bridles, one-third of all plants burned up, one-third of all
men killed, etc., etc.
· Thessalonians 1:7-9 declares that Christ will come back "with his mighty
angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on all who know not God."

Our Job

The nonsense that God is only a loving God and never gets angry stems from a
politically incorrect cheapening of God’s holiness and a watering down of the severity
of sin. As we have seen previous, God’s anger with Esau’s sin provoked Him to say
that He indeed even "hated him" (Mal. 1:2-4; Rom. 9:13). In this, God’s righteous anger
and judgment against the person who perpetrated it resulted in His promise “to lay his
heritage waste, calling his descendants, the people against whom the Lord hath
indignation forever"!

As His witnesses, we are to represent not only his Word, but also His actual attitude.
Today this is hypocritically done from the safety of pulpit, but to the issues and people
where they are actually found, the silence is deafening. The following provide ample
evidence of not only God’s attitudes but also what our spirit and action should be.

· Our modern hymns are a far cry from the words of David, “the sweet
psalmist of Israel “ proclaimed: He seeth the vengeance, He shall wash his feet
in the blood of the wicked: Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth. ... Let the
saints be joyful...and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance
upon the heathen...." (Psa. 58:10, 6; 149:5-7)
· David further wrote: "Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? I hate them
with perfect hatred. I count them mine enemies" (Psalm 139:22-23).
· Jehoshaphat proclaimed God’s anger for loving those who hate the Him
(God) (2 Chron. 19:2).
 · Phineas got mad enough to run a javelin through two fornicators in the door
of the tabernacle, and “God blessed him with an everlasting priesthood”
(Numbers 25).
· Elijah got mad enough to “cut the heads off of 450 prophets of Baal” (1
Kings 18).
· Jesus himself “looked on the Pharisees with anger” (Mark 3:5), and twice,
with the zeal of His Fathers house eating him up, drove the moneychangers out
of the temple with a whip! (John 2:15; Matt.21:12)

The Cross and Judgment

God’s wrath and anger is abundantly clear in the Old Testament, but it is even more so
in the New, which presents us with 2 graphic pictures of His holy wrath:

The blood soaked cross. Where His hatred of sin and love for the world
reached to the point of crucifying His only begotten Son!
And Hell itself! The unquenchable, tortuous, inferno of Hell: the deliberate,
eternal, fiery torture of unrepentant, rebellious sinners

So: just as God gets righteously angry at sin and those who practice it, should
not Godly men feel, and express publicly, anger at the evils and evildoers in our
day? Again and as stated Ephesians 4:26: God commands us to "be ye angry
and sin not" (implying that it would be a sin to not be angry). He then continues
with: "let not the sun go down upon your wrath” which, in context, means we should
never stop being angry and demonstrative about the sin and evil we confront!

Truth!

Nothing should drive us to serve God more than this one central fact: Our message is
the truth and we have the answer to all that pertains to life!

· John 14:6: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man can come to the
Father but by me.
· Proverbs 23:23: "buy the truth and sell it not"
· 1 John 3:18: "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but
in deed and in truth."
· 2 John 1-4, 9-11: "The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I
love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For
the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us forever. Grace be
with you...in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking
in truth....”
 · John 3:11-12 (to Nicodemus): "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that
we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I
have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you
of heavenly things?"
· 1 John 1:1-3: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard,
which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands
have handled, of the Word of life...that which we have seen and heard declare
we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us...."
· 1 Corinthians 13:6 says Charity (love) "rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth
in the truth."

Satan is a tough foe however and wants none of God’s mind and truth proclaimed and
known. Though bold public preaching of truth is the NORM in Scripture, it has become
the EXCEPTION today. In contrast to the slick delivery and the worldly direction(s) of
today’s Church, even criticism of boldly proclaiming the truth is often what is heard.
Instead of encouragement what we hear is: "this isn’t the way to do it," or "you need to
be more loving," or “you are being too forceful and bold” or "you won’t reach anyone
doing it like that". And finally the ultimate dodge: “Preaching like they did it in the Bible
is not for today”

But the truth we posses demands application well beyond what we see today! Jesus commanded
in Mat 10:27: What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear,
that preach ye upon the housetops. What the disciples “heard” was, and is, THE TRUTH!
Beyond this we see truth in many other areas. For example 150,000 Sodomites demanding our
acceptance at one of their annual “parades”. Believers know the truth of this sin and it’s gravity,
and with this understanding are responsible to disseminate that truth. (Read: Ezekiel 3:17-21
and 33:7-9)

Faith! "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke
18:8)

Faith is the fuel that brings practical action to the truth we possess. Having the truth will
not stimulate us to serve if we don’t have the faith to act on it. Perhaps part of the
problem today is Satan’s successful re-definition of what it means to believe. Most
today are lulled to complacency with the easyJesus message consisting of having
"Jesus in your heart”, "being eternally secure," and "positionally perfect" plus, “we all
gonna’ be raptured soon anyhow, so no need to panic”.

With these things in place, much incentive to strive is done away with and believers are
lulled into a spiritual slumber (or worse, even apostasy). There are however, no such
compromised definitions of "faith" in Scripture. Biblical faith always produces works:
 James 2:14-26. "What doth it profit, by brethren, if a man say he hath faith, and have
not works? Can faith save him? ...Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy
works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ... Wilt thou know, O vain man, that
faith without works is dead? ... Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and
not by faith only. ... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is
dead also."
Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are
his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them."
Titus 3:5, 8: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to
his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy
Ghost. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that
they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These
things are good and profitable unto men.
Hebrews 11: The "Faith Chapter," records the exploits of over a dozen great men
and women of faith, noting that "by faith" each one did something.
2 Corinthians 4:13: "...I believe, and therefore have I spoken."

Matthew 12:34: "...Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."

So how do you get more faith?

Sometimes the problem understanding faith is a misunderstanding of it’s dynamic.

Faith is a living thing that needs nourishment to be sustained and grow. Biblically there
is only one place that this occurs: within the study of God’s Word (Mat 4:4, Rom.
10:17).

The basic concept found in these verses is that the better you know God, the easier it
becomes to believe in Him, trust in Him, and do what He says! Since a sizable number
of believers do not study the Bible as they should, the resulting lack of work and
motivation to serve Him is the unfortunate result.

Judging Ourselves! (I Cor. 11:31)

So then do we really “believe” that people are going to spend eternity in hell? Do we
really “believe” that Christ is coming back? Do we really “believe” that He could return
at any moment? Do we really “believe” that sodomy is a capital crime in need of strong
rebuke? Do we really “believe” that abortion is wrong? From God’s perspective, the
answer to these questions is only answered by what we do with such positions, not
what we say.

Debt? "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

As the old hymn declares, "He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not
pay."

We were guilty felons on death row awaiting execution, and the Judge himself sent His
only Son to go to the firing squad for us so we could be set free. What greater debt
could we incur with this sacrifice?

· 1 Corinthians 6:20. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify

God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
· 1 Corinthians 7:23. "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the
servants of men."
· Luke 7. In this chapter we read of the woman who washed Jesus’
feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. Accused for allowing this
Christ told the parable of the two debtors, one who owed 500 pence and
the other 50. Both were forgiven and Jesus asked His host which of the
two would love his creditor most. The Pharisee correctly answered that it
would be he who had been forgiven most. Jesus then applied this to the
woman, saying, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved
much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
Have you been forgiven much? Then how much then do you “owe”!

Application

This then completes our four chapters on motivations for service. This arsenal of
impetus and encouragement to shun the World and serve God and His Kingdom is
further proof of His love and grace toward us. The opportunities we have, coupled with
these things, open wide the door to a life that the Father intends and will remember.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat

of Christ, that every one may receive the things
done in his body, according to that he hath done,
weather it be good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10).

As we have shown, many attacks and misconceptions have worked together to blunt
these tools of God’s instruction. Satan is a master at deception, discouragement and is
well able to sidetrack us from the goal. It is our hope that through a proper
understanding of this subject matter, with the verses and commentary cited, you will
attain to the character, sharpness and savor with which to battle the enemy...and
prevail!
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 17: Diversions: The Kingdom of God.
Introduction

The next seven Chapters represent what we see as diversions that the
enemy has developed to sidetrack the Church from its goal and mission
(Matthew 10:27). These subjects represent a range of topics that extend
from the supposed “intelligence of theological thought” to the more obvious
errors that surround 2007-year-old Christianity.

Though it is probable that we will not find agreement on all the topics, we are
constrained to address them for those who have eyes that see and ears that
hear. Our intention here is not the continuation of the divisions which plague
God’s Church, but rather an exposition of what we see as true and profitable
to the overall goal.

Our first subject deals with the profound errors that surround the make-up,
description and goals of The Kingdom of God.

Rightly Dividing the Word

Two thousand years ago God attempted through His Son to institute a new
covenant with the Hebrews. With their rejection of His effort, His attention
turned to the peoples of the world: the Gentiles. Though God’s goals were in
line with the previous Covenant, this new plan would follow a direction with
much more at stake. This New Covenant would be very expensive to God
and would give the ensuing generations much greater opportunity and
responsibility.

With this new approach God, and those who followed Him, were faced with a
very large job. This work, which He assigned to the Apostles, Paul and
others, was to introduce a plan of service much different from the one given
to Moses. As might be expected, this was a time of radical change that led to
some confusion. With this, God’s ministers were given the power to do many
miraculous things. The primary intent of these miracles was to show the
authority of these men as they taught and led people to the new direction
God intended.

Satan was also quite busy during this time and his attacks came in a variety
of forms. From the outright elimination of the people involved through
martyrdom, to his work of subversion and confusion, his days were full. As
he labored, one of his primary goals was to confuse and frustrate the people
of God through his time-proven course of perverting the leadership.

His attack continues today.

How To figure This Stuff Out.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is

profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction in
righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy
3:16-17).

"Study to show yourself approved, rightly dividing the Word of Truth

(II Timothy 2:15)

The meaning of these verses, when attached to the times in which it was
spoken, takes on a significance that has been somewhat lost. The job given
to the early ministers of God’s New Covenant was to introduce the Kingdom
of God with all its new forms. Parts of the old plan were to remain solidly in
place while much was to be replaced with better.

Correct study and division of what had come before, and what lay ahead,
became imperative to an accurate understanding of citizenship in the New
Kingdom. This then is the true meaning of God’s exhortation to "rightly divide
His Word".

The basic beliefs between the Testaments had no measurable change and
are here clearly stated:

· God did not change from wrath to mercy.

· His overall goals have not changed.

· His plans are always made clear.

· The Bible is clearly divided into two plans.

· The New Testament has supplanted the Old.

· The practices of the old Covenant are finished.

 With these things in mind, we would like to point out some of the many
differences between the two Testaments:

d Testament w Testament
was temporal is later and Eternal
were to rule the World re to be persecuted
s were sacrificed for sin s sacrificed for our sin
mple was at Jerusalem mple is in our body
irit “came on” people irit “indwells” people
ng was mainly to Israel ng is to all the World
y “Keeping the Law” n is by “Grace”
was the High Priest s our High Priest
l Priests were in place Priesthood of Believers
e was exhorted ess is now exhorted
was a sign of blessing s a Worldly hindrance
was to follow the law e Preach the Gospel
w was written on stone w is now on our hearts
temporal Judgments eternal Judgments
as for things temporal e is for things eternal
nts were immediate nt is to come (Hell)
ions were on diet trictions are eliminated
temporal punishments Discipline
cision was the sign m is the sign
of Discipleship ship is emphasized
lk of Hell talk of Hell
r of God was temporal r of God is eternal
ritual gifts” employed s are introduced
gets little play is the main issue
nt Day got little play nt Day is emphasized
hardly mentioned a major player
hing was in place ” exhorted (rewards!)
“Possess the Earth” d to shun the World
g in physical warfare g in Spiritual warfare

With these distinctions shown, we will now illustrate two of the more
confused issues.

Violence and the Sword

On the issue of violence and immediate judgment on evildoers there is clear

and unquestionable difference between the two Covenants:

While men of God were blessed in the Old Testament for killing pagans (like
Elijah who slew 450 prophets of Baal, or Phineas who was rewarded with an
everlasting priesthood for spearing 2 fornicators), there are no such
examples in the New Testament. In fact, when the disciples suggested
calling fire down from heaven as Elijah did, Christ even rebuked them (Luke
9).

Nearing the cross, the sword is used in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt. 26,
Mk. 14, Lk. 22)…but to what end? In these accounts, the disciple who cut off
the Priest's ear was rebuked and told to put his sword away. At this time also
Christ restored the ear, healing the damage. So why was this done at all?

In Mt 26:56 we see that these things were done "to fulfill Scripture". What
was the Scripture needing fulfillment? In Luke 22: 36-38 we find Christ
instructing of the disciples to arm themselves with what was eventually two
swords (between all 12). The reason for this is given as: "that He was to be
reckoned among the transgressors". Apparently Jesus was giving the
Pharisees (and possibly the Romans) a "reason" to prosecute him...in
essence giving them enough rope to hang themselves!

