Cedric Fisher: "earnestly contending for the faith."

When Mountains Fall

They shall say to the mountains, “Cover us!” And to the hills, “Fall on us!” – Hosea 10:8
 
Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ – Luke 23:30
 
And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” – Revelation 6:16

I can sense the stark terror in these verses as people are wishing from the core of their beings to be buried underneath a mountain. The reason is that they fear the very One who loved them so much that He sacrificed His life to be falsely arrested, convicted, sentenced, beaten nearly to death, humiliated, and tortured by crucifixion until he died. But the Lover is coming as an Avenger in flaming fire to punish the wicked for their rebellion. The wicked will know it beyond all doubt and cry out to be buried underneath tons of rock and dirt.

I’ve always had a phobia of driving under new bridge construction. After the bridge is built it does not bother me as much. However, when I drive under those large, exposed, steel beams, I feel a dread in my spirit. I feel the same way when I go underground. I once ventured with my family 1,120 feet underground to view Ruby Falls, All the time I was under Lookout Mountain I had to push out of my mind the thought of it crashing down on me. However, I do not dread the coming of Christ and will stand confident in His shed blood and grace to greet Him with unspeakable joy.

The fact is this world is resting precariously under a large mountain that will eventually fall. I call it the mountain of consequences—the consequences of ages of rejecting God and living for Satan, the flesh, and the world system. Neither the apostate professing Christians, the ones snared in false religion, nor the subjects of Satan’s world system, have any clue to what is about to occur. However, I am also greatly concerned for millions of professing Christians that, although they are not in apostasy, are slumbering in apathy and complacency. They began turning away from the truth when it became uncomfortable.

We are a nation of people obese with prosperity, pampered with entitlements, and secure in knowing help will arrive via 911. We have many devices and outlets to shield our comfort zones from the invasion of reality. To be clear, we are weak, soft, and vulnerable. Our enemies do not have to drop bombs on us or actually invade our borders. All they have to do is infiltrate us and take over our government and all other sectors of power and influence. The deluded worldlings in the entertainment industry, intelligentsia, politics, and the news media, will shield and assist them. We are too weak and pampered to stop them. And from positions of influence and authority, they will threaten us and we will drop like fainting goats when someone shouts “Boo!”

However, it is Christianity that I am most concerned with. The people who are called by God’s name are the ones who are called on in 2 Chronicles 7:14 to repent, and not the secular rebels. Thus, we need to repent. Politics will not change our nation or the world. Nothing of wickedness is going to be reversed by great programs and social justice of Modern Christianity. The “swamp” in Washington will not be drained because it is too deep and its bottom is immeasurably thick with muck. Only repentance and turning from our evil ways will cause righteousness to be restored to the land.

Furthermore, the “Discernment Ministries,” although necessary and commendable in their efforts, are not going to turn around the great invasion of deception and consequent apostasy. In fact, they are losing ground daily. One of the great problems is that professing Christians of different doctrinal factions neither get along with each other nor do they care to try. That is not a new conundrum and failure. It is as old as Tertullian’s objections to the formation of the Canon to the Early Church’s rejection of Montanus and his two prophetesses.

The informed Believers recognize that Christianity is in grave danger of collapsing into the waiting arms of the Emergent Church and their ilk. The New Spirituality adherents and provocateurs are standing with bated breath watching the fruit of their sown heresy coming to fruition. The kingdom of Christendom is tottering. We are standing at its base trying to prop it up with “toothpick” articles, booklets, books, videos, conferences, blogs, and websites. What it really needs are backbones, listening ears, and seeing eyes in the leadership, and for the rank and file laity to rise from its apathetic slumber. I do not think that is going to occur.

God always had a Remnant and He has one today. They are not popular and their words are greatly ignored. However, they never closed their eyes when the invasion of heretics and hirelings began. Of course, it began so long ago that many of the ones’ who could testify about how it used to be are now departed to eternal glory. The few of us that remain are deemed relics with outmoded religion, unpalatable to everyone from Generation X to Generation Z (the Millennials are sandwiched between).

Everything will come to an end. If someone doesn’t wish to accept that, then he or she should consider sitting for an hour in a graveyard and think about all those people underneath the earth. They died in every age of life. They all had families. The ones who were old enough had dreams, goals, a circle of friends and acquaintances. They all had life that they thought would never end until they became so old that it didn’t matter if it ended. But in the majority of them there was a suppressed dread of what awaited them beyond the grave. It is not good to suppress it, but to think about it and dispel it with a full commitment to believe in and accept Christ as Lord and Savior.

