Newsletter #07 May
1997
Note this has
been updated with an article on Civil Disobedience
from the #10 Issue of October 1997
The article is located at the end of this section.
There is also
a good review of the Great Joy in Great Tribulation Book.
Blow a trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm on My Holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the
Lord is coming; surely it is near Joel 2:1
GREETING
This is our seventh attempt at writing a newsletter. I am aware
of the significance of the number seven. Although many of you may
see little if any difference in this edition, it was however more
difficult to write than the previous six. It is my prayer that
the Holy Spirit will open the readers' hearts and minds to any
truths found in these articles and close their hearts and minds
to anything that be false. There seems to be an eerie silence and
stillness in the land, much like the stillness and silence before
a deadly storm erupts. However not all is quiet - God's Holy
Spirit is calling out with an urgency that He has never declared
before. In the name of Yeshua(Jesus) hear the Holy Spirit as He
thunders out His solemn warning. REPENT! REPENT! JUDGMENT IS AT
HAND! THE LORD IS SURELY COMING!
IN THIS ISSUE YOU WILL READ
1. Watch Those Words (My perspective on the Patriot Movement)
2. Dimitri Duduman's Prophecy
3. Those Who
Bless Me (Great Joy in Great Tribulation Book
Review)
4. The Word
5. The Christian's Number One Enemy
6. A Postscript
7. Civil
Disobedience
WATCH THOSE WORDS
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark"
Polonius, the Lord Chamberlain, asked Hamlet "What are you
reading my lord?" Hamlet replied "Words, words,
words." Words without firing a shot have caused shots to be
fired that have changed the course of history. Words can be
powerful and convincing. Words can uplift a person or cut them
into pieces.
The epistle of James tells us: But no one can tame the tongue; it
is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless
Our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made
in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing
and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
James 3:8-10
In the current edition of the oxford English Dictionary there are over 572,000 words. The average man uses four to five thousand words in his normal speech. I have read where Shakespeare used as many as 20,000 words in his vast vocabulary. Over the course of history some words have changed in their archetypal meaning. Their definitions have sometimes mutated to the complete opposite of the original word. One such archetype is the word "gay". This word has drastically mutated from its original definition. When I graduated from high school in 1966 my Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary gave the definition of "gay" as joyful, lively, merry, and lighthearted. Another definition was bright, brilliant colors. Many parents in that era, and before, named their female children Gay. However the word "gay" is used in an entirely different context today. We can thank the liberal media and a well organized plot by homosexual activists for the perversion of this word gay. Homosexuals want to be known as gay, but the Bible calls this practice sin and an abomination. I must add if you are living a homosexual lifestyle, God wants to forgive you and set you free. Yeshua (Jesus), has paid the price for all sin.
There is another word
that the liberal press and other socialist groups have totally
obliterated, and have caused its mutation from a strong, sound,
honorable word to a dangerous, threatening, and frightening word.
Brothers and sisters, that word is "patriot". If you
describe yourself as a patriot or a member of a militia group you
will find people backing off from you. Whether you call them
patriots or militia, according to the socialist Clinton - Reno
liberal crowd, you are talking about a demented, evil, wild eyed,
white supremist, half-crazed terrorist. This has not taken place
by accident, but by a well orchestrated plan by the liberal
media, using words to change the minds of millions. Brothers and
sisters, watch those words and how they are a-changing. I am
thankful for the true patriot movement. True Bible believing
patriots have a great heritage. People like Everett Hale who
said, "I am only one, but I am one, I cannot do everything,
but I can do something. What I can do I should do and, with the
help of God, I will do!" Everett Hale was the popular
American Author who wrote "The Man Without A Country"
in 1863, and over 50 other books. Everett Hale was the nephew of
Nathan Hale, the revolutionary patriot, who was executed by the
British after uttering his famous words, "I only regret that
I have but one life to lose for my Country."
I have heard the media using a lot of words criticizing patriots
for being against gun control. Suddenly when you have a weapon of
any kind, you are stockpiling arms. The Clintons and their crowd
want to protect all of us decent people, so they take away our
guns. They want to make our streets safer. It reminds me of words
spoken in the past:
"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration! Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future." Adolf Hitler. So many people watch the 6:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. news of CNN, and fall victim to the hypnotic words of the talking heads. Brothers and sisters, true patriotism is not wrong. Theodore Roosevelt said "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any public official, save exactly to the degree he himself stands by the country." Mark Twain said "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man and brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."