In all of the Apostles’ future encounters with pagans in the Roman Empire,
not once did the apostles take up arms or use any kind of force (or even fight
for legislation). Their tactics were totally non-political, non-physical, and
completely spiritual. Their mission was not to change laws, over throw the
Government, or physically force the moral imperatives of the Bible. The clear
job they had been given was to proclaim salvation from sin, Hell and this
world through Christ. With the promised rejection of that message by most
(Matthew 7:13), their next obligation was then to clearly warn the hearers of
the consequences of their action (Ezekiel 3:18, 33:7-9).
Our involvement in society is to be the public proclamation of God's Word
and mind concerning eternal judgment and opportunity…not fighting,
executing, or in any other way fashioning ourselves after the saints of the
Old Covenant.

The erroneous division of this concept of violence has led to many examples
of defaming testimony concerning Christ and Christianity by what the world
considers “God’s people”. We are constantly reminded of one of the greatest
of these follies: The Crusades. Another is the current “White Supremacist”
movement.

Where, in all of New Testament, are we taught to take, or have possession

of the Holy Land or “dominate” the world? The direction and purpose clearly
taught in the New Testament is that of the Kingdom of God is "within you",
"Spiritual" and to come in eternity! The erroneous meld of Old Testament
instructions and direction did not come from God, but from the intentions of a
misguided leadership as they mixed "religion with politics".

So today, there are those who believe that the use of violence is to be used
by believers to establish nations and establish the World “for God”. Within
this thinking there are also those that believe violence is necessary to
"morally correct" such issues as abortion, sodomy and our "right" to preach.
This thinking is clearly miss-divided from Old Testament beliefs and practice
and is counter to the intents of God’s eternal plan.

Note: This understanding should not be meant to exclude the use of force
in circumstances other than preaching and the ministry of the New
Covenant. We fully realize the role of the Government, armies, the police---
and even the individual--- in the use of force in select circumstances (like
coming to the aid of someone being assaulted).

We likewise encourage the role of the believer in issues we are clearly

given a choice in. We do believe in voting! Again, our intent here is to show
the vast differences between the covenants and to show God’s eternal
plan as opposed to His old temporal one: that of the evangelism of the
world and warning the World of the subsequent judgment to come. (See:
John 18:36, Rom.12:17-20, 13:1-7, 1 Tim. 2:1-3)

Wealth, Blessing, and Prosperity?

Close on the heels of this misunderstanding of violence comes the vision of
what we are to temporally expect from service to God. A popular verse used
today in witnessing is John 10:10b:

“I have come that they might have life and life more abundantly". (John
10:10b)

In understanding the use and implications of this out of context promise we

can see a root of the problem: an expectation of tangible Old Testament
wealth, with the clearly promised persecution of New Testament believers
left unmentioned!

Much of this error has attached itself to certain factions of Christianity with
the oft-vaunted “Prosperity Doctrine”. This is most visible with Pentecostal
thinking seen and in the current crop of Televangelism ministries such as
TBN, The 700 Club, Benny Hinn, etc. Common sense, and a light skim of
the Bible usually will suffice to see these frauds for what they are, but many
are still duped.

Of course the best reason for this deception is to keep a goodly flow of
money coming in to the above mentioned ministries. This is accomplished by
the erroneous promise that the giver will be likewise "compensated" by God.
These false expectations have reshaped the whole concept of the Christian
life and direction God originally intended. Nowhere in all of the New
Testament are we instructed to expect the tangible blessings of the Hebrews
(Deut. 28:1-14). On the contrary, our lot is not to consider the world our
home, but rather to expect hardship for our faithfulness and to look to the
blessings of the one to come. (Yes, this IS called “Pie in the Sky”!)

Most Christians have little trouble reading and clearly (Biblically)

understanding these errors. So what then is the problem? Why do converts
have an anticipation of material blessing and a life that is far from the
Master’s intents …and why are these things so readily believed? Why
indeed has the New Testament become in many circles a "quasi" Old
Testament in service and practice? The answer to this question is not hard to
see:

Most don't want to follow Christ’s’ real

lifestyle and rather have an itching ear, and
a worldly lust, for the “prosperity” of this
erroneous thinking.
 So then, we again have the dual problem of a false message and eager
ears to hear (Jeremiah 5:31). With this, Satan becomes the ultimate winner
and all that follow his path become the eternal losers. With this also God
loses as follows:

· Work in His Kingdom is judged by worldly standards: Big

buildings, numbers, slick “prosperous” attire and status…not much
like Jesus lived!

· The clear instruction to take aggressively His Word to the streets,

"gates" and "chief places of concourse" is relegated to a non-issue,
unable to meet the worldly “success standards” in vogue today.

· A poor witness is shown with the promised Godly "prosperity"

displayed, built on the scams and errors we have described. (But this
is little more that “glorified trailer trash" when measured against the
glory to be revealed).

· Dead churches are a further casualty. As they strive to become

what they were never intended to be, they continue the error and
pass their confusion to succeeding generations.

· A distorted image of Christ is another result coming from this

pursuit of a false Kingdom. The Christ of today is a jumble of mixed
messages, indiscernible from the real Christ of the Bible

· And finally, the church has done a tremendous disservice to the

Jews. The churches’ service and ministry has become not much more
than an "enterprise": a quasi-social club! It is filled with "tradition" and
is not far from the example of the backslidden Hebrews who were
ultimately responsible for Christ’s death.

Application

Today there are many voices “representing” God and His supposed intents.
As we began this chapter with the exhortation to “rightly divide the Word” we
end with the same instruction. Proper study and division of Scripture is
imperative and can only be accomplished with vigorous effort to learn or
verification of all things. (Again, see the folks from Berea: Acts 17:11)

Much of what we have outlined so far in this book describe the New
Testament ideals exhorted in Scripture. But even knowing these things, most
of us fall well short of these standards. This is especially true in the free
world where we can achieve wealth and worldly "success" far easier than
other Nations.

Though God has and can bless His people in worldly ways, those blessings
should never be confused with the life promised to the Old Testament saints.
Likewise we should be very careful in using violence to preserve our “worldly
position". Correct perspective can always be kept by having the clear New
Testament instructions and perspective firmly in place.
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 18: Diversions: Miracles?
There are millions of people today, involved in thousands of churches that have a
fervent belief in the continued work of God in the miraculous. There are likewise great
movements claimed by the likes of Benny Hinn, Morris Cerullo, Pat Robertson and
others who say they have the ability to heal with the power of God Almighty.

In virtually every city across the United States there are numerous denominations that
continue to proclaim the miraculous in every service and in every possible way.
Television and radio echo these pronouncements with the likes of TBN, The 700 Club
and the like.

The power resident in what men believe is legion when it comes to the influence it
wields in the unbelieving world. If miracles are true and obvious, there can be great
influence in the salvation of souls and credibility of the message. On the other hand, if
they are fictitious, the influence benefits Satan in his effort to discredit God and keep
souls from Him.

The study that follows will establish a "benchmark" for the claims of the miraculous by
tracing the history of God’s miracles within Scripture. With this benchmark set we can
then judge the claims of God directed miracles in the world today. Our intention here is
to instruct from the Bible alone, to eliminate the problematic deception of’ “man’s
word”, and strengthen the Church …and thereby the viability of its witness!

The Miracles of God and His men found in Scripture

If there is one thing that characterizes the miracles of the Bible, it is their proportion.
Almost without exception, all of the miracles of Scripture are: Epic, Undeniable, and
Very Obvious. Though many "claim" these works today, most of what is seen is far
from this standard.

The Biblical record, and thus our “benchmark” is as follows:

The Cosmic Miracles

●​ Genesis 1: 6-day creation

●​ Exodus 10: Darkness over Egypt
●​ Joshua 10:13: Joshua stopped the sun
●​ Isaiah 38:8: Sun went backwards 10 degrees
●​ Matthew 2: Star in the east bring wise men
 ●​ Matthew 27: Darkness at the crucifixion

Other “Control of Nature” Miracles

●​ Joshua 3:16: Joshua parts the Jordan

●​ 2 Kings 2:8, 2:14: Elijah parts the Jordan
●​ Genesis 19: Sodom & Gomorrah
●​ 1 Kings 18: Elijah calls fire
●​ 2 Kings 1: Elijah calls fire upon 2 army units
●​ 2 Chronicles 7:1: At the dedication of Temple
●​ Exodus 14: Moses parts the Red Sea

Resurrections from the Dead

●​ 1 Kings 17: Elijah raises widow’s son

●​ 2 Kings 4: Elisha raises Shunamite’s son
●​ 2 Kings 13:21. Elisha resurrects dead man
●​ Mat. 9:25: Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter
●​ Mat. 27:52-53: OT saints arose
●​ Luke 7:15: Jesus raises widow’s son in Nain
●​ John 11:44: Jesus raises Lazarus
●​ Mat. 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20: Jesus’ raised
●​ Acts 9:40: Peter raises Dorcas
●​ Acts 20:11: Paul raises Eutychu

Healing Miracles

●​ Exodus 4:6-7: Moses’ hand leprous

●​ 1 Kings 13:6: King Jeroboam’s hand
●​ 2 Kings 5: Naaman cured of leprosy
●​ Mat. 8:3; Luke 17:14: Jesus heals the lepers
●​ Mat. 8:13: Jesus heals centurion’s servant
●​ Mat. 8:15: Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law
●​ Mat. 8:32: Jesus casts out devils (See also: 9:33; 15:28; 17:18; Mark 1:26)
●​ Mat. 12:27: Others cast out devils (See also: Mark 8:38; Luke 10:17; Acts 19:12)
●​ Mat. 9:7: Jesus heals palsy
●​ Mat. 9:22: Jesus heals issue of blood
●​ Mat. 9:30: Jesus heals the blind (See also: 20:34; Mark 8:25; John 9:7)
●​ Mat. 12:13: Jesus heals withered hand
●​ Mark 7:35: Jesus heals deaf
●​ Luke 1:20, 64: Zacharias restored
 ●​ Luke 13:11: Jesus heals “spirit of infirmity”
●​ Luke 14:4: Jesus heals the dropsy
●​ John 4:51: Jesus heals nobleman’s son
●​ John 5:9: Jesus heals impotent man
●​ Acts 3:7: Peter heals lame man
●​ Acts 5:15: Healing of misc. sick
●​ Acts 14:10: Paul heals the cripple
●​ Acts 28:5: Paul is unharmed by viper
●​ Acts 28:8,9: Paul heals “several”

Miraculous Conceptions

●​ Genesis 21: Sarah (age 90) gives birth to Isaac

●​ Mat. 1: Jesus born of virgin Mary
●​ Luke 1: Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist

Miscellaneous

· Acts 16: Earthquake releases Paul & Silas

· 2 Kings 2-6: Elisha healed the waters; called the she bears; multiplied oil;
de-poisoned food; multiplied food and struck men blind.
· Mat. 14:20, 15:37: The loaves and fishes
· Mat. 17:27: Coin from mouth of a fish
· Acts 2: Tongues (Known languages)
· Acts 5:5,10: Ananias & Sapphira
· Acts 9: Paul’s conversion
· Acts 12: Angel releases Peter from prison
· Acts 13:11: Paul strikes sorcerer blind

This then is a written record, by God, of the miracles He performed through history.
Again we emphasize the scope and magnitude of these acts:

Epic, Undeniable, and Very Obvious

This benchmark then must become a viable guide in assessing the "miracles" of today.
Is this what is seen on television or at the greatly heralded rallies of our time? Are the
contemporary "miracle workers" anywhere near these men and acts of Scripture? Are
any of the 1000’s of churches in your areas that proclaim to have "miracle services"
even close to these standards?

Why Miracles at all?

The obvious Biblical reason for the miracles of the New Testament was not
compassion on the actual sick but rather the determinate will of God. While it is sure
that God does have compassion on sick and handicapped folk, and does at times of
His determination heal them, this was and is not the central focus of the miracles in
Christ’s time.

Rather, God’s work with the supernatural was typically used to verify His Word, or the
messenger carrying such. This was certainly the case in the time of Christ and the
Apostles as 2000 years of covenant with the Hebrews was abruptly changed. With this
New Covenant and the monumental changes that came with it, only with the
supernatural (cumulating with the resurrection) was there any hope of conversions and
followers.

Jesus and the Apostles demonstrated the power of God in Word and deed to the effect
that none could rationally deny the Hand of God. So it has been through history.

Application

All the miracles of the Bible are reasoned, obvious and eminently believable. The
so-called miracles of today are not in this Biblical league and are righteously viewed as
a sham by most people. While we in no way seek to "limit God" or His intentions for the
Last Days (where they are cited to re-occur), we still are forced by the clear Biblical
definitions and examples to define what we can clearly see with our own eyes.