Therefore, let me be clear that upon some generation the end of the age is certain to arrive. That generation will think, “It is not happening to us, but to another generation in the future.” Although there will be some people who recognize its arrival and warn the rest, the majority will slough it off and go on with their business.

They will eat, drink, be merry, buy, sell, build, marry, give in marriage, and otherwise smother any hint that the coming of Christ is near. It is not because all of them are rancid with wickedness, but that they fear His coming. There is not enough love for Him and His righteousness to overcome their sense of unworthiness and dread. So they shut it up in a secret box deep in their hearts and take apathy as their security blankets. Sadly, too many professing Christians have succumbed to that fleshly proclivity because their comfort zones must be free from even a speck of inconvenient truth.

So here we are with eternity knocking at the door. Everything is falling apart and we can neither recognize it nor restore it. Thus, we vote in politicians to “make our comfort zone great again.” Folks, that is not going to occur. If you believe that it is, then you are holding your security blanket so close to your face that you are suffocating. Please open your eyes and ears to the truth while there is still time. Our salvation comes from the Lord, not from the arm of flesh.

“Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, And from the multitude of mountains; Truly, in the Lord our God Is the salvation of Israel.” – Jeremiah 3:23

I heard a story long ago, and I hope I can relate it correctly, of a young judge and a young criminal. The young criminal was convicted by the jury and deserved to be sentenced to a long prison term. However, the young judge had compassion on him. The young man had come from a dysfunctional family and had a harsh life throughout his childhood. So the young judge mercifully sentenced him to probation. He warned him to take that opportunity to get his life in order and obey the laws of the land.

Many years later he again came before the same judge, but neither of them recognized the other one. This time the man was charged with murder. He was convicted and stood before the judge to receive his sentence. The judge sentenced him to death by hanging.

It suddenly dawned on the man that that was the judge who had long ago had mercy on him. So he cried out, “Wait! Don’t you remember me? I was the young man that you sentenced to probation years ago.”

The judge looked down from his bench and replied, “Oh yes, I remember you now. I am sad that you did not take my advice and change your life.”

“But, you had mercy on me once. Please have mercy on me again. I promise this time I will not waste the opportunity.”

The judge replied, “Sir, on that day I was your savior. Now I am your judge.”

The blessed Lord Jesus that has been our Savior for over 2000 years will one day be coming to judge this earth of wickedness. The mountains will fall as requested, but neither the weight or volume of them will hide mankind from his destiny before God’s Judgment Throne. Each day since the crucifixion of Christ has been the day of salvation. “It is past time to wake because our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).”

“The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.” – Ezekiel 38:2

15 Comments

  1. Cheryl

    Awesome article! I wish everyone who professes Christianity would read this. It is completely Spot On!

  2. Anonomous

    I truly share this in love brother and am not trying to undermine you at all. Nor am I seeking conflict. I pray you will read this and know it’s given to with sincere love of God’s word. Blessings to you and yours.

    Commonly Misused Verse #1: 2 Chronicles 7:14

    If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (NKJV)

    Well-intentioned Christians (especially in the U.S.) love to cite this verse as a promise from God that if believers in this nation would humble themselves and pray then God will fix our nation. Before you get upset with me for implying that this is not what this verse is about, ask yourself, “What is the context of this verse?” Do you know when these words were spoken and to whom they were addressed? Do you know the occasion for these words or have you just repeated them thinking that they were meant for your particular situation?

    Let’s take a quick look at the context. The construction of the first temple in Jerusalem had just been completed. King Solomon led a massive week-long celebration to dedicate the temple. When the people returned to their homes following the celebration, we read this:

    Then the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. (2 Chronicles 7:12–16, NKJV)

    These words were spoken to Solomon, the king of Israel, and God promised Solomon that when the land suffered from drought or pestilence, that if the people would humble themselves and pray, then God would hear those prayers and heal their land. The Lord specifically said that His eyes and ears would be attentive to the “prayer made in this place,” a reference to the temple in Jerusalem. As you continue reading the remaining verses in 2 Chronicles 7, it becomes extremely clear that this was a specific promise made by God to the Jewish people at the time of the first temple.