I readily admit, in
this patriot movement, there are probably about 20% who are evil
and deranged. They are racist, anti-semitic, and are driven by
the spirit of hate, while satan himself fans the flames of their
bigotry. However, 80% or so are God fearing, law abiding men and
women, who happen to believe in the Bible, the constitution, and
who love this country.
Brothers and sisters, the clock is in the process of striking
midnight. The patriots are simply endeavoring to protect what
freedoms we have left. The bear is not dead, but much alive, but
the eagle is fast asleep. Our country has been stricken, blow
after blow, by the words of the liberal media. The patriots are
trying to keep the crutches from falling from underneath the arms
of a crippled America.
In closing, you who are criticizing me for taking a pro patriot
stance, and especially those of you who are condemning the
movement as a whole, then let me remind you that "evil
triumphs when good men do nothing."
Although I totally agree that neither a patriot, or anyone else,
can change what Yahweh God has ordained, at the same time
remaining silent to the beguiling and the evil schemes of satan
is just as evil as the schemes themselves.
DIMITRI DUDUMAN'S PROPHECY
DIMITRI DUDUMAN PASSES (reported by Mark Ensign 5/5/97) Dimitri
Duduman has passed on to glory. Before he died he reportedly said
that if he died it would be a signal that we are very close to
the nuclear destruction of the USA. On this SWR program they
discussed current enemy flyovers of Israel to check radar
lock-ons and coordinates.
This is brother
Duduman's prophecy received April 22, 1996. I prayed, then went
to bed. I was still awake, when suddenly I heard a trumpet sound.
A voice cried out to me, "Stand!" In my vision, I was
in America. I walked out of my home, and began to look for the
one who had spoken to me. As I looked, I saw three men dressed
alike. Two of the men carried weapons. One of the armed men came
to me. "I woke you to show you what is to come," he
said. "Come with me." I didn't know where I was being
taken, but when we reached a certain place he said "stop
here!" A pair of binoculars was handed to me, and I was told
to look through them. "Stand there, don't move, and
look." he continued. "You will see what they are
saying, and what they are preparing for America."
As I was looking, I saw a great light. a dark cloud appeared over
it. I saw the president of Russia, a short chubby man, who said
he was the president of China, and two others. The last two also
said where they were from, but I did not understand. However, I
gathered they were part of Russian controlled territory. The men
stepped out of the cloud. The Russian president began to speak to
the Chinese one. "I will give you the land with all the
people, but you must free Taiwan of the Americans. Do not fear,
we will attack them from behind."
A voice said to me, "Watch where the Russians penetrate
America." I saw these words being written: Alaska;
Minnesota; Florida. Then, the man spoke again, "When America
goes to war with China, the Russians will strike without
warning." The other two presidents spoke, "We, too,
will fight for you." Each had a place already planned as a
point of attack. All of them shook hands and hugged. Then they
all signed a contract. One of them said, "We're sure that
Korea and Cuba will be on our side, too. Without a doubt,
together, we can destroy America."
The president of Russia began to speak insistently, "Why let
ourselves be led by the Americans? Why not rule the world
ourselves? They have to be kicked out of Europe, too! Then I
could do as I please with Europe!"
The man standing beside me said, "This is what you saw: they
act as friends, and say they respect the treaties made together.
But everything I've shown you is how it will really happen. You
must tell them what is being planned against America. Then, when
it comes to pass, the people will remember the words the Lord has
spoken. "Who are you?" I asked. "I am the
protector of America, America's sin has reached God. He will
allow this destruction, for He can no longer stand such
wickedness. God however, still has people that worship Him with a
clean heart as they do His work. He has prepared a heavenly army
to save these people." As I looked, a great army, well armed
and dressed in white, appeared before me. "Do you see
that?" the man asked? "This army will go to battle to
save My chosen ones. Then, the difference between the Godly and
the ungodly will be evident."
The above information was obtained from Jim Searcy's Web Page.
You can read about Jim Searcy in my article "Those Who Bless
Me."
THOSE WHO
BLESS ME
Around 1970, I like thousands of people, read "The Late
Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey. It was Lindsey's book
that helped foster my love for Bible eschatology. Since I read
Lindsey's book, Bible prophecy has been a favorite and ongoing
study of mine. I no longer agree with Mr. Lindsey on everything
he had to say, especially his theory on a pre-trib rapture.