With this said, we also do not claim here that miracles never happen. We believe God
is able, and in certain circumstances willing, to miraculously heal or manifest Himself
for His specific reasons. With this, we encourage each of you to be influenced only by
His Word, the guidance of His Spirit, and your own objective eyes and mind.
Basic Battle Training

Chapter 19: Diversions: Pentecostal “Theology”

Though we realize that some reading this chapter will have differing beliefs
about this subject, we still feel compelled to put forth what we have learned
concerning this movement. Though this may separate us from some, this is not
our intent.

In the previous chapter we looked at claims that the miraculous occurrences

recorded in Scripture have continued unchanged since Christ. We then
compared the so-called miracles of today with the written record of the Bible and
found great divergence. These findings have led us to the inescapable
conclusion that today’s claims are largely fraudulent in nature, and that great
care should be taken in assessing them otherwise.

Roots of Pentecostalism

The modern Pentecostal movement began on January 1, 1901 in Topeka, Kansas, in a

building called “Stone’s Folly. It was here that, Charles Parham, a former Methodist
preacher turned Bible school instructor and his 40 students first prayed to receive the
“baptism of the Holy Ghost” and the gift of tongues. The first to receive the “blessing”
however was a woman named Agnes Ozman.

There are two accounts of this initial “speaking in tongues”: one by Agnes, and one by
Parham. Parham wrote that Agnes spoke in Chinese for 3 days, and was unable to
speak or write in English that whole time. Agnes, on the other hand, wrote that she
spoke in Bohemian (among other languages, including English?). Whatever the case,
eventually Parham and all of his students received what they described as “a double
dose of the Holy Ghost” and spoke in what they reported were foreign languages.

Parham initially believed that, as in Acts 2, the “tongues” being spoken was the
miraculous ability to speak in foreign languages without having learning them by
normal means (at this time, there was no concept of a “prayer language” or a
“heavenly language”). His mission and desire then evolved to sending his students to
foreign fields to evangelize the lost, utilizing their gift of “tongues.”

To give supposed credence what was happening, his writings document that language
experts attended his sessions and verified that they were indeed speaking in known
languages.
But then an ever so small problem surfaced. As he sent his students to foreign
countries with the gift, none of the locals could understand them! With this small
setback, tongues as it was first understood, lost its original meaning and eventually
became re-defined to what is now known as a “prayer language.”

So who was this Charles Parham?

Amazingly, Parham was actually a racist and a KKK sympathizer. He also taught the
Anglo-Israel / White Supremacist heresy: that white people were the lost tribes of Israel
(and therefore the superior race). With this understanding, he would never allow black
people in any of his meetings. He was also a pacifist during World War I, and a socialist. He
further taught that Christ would return before 1925, denied the doctrine of eternal
punishment and instead taught that the lost would be annihilated.

In addition to these things, Parham pioneered many of today’s Pentecostal doctrines. He

was the first to teach that baptism in the Holy Ghost is “a second work of grace”, that
tongues is “the only sign of receiving the Holy Ghost” and that “if a believer has not spoken
in tongues he has not received the Spirit”.

William Seymour and the “Azusa Street Revival”.

In 1905, while Parham was teaching at a school in Texas, a black man named William
Seymour heard of him and desired to attend his classes. But since he was black, Parham
would not let him in the classroom, so Seymour had to sit out in the hall and listen to the
lectures through the open door. There, in the hall, Seymour learned of Parham’s doctrine
of tongues and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Taking these things to California in 1906,
Seymour (who was blind in one eye) moved and led the famous “Azusa Street Revival”

Advertising with a series of papers that went to his 50,000-member mailing list, the
“revival” continued for the next three years. Thousands were caught up in it and came to
receive the “baptism of the Holy Ghost” and “speak in tongues.” People came from all
over the world to participate, were “baptized, and went back to start satellite Churches. As
a result of this revival and Seymour’s efforts, all the Pentecostal denominations that we see
today were begun.

So what was the Revival actually like?

For 3 years the “Azusa Street Revival” was packed, all day everyday, 7 days a week, with 3
altar calls per day. Excepting the alter calls, there was no schedule or regular sermons. The
building was filled with people singing, babbling, jerking, holy rolling, barking, laughing,
moaning, “holy kicking,” and shrieking. While all this was going on Seymour sat in the
middle of the building with his head in a shoebox; occasionally looking up to yell,
“Repent!” or quote a couple words from the Bible, then stick his head back in the shoebox
again (We are NOT making this up!). Occultists even came to conduct séances and
Hypnotists started to take the place over.

With things now wildly out of control, Seymour was finally concerned enough to send back
to Texas for Parham to come and sort the mess out. Parham arrived and, horrified at the
spectacle, set to work. But after preaching a few sermons offering his solutions, the
congregation (mostly black) resented him trying to take over and ran him off. He
eventually returned to Texas, where he was later arrested for sodomy (the case was later
dropped). As a result of these things, Charles Parham, the man who actually started the
Pentecostal movement, called the Azusa Street Revival “spook-driven,” and spent the rest
of his life preaching against it.

As time went on, the blacks and whites in Seymour’s congregation could not get
along so the whites ended up leaving. Following this, his congregation eventually
dwindled down to about a dozen black people listening to him on Sunday
mornings. Today, over 500 million people are part of the Pentecostal movement;
hold varied beliefs concerning the Holy Spirit and “speak in tongues.”

Tongues Observations

Acts 2: Tongues, in the beginning, was a clearly understood language.

The first incident of tongues clearly defines the doctrine and practice. Here the
apostles began preaching to an international crowd in Jerusalem, and each one in the
audience heard them speak in their own language. Contrast this with modern
"Glossolalia", which sounds like mumbo-jumbo and communicates nothing intelligent to
anyone.

The case for and against a further definition?

For the most part, Glossolia is substantiated only by the individual experience of
its adherents. There are however, several places in the Bible where explanations
for this phenomenon are attempted.

· 1 Cor. 13:3. Here the writer compares the supposed gift to love, calling
it an “angelic tongue”. As this could easily be viewed as hyperbole, we do
not regard this as serious proof text.
 · 1 Cor. 14 “An unknown tongue”. This verbiage is understood by some
as describing a “prayer language”. With this, we again are forced to
disbelief, as no further instruction on this methodology is forthcoming.
Following this, we are led back to the Acts 2 definition.

Note: In these instances the word “unknown” is found in italics, thus

identifying it as an added word “for the purpose of clarification”…and not part
of the original text.

· The Greek rendering of “tongue” is consistent from the Acts

definition, allowing no other interpretation than the original.

· If God were to have 2 distinctly different types of “tongues”, it only

makes logical sense that this would be clearly instructed following the
Acts experience and definition. Since no such explanation is forthcoming,
reason should always direct the reader to the original phenomena and
definition.

· Biblically taught, believers are baptized with The Holy Ghost at

salvation, not in some kind of “second blessing”. (See Romans 8:9; Acts
10; notice "baptism of the Holy Ghost" and "received the Holy Ghost" are
used interchangeably, and are not two different experiences: Acts 1:5 with
10:47; 11:15-16, etc.).

Rules of Order!

Though we do not believe the supposed tongues of today to be valid, 1 Corinthians

14:27-35 establishes clear rules for tongues in a church service if it were to occur.
Even with it’s supposed practice today, these rules are violated with reckless abandon
in almost all Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches today. The Biblical rules are:

· Not more than one speaking in tongues at a time.

· No more than 2 or 3 speaking in tongues in any meeting.
· Not to be done without interpretation.
· Not to be done by women.

A History of those who claim the gift of Tongues

Loyal Papists: A major portion of the list is made up of Roman
Catholics, and especially Catholics loyal to the Pope, (and especially
during the time of the Inquisitions, which makes for an interesting
 discussion). Are we really to believe that God gave miraculous gifts
of the Spirit to the persecutors of Bible believers, to those who
promoted the primacy of the Pope, and veneration of Mary, infant
baptism, and all the other heresies of the Roman church? The
following are the Catholic leadership or groups recorded to have
spoken in tongues:
· St. Hildegard (1098-1179)
· Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
· Franciscans (1200s)
· Ange Clarenus (1300)
· Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)
· Stephen, missionary to Georgia (1400s)
· St. Colette (1447)
· Louis Bertrand (1526-1581)
· The Jansenists (1600)
· Jeanne of the Cross (1450s)
· Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

Other cults and assorted wackos

Note: For summaries of the beliefs and histories of the following groups we
consulted standard reference works and religious encyclopedias such as
Schaff-Herzog, McClintock & Strong, Hastings, etc.

· Mormons: Some of the followers of Joe Smith, who taught that God
was once a man, men become gods, baptism for the dead, polygamy, etc
spoke in tongues. Cutten's book gives several pages of examples of early
Mormon tongue-speaking experiences, showing that they were obviously
bogus. In one case a Mormon Choctaw Indian spoke his native Choctaw,
but left the church after hearing another Mormon pretend to "interpret" it:
the interpretation was nowhere near what the Indian had said.

· Ranters: These guys taught that they were God and Christ, denied the
existence of the devil, heaven & hell, & declared Christ to be a deceiver.
The Scriptures they regarded as cast-off fables.

· Radical Anabaptists: This bunch burnt Bibles and practiced 'lewdness

& unchastely...and fratricide by decapitation.
 · Camisards/Cavenois/Huguenots: These folks were assassins who
killed Catholic priests, burned churches, & falsely predicted the end of the
world. Their "tongues" consisted of French peasants who supposedly
suddenly spoke in "pure French instead of the local dialect"

· Shakers: This sect traces its origin back to the Camisards; the
followers of Ann Lee, who claimed God is male and female. They also
claimed that she (Ann) was the 2nd incarnation of Christ and repudiated a
physical resurrection. In their religious tenets, they deny virtually every
specific Christian doctrine.

· Irvingites: These people were followers of a Presbyterian preacher

who was excommunicated for heresy ("under the suspicion of having
asserted the sinfulness of Christ's humanity"). They used tongues and
“healings” as a sign that they were the restored church that had fallen
away since the Apostles. They further taught transubstantiation and
falsely predicted the return of Christ (1864).

The more Mainstream?

This list is short and still debatable in some points, as we shall see.

· Methodists/Great Awakening: Upon examining the sources of the

claims that early Methodists spoke in tongues we could find no clear
solid evidence that they actually did. But since they did practice
barking, jerking, shrieking and the like, it seems probable that they also
spoke in tongues. Clear indisputable claims seem to be lacking,
however.

· Quakers: This is the best of the lot that, while containing some
oddities, cannot be quickly written off as a heretical cult. While the
quote following took some digging, we did find a writing of Edward
Burrough, an early Quaker, who, in 1658 wrote, "...we received often the
pouring down of the spirit upon us...and we spake with new tongues....”
The early Quakers were street preachers (and some chose to even walk
the streets stark naked, using Isaiah 20 for justification). They preached
against the excesses of their time and were bitterly persecuted by both
Catholics and Protestants. (In addition to these, Sherrill's book also lists
some individuals from the 19th century who report tongues-speaking
occurring: V.P. Simmons, Robert Boyd (during Moody's meetings), R.B.
 Swan, W. Jethro Walthall, Maria Gerber, etc. John Sherrill's book gives
no bibliography or sources of any kind, so his statements cannot be
verified.)

Observations from this History…​

​
If Pentecostals (like John Sherrill) use the above groups to authenticate
tongues, it obviously raises a few questions:

· Are we to believe that God gave the Holy Ghost gift of tongues to
loyal papists and to staunch anti-Catholics alike?

· Would it make sense that two contemporary groups who were each
other’s enemies (like the Ranters and Quakers) both accurately claimed
the gift of tongues as proof that God endorsed their ministry?

· Are we to accept the claims of cultists like Mormons (and even

assassins, like the Camisards) that they spoke in tongues, confirming
(they say) God's blessing on their enterprises?

· Is it possible some (if not all) of these groups were lying and faking
it, and if so, what does that say of the credibility of Pentecostals and
Charismatics today (who cite them as support for their experience)?

· If today's Pentecostals are doing what Mormons and other cultists

did, can there be no greater indictment against the modern tongues
movement?

Application

While we find in mainstream Christianity claims of “tongues” before 1900, we

still re-iterate that these things are highly dubious. Likewise the post 1900
history does not give the rational (and theological) mind much to hold on to.
While God is free to give His gifts to

whom He will, all we have seen from our Pentecostal brethren today can be
easily faked and certainly does not fit the Biblical Acts 2 and 1 Cor. 14:27-35
definitions of the gift. ...Let the buyer beware!

Books used in this study:

“They Speak With Other Tongues” by John L. Sherrill
“Glossolalia: Tongue Speaking in Biblical, Historical, and “Psychological
Perspective” by Frank E. Stagg.
“Speaking In Tongues: A Guide” by Mills
“Speaking With Tongues: Historically and Psychologically Considered” by
George Cutten.
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 20: Diversions: Eternal Security
As debates rage in the courts of Christendom the issue of "eternal security" or "once
saved, always saved" is often heard. On one side there are those who teach that, once
saved, there is no sin or series of sins that can remove you from the Kingdom of God.
On the other side, there are those who say that any sin can cost you your salvation.
Equally devout men of God stand on both sides of the question.