    This is quite a bit different than Christians using this verse as a promise from God to fix the problems in the United States of America (or any other nation). Before you get too upset with me, let me point out that I think there are certainly principles we can draw from this. It is always a good thing for God’s people to humble themselves and pray for their nation. As Christians, we absolutely should pray for our nation. We should pray for our neighbors, friends, loved ones, and even our politicians–even the ones we don’t agree with (see 1 Timothy 2:1–4). I think it would be wonderful if every Christian would humble himself or herself and pray for our nation. It can’t hurt, and I think we would see God do some amazing things. However, 2 Chronicles 7:14is not a divine promise to Christians in the United States that God will fix our nation. We don’t have such a guarantee in Scripture.

    http://midwestapologetics.org/blog/?p=462

    • C.H. Fisher

      Hi anonymous,
      Thanks for writing. Usually, I do not answer posts to anonymous individuals or even approve them for posting to the blog, but this time I will make an exception. However, do not take my response as an indication that I intend to debate this matter. I do not have the time to engage in debates or much of anything beyond the regular demands of my days.

      First, you have posited a straw man argument and a lengthy exposition to knock it down. I never wrote that 2 Chronicles 7:14 was “a divine promise to Christians in the United States that God will fix our nation.” Here is what I wrote:

      “The people who are called by God’s name are the ones who are called on in 2 Chronicles 7:14 to repent, and not the secular rebels.”

      I realize that some theologians, and I do not know if you are a theologian, despise “proof texts.” I did not use 2 Chronicles 7:14 in my article as a “proof text” for a “divine promise.” I used that text to present the fact that in a time of apostasy it is His people must take the initiative to repent and not to expect that it will occur en masse among the wicked. It was presented in conjunction with the rest of my article.

      There will always be lost people of varying degrees of wickedness in a nation. However, history provides clear evidence that when a significant number of God’s people repent, God will bless their nation.

      I have read several volumes on the history of revival and in each case the result was the same. Conversely, when Christians become lukewarm and distracted, society will become more wicked. One never witnesses large-scale wickedness in societies with a large number of godly individuals.

      Therefore, 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not as much a “divine promise” as it is a divine principle. It is not the only verse or passage that declares that His blessings follow repentance. That principle is obvious in individual lives—nations are people—and it does not change when it occurs in a household, a local church, a city, town, state, or nation. In fact, a nation simply cannot remain as it was when a significant number of Christians repent and devote themselves fully to God. It would be illogical to think otherwise.
      Thanks again for writing. Next time I would appreciate it if you would use your name.

      “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” – Psalms 33:12

      • ken hall

        Cedric, that was a profound reply with well-measured rebuke to “anonymous”,

        • C.H. Fisher

          I did not intend it as a rebuke, but I know who the individual is and believe that she should not post as anonymous. She has become obsessed with challenging anyone who uses proof texts. I assume it is because of the influence of theologians who are now using pejoratives to shame and pressure individuals to cease using proof texts. My research so far has discovered that the attack on proof texts originated with theologians who adhere to Higher Criticism, which is liberal theology and a cancer in the theological community. Christ and the Apostle Paul used proof texts profusely. In fact, the Scriptures are replete with proof texts to the extent that they are often used to validate other proof texts.

          Of course, people misuse proof texts, but that does not give liberal theologians or anyone else a basis for blanket condemnation of those who use them properly. They are succinct ways to communicate truth and in fact have always been a means to teach God’s word to the masses. It is near impossible to exegete a sermon or teaching in the short time provided, especially when many people’s eyes will glaze over from the terminology and complex hermeneutics.

          Of more concern is that liberal theologians and people influenced by them are now denying essential doctrines of the Church. They decry the use of proof texts to expose a sin, such as Romans 1:26-27, and also reject every other proof text regarding homosexuality. In fact I recently read an article by a theologian in the Huffington Post that posited that very criticism.

          Therefore, I make no apologies for using a proof text, especially when it presents a principle that can be applied more broadly than the original context. For example, theologians declare that Matthew 18:20 pertains only to discipline and people who use it to imply that Christ is present each time two or three gather are in violation of exegesis. One of the rules of hermeneutics is “one meaning, multiple applications.” Matthew 18:20 indicates a principle. Whether for discipline, worship, prayer, et cetera, when God’s people meet the Spirit of Christ is present.

