{"id":2055,"date":"2021-03-23T14:20:36","date_gmt":"2021-03-23T14:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/?p=2055"},"modified":"2021-03-25T03:10:50","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T03:10:50","slug":"suffering-not-alone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/?p=2055","title":{"rendered":"Suffering? Not alone!\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Elijah\u2019s Complaint:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.\u201d \u2014 1 Kings 19:10<\/p>\n

God\u2019s response:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYet I reserve seven thousand in Israel\u2014all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.\u201d \u2014 1 Kings 19:18<\/p>\n

Under the Juniper bush, Elijah discovered during his struggle with the feelings of isolation and rejection that he was not alone. God had 7,000 among the millions of apostate Israelites that had not compromised. It was a small percentage, but if they were nearby it would have been a comfort to Elijah. He was trained to face loneliness by the Brook Cherith. He was practically alone at the widow\u2019s house. He was alone when he fought the battle with demonic prophets on Mount Carmel. So why did he feel depressingly alone afterward?<\/p>\n

There are at least two reasons that the desperate loneliness gripped his mind. First, as anyone knows that has confronted demons or ministered to numerous spiritually needy people after preaching, one\u2019s spirit can be drained of energy. The virtue (GK. dynamis, power) that goes out of them (Luke 6:19) must be restored by praying and seeking intimacy with God (Acts 1:8; GK. dynamis, power). An enormous drain on Elijah\u2019s spirit occurred in his epic battle. He needed to be replenished\u2014renewed. I have repeatedly experienced that condition and personally know and have ministered to friends that have experienced it.<\/p>\n

Second, there did not appear to be a reward at the end of the battle. It seemed as if he had fought in vain. God sent fire upon the water-drenched altar and instead of being accepted as God’s prophet, Elijah was rejected and his life was in jeopardy. On a lesser scale, many Believer has poured out their lives and been harshly treated and betrayed by the very ones they helped the most. In a time of apostasy the absence of gratitude for sacrificial efforts will be scarce. In Psalm 73, Asaph lamented the disparity between the ungodly who appear to enjoy life while the faithful ones often suffer.<\/p>\n

Sometimes we are drained by so many trials and suffering in our attempting to serve God faithfully, that we don\u2019t realize other Believers are experiencing worse or equally harsh struggles. Many Believers feel alone and are struggling to make some sense out of the great apostasy that is occurring all around them. Numerous ones are also fight great battles with their health, lack of income, children that have rejected God, and are in despair. \u00a0If we don\u2019t recognize that probability, we may develop \u201cJuniperitis\u201d and believe that we are the only ones truly serving God. That is not true. We are not individually THAT unique. Although they are few, God has a remnant of people \u201cwhose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Likewise, not everyone today has their heads in the sand of apathy. They may not have built a large Friend\u2019s List (largely with people they barely or don\u2019t even know) on Facebook, but they are standing firm. We should take joy from witnessing even one bold and faithful Believer that refuses to compromise. Besides, I\u2019d rather have one true and faithful friend than a plethora of \u201cfriends\u201d who change their minds about me daily. A bit of gossip hits their ears and their friendship withers away like heated shrink wrap.<\/p>\n

When it comes time to stand in the fire, the three Hebrews did not ask God for a company of Jewish prophets. They likely did not expect anyone to help them, but one man joined them. Hallelujah! It is a testimony of God\u2019s compassion for the martyrs. The fourth man in their fire might be the only one in the fire with us\u2014but He will be there. Praise God!<\/p>\n

On the other hand, the ones that ignore the warnings, refuse to be faithful, feast on the drivel of heretics and hirelings, cannot even identify those charlatans, that know more about sports, hobbies, politics, or the latest fashions\u2014are fading rapidly into the black hole of apostasy. People can shrug off that claim, saying, \u201cYou don\u2019t have any evidence of that.\u201d I could write a book full of evidence, but it would be a waste of time and energy. They buy books by the millions from Satan\u2019s underlings, but they will not read a free book telling them the truth. They do not even read the Bible\u2014why would they read my book?<\/p>\n

I wonder if they would consider an analogy based on a single point. Rick Warren\u2019s heretical “Purpose Driven” book has sold over 35 million copies. Sarah Young\u2019s heretical book, “Jesus Calling,” likely channeled by a demon, has sold nearly 30 million copies. Other heretical books have sold well into the millions, Heretics are famous, their public appearances are sold out, and their TV programs are viewed by millions. When they start a church, it relatively quickly becomes a megachurch. They are invited to gather around and pray for a sitting President. They may even point out those accomplishments when they stand in judgment before God. His reply:<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.\u201d \u2014 Matthew 7:23<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the point.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Either the false prophets, false apostles, false bishops, false teachers, false pastors, false evangelists, with the adoring hirelings in tow, are powerful enough to have forcefully taken over Christianity, or millions of professing Christians rejecting love for truth have given control to them. The truth is, if people are committed to and are intimate with God, the former is impossible. In that case one should not need a book to realize what has occurred.<\/p>\n

The majority of professing Christians are currently in love with curators of dry rituals and traditions, or with the peddlers of heresies. No wonder the charlatan\u2019s particular twist and sordid merchandise sell so well. The question is if apostasy is not a problem, why is there overwhelming support for numerous spiritual vermin sucking life and truth out of Christianity?<\/p>\n

God\u2019s Remnant does not attend religious meetings led by heretics or hirelings. Neither will His Remnant attend church meetings where modern Pharisees rule by contention. They feel alone and struggle to make sense of a spiritual atmosphere that makes no sense. As the prophet wrote when he spoke for the Lord God:<\/p>\n