In this chapter, we would like to examine these two positions and offer our thoughts on a
third view, somewhere in between the two. It is our hope here to clarify this doctrine or,
at very least, stimulate discussion as to the safest course to follow.

This doctrine, and the many things that accompany it, hold a large and influential
position in a believer’s life. It effects how one views God, the Kingdom of God, salvation,
works, and ministry. It influences such doctrine as the fear of God and our Judgment. It
can easily lend itself to "legalism" and a false picture of ourselves. It further has bearing
on such important topics as rewards and even how we view the unbelieving world.

Is Salvation lost at the slightest sin?

First, we would like to lay to rest the notion that every time a believer sins he loses his
salvation. There is no verse we know of that teaches such a thing. This known, any
Biblical discussion of this subject needs to include three important factors that are
clearly taught in Scripture:

· There are degrees of sin

· There are degrees of punishment for certain sins

· There are degrees of reward in Heaven.

Degrees of sin

Not all sin is the same. Some isolate James 2:10-11 to make it teach that, but this
subject, as all subjects, need to be taken in context with the whole Word of God.

Jesus said in John 19:11: "He that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin”

Some sins are indeed, greater than others. This concept is not only Scriptural but also
clearly logical. It is amazing how easily some in the body of Christ are duped into
believing some of the most mindless nonsense. Some sins are clearly worse than
others: nothing could be more obvious.

Degrees of punishment

Throughout the Old Testament, Almighty God gives hundreds of laws and
commandments. With these come very prescribed punishments for each crime. Some
offenses (murder, adultery, idolatry, etc.) are met with the death penalty, but others are
given less punishment. The penalty for stealing an ox is different than the penalty for
stealing a sheep (Exodus 22:1). Different punishments clearly indicate that some
trespasses are not as serious as others.

Moving to the New Testament, we are taught that there are degrees of punishment in
Hell. Jesus told the cities that rejected Him that it would be "more tolerable" in the Day
of Judgment for Sodom and Tyre than for them (Matthew 11:20-24). Jesus also said the
servant that knew his master’s will and did it not will be beaten with many stripes, but he
that did not know his master’s will and did it not will be beaten with few stripes (Luke
12:47-48). God is creative and has His righteous ways beyond black and white to judge
mankind

That there are degrees of sin and punishment in no way diminishes the seriousness of
sin. Many verses in the Bible admonish us to be holy and even perfect (See: Matthew
5:48; 1 Peter 1:16; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14). 1 John 3:9 even says one who is
born of God "cannot sin," something neither of the two above camps really believe (?).

"Perfection" as a subject also must be understood by its Biblical definition. King Asa’s
heart was "perfect"...but we are told, “ the high places were not taken away" (1 Kings
15:14). Jesus defined perfection as selling all you have, giving the money to the poor,
and following Him (Matthew 19:21). By The Lord’s definition, there are few if any who
can lay claim to perfection.

Degrees of reward in Heaven

This also is a lost concept that many seem to be unable (or unwilling) to grasp. The
Bible clearly teaches that we will not all spend eternity sitting on the same cloud playing
the same harp.

· Jesus said some would rule over 10 cities, some over five (Matthew
25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27).

· Paul taught that the works of the believers will be categorized as "gold, silver,
precious stone, wood, hay, stubble," and that the fire will manifest these things,
and that some may suffer loss, (1 Cor. 3:8-15).
 · Paul also said that as there are different glories in the sun, moon, and stars,
"so also is the resurrection of the dead" (1 Cor. 15:39-50). Each believer will
receive a different degree of glory on judgment day.

So the question is: How could there be different degrees of reward if every sin resulted
in a loss of salvation? The fact is that God can punish believers for their sins by loss of
reward, varying in degree according to the level of their disobedience. In addition to the
loss of reward, God has also included another little mentioned threat …that of “stripes”
(Luke 12:47-48). Degrees of reward and righteous judgment are clearly taught in
Scripture…loosing ones salvation with every sin is not.

Is Security Eternal?

So, does this mean that it is possible for any believer to lose his salvation? Well, the
Scripture is also quite full of stern warnings against those that would “fall away”. Notice
a few examples:

Hebrews 6:4-6 "It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have
tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall
away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the
Son of God afresh...."

Hebrews 10:26-29 "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge
of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking
for of judgment and of fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that
despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much
sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under
foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" [This
"willful sin" is defined by the context as not just any sin, but total apostasy—"trodden
under foot the Son of God"—into idolatry, a capital offense in the Mosaic law]

2 Peter 2:20-22 "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through
the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled
therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it
had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after
they had known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is
happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own
vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."

Matthew 24:13 "he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
 John 15:1-10 "...Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every
branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ... If a man
abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them,
and cast them into the fire, and they are burned...."

A light skim of these and other passages reveals very stern warnings. Clearly, those
who “fall away” will find no remedy, and will be punished with undiluted justice.

1 John 2:19?

In balance however this Scripture tells us: "they went out from us, but they were not all
of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us."

This would indicate that those who deny the faith never truly had it. But even with this
verse and explanation, the lions share of passages in the Bible do not teach to rest easy
in your eternal security, but of warning to endure until the end.

So whether they had salvation and lost it, or never had it to begin with, those who "fall
away" are headed for the hottest places in hell.

Assurance?

Our admonition to new converts therefore should be more like Paul to the Hebrews,
who never soothed them with assurances of eternal security, but rather with strong
warnings to be steadfast to the end or face devouring fire, this while also telling them:
"but, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany
salvation" (Hebrews 6:9).

Paul thought that those to whom he was writing were truly saved, yet he still fills his
epistle with the strongest wording in the entire Bible not to fall away! No matter how
certain we may think we are of someone’s salvation, we cannot be 100% positive. God
knows and can see the heart...it is His job to assure the convert of his status.

A final perspective from David

A final admonition on this subject comes from David in the Psalms:

Sin, sacrifice and right standing with God are identified in the Old Covenant as being
accountable to either “ignorant sin” or “presumptuous sin” (Numbers 15: 29-31). Beyond
this we find David’s commentary on God’s law found in Psalm 19:7-11.

Here we see the unknown sins (or ignorant sins) and the presumptuous sins
cited…along with another one David calls “The Great Transgression”. This sin,
seemingly a result of continued presumptuous sin, is not described further…but it sure
sounds more like the apostasy described by the verses cited than the Eternal Security
believed by many today.

Application

Inconclusive is the only reasoned position one can draw from this ongoing debate. The
two extremes of the subject are just too much at odds with each other to form what we
see as a working consensus. With this we see our direction as two-fold.

Allow your walk with the Lord to “prove itself”. In 2 Cor. 13:5 we are told to
“examine ourselves” to verify we are “in the faith”. Continuance in the trust of ones life to
the Master is, and will always be, the only true mark of Christian faith. Certainly there
can be no more “security” than a right relationship and walk in Him.

With this said, we think it prudent to err on the side of safety and stay within the
faith! Certainly God’s “contract” with us is as secure as anything found in all
creation…and doubt of ones standing with Him reflects only a lack of faith (and
faithfulness). But, with this said, we also see many references exhorting a strict
maintenance of that faith, and again: faithfulness!

As with the Second Coming, is it wise to trust only in the current theology of the Rapture
and totally discount the Tribulation?

With the Eternal Security question we find enough Scripture to see, at least, two sides
to the doctrine. This known, one’s “eggs” would be wisely placed with the resulting care.

Remember:

“…take no thought for the morrow, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”
(Matthew. 6:34)
Basic Battle Training
Chapter 21: Diversions: Which Bible?
Controversy exists within Christianity concerning the choice of the King James
Bible in the light of other "more enlightened" versions. The current version of
choice is the "New International Version", but there is a host of others that
recently have vied for favor. Some of these are: "Good News For Modern Man”,
“The New King James Bible” and “The Revised Standard”. With this smorgasbord
of choice before us we will now examine this issue looking to several pertinent
questions.

First, we will briefly examine the scholarship that has brought us to this point.
Within this we will look to the origin of the various versions and see how the
decisions have been made that resulted in what is before us. This look will be
cursory in nature, but will include much reference to other sources for the reader
to complete this study.

The second position we will address is one of a more practical nature. In this we
will attempt to unravel the controversy at its most basic level: namely that of
cause and effect. It is within this second examination that we believe the average
reader will see the most value.

How we got here

Hundreds of English versions of the Scriptures have come out since Wycliffe’s
first English Bible in the 14th century. 50 versions of the New Testament have
come out in the last 40 years alone: one every 10 months! The Jehovah’s
witnesses have their version; the women’s libbers have their "gender-inclusive"
emasculated versions, etc.

· Liberals gave us the Revised Standard Version (RSV, and New RSV), which
eliminate references to the virgin birth.

· Evangelicals gave us the New American Standard, the New International

Versions, and New King James Version.

· Jehovah’s Witnesses gave us the New World Translation, which eliminates

references to the Deity of Christ
 · Jay Green gave us the King James II Version, which adds many more references
to the Deity of Christ

· White Supremacists gave us the Farrar Fenton Version, which tries to eliminate
references to miracles and angels.

· Infidels gave us the Good News Bible, which eliminates references to the Blood of
Christ.

We contend that this

deluge of “new Bibles” is
dangerous, and is a
major ingredient in the
fulfillment of last day’s
apostasy.

The Goals of God’s Word

The objective of God’s Word is to enlighten the reader, and subsequently through
what is learned, the world. The content of God’s Word includes, but is not limited
to:

· A full and complete picture of The Father

· A full and complete picture of His son, Jesus Christ

· A full and complete picture of God’s plans and purposes.

· A full and complete picture of His morals and "rules".

· Examples of men’s accomplishments and failures

· A host of promises and exhortation from the Father

With this list of objectives we can see the very pro-active work of the Father’s
hand to enlighten us to all that pertains to life and eternity. Within these things we
find all the instruction necessary to live profitably in our personal lives, in our
efforts as a collective (the church), and in anticipation of the world to come.
Words: Their Value and Objective

The issue of words and their meaning is huge in consideration of the subject at
hand and concerns the most basic levels of communication and information
before us.

The understanding and definition of words is at its highest value when it comes
to the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16). At this level the error that can be caused by
tampering with words impacts the accuracy of information God wishes us to
have. As we see the weak and anemic church today, we must assess the value of
“newer work” by what it has achieved by the measure of value added or
diminished.

Scripture describes our struggle as against “principalities and powers”

(Ephesians 6:12). Guided by the serpent, that is described as subtler than any
other creature (Genesis 3:1), Satan’s stated objective is the control of our mind (2
Corinthians 10:5). Compromising the clear meaning of words and reception of
such by God’s people is tantamount to severely hindering this struggle and even
loosing on some fronts. This shows the power of weakened words and their
meaning in the compromised translations of today.

The Diminished Value of Biblical words

When the new translations are examined closely, it will be seen that they all
compromise the words and thus the message.

The NASV and the NIV and the New King James versions eliminate
"hell" in many verses.

The NASV and the NIV and the New King James versions also eliminate
"fear of God" in many verses (see Romans 3:10-18 for the
consequences of this).

The modern Bibles eliminate words, phrases and whole verses from the text, and print
misleading and fallacious footnotes to justify their error. Continuing in this chapter we will
give examples of the above and show that, over all, the King James Version is far superior
to any of its modern "replacements."

Archaic words?
While many criticize the King James Version for containing archaic words, we will
show that this is grossly exaggerated, and that modern versions incorporate
many words that are even harder to understand.

The King James Version came out almost 400 years ago in 1611. With the English
language having changed since then, some words in this version are no longer in
use, or may have a different meaning now than they did then. But this ‘problem’ is
not as big as some make it out to be.

The modern versions are guilty many more times of replacing easy to understand
words in the King James with more difficult words. For example:

●​ ‘Hell’ is replaced with Hades or Sheol

●​ ‘Wise men’ is replaced with magi
●​ ‘Penny’ is replaced with den ius
●​ ‘The Plain’ is replaced with ar the Arabah
●​ ‘The South’ is replaced with Negev
●​ ‘Bottomless pit’ is replaced with abyss
●​ ‘Mars’ Hill’ is replaced with Areopagus
●​ ‘Giants’ is replaced with Nephilim
●​ ‘Crown’ is replaced with diadem
●​ ‘Drink offering’ is replaced with libation
●​ ‘Grove’ is replaced with Asherah

So what is the big deal?

At first glance the modern versions may not seem to be so terrible; they may
even appear to be an improvement. Those pesky "thees" and "thous" are gone
and some verses are much easier to understand. "For God so loved the world...."
is now "God loved the world so much" (is this what all the fuss is about???)

Looking beyond the supposed ease of reading we find that many key passages,
ideas and words have been altered in a very significant way. Take for example the
concept of “fearing God”.