          2 Chronicles 7:14 also indicates a principle. When a nation becomes evil, God’s people are responsible for praying, repenting, turning from their wicked ways, humbling themselves, and unlike Adam after he sinned, seeking God’s face. When that happens, God will indeed heal the land, i.e., remove the consequential curse of their rebellion. If that is not true, then true repentant individuals would remained condemned. It does not necessarily mean the wicked will all repent, but light always dominates darkness. The nation will not and cannot be as it was when darkness dominated. That is a literal, historical, and biblical fact. It is supercilious to play the theologian card and denounce the proof text presenting that principle.

          • ken hall

            I totally agree. I try to put a lot of Scripture in my articles (usually entire passages), allowing the Holy Spirit power of the Word of God, rightly divided, to “prove” my teaching. I cut and paste these passages into my pieces (from the Blue Letter Bible app). so that professing Christians can read what the Bible actually states. I fear most professing Christians do not open their Bibles very much so I make it easy for them.

            This technique is not used as “filler”. I present Scripture to try and validate what I say in my prophetical observations. I think every preacher, whether prophet, sent one (apostle), evangelist, pastor/teacher should back up what they say with Biblical truths and right doctrine. “12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” [Heb 4:12 KJV]. As you know, Hebrews chapter 4( the thought is continued from chapter 3) is a proof text regarding the truth of us Christians “not” allowing our hearts to be hardened by lack of faith, as was the hearts of the Jews who could not enter the promised land due to unbelief and disobedience to the Word of God. Verse 12 iterates that we cannot hide anything from the Word of God (Jesus the Word of Truth). We must nourish our true faith by studying the Bible, knowing what it says, and obeying it. I am not talking “perfect or complete sanctification” by reiterating this Scripture.

            As the ending verses of chapter 4 state. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” [Heb 4:12-16 KJV]

            Wow! I need those verses to remind me of Jesus’s intercession for me when I come to the “throne of grace”, needing cleansing from my sin, and the filth and contamination of this vile world we live in. “4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” [1Jo 1:4-10 KJV]

            Those verses from 1 John 1 are used by many a preacher in invitations for initial salvation, but I say they are for the one who is already a Christian. They speak of our need for almost daily cleansing and forgiveness.

            I say that “proof texting” is fine and good if it is rightly used to show people what God teaches in His Word. How else can we teach in the right manner unless we use and “harmonize” the Scriptures to let the Holy Spirit work to encourage, REPROVE, rebuke, correct and teach folks about right living and what the Word truly says. “16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” [2Ti 3:16-17 KJV]

            I think your reply to this woman was good and well done. I feel she was rebuking you and trying to “set you straight”, and out of line, especially when she will not publish her name. Old Testament principles are valid for the church pertaining to promises to His people, whether it is the New Testament Church or the Jews of Solomon’s time. The Holy Trinity is immutable, they do not change. Jesus and the His Word transcends the entire Bible. My marching orders from the Lord
            come from Ezekiel 33. Liberal theologians despise those verses, I believe!

            If we DON”T use Scripture to prove our teaching, it is just “mans'(peoples’) opinions. And we know about opinions!

            Oh no! I used proof texting in my response……ken hall

          • C.H. Fisher

            Yes, she has rebuked me before. As I said, she has bought into the professional theologian’s insistence that proof texts be limited to very narrow usage. One of the laws of hermeneutics is “one meaning, multiple applications.” If “God’s people” in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is limited to only the Jews that Solomon spoke those words to, then it is nothing more than a history lesson. But if it contains a principle, it is a living and active word for God’s people today. Numerous professional theologians wish to turn much of God’s word into mere history. I wonder where they think they received the authority for that dogma. They created an extra-biblical office and exalted it above the offices that, according to Ephesians 4, God set in the church. Now this mostly spiritually comatose group wishes to snatch God’s word from the hands and hearts of His people. It is a sad and dangerous thing to fall into that trap.

          • Victor

            Theological arguments aside, Christians do not have a “land”, we are sojourners, and “my people” refers to Jews, so using 2 Chron 7:14 is indeed taken out of context. Go ahead and use a proof text, but select from the ones that can actually apply to us and not to Israel, such as “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.” (Pro 14:34 KJV). The fate of America is not in the hands of Christians, but in the hands of the leadership, which God directs “The king’s heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Pro 21:1 KJV). Pray for our leaders (1 Tim 2:2), but keep your eyes on our future “For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. … But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Heb 11:14, 16 KJV). God bless.

          • C.H. Fisher

            Hi Victor,

            Thanks for taking the time to present your reply. Of course, I disagree with your point and your presentation in general. It is completely appropriate to use the principle of 2 Chronicles 7:14 in the manner in which I used it.