\u201cHath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate,\u201d saith the Lord. \u201cFor my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.\u201d \u2014 Jeremiah 2:11-13<\/p>\n

Consider all the individuals that sat in congregations for generations and hindered every good work and step of progress? They were the instigators of church splits, fomenters of chaos and confusion, et cetera. They chased innumerable new converts out of the church and pastors out of office. Every pastor was a target that tried to bring them into a proper relationship with God. They never allowed God\u2019s word to come forth unhindered. They never allowed people to fellowship in peace. No, they could not tolerate spirituality that convicted them and were wolfish toward God\u2019s true sheep that practiced godliness. They destroyed many churches and their offspring are among us still.<\/p>\n

Of course, most of the older ones have passed on, but the ones that arose in their place are worse. Presently, and because of the Internet and Social Media, their offspring are as much involved in division and hindering God\u2019s work as when they sit on the pews.<\/p>\n

Satan cannot allow the Internet to become a place of connecting and ministering to people passionate for God. He compels some of his subjects to lurk until truth goads them so deeply they must strike back. Other ones are compelled to go from page to page scoring points for the enemy until they are de-friended and blocked. They know that they will only get one shot. So they wait for that moment when sowing their \u201cstrife-seed\u201d will create the most trouble. Consider how many individuals clamored to defend blasphemous Kanye West and William P. Young\u2019s movie, \u201cThe Shack.\u201d The deception and worship fest by professing Christians, heretics, and hirelings, was staggering. They have forsaken God and drink from contaminated broken cisterns.<\/p>\n

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are getting ready to go through a very difficult period. It is essential to be faithful to God during our struggle with loneliness and isolation. God is strengthening and testing us for a time when we will be in a much smaller minority. We are closing in on that time right now. We should not believe that we need a multitude standing with us. However, some people are lowering their standards, refusing to speak or publicly support truth\u2014or a truth speaker, just to have some fellowship with compromised professing Christians. Evangelists and Pastors are at risk because they are constantly harried by the enemy to reduce their standards or suffer the loss of position, income, and opportunities to preach.<\/p>\n

What I insert here will not be popular, but it must be said. The golden era of having a significant income from pastoring or evangelizing is about over. Please realize that it is an American phenomenon that developed over the last century largely due to the great awakenings. Early on the pioneers of modern some modern denominations barely survived economically. Those minister\u2019s labors were based purely on love for God and truth.<\/p>\n

We should realize that when the great apostasy reaches its fullness, ministers will either compromise to make an income or find other means to make a living. Furthermore, pride may also be a factor. An unspoken principle is that either a pastor or evangelist is fully supported financially, or he is not anointed and enabled by God. That is not true. Attempting to hang on to a passing paradigm for the sake of pride or fear of change is not spiritually healthy. I have often wondered that if pastoring and other ministry was financially unprofitable, how many individuals would continue to be involved in those ministries. How many will pragmatically believe that their economic needs justify their compromise? I opine that we would see an exodus from ministry like rats leaving a sinking ship.<\/p>\n

A pastor rebuked me for warning that we must no longer remain in apostatized denominations. He declared that I was placing an undue hardship on ministers that have families, the need to provide for their children\u2019s college expenses, et cetera. When such arguments are made, they should be offered to God first. If He accepts those arguments, then what can I say against God\u2019s sovereign will? However, His will is not a secret revealed to a few people. Anyone filled with the Holy Spirit recognizes truth and God\u2019s will. The hardships of total surrender to God\u2019s will are not criteria for determining it. (Romans 8:18; Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:12-18)<\/p>\n

We need to remind ourselves often about how God views success. It is not based on how many people accept us, but how closely we identify with God\u2019s truth. It is not about people\u2019s compliments, how large our remuneration was, but about unwavering faithfulness to God. We should ask ourselves if we have the courage to accept that standard and maintain it to the end. That is the only qualification for having confidence that God will meet our needs in His way and according to His timing no matter what the circumstances.<\/p>\n

The time is rapidly approaching when all \u201cwolves\u201d and millions perhaps billions of their apostate followers will discard their \u201csheep\u2019s clothing.\u201d There will be no need for disguise when the overwhelming majority of professing Christians view evil as good and good as evil. When those wicked compromisers among us come into full view, it will be very discouraging. The sense of being alone will be overpowering except for comfort by the indwelling Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n

It is past time to develop intimacy with God, but not too late to do so. The deceived followers of demon-possessed heretics and \u201cJudas\u201d hirelings still have work to do for their master. They have not fully rid Christianity (the religion) of truth and God\u2019s Remnant. Individuals are working toward ecumenism with the RCC, complete acceptance of LGBTQ, and completion of other evil goals. The masses are blindly following. When the kingdoms of the entire world have become the kingdoms of Satan, they will happily join the multitude rejoicing in the New World Religion that is currying the favor of the New World Order.<\/p>\n

They will gladly exchange their masks for a mark. We must be waiting and enduring patiently to exchange our cross for a crown. Our opportunity to do that will come when the King of kings and Lord of lords returns with God\u2019s vengeance and wrath upon the wicked ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.\u201d \u2014 Revelation 11:15<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Elijah\u2019s Complaint: \u201cAnd he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.\u201d \u2014 1 Kings […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2055","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","post-preview"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paIm2N-x9","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2055"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2055"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2055\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2061,"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2055\/revisions\/2061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2055"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2055"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.truthkeepers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}