●​ Ecclesiastes 12:13 tells us that fearing God is "the whole duty of man."
●​ Romans 3:10-18 tells us that the reason sin is so rampant in the world is because
"there is no fear of God before their eyes."

There are over 150 verses in the King James Version about “The Fear of The
Lord”. Many passages promise multitudes of blessings on those who fear God,
and manifold cursings on those who do not. Fearing God is a very important
subject in the Bible.

But coming to the “modern” Bibles we now we find that the NASV, NIV, NKJV
have removed the words “fear of God” from many verses:

· The NASV changes fear God to "awe" or "reverence" in: Exodus 15:11;
Lev. 19:14,32; 25:36,43; Deut. 28:58; Neh. 1:11; Job 15:4; 25:2; Psalm 2:11;
5:7; 22:23; 65:8; 119:38; 135:20; Isa. 25:3; 29:13,23; Dan. 9:4; Hos. 3:5; 10:3;
Hag. 1:12; Zeph. 3:7; Mal. 1:6; 2:5; Acts 2:43; Heb. 5:7; 11:7; 12:28; 1 Pet.
3:15 yet they translate these same Hebrew and Greek words as "fear" in
many other verses!

· The NIV changes fear to "reverence" or "worship," etc. in: Ex. 15:11;
Lev. 19:32; Deut. 4:10; 8:6; 13:4; 14:23; 17:19; 28:58; 1 Samuel 12:18; 2
Kings 4:1; 17:25,28,33-36,38,41; Neh. 1:11; 5:15; Job 15:4; 25:2; 37:24;
Psalm 22:23; 102:15; 119:120; Eccl. 3:14; 5:7; 8:12; Isa. 25:3; 29:13,23;
63:17; Jer. 2:19; 10:7; 33:9; 44:10; Dan. 9:4; Hos. 3:5; 10:3; Hab. 3:2; Mal.
1:6; 2:5; 4:2; Luke 1:65; 5:26; 7:16; Acts 2:43; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:21; Col.
3:22; Heb. 5:7; 12:28; Rev. 11:18...54 verses…24 more than the NASV’s.

Greek and Hebrew?

As the Catholics once used the Latin to secure their position as teachers and
expositors of The Word, so today the same smoke and mirrors are used to
establish need for the Greek and Hebrew

The truth about the “original languages” is that there is great inconsistency with
the “scholarship” used to alter these words...and one needs little knowledge of
the original languages to see this!

For example with the word fear, all of the verses we have cited have the same
Greek word (phobos) or Hebrew word (ya-re). While the KJV consistently
translates these words as "fear," the modern versions are not so sure what it is!
As the modern versions freely change "fear" to "revere" or "awe" or "worship,”
inconsistency is shown in that they do not do it all the verses.

Conclusion? The scholars change the word “fear “ in dozens of verses for no
good scholarly reason, but are rather driven to “politically correct” the verses to
fit contemporary standards! These things diminish God, our relationship with
Him, His Kingdom and the Judgment to come.

Hell? (Trust Jesus for salvation from Hades?)

Along with a better understanding of fear is the companion case of “The Missing
Hell”. As with fear:

· The NASV and the NKJ change Hell to Sheol or Hades dozens of times

· The NIV Old Testament Hell is changed to just "the grave”. (Jehovah’s
Witnesses love that!)

Why the Change?

As with the fear of God, it is very unpolitical to preach on Hell today. No one
wants to hear about Hell. It is scary, upsetting and not "positive. So if you are a
Bible translator faced with Greek and Hebrew words to translate places of "fire,"
"torment," and men begging for a drop of water (Luke 16:19-31), what do you do?
To insure the success of your work, your own weak belief, and current thought,
you again underplay the unpopular words!

Missing words and phrases? (Revelations 22:18-19!)

As you read through the NASV, RSV, NEB and the NIV, you will notice that there
are verses missing!

· In the NIV: 16 are missing. (See: Matthew 17:21; 18:11; 23:14; Mark 7:16;
9:44,46; 11:26; 15:28; Luke 17:36; 23:17; John 5:4; Acts 8:37; 15:34; 24:7;
28:29; Romans 16:24).

· In the RSV 21 are missing, In the NEB 22 are missing, In the NASV 15
are missing, and beyond this:

· Footnotes inform that "the most reliable manuscripts" do not include

Mark 16:9-20 or John 7:53-8:11.

· Parts of verses are missing from Mat. 6:13; Luke 11:2-4; Romans 8:1,
and many other verses.
 · Words and phrases are missing from many verses.

· God is omitted from Matthew 6:33 and 1 Timothy 3:16 and many other
verses

· The NASV exhaustive concordance contains 48 fewer references to

"God" than the King James NT.

In all of these situations the footnotes inform us that the "oldest and best
manuscripts" do not include these "spurious" readings. To illustrate, look at the
following typical example:

"For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost." (Matthew 18:11 KJV)

· The NIV omits the verse with the footnote that “some” manuscripts
include it.

· The NASV has the verse in brackets with the footnote: “Most ancient
manuscripts omit this verse”.

The Truth

Continuing with Matthew 18:11 we will now list for you the manuscripts and
witnesses that include and omit the verse so you can see for yourself how these
‘revisers’ play fast and loose with the facts

The United Bible Societies Greek New Testament list in their footnotes
manuscript sources and the way they read disputed verses. As we look at that
information on this verse we find:

· Out of over 5,000 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament the

overwhelming majority include the verse (Matt 18:11), as it stands in the
King James Version.

· Over 90% of all manuscripts support the King James reading. In

contrast the modern versions are based on a small handful of inferior
manuscripts.
 · Only 22 Greek manuscripts omit Matthew 18:11, as opposed to
thousands that include it. The oldest manuscripts that omit the verse were
copied in the 4th century.

· The King James reading, besides being supported by over 90% of the
Greek manuscripts, is also found in: The Old Latin Bible, written in the 2nd
century. Tatian’s Diaessaron (a harmony of the Gospels), written in the 2nd
century. It is also found in the Vulgate and the Armenian versions, both
from the 4th century. Additionally, it is quoted by Origen in the 3rd century,
and is quoted by Hilary, Basil, Ambrose, Chrysostom, and Augustine, all by
the 4th century.

The above sources contain 10 witnesses on 3 continents that support the King
James reading that are all as old or older than the oldest Greek manuscript that
omits the verse. This is typical of the differences we find in any of the modern
versions.

So why do the Translators do it?

Should we call it a trend, a fad, or the latest ideology of the day? As we have
previously proposed, the truth is that the modern revisers have seen fit to go
along with what sells, what is popular to masses, and what “fits” the current
culture of tradition today.

The Fruit?

Thanks in large part to 100 years of Bible revisions; we no longer have a society
that lives in the fear of God. There is no fear of His wrath, judgment and
consequence of sin. With these
omissions the companion doctrine of Hell has become a virtual a non-issue!

Two hundred years ago major revivals were started when the pulpits rang with
messages like Jonathan Edwards preaching "Sinners in the hands of an angry
God." Today the pulpitiers tell the masses "God doesn’t want us to fear Him, He
wants us to love Him.” We then find sin rampant in our culture because The God
of standards and consequence has been altered to the one that “will still love me
no matter what I do”.

Application
With these things understood we can clearly see that the "newer work" is a clear
case of diminished value. The value of the words, and thus the message, has
been compromised and their value is in reverse! The next "dot" to connect is the
individual believer’s diminished capacity…and then the Church…and then the
society we live in. Who is happy about this? Satan! This is his work, and he revels
in its accomplishment!

How to fix it? Go with the line of least resistance…use to the older work not the
“newer”! Read and study the KJV, the version of the Bible with the least
possibility of cultural compromise and error. Labor through the 5 minutes it will
take you to learn a few unfamiliar words and reap the harvest of thee thundering
doctrine therein!
Basic Battle Training

Chapter 22: The Rapture Question

Introduction

The intention of this chapter is to present the various opinions on this subject and their
impact on the Church. With this done the reader will have a better understanding of the
viewpoints, their history and origin.

Though not readily apparent, we also see this subject adversely effecting the production of
the Church. The second coming of Jesus Christ is, and always has been, the hope of the
saints engaged in active battle for the Kingdom of God. Today it has evolved to more of a
debate and an expression of an “intellectual” position than the salve one would garner from
the persecutions of a normal Christian life. The grave danger that this doctrine presents is
that it lulls the body of Christ to sleep. Those who expect no calamity will certainly not
prepare for it, physically or spiritually. The subtlety of the serpent continues in our day to
disarm the army of God.

This subject is often conflicted, difficult to understand and a hard study. For this
reason we exhort a “keep it simple” approach hallmarked by the Lord’s
instruction and warning to “be sure to be at work when He comes!” (Matthew
24:44)

And Jesus IS coming!

Bible prophecy clearly tells us that when Christ returns the world will be found with the
following conditions:

· A one-world government under a dictator (Rev. 13:3,7).

· A one-world religion with all true believers persecuted (Rev. 13:4-15)
· A one-world monetary system (Rev. 13:16-18).

Revelation further describes a period of:

· War
· Famine
· Contaminated water supplies
· Christians being unable to buy or sell,
· Martyrdom.
If The Lord does not remove us before the Tribulation, would you be ready to weather the
life that will be before you for 42 months? We need to know for certain if the Rapture of
the believers found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is to occur before or after the scenario
described in Revelation chapters 6 through 18. Failing this, we need to be prepared for
either scenario.

With these things in mind let us examine:

The case for the Post Tribulation Rapture

Christ taught it: The Lord’s main pronouncement on prophecy is found in the Olivet
Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). As we read His words on the Last Days, and
try to find a place where 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 would most likely fit, we come up with
this very obvious observation: there is no mention of anything like a pre-tribulation rapture
anywhere in the passage!

We do find however, a post-Tribulation scenario where Paul’s thesis to the Thessalonians

fits perfectly. Take Mark 13:24-27 and its parallel, Matthew 24:29-31, in one hand and 1
Thes. 4:13-18 in the other and we find several similarities:

· Both mention Christ descending from heaven;

· Both mention angels;
· Both mention a trumpet;
· Both mention a gathering of the elect—both living and dead—to meet the Lord.

The words of Christ in these Gospel passages make it indisputably clear that this event
happens “immediately after The Tribulation” (Matt. 24:29).

Paul taught it: Perhaps the clearest post-Tribulation passage is in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3:
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our
gathering together unto Him (i.e., The Rapture), that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be
troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ
is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come until there
come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed: the son of perdition.”

John taught it: Nowhere is a pre-Tribulation Rapture mentioned in the whole book of
Revelation. Chapter 6 on through chapter 18 finds the world deep in tribulation with no
mention of a "snatching away" of the saints. Revelation 4:1 is not a reference to a Rapture,
but seen clearly, is merely the calling up of John to heaven to witness the visions he records
in the rest of the book.
Revelation’s first mention of Christ's coming is in Revelation 19:11-14, after the
Tribulation, where He is followed by the armies of heaven. There is no previous mention of
these armies being in heaven before the marriage of the Lamb and His bride (all believers)
in 19:7-9 (the Rapture).

Having heard from these men we would now like to take a brief look at the arguments for
the current thought.

The pre-Tribulation Rapture

As we begin our study of the doctrine of the pre-Tribulation Rapture it is

interesting to note that it is a fairly recent belief. As with the charismatic beliefs of
our time (1900: Topeka, Ks./1906: Azusa St. revival) the belief in a pre-Tribulation
Rapture had it’s beginning in the year of 1827. According to a history verified
through Dallas Theological Seminary the doctrine can be traced to the “Plymouth
Brethren” and a man named J.N. Darby. That these beliefs were not brought to the
Churches’ attention for most of it’s history gives one pause and on reflection one
might ask: what God was doing in keeping this to himself?

The following represent the best references to promote pre-Tribulationism (with our
comments):

Verses indicating a pre-Tribulation Rapture?

· Romans 5:9 “Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath
through him.”
· 1 Thes. 1:10 “And to wait for his Son from heaven...even Jesus, which delivered
us from the wrath to come.”
· 1 Thes. 5:9 “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation....”

The above passages each mention that believers are saved from wrath (or the wrath to
come) by Jesus Christ. Besides pointing out that the pre-Tribulation folks obviously have
no clear verses teaching a Rapture before the Tribulation (these vague verses are the best
they have), let us respond first by pointing out the ambiguity of these passages.

· “Wrath” does not necessarily refer to the specific period of time called The
Tribulation, but could refer to many other things (like Hell, for instance?).

· Being “saved” (or “delivered”) from that “wrath” does not necessarily mean to be
snatched off the planet.
Revelation does speak of God's wrath being specifically poured out on those who receive
the mark of the beast (Rev. 9:4; 14:9-10; 16:2) but not on those who are on earth and sealed
by God (Rev.7:3).