            However, by your standard not only Christ but the Apostle Paul was in error. For example, Psalms 18:46-49 in context is David’s praise to God for his deliverance from his enemies. In Romans 15:8-9 the Apostle Paul quoted it as a proof text that Christ was a minister of the circumcision so that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.

            I also found it strange that you insisted that Christians do not have a land, and then posted Proverbs 14:34. Certainly you must know that “land” and “nation” in this context are synonymous. Further, the same verse actually enforces my point in the article that Christians have the responsibility to pray for leadership, to refrain from wickedness, and about their choice of leaders, lest the consequences of their behavior and decisions destroy their nation/land.

            Additionally, you present Proverbs 21:1 as the proof text that God directs the leadership of Americans and that Christians have nothing to do with it. First, you remove that proof text from the context of the theocracy of Israel and apply it to the Republic of the United States. That in fact is not only incorrect hermeneutics, but it smacks of Calvinism/Reformed Theology, which are not supported by this ministry. God is not responsible for what wicked leaders do in this nation or other nations.

            The real problem with Anonymous and your post is the nitpicking that distracts from the message that is in error. Anonymous posited a straw man and then worried it to death. You are posting scriptures in violation of your own standard. With all the true misapplications of God’s word leading to heresy, it would appear that a better use of one’s time would be to deal with some of those cases. With all due respect, perhaps you should both read my article again without looking for a nit to pick and just consider the message.

            Now that we have had our exchange, let’s move on to more important endeavors. Agreed?

  3. MDiv97

    Your article is so important, and sobering. Just a thought about proof texting, Jesus spoke to the devil in Luke 4:1-4 as he was being tempted to turn the stones into bread because of the long fast he had endured in the wilderness, (which of course, is when the devil came to him)…Our Lord’s answer was quiet and firm, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.” and it was from Deuteronomy 3:1, I believe). Christ reminded again, as a proof text, to those who were supposed to have read God’s word, and believed it, that His time was actually an underline in person, of the Word God had given His people.
    Our Creator has given ample information and time, so that even those who hate Him, will not have to run and hide in the rocks, under the mountains, but come to the light in repentance and faith. It is odd to me, today, that the very elite non-believers pride themselves in having built bunkers in the mountains all around the world, and have built cities therein..so that in their delusion, in actually challenging God to have rocks and mountains fall, they believe they will be safe…what a pitiful conclusion to what could have been an eternal life in the Son.

  4. GJ

    Well said! Today is the day of the open door. That we encourage those to take advantage while it’s still open. https://hopeishereblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/14/were-healed/

  5. Linda

    Yes, I totally agree about proof texts and what you said in the comment. They just want to rob us of God’s Word and its power in our lives.

    As for the article, another good post of strong medicine for a slumbering and stumbling church. I think that it has well reached that point of being pretty much apostate all around. I remember the good old days too. I can’t find one other Spirit filled believer who is walking uprightly at this point.

    And we see the signs all around us. The storm was looming on the horizon but it looks like it is about to hit landfall. And most are not ready.

    They are not prepared to…

    1. Meet the Lord should they die in any way
    2. Let go of their daily lives, its activities, events, material possessions, ambitions, and so on
    3. Suffer persecution for Jesus’ namesake
    4. Accept the fact that we are called to suffer for His namesake
    5. Be a faithful martyr who does not deny Jesus when threatened with death

    “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him…” Philippians 1; 29

    And you never hear about how we are called to suffer for Christ in churches! Not even as a ‘necessary evil,’ but that we are called to it even. Also the one below, how all will appear before the judgment throne of Christ, you never hear about that one either. It is all swept under the rug, as if anything you do after turning to Christ is somehow on the blank check. Yet, it is precisely what is done after conversion that is dealt with at that throne judgment, not before, as that was dealt with at the cross. I’m not saying future sins are not covered by the cross, but those who take it as licentiousness are in for a rude awakening. I’ve heard pastors back then already gloss over this issue, if they even mention it at all, and call it by the Greek name ‘bema’ seat of Christ. The meaning is as hidden as if it were given in Latin. Bema? What the heck is bema?! Why don’t they just say it in plain English: Judgment Seat! But noooo…..! That might actually wake some of them up and send them flying out of their pews in the comfort zone!