However, it was still his book which had a positive impact on my
study of eschatology.
I want to tell you about another book that has had a very
powerful impact on my life. The book is called "Great Joy In
The Great Tribulation" by Jim Searcy. Now unless the Lord
performs a miracle, Mr. Searcy's book may never sell as many
copies as Mr. Lindsey's, however I certainly hope it does. This
is a very powerful book. I wholeheartedly recommend you obtain a
copy. Its more than a "good read" - it's filled with
strong words of truth. Jim Searcy takes the view that the church
will indeed go through the great tribulation, but like the title
proclaims there can be great joy in doing so. Jim believes we
must repent, and abide in Yeshua if we are to have and obtain
this great joy. Jim, as the Holy Spirit guided him, was able to
write a book with great depth, yet with simplicity. You can use
this book, not just for Bible study, but for your devotional time
as well. Much of the book is from selected Scriptures with Jim's
added comments. If you have any kind of interest in last days
studies, I can assure you this book is well worth the $12.00
suggested donation.
Jim Searcy also has a tape entitled "Oblation". This tape is free for the asking. Listening to the tape you can hear the urgency in Jim's voice as he describes these last hours of history as we know it. Jim Searcy, like myself, has a love for the Jewish people, and he is more than informed on the current activities in the Middle East and Israel. I hope you will write for the tape. I think you will find yourself listening to it over and over again.
In
addition to all this, Jim has a very informative web page that is
crammed full of vital information. I obtained Dimitri Duduman's
prophecy off of Jim's web page. I believe Jim Searcy to be a man
of God, who is doing his best to proclaim the truth.
To order the book or obtain the free copy of the tape write to:
ALEPH TAV Messianic Congregation
2922 Vance Jackson
San Antonio, Texas 78213
or call (210) 342 - 4718
www.moresureword.com/
THE WORD
There is a travesty in our church and in the nation. The Word is
not being read as it should be. It is banned from our schools.
Many Christians only open their Bibles at church. Even more of a
travesty perhaps, is that many preachers only open their Bibles
to get a proof text to support their sermon topic. We need to
return to the Word. One of the most strategic things the New
Testament Church needs to do today as we try to battle the evil
forces is to return to the Scriptures as the basis of authority,
and not necessarily to one's dream or latest vision. God's Word
was, and always will be, the final authority. In many parts of
the world people are dying for their faith in Yeshua and their
belief in the Bible. But here in our own country so many people
seldom open the Bible. It is so tragic, that a nation which calls
itself Christian, pays only lip service to a Bible that is not
read and to a way of life that is not followed. We as a nation
and as the church must return to the Word. If we are to be
victorious over the schemes of the evil one, we must arm
ourselves with the Word of God. The Word is our sword, and we
must use it daily in our lives.
Brothers and sisters, the Bible is God - breathed. It is the very breath of Yahweh God. The Bible was penned over a span of 1,500 to 1,600 years. The Holy Spirit used over 40 different authors to record His Words. The Bible was written in deserts, dungeons, prisons and palaces. The Word was written in three different languages - Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. In the past, like today, the Bible has been attacked, banned and burned. Many saints have been burned with their Bibles. Today Christians are being killed and their Bibles destroyed. However, true Christianity is strong, and the Word lives on.
We must accept the Bible totally on faith. Without faith we cannot please God. However, more and more archeologists and historians are validating the Bible's authenticity. The word testament means covenant, or agreement. Will you make a covenant with God now, that you will get into His Word? Brothers and sisters we need to return to the Word.
THE CHRISTIANS'S NUMBER ONE ENEMY
Too many of us, who like to be known as Christians, are
endeavoring to live the Christ-like life in the power of our own
flesh. If we are trying to fight the evil world system in our
fleshly power, we will come to know that the power we are
fighting in is just as evil as the power we are fighting against.
We will never experience victory over satan and the world in the
power of the flesh. I call the flesh our number one enemy. Today
the new Testament church is full of defeated Christians. True,
some may look victorious between 10:00 A.M. and 12 noon on
Sunday, but the rest of the week they are depressed and defeated.
They aspire to great victory, but end up in despair. As a
consequence of defeat after defeat, they think it's a way of
life. They walk through the day in a maze of illusions, they
spend endless nights tormented by bizarre dreams, only to return
to waking hours of more illusions. The cycle goes on and on, and
they remain in this hideous trance - like condition.