Revelation repeatedly mentions believers on earth during the Tribulation, but this is
contrary to pre-Tribulation claims that “the Church” is not mentioned in Rev. 6-18 (see
also: Rev. 6:11; 7:1-14; 9:4; 11:3; 12:17; 13:7; 14:12-13; 16:6; 17:6; 18:4,24).

God obviously can deliver us from His wrath (although not necessarily from His promised
plan of persecution) without removing us from the Earth. He did so for the Israelites in
Egypt during the plagues, (Exodus 6-12) Lot in Sodom, (Gen. 19), and Noah in the flood
(Gen. 6-8). These believers were all warned ahead of time, and were expected to prepare
for the coming calamities!

The Wrath to Come This is a Biblical term for a specific event that takes place when Christ
returns. The Bible speaks clearly of this, with Christ coming with an army of His saints
(us). At this time we will be going across the surface of the earth burning up everything and
everyone in our path (see 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Joel 2:1-11; see also Deut. 32:22; Job
21:30; Psalm 11:6; 21:9; 59:13; 79:6; 97:3; Isaiah 10:17-19; 30:27,30,33; 33:12,14; 34:2-10;
47:14; 66:15-16; Ezekiel 20:47; 21:31,32; 22:20-21, 31; 28:18; 38:22; Obadiah 18; Micah
1:1-7; Zeph. 1:15,18; Mal. 4:1; Matt. 3:10-12 with v. 7; Isaiah 9:19; 13:9).

This “Operation Scorched Earth” by the Jesus and His saints is often referred to as
‘Wrath’ (Psalm 21:9; Ezekiel 21:31; 22:20, 31) or ‘The wrath to come’ (Matthew 3:7 with
vv. 10-12). We will be saved from this “wrath” because we will be the ones doing it,
executing His wrath, torching the ungodly. (Don’t worry if this makes you squeamish now;
by then you will either have denied the faith within the coming apostasy (see Luke 18:8; 2
Thes. 2:3; Matt. 24:12; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 4:3, etc.,) or you will be so disgusted with the
Antichrist and his followers that you will be rejoicing, like God, in their destruction (Rev.
6:9-10; 19:1-2; Psalm 58:10; 149:5-7, etc.).

2 Thessalonians 2:7- 8 These passages speaks of “what withholdeth” and “he who now
letteth (restrains) will let until he be taken out of the way.” The pre-Tribulation position
insists that the “restrainer” is either “the Church” or the Holy Spirit who is taken out of
the way when all believers (in whose hearts he resides) are snatched from the planet.

The ambiguity here again is obvious. Since the passage itself does not define who the
restrainer is, this leaves many possibilities. For one example the restrainer could be an
angel. We do see angels holding back God's wrath for a time (see Rev. 7:1-3). Or this could
be a reference to Rev. 12:12-13 where the Devil brings on the Antichrist (beast) after he is
cast from heaven, “knowing that he hath but a short time.”

Revelation 3:10 “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon
all the world”. This verse, always used in the pre-Tribulation position, is obviously taken
out of context and is within a specific letter written by John to a specific church: the one in
Philadelphia. (To think otherwise, the “Churches” of Rev. 2 and 3 must only be viewed as
“periods of church history”).

Beyond this, the “Keep thee” reference does not have to mean “Rapture:” but can easily
refer to the Revelation protections for the saints in the Tribulation from God's wrath, or
can be similar to God’s promise to Josiah in 2 Kings 22:18-20 that his coming judgment (on
Jerusalem) would not come in his lifetime.

Besides these passages used to argue a pre-Tribulation Rapture, the pre-Tribulation

position also use the following arguments to show that Biblical information does not seem
to fit a post-Tribulation scenario.

Reason and rational for a pre-Tribulation Rapture?

Who are the 24 elders?

The argument here is that Revelation 4 and 5 mentions 24 elders before the throne of
God before the Tribulation starts in Chapter 6. Many teach today that the elders are
representatives of “the Church,” and the only reason they can be in Heaven before the
Tribulation is because they got raptured. There are at least 3 glaring errors with his
position.

· The 24 elders are not “the Church,” but are 24 courses of priests (they are called
“priests” in Rev. 5:10) from the Old Testament Temple (see 1 Chron. 14:1-19;
compare Luke 1:5). Notice also that there is a Temple in heaven in the book of
Revelation (11:19).

· Even if the 24 elders were Christians and not Jews, their presence in heaven does
not mean that they were Raptured there. Several references in Revelation to believers
in heaven indicate that they are dead (absent from the body, present with the Lord, 2
Cor. 5:8; see Rev. 6:9; 7:9, 14:1-5)

· This vision of the throne is not part of a prophetic timeline of things yet to happen,
but is John’s view of the throne of God before he is shown the future (the 7 seals are
 not open yet). Compare Ezekiel and Isaiah's accounts of seeing the throne of God
(Ezek. 1, Isa. 6). God is in Heaven on a throne now (and in Isaiah’s time, and in
Ezekiel’s time), along with the 4 beasts (see Ezekiel 1, 10; 3:23; 43:3), before the
Tribulation has started!

The Rapture: When?

When is the marriage supper of the Lamb and The Judgment Seat of Christ? The
pre-Tribulation position describes the scene of a long table in heaven with all the saints of
all the ages (except the poor tribulation saints) spread for a big banquet. In Revelation 19
however, it mentions this “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9) before the Second
Coming (19:11). To this the pre-Tribulation folks argue that there is no time for the
marriage supper of the Lamb or the Judgment Seat of Christ unless we get all the believers
in heaven during the 7 years of the Tribulation. The problem with this is that (as usual)
they are desperately reading too much into the passage.

The “marriage” of the Lamb and His bride occurs when He starts His descent from
Heaven (Rev. 19:11; Mark 13:26; 1 Thes. 4:13-18) and all the believers will be Raptured to
“meet the Lord in the air.” Nowhere in Revelation 19 does it say the bride is “in Heaven”
before Rev. 19:11. There is no “supper” before the Second Coming either. The supper is
found in Rev. 19:17-18 (see also Prov. 30:17; Jer. 7:33; 16:4; Ezek. 39:17-18), when the
fowls of heaven eat the flesh of kings and captains and mighty men!

Who will populate the Millennium? The pre-Tribulation position holds that 2 kinds of
Christians will go into the Millennium: those Raptured before the Tribulation, and those
un-Raptured (or Tribulation saints who got saved after the Tribulation started).

This latter group will continue to populate through the 1000 year Millennium with some of
their offspring forming the armies of Satan at the end of the Millennium (Gog and Magog:
see Rev. 20:7-10). These then will attack the “camp of the saints” until fire from heaven
foils their devious plot. Also notice that Gog and Magog occur after the Millennium...this is
not an impending pre- Rapture Russian invasion of Israel! (See: Ezekiel 38,39).

To this the pre-Tribulation folks falsely argue that the post-Tribulation position has nothing
but the Raptured redeemed going into the thousand-year reign. But since their resurrection
bodies are incapable of pro-creation (see Matt. 22:30), that would leave no one to come up
with future generations to be deceived by the devil (at the end of the Millennium). In
addition, this teaching is based on the groundless assumption that resurrection bodies are
sexless (Jesus said we will be “as the angels,” and Genesis 6 tells us that the angels are
perfectly capable of co-habiting even with mortals!).
With this we have the additional dilemma that the pre-Tribulation position has the same
problem. Current thought argues here that all Gentile tribulation believers will be killed
during the Tribulation (that leaves the 144,000 Jewish believers, but in Rev. 14 we find
them “before the throne,” i.e., in heaven before the Tribulation is over. Since Rev. 7:9,
13-17 mention Gentile believers “before the throne” these verses are used to argue that they
are all dead, it then follows that the 144,000 in Rev. 14 are all dead during the Tribulation).
Charles Taylor (pre-Tribulation) also states in his writings that all Tribulation saints will be
killed. So then the pre-Tribulation position has the same problem: no believers with
natural (non-resurrection) bodies going into the Millennium to populate the planet.

How will the sheep and goats get separated? In Matthew 25 31-46 Christ describes a scene
at His second coming in which all nations are gathered before Him and He “separates
them, the one from the other, as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats,” with the
sheep on the right and the goats on the left.

The pre-Tribulation position argues that if the Rapture is after the Tribulation then Christ
just separated them when He Raptured the redeemed during His descent, making it
unnecessary to divide the populace upon His landing.

The problem with this “problem” is that they are about 1000 years off on the timing of this
event. The separation of the sheep and the goats is post-Millennial (Compare Matthew
25:31-46 with Revelation 19, 20 and 21). In Revelation the Judgment Day (“Great White
Throne”) is after the Millennium.

The scene in Matthew 25 is clearly The Judgment Day. Believers in a pre-Tribulation

Rapture really spin out when they read about The Judgment Day in 2 separate places and
are forced to conclude that there are 2 different Judgment days. With this same thinking
they come up with 2 “Second Comings:” one before the Tribulation (‘when He comes for
His saints’) and one after (‘with His saints’). In doing this they actually have three
Judgment Days:

· “The Judgment Seat of Christ” (during the Tribulation).

· “The Judgment of the Nations” (after the Tribulation).
· “The Great White Throne Judgment” (post-Millennial).

All this “manipulation” is because the Judgment Day is mentioned 3 different times by 3
different names. But these are all the same Judgment Day, not three separate ones…this
must be understood! Reading Matthew 25 in one hand and Revelation in the other we find
they parallel each other exactly:
 · Matthew 25:31: “when the Son of man shall come in his glory and all the holy
angels with him” (Rev. 19:11-14)
· Matthew 25:31b: “And then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory” (Rev. 20:4-6)
· Matthew 25:32-46: “And before him shall be gathered all nations....” (Rev.
20:11-15)

This is the only Judgment Day! Notice He says to the sheep: “inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34); this is clearly a
reference to "The New Jerusalem" of Rev. 21:1-2, not the Millennial Kingdom (which is on
earth before the “new heavens and new earth,” Rev. 20:11-21:1).

Imminence / Inability to “Know the Day”

This last argument of the pre-Tribulation position is their best, and as far as we could tell
in our study of this subject, is formidable. In Matthew 24:36-51 (see also Mark 13:32-37)
Jesus Christ said two very earth shaking things:

· That no man knows the day and hour, and

· That we are to watch and be ready; “for ye know not what hour your Lord doth
come.”

The impression of this passage is that Christ could return at any time, that it will catch
many unawares, and is described as “such a time as ye think not,” etc. These statements
are indeed a major problem for the post-Tribulation position because if the Rapture is after
the Tribulation then we do in fact know the actual day: it would be 1260 days after the
“abomination of desolation,” or after Israel is persecuted into the wilderness (see Rev. 12).

In possible response it could be said that Matthew 24 is in a post-Tribulation context: there

is no pre-Tribulation Rapture in the whole chapter.

To this the pre-Tribulation position argues that Matthew 24 is to the Jews, not the church,
therefore the Rapture is not mentioned. An obvious rebuttal to this is: then why does He
throw in a pre-Tribulation warning to “watch”?) Read Matthew 24 verse by verse, keeping
in mind that Christ is talking to His disciples, and follow the “yours” and “ye's"
throughout the chapter: vs. 4, 6, 9, 15, 20, 23, 25, 26, 33, 42 and 44...all indicating that His
disciples could expect to see the persecutions, wars, abomination of desolation, false christs,
etc.

THE OLIVET DISCOURSE GIVES THE DISTINCT IMPRESSION THAT

THE BELIEVERS ALIVE BEFORE THE TRIBULATION WILL GO RIGHT
ON THROUGH THE WHOLE THING UNTIL THE POST-TRIB RETURN OF
CHRIST.
There is not a hint that there is any “break in the verses” between believers alive before,
during or after the Tribulation.

In this context He warns them to “watch” and “be ready, for you know not what hour your
Lord doth come.” He particularly warns of those who will believe the Lord will delay His
coming, and begin to eat and drink with the drunken. Is He warning that those who are
unbelievers or backsliders will not know the day of His coming? But He gives the warning
to His disciples so apparently even the faithful are to be ready for a sudden sighting of His
coming

So, after finding all these post-Tribulation verses and understanding (apparently so clear)
we suddenly run into this brick wall: the doctrine of the imminence of Christ’s return,
mixed with the clear statement that “no man knows the day of His coming” (not even the
Son! Mark 13:32). So what are we to do?

The missing dimension in Bible prophecy

As we have studied prophecies throughout the Bible over the years we have noticed a
pattern that seems to be ignored in contemporary Christianity. All the prophecy “experts”
and “scholars” seem to miss it as well. The pattern is this:

The prophecies in the Bible are not statements of what is going to happen, written in
cement, with no possibility of change. The truth is that Bible prophecy always shows two
options: there is always a plan “A”, and a plan “B.” One or the other will occur, depending
on the response of the people.

· Notice Deuteronomy 28 (and Lev. 26) and its list of blessings and cursings. God
promises one or the other, depending on which one the people deserve.