    “So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.”
    2 Cor. 5; 9-10

  6. ken hall

    I agree that what Victor said must come from a Calvinist perspective. If there is anything that makes me more mad ( than making God the author of evil), I can’t bring it to mind right now. The reformed propensity to illogical exegesis (and un-Biblical) ignites a fury in my soul, Here is an article I wrote a little over a year ago on the New Calvinism/YRR (Young, Reformed, and Restless) https://wordpress.com/post/heyjude15.wordpress.com/2833. If anyone desires to see my take on what Calvinism is and does (new or old) just click the hyperlink provided above.

    As concerning Proverbs 21:1, I think Victor errs, in applying it to what God does with leaders of nations. It is specific to ancient Israel (the Jews) only, and cannot be uniformly(as a blanket cover) applied to the USA or any other nation BUT Israel. God has blinded Israel (the Jews) for several reasons (Romans, chapters 9-11). And the true believers in Jesus Christ are the beneficiaries of their disobedience and current disfavor with God. He has a believing remnant of Jewish people still, and one day(soon?) He will again return to dealing with them only. The Church will be completed and in Heaven at the marriage supper of the Lamb when God turns to the Jews again, to save 1/3 of the Jewish inhabitants of Jerusalem (Israel?) during the great tribulation of His chosen people (the nation of Israel in their land). Zechariah 12-14 states this (the great tribulation and its judgments), and in my opinion, this has not transferred to His mostly Gentile church.

    But by saying this above, it DOES NOT make me a believer in the pre-tribulation rapture scenario of most dispensational theology!

    I am banking on His Word, that I will be included in that number when the saints( still- believing and obedient Christians) go marching in (to the wedding feast). The Bible states in Luke 21:33-36 that God will “account worthy” those who do not apostasy and maintain their belief in Jesus as the ONLY way back to the Father. This happens(the marriage supper) when “all hell” is breaking loose on this planet. I am truly concerned that many will be terribly surprised by finding themselves still on terra firma during “great troubles” on this sphere. Those who banked on their baptisms, confirmations and lax view of what grace really is may be surprised when “the Door closes” and they find themselves in this terrible predicament, because they went in the wrong gate, or chose to walk out of the right gate, and the protection of Jesus Christ. ( “32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” [Mat 10:32-33 KJV ). People of the Calvinist bent tag me an “Arminian’, but most do no know what Jacob Arminius believed. I resent name tags. I am a Bible believing Christian, that’s all. (a literalist who takes God’s Word as fact, when taken in context, or when It conveys an all encompassing principle to His people, as stated in the Bible). I use God’s common sense approach to interpreting Scripture, Seminarians, THDs and DDs beware.

    My heart goes out to the deceived of this generation. That is why I preach, and why I am in the watchman business for my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul said, I (me too) am the least of all men that God should gift me to preach the the unsearchable riches of God in Christ Jesus and call people to repentance. 2 Timothy 3 sates, “16 ALL(N.T./ O..T.) scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (emphasis mine). We are charged with the task of “rightly dividing the Word of Truth”, and we(preachers and teachers)will be judged on this (James 3:1) Oh no, there I go “proof-texting’ again.

    In closing, let me state, once again, my belief about the transference of 2 Chronicles 7: 14 to His church of today. Today, true Christians are God’s adopted people, and the principle of that verse applies to all Christians who repent of their “wicked, un-Godly ways, and return to their first love, and begin to earnestly pray again for God to heal their land( their families, those other Christians who are in their”sphere of influence), and restore them again to their salvation; the belief in Jesus as the ONLY WAY, the ONLY TRUTH, the ONLY LIFE that will take them back to their Father in Heaven (John 14:6).

    I know I am like a broken record. So be it. The tottering Christians of today need spoon feeding and reproof (Hebrews chapters 5-6) state, “1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” [Heb 5:1-14 KJV] “1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife. 17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” [Heb 6:1-20 KJV].

    Whoops, did it again, y’all. A lot of theologians will say that I have taken these chapters out of context; that the book of Hebrews is only to the believing Jews of the dispersion.Then they quote verses from that book using them to prove their points, so called, to their congregants. They are unashamed and two -faced and unstable in all their ways when they do this, putting mans’ opinions above the inspired and infallible Word of almighty God

    Ken

  7. Hope Wingo

    C.H., I wasn’t sure where to leave this comment, but I just listened to your interview with T.A. McMahon about the IF conferences on my Berean Call app. I just wanted to thank you for warning the women! I don’t think that many pastors are actually paying attention to the outside influences these days. Thank you!!! Excellent interview!

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