The flesh is our
number one enemy. The flesh is deleterious and baneful. The
poison of the flesh is lethal to the Christian life. The flesh
feeds on its own excrement. Oh, it may smell pleasant, and look
inviting, but take off the camouflage and look beyond its covert
activities, and you will find a lake of sewage. Whether the flesh
manifests itself in sin that can be spotted outright, or it is
clothed in church lingo and doctrine, it is still a cesspool. The
flesh is our number one enemy. Certainly satan is the enemy of
all Christians. As Yeshua describes him in Matthew 13:39, satan
is real, and is unleashing his demons as never before at any time
in history, because he knows that his time is short. We can have
victory over this enemy, but first we must destroy the power of
the flesh. It's my belief that once the flesh has been adequately
dealt with then victory over the evil world system and satan will
become much easier.
When I was a pastor of a church in Oklahoma, there was an
occasion when a group of the pastors were traveling together,
returning from a conference we had attended. Like the
conversation usually ran, we were attempting to dissect and
exegesize passages of Scripture. You probably know the script -
who can give their best slant on a verse - who knows the most
$50.00 words. We were discussing Galatians 5 and works of the
flesh. Several of us took our turn to give our assessment of what
Paul was writing about. One of the older pastors spoke up and
said, "Brothers I have very few fruits of the Spirit, but
almost all the works of the flesh." He spoke this in a quiet
and somber voice. Few, if any of us, made a reply. We stopped
talking and started thinking. A few of us may have even prayed
silently. I wondered how many of us could have agreed with him.
How many of you reading this article can agree with what the old
pastor had to confess.
Let's be honest with ourselves. You who claim to be Christians,
how many works of the flesh are there in you life? 1. immorality,
2. impurity, 3. sensuality, 4. idolatry, 5. sorcery, 6. enmities,
7. strife, 8. jealousy, 9. outbursts of anger, 10. disputes, 11.
dissensions, 12. factions, 13. envying, 14. drunkenness, 15.
carousing
Galatians 5:21 says .... those who practice such things shall not
inherit the kingdom of God. Let me hasten to point out that
warfare with the flesh is a lifetime battle as Paul describes in
Romans 7 and 8. However, you're either overcoming the flesh or
you're being overcome by it. You can't have it both ways. Either
the flesh is dying or it is eating you alive. Which is it? Are
you an overcomer or are you being overcome? Ask the Holy Spirit
to shine His penetrating light into the darkest corners of your
heart and search out all the living filth that has you bound. If
we are going to overcome the flesh, we must first confess we are
bound by it. Confess it. Agree with God that the works of the
flesh are being manifested in your life. Repent!
Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with
Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should
no longer be slaves to sin.
Galatains 2;20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no
longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who
loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.
Romans 6:11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but
alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Does the Bible mean what it says? We can either analyze these
Scriptures , or simply believe them. Does Romans 6:11 say
consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to Christ Jesus?
Brothers and sisters, we don't always have to feel something. We
must walk by faith, not by sight. Martin Luther said:
Feelings come and feelings go
And feelings are deceiving;
My warrant is the Word of God
Naught else is worth believing
Brothers and sisters, we must stop feeling a feeling and believe
God's Word by faith. We must appropriate Romans 6:6, Galatians
2:20 and Romans 6:11. Dealing with the flesh is something like
pulling weeds. When I was a young boy, I used to help my parents
in the garden. One of my jobs was pulling weeds. Many times I got
in a hurry and would pull at the weeds, but would leave the
roots. This seemed to actually strengthen them and make them
spread. You must get the root. The blood of Yeshua cleanses us
from all, all, all unrighteousness, but the cross deals with the
root of the sin. The blood deals with our sins, but the cross
deals with who we really are. While the blood of Yeshua washes
away our sins, the cross strikes at the very root. By the way
crucifixion is one of the most painful ways of execution. It's
agonizing and painful, but death must occur, the flesh must be
executed. Brothers and sisters, all your knowledge of the new
world order, and end time study will be of no value to you if you
are in the flesh. All you will accomplish is defeat, with some
head knowledge. Brothers and sisters, our flesh must die. Allow
Yeshua to use whatever method of crucifixion he chooses to
destroy your flesh, so you can live with Him. Brothers and
sisters, we must die, because Yeshua came as the last Adam. We
must live in Yeshua to be freed from the first Adam.
May this be our prayer: Lord, in the name of Yeshua, put an end
to this miserable fleshly life that I live. Strike the blows
needed at the root of my sin. Lord I believe I have been
crucified with you. Now may that be manifest in the way I live.