· When Jonah preached to Nineveh he made only one prophetic statement: “yet 40
days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” That is the only prophecy in the book of
Jonah...and it never was fulfilled. Read the 3rd chapter of Jonah and see how the
repentance of the sinners caused God to repent “of the evil that he said he would do
unto them.” (The idea of God "repenting" is mentioned over 20 times in Scripture).
It is not uncommon for the Almighty to change His plan when sinners change their
ways.

· Read Jeremiah 18:7-10 where God clearly states that after He has pronounced
blessing (or judgment) on a nation He will alter and not fulfill His Word if that nation
turns from its righteousness (or wickedness).
So Bible prophecy is always a presentation of a plan "A," followed by a plan "B," if those
prophesied to change their ways.

The Jews understand this. The Talmud recognizes 2 types of Messianic prophecies: some
predict a suffering Messiah and some a reigning Messiah. The Talmud rectifies this by
saying that the Messiah will do one or the other depending on whether the people are
worthy when He comes!

Therefore we see in the New Testament some contexts clearly teaching a post-Tribulation
Rapture, while at the same time other passages with exhortations to be ready for an
imminent return.

What do we do? Be ready for both! Live your life just as if Christ could come today (He
could. He’s God...He can do whatever He wants!). But also realize that you may have to go
through the Tribulation, and like Joseph in Egypt you should prepare and plan ahead for
all contingencies.

Conclusion?
What then are we trying to accomplish here? First and foremost we want you and yours to
have right access to the truth of all things; and this is not always easy to see!

In the history of the Jews we find a man named John the Baptist. This man was the herald
of Christ’s coming as prophesied in Isa. 40:1-3 and Mal. 4:5-6, but he denied being that
man who was prophesied! God's truth is for an exclusive group of people who have "eyes to
see and ears to hear" and its reception wholly dependent on the Spiritual condition of the
hearer.

We are all in different levels of that Spiritual condition and so all have some limitation on
what they know and understand of God and His Kingdom. With this fact in mind it
behooves us to err on the side of caution.

What this practically means is that, when it comes to prophecy, we should hope for the best
and plan for the worst! The most important ingredient, the one that must have our
complete attention, is strength in the Lord and attention to the work of His Kingdom!

It is our hope that you and yours indeed prepare well in this area! We readily admit that we
do not know how exactly all this will play out but we do know the future and our
inheritance from a life well lived before him. So it is our ultimate intent within this Chapter
to build up and cement that truth to your soul.

Application?
Be ready…be faithfully at work in The Kingdom because nobody can be totally sure how this
whole thing will work out.
Basic Battle Training

Chapter 23: Calvinism

Continuing to warn of the satanic errors that kill incentive to serve the Lord, we come now
to one of the deadliest of all: The insidious beliefs of Calvinism.

Beliefs?
These folks actually believe that apart from any interaction from man’s free will, God
unalterably predestines all things. That this is a powerful diversion is truly an
understatement.

These fallacious teachings had nothing to do in Christianity for hundreds of years. Only in
ancient pagan religions were people taught that man’s fate was written in stone or some
such. Fatalism (read: Fate…all things are pre-determined) is also a central part of the
teachings of the Islam. The first to teach that believers were predestined before Creation
was Augustine in the late 4th century. Hundreds of years later the first man to teach that
unbelievers are predestined to hell was Gottschalk. With this he was convicted of heresy
and executed in the year 848. In the 1500s John Calvin and other Reformers spread what
they called the “doctrines of grace, and modern Predestinationism had its birth.

As with the previous chapters on diversions from the goal, this one will take time,
due-diligence and study of the verses cited to properly sort out and understand.

Definitions
What we are talking about here is the belief that every thought, word, deed, and sin ever
committed was predetermined to happen by God before the creation of the world, and that
man has no free will in the matter at all. This nonsense makes God predestinate man to sin,
and then punish those men for doing something over which they had no choice. This whole
idea is preposterous and flies in the face of a host of Biblical teachings. The following
represent the way God actually is and operates.

Conditions
God’s Word is full of “conditions” for people. As an example, His blessings are there for
those who meet specific conditions, (not a predestined event apart from man’s will):

●​ John 3:16, “…whosoever believeth in him should not perish….”

 ●​ Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28…these 2 chapters list blessings and cursings
dependent on obedience.
●​ Jeremiah 18:7-10, God promises to cancel promised blessings or cursings, based on
the hearer’s response to His message (see also Jonah chapter 3).

According to the Scriptures, God’s love is likewise conditional:

●​ Jesus said: “He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father” (John 14:21; see also v.
23)
●​ And Solomon likewise taught of God in Proverbs 8:17, “I love them that love me.”
(See also 15:9; Psalm 5:5; 7:11; 10:3)

God “Tests” People!

The Bible says that God “left Hezekiah that he might prove him, that he might know all
that was in his heart” (2 Chronicles 32:31). There are many other examples in the Bible of
this common truth.

●​ Deuteronomy 8:2 says, “…the Lord thy God led thee these 40 years…to humble
thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest
keep his commandments or no.”
●​ See also: Genesis 22:1,12; Deuteronomy 13:3; Judges 2:22; 3:1,4; compare Exodus
15:25; 16:4; 20:20; Deuteronomy 8:16; 1 Chronicles29:17; Job 23:10; Psalm 7:9;
11:4-5; 17:3; 26:2; 66:10; 81:7; 105:19; Proverbs 17:3; Jeremiah 9:7; 12:3; 20:12; 1
Thessalonians 2:4; Hebrews 11:17.

The obvious question is: if all of man’s actions are already predestined and known, why
does God have to test anybody?

God Repents?
There are 20 more verses throughout the pages of His Word that repeat this theme:

●​ “It repented the Lord that he had made man” (Genesis 6:6-7).
●​ Jeremiah 18:7-10 says, “At what instant I [God] shall speak concerning a nation,
and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; if that
nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the
evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a
nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; if it do evil in my sight,
that it obey not my voice, then will I repent of the good, wherewith I said I would
benefit them.”
 ●​ Another good example of this is found in Jonah chapter 3, where God tells Jonah to
preach the message, “Yet 40 days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” When the
Ninevites heard the preaching they repented of their works, “and God saw their
works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he
had said that he would do unto them, and he did it not.”
●​ See also Exodus 32:13,14; Deuteronomy 32:36; Judges 2:18; 1 Samuel 15:10-11,35;
24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:15; Psalm 106:45; 135:14; Jeremiah 26:3,13,18-19; 42:10;
Hosea 11:8; Joel 2:13-14; Amos 7:3,6.

Note: There are 7 specific verses that say God does not repent (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel
15:29; Jeremiah 4:28; 20:16; Ezekiel 24:14; Zechariah 8:14; Hebrews 7:21), but these do not
overthrow the 20 verses that say He does repent. Those 7 verses, understood in context, refer
to a specific thing that God will not repent of: they do not mean that He will never “repent” or
change His mind.

Once again, these verses make no sense whatsoever if everything was predetermined and
known before Creation.

Understanding Biblical prophecies and their fulfillment

While it may sound strange at first, a close examination of prophecies and their fulfillments
in the Bible reveal that things often (in fact almost all the time) do not come out the way
God had originally said they would. A good example of this is in the book of Jonah where
the prediction that Nineveh being destroyed in 40 days was nullified at the repentance of
the Ninevites (Jonah 3:3,10). Here are a few more of many examples of this interaction:

●​ Genesis 15:13-16. God promises then postpones Abraham’s receiving of the land for
400 years.
●​ Numbers 14:33. God promises then postpones Israel’s entry into the Promised Land
for 40 years.
●​ 2 Samuel 7:16. God promised David’s kingdom would be established forever; but
when the Jews went into idolatry, the last son of David was taken off the throne in
586 BC (2 Chronicles 36), and no son of David has occupied a throne in over 2000
years.
●​ Jeremiah 22:30 predicts that no descendant of Coniah will ever sit on the throne,
and yet Christ is a descendant of Coniah (or Jechonias, (Matthew 1:11), and would
therefore be disqualified from sitting on David’s throne (Luke 1:32); but the curse of
Jeremiah 22:30 was undone in Haggai 2:23.
●​ Matthew 4:17; 10:7 Jesus preaches that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand;” but in
12:40; 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19 He preaches that He will be killed. Thus His
message and direction changed when the Jews rejected Him (see 11:20-24).
 ●​ In Matthew 16:28; 24:34 Christ promised that He would return, but His return
obviously got postponed. (See also: Hebrews 10:37)

Notice also 2 other passages that give us insight into Bible prophecy and fulfillment: 2
Kings 13, and Acts 27:

●​ In 2 Kings 13:17 God’s prophet, Elisha tells king Joash: “thou shalt smite the
Syrians till thou have consumed them.” Then he tells the king to smite the ground,
which he does 3 times. Then Elisha gets angry (at his lack of zeal?) and tells him,
“Thou shouldest have smitten 5 or 6 times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou
hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.” (leaving them
“un-consumed”)
●​ In Acts 27 we find Paul a prisoner on a ship that gets shipwrecked (see vv.
10,22,31,34). He first predicts that “this voyage will be with much hurt and much
damage, not only of the lading and the ship, but also of our lives.” Later he changes
the message to say, “There shall be no loss of any man’s life.” Then later when some
men are trying to abandon ship Paul tells the centurion, “Except these abide in the
ship ye cannot be saved,” and finally he promises, “there shall not an hair fall from
the head of any of you.”

These examples show that God’s predictions of the future often change based on man’s
actions.

“Free Will” is clearly found in Scripture

Many verses in the Bible mention man’s free will. In fact the whole tenor of the Scriptures
holds man fully accountable for his deeds.

●​ Jesus said in Matthew 23:37, “How often would I have gathered your children
together…but ye would not.”
●​ Notice Jeremiah 13:11, “For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I
caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah,
saith the Lord; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a
praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.”
●​ See also 2 Kings 17:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:13; 24:19; Psalm 81:11; Proverbs
1:25,30; Isaiah 28:12: 30:15; 42:24; Jeremiah 13:11; 29:19; Zechariah 7:12-13;
Matthew 14:5; 17:12; 22:3; Luke 10:29; 19:14; 20:46; Acts 14:13; Romans 7:14-25;
Galatians 1:7; 4:17; 5:17; 6:12-13; Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 2:23; 1 Timothy 1:7;
6:9; 1 Peter 4:2; 2 Peter 3:5; compare Matthew 23:4; 26:15; 27:15,17,21; Luke 18:4;
23:8; John 5:35; 7:44; Acts 22:30; 24:27; 25:9; 27:43; 28:18; 2 Corinthians 11:32….)
Man’s free will is also an active part in salvation, as seen in the following verses:

●​ Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
●​ Revelation 22:17, “…whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.”
●​ See also Matthew 11:14; 15:28; 19:17,21; 20:32-33; Mark 8:38; John 5:6.

The “Will” is also intrinsically involved in the Christian life

Read: Matthew 20:21,26-27 = Mark 10:35-36,43-44;14:7; Luke 6:31; John 6:21,67; 15:7;
Acts 16:1-3; Romans 11:25; 1 Corinthians 7:7,32,36-3739; 11:3; 14:35; 16:12; 2 Corinthians
8:11; 12:6; Galatians 4:9,20-21; 1 Timothy 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 3:10; 3 John 10;
Revelation 11:6; compare John 6:11; 7:44; 16:19; Acts 10:10; 19:31,33; Romans 13:3; 2
Corinthians 1:8; 11:12; 12:20; Galatians 3:2; Philippians 1:12; Colossians 2:1; 1
Thessalonians 2:18; 4:13; 1 Timothy 5:14; Philemon 13,14; Hebrews 13:18; James 2:20…

There then are also numerous examples in the Bible where God’s decrees were turned over
by man’s free will. And again, many times after God pronounced judgment coming on
sinners we find that they repented and, in His mercy, He cancelled the punishment.

●​ God had predetermined that all Canaanites should die in Deuteronomy 20:16-18,
yet Rahab (a whore!) found deliverance for herself and her household through the
exercise of her free will and faith (Joshua 2,6).
●​ God tells king Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:1-6 that he is about to die, but Hezekiah prays
and God adds 15 years to his life.
●​ In Genesis 13:15 and 15:13-16 God’s promise to give the land to Abraham was
postponed by 400 years, because “the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full.”
●​ In Exodus 32:10 and Numbers 14:12 and 16:45 God intended 3 times to annihilate
the Hebrews and raise up a new nation through Moses, but Moses intervened each
time and spared the nation. (See also 1 Kings 21:29).
●​ Jonah’s proclamation of Nineveh’s impending destruction is reversed by their
repentance (Jonah 3:1-10)

At times, when God predicted blessing on people they would turn from Him, and His
promised blessing would thus be withheld:

●​ In Samuel God proclaims to a backslidden priest: “Wherefore the Lord God of

Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk
before me forever: but now the Lord saith, be it far from me.” 1 Samuel 2:30
 ●​ God planned to establish Saul’s house as an everlasting dynasty, but when Saul
chose to disobey God he found himself cut off from the promises (1 Samuel
13:13-14).
●​ See also Deuteronomy 28:68; 1 Samuel 13:13-14; 1 Kings 11:38 with 14:10; 21:29

Definitions?
Calvinists must labor to take words in the Bible and give them meanings that the God does
not give them; for example:

Foreknowledge: God’s foreknowledge is mentioned in Acts 2:28; Romans 8:29; 11:2; 1

Peter 1:2. The Calvinists would have us believe that foreknowledge is a clearly
definable attribute of God that contains:
●​ Knowledge of every individual act since before Creation
●​ Direction of every individual act since before Creation
●​ Knowledge of someone who has been eternally saved
●​ Direction of all who have been eternally saved

In Biblical fact the word “foreknowledge”, though it could mean these things, means none
of the sort. The same Greek word (prognosis) is used in Acts 26:5 and 2 Peter 3:17. In Acts
26 Paul makes the point that “the Jews knew me from the beginning.” In 2 Peter we are
told, “Beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware…”

In both of these verses the Greek word refers to knowledge that men have (and in the first
verse, unregenerate men). Jews, knowing Paul “from the beginning”, has nothing to do
with anything supernatural: they knew Paul as they watched him grow up.

In Romans 11:1-2 we are told that God “foreknew” Israel, yet the rest of the chapter
describes how the natural branches (Israel) of the olive tree were grafted out to make room
for the unnatural branches (Gentiles), because of the unbelief of the Jews. Even though the
plan for a people called Israel is said to be “foreknown,” that obviously does not mean that
every Jew on earth would be saved.

Acts 2:23; 4:28 and Hebrews 6:17 also mention the “determinate counsel of God.” The
Greek word for “counsel” is boulomai, which is also found in 1 Timothy 2:8, where Paul
said, “I will [Gk: boulomai] that men pray everywhere….” This shows that this Greek
word does not refer to something that is an irreversible Divine will (since men do not pray
everywhere).
God certainly has the power to know all future events. But while this is true, He also could
limit His knowledge to allow man’s free will to work. This in no way “limits” His power. In
fact, that He could do such a thing even establishes it all the more! God still “knows” all the
possibilities. Playing chess with a master computer does not necessarily mean that the
computer “knows” all your future moves but, like God, it does know all the possible moves
and all the possible counter moves.

True “Predestination”

With the above explained, there are some definite events, like the Crucifixion (and some
people) that were surely predestined by God (Acts 2:23; Revelation 13:8). But this does not
mean that everything was and is predestined. John was filled with the Holy Ghost from his
mother’s womb, but that does not mean that you are.

This is the big mistake that Calvinists make. They find a verse that refers to a specific
event (birth of Jacob and Esau, Pharaoh’s hard heart, the 12 apostles, Gentiles included in
God’s plan, etc.), then apply that wording to all events. This is a dishonest use of Scripture.
It contradicts the weight of the overwhelming majority of Scriptures where God rebukes
men for their sins, and exhorts them to repent. Why would He do that if every thought,
word and deed was already predestined and man had no free will? In fact, why do
Calvinists try to convince others of their doctrine (most of them spend more time doing this
than preaching the Gospel), if all of our thoughts are already predestinated and we have no
free will?

(Next time you meet a Calvinist you might tell them that it was predestined that you would
not believe in predestination!)

The “Chosen” and the “Elect”

Calvinists ask us to believe that when the Bible says that someone is “elect” or “chosen,”
that that means that they were predestined to that state, apart from their will, and that they
cannot choose otherwise. But when we look at all passages where these words are used, we
find that nothing could be further from the truth.

●​ In John 6:70 Jesus said, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil.”
●​ Solomon is called “chosen” in 1 Chronicles 28:10, yet in the previous verse he is told,
“if thou seek him [the Lord] he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will
cast thee off forever” (putting a condition on him).
●​ Israel is called “elect” in Isaiah 45:4; 65:9,22, but other places in the Bible refer to
Israel as: “rejected,” “removed out of God’s sight,” “forsaken,” “utterly corrupt,”
 and “greatly abhorred” by God (2 Kings 17:18-23; 21:7-15; Deuteronomy 31:29;
Psalm 78:59). Ezekiel 20:5,8 says, “I chose Israel…but they rebelled against me.”
●​ The Priests are called “chosen” in Numbers 16:5; Deuteronomy 18:5; 21:5, but they
are later called “profane” (Jeremiah 23:11). That same priesthood rejected Christ
and lost their Temple in 70 AD. (Notice also that these last 2 examples show how the
word ‘elect’ can refer to groups, without applying to each individual in those
groups.)
●​ Jerusalem (and the Temple) were “chosen” by God (Deuteronomy 12:21; 1 Kings
8:44,48), until God said He would wipe it as a man wipes a dish (2 Kings 21:13), and
used pagan armies to destroy it twice (586 BC & 70 AD).
●​ Saul was God’s “chosen” in 1 Samuel 20:24, but ended up disobeying God,
consulting with a witch, and subsequently lost (or was “un-chosen for) his kingdom.
●​ And according to 2 Peter 1:10 it is up to us to “make our calling and election sure.”

Did Jesus die only for the “Elect”?

Contrary to the false teachings of the Calvinists, God’s salvation is open to all, and
“whosoever will may come,”. Notice carefully the following verses:

●​ 1 Timothy 2:3-4, “God…will have all men to be saved.”

●​ 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord…is not willing that any should perish.”
●​ Ezekiel 3:11, “As I live, saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of the
wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”
●​ John 1:7, “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men
through him might believe.”
●​ John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
●​ John 12:32, “And I [Jesus], if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.”
●​ See also Mark 8:34; Romans 5:18; Revelation 22:17; compare Matthew 11:28;
12:50; 16:25; Acts 10:35, 43; 17:30; Romans 1:16; 3:22)

The Calvinist response to these verses is that the “all men” “whosoevers”, and “world”
only refers to the elect. This response is too ridiculous for further comment.

Verses used by Calvinists

Some passages in the Bible, when taken out of the context of the rest of God’s Word, seem
to support a Calvinistic view. Let us look closely at some of their best verses.
Proverbs 16:4, “The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the
day of evil.”Calvinists take this verse to mean that all the wicked that ever lived or ever will
live were made by God to be wicked, and they had no choice in the matter.

In response, let us point out that “the wicked” in this verse is in the singular tense (in
Hebrew), and so refers to one wicked man, who is then referred to as “the wicked” (again
singular) in other OT passages (e.g.: Psalm 37:10) This “wicked man” is actually the
Antichrist (also referred to as “that Wicked” in 2 Thessalonians 2:8). See also that “the
day of evil” obviously refers to the Tribulation. God may predestine a particular man for a
particular time (like Pharaoh, see Romans 9 below), but that does not mean that all wicked
people are created so and have no choice. Wicked men can always repent, find mercy, and
alter God’s intended wrath. (Like Ahab did in 1 Kings 21:17-29).

John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will
of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Calvinists use this verse to say that “the
will of man” has nothing to do with salvation, and that our salvation or damnation is based
merely on the predestined will of God.

In response, we agree that if it was totally up to our will we could not be saved (salvation by
works). But the abundance of verses cited earlier clearly shows that it is our choice for
which we will be held accountable.

There is a sense though, in which man’s will is not involved in salvation, and that is in the
instigation of the very plan of salvation itself (the “drawing” of God: John 6:44). With our
own will we cannot save ourselves unless God provides a means of, and participates in, our
salvation. For example, if you fell into a very big hole that you could not climb out of, and
there is no way to save yourself, without help. God then comes and throws down a ladder
so you can climb out, but it is still up to you to do your part to climb out.

Acts 13:48, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the Word of
the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” Based on this verse, we
are to believe (if the Calvinists are correct) that these Gentiles in Antioch were predestined
before the foundation of the world to be saved and that they had no choice in it.

In response, we see that the verse says nothing of the sort. Nowhere does the verse say who
ordained them (the Greek could even be translated, “they ordained themselves to eternal
life”), nor does it say when they were ordained. Notice that the Bible says that God “chose”
David “because he kept my commandments” (1 Kings 11:34; see also 20:42). Isaiah 49:7
says, “the Lord shall choose thee,” indicating that not all choosing was done before
Creation. Nothing in this verse says that these Gentiles were ordained more than 5 minutes
before they believed.

Romans 8:29-30, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover
whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified:
and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

Romans 9:16-21, “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God
that showeth mercy. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose
have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be
declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy,
and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, why doth he yet find fault?
For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?
Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus? Hath not
the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and
another unto dishonor?”

There are two things to look at in these passages (which the Calvinists usually take out of
context). One is the examples that are used, and the other is the actual context itself.

Pertaining to the examples that Paul uses to make his point, we find the births of Jacob and
Esau. Of these two brothers we find that before they were born God decreed that the elder
would serve the younger. The example of Pharaoh is also given: namely that God raised
him up, and as Exodus points out repeatedly, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. These are
only examples of special individuals in history.

In the first case, God is starting the Jewish nation, so the special circumstances of the birth
of Jacob have nothing to do with you or me. In the second case, when God singled out
Pharaoh to harden his heart, it was because that Pharaoh had already chosen to mistreat
the Hebrews. Hardening his heart was a judgment for choices he had already made.

God also gives us another reason that he appointed one man to perdition: so that
many more would receive the truth…why, pray tell, would God do that if those
many more were already predestined to heaven or hell?

Again as to the context, see Romans 9:24, 10:1,12; 11:1,7,12,25 and see that it is clear that
Paul is talking about God’s plan, hidden through the ages: The Church, to include the
Gentiles (as a group) with the Jews (as a group) in His family. The “choosing” of Israel and
of the Gentiles to make up the Church does not mean that every individual Jew or Gentile
will be saved (or lost), but that they, as a group, will have access to God’s blessings and
salvation.

Ephesians 1:4,5,11, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestined us
unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of
his will. … In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to
the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”

The theme of Ephesians is once again God’s dealings with Jews and Gentiles as a group
(The Church: see Ephesians 2:11-3:8). It was always God’s will from ages past, hidden in a
mystery (3:4) that the Gospel would be offered to the Gentiles. This does not mean that
only specific Gentiles are predestined to heaven.

Philippians 2:12-13, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not all in my

presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear
and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure.”

This passage clearly points out the working together of man’s part and God’s part in our
salvation: God worked it in, so now we must “work it out”. God has given us the will, but
it is still up to us to exercise it, and we can obviously choose not to, otherwise the
exhortation in this verse is meaningless. Even our faith is a gift from God (Ephesians
2:8-10), but God has given to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3), and again,
God “granting to the Gentiles repentance” (Acts 11:18) does not mean that only specific
Gentiles will repent.

Revelation 17:8, “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the
bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose
names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they
behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” Calvinists use this verse to teach that the
saved were written in the book of life “before” (as they usually mis-quote it) the foundation
of the world.

In response, it should be noted that the expression “from the foundation of the world” is
found elsewhere, and does not refer to something that happened before Creation. See Luke
11:50-51 where Jesus said, “That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the
foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; from the blood of Abel unto
the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto
you, It shall be required of this generation.”
This verse is not referring to blood of prophets shed before Creation, but that since the
beginning of time all the blood of the prophets, shed at different times throughout history,
would be required. So likewise, Revelation 17:8 is not saying that all names were in the
book of life before Creation, but that since the foundation of the world all the names that
have been added to the book of life (at different times throughout history) would not
include the followers of the beast.

A good question for the Calvinists is that if their understanding of this verse is true, then
why do so many verses talk about names being blotted out of the book of life! (Exodus
32:32-33; Deuteronomy 29:20; Psalm 9:5; 69:28; 109:13; Revelation 3:5; 22:19)

The Truth!
Ezekiel 18:30-32 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his
ways, saith the Lord God. From all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you
a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure
in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.”

Application
So why has this ridiculous viewpoint risen to any measurable height whatsoever? Several
reasons come to mind

●​ It paints God in an untenable and ridiculous light, marginalizing Him to little more
than an unexplainable and even evil puppet-master. (Satan wins)
●​ It provides a faux “spiritual” and “obedience” to a god that is far beyond rational
explanation.(Satan wins)
●​ And finally, as with all of the diversions we have explored, it puts the kibosh on any
spirit of evangelism. It quenches the prime intent of the Great Commission by
relegating it to a mere “exercise of obedience”, thereby eliminating any reality to the
situation at hand: lost or rebellious sinners and their responsibility to repent. (Satan
wins)

These final chapters have revealed a number of the diversions that the enemy has used in to
throw us off the track. They consume countless hour of time in debate, “busy-work” and
undeniable error. These then are Satan’s works and intent in quenching, watering-down
and causing to slumber the very people called to God’s service. Only through proper
understanding of these things, mixed with your individual correct choices, will His attacks
fail and your life become victorious and productive…this is our intent and prayer.