Destroy all the works of the flesh. Lord, as you rid me of my
flesh, fill me with your Holy Spirit. I accept your precious
infilling by faith. I now ask you to control my whole life, as I
continue to die to myself and live for you and in you. I trust my
victory over the flesh totally to you. I pray in the name of your
Son, Yeshua. Amen!
Brothers and sisters, now you are ready to battle the evil world
system and the devil. I leave you with one more scripture Romans
8:37 Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through
Him that loved us.
POSTSCRIPT
I was one of thousands of Christians who participated in the
March for Jesus rally, May 17, 1997. It was not a particularly
stressful or demanding task, in fact it was quite pleasant. We
had a police escort, good paved streets to walk on, and the
weather was great. I had great fellowship with my wife, one of my
daughters, two good friends, and a very little friend, who
accompanied us in his stroller. After walking for about half an
hour, we all gathered in a shaded park. We heard a lady share her
vision. We heard men and women from different races, and various
denominations lead us in prayer. We stood under the trees in the
breeze and listened to numerous individuals read their parts from
the program. It was certainly a spiritual time, and an event
worth remembering. However, as I stood listening and worshiping
with others, my thoughts quickly raced, for some reason, to the
suffering church. To those persecuted saints, who are being
tortured, maimed, and even killed, in countries like China, Sudan
and many others. Then my mind returned back to the event at hand.
Later that evening I was attempting to finish this newsletter.
Again, thoughts of the suffering church came to my mind, but they
were not fleeting. They pitched their tents there. They painted
vivid pictures of Christians in prison, maimed and killed for
their faith. I saw feet severed from bodies, and knees knocked
out of joint.
It is well documented that more Christians have been martyred for
their faith in the 20th century than in the other 19 centuries
combined. As you read this postscript there are Christians that
are imprisoned, tortured and dying in countries like: China,
Sudan, Pakistan, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Egypt,
Nigeria, Cuba, Laos, Uzbekistan. Thousands of believers are
currently suffering at the hands of the communists and militant
muslims. I believe rallies, such as I took part in will soon be
passe in America.
Does anyone really believe persecution won't happen to us? During
the regime of Hitler, the Nazis were notorious for their cruelty.
On one occasion they crowded all the Jews they could find from
Warsaw, Poland, into a ghetto, and then bombed it. Thousands were
massacred. In the rubble was found a petition of a child:
"God, I do not ask you to make my life easy; I do ask you to
make me strong." Perhaps we should start praying this prayer
now.
In my opening remarks of this newsletter, I said there seems to
be an eerie stillness and silence in America, much like the
silence and stillness before a deadly storm erupts. My dear
brothers and sisters, please hear me. Do not let my elementary
and feeble attempt of persuasion deter you from the warning. The
storm clouds of judgment and persecution have already gathered.
Yahweh's Holy Spirit is thundering out a warning that has never
been heard with this magnitude since Noah's flood. Before the
storm clouds of persecution erupt in America, won't you get right
with God now! Won't you get your house in order! Won't you
repent! THE TIME IS NOW! Much awaits us! Persecution will soon
rain upon this country. Won't you come to the ark of safety? That
ark is Christ. Whether you die for Him or are delivered by Him,
you must be in Him.
Now may the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob bless you through
His Son Yeshua.
In His Service
Jack Hunter
Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem
CIVIL
DISOBEDIENCE
(When Is It Right For A Christian To Fight)
Editor's Note: Given the gravity of this subject and its far
reaching consequences I implore you to use discernment as you
read this article and allow God's Holy Spirit to illuminate the
truths found within, and to nullify/render out anything that be
false or misleading. I readily admit I am in no way satisfied
with the style in which this article was penned - there is a lot
lacking. However, I am somewhat satisfied with the conclusions
themselves. Yet allow me to reiterate so that the Holy Spirit may
guide you as you read this article.
Let us immediately jump to the question at hand of civil
disobedience - (When is it right for a Christian to fight?). Many
have found themselves wrapped in the garment of confusion,
groping for answers to this vital and crucial question.
In this article you will read:
1. Two Diametrically Opposed Groups
2. Gleaning From History
3. The Battle At Hand
Two Diametrically Opposed Groups
Over the span of three or four weeks I have had the opportunity
to discuss this topic with several individuals. I have discovered
that there are two extremely opposing sides to this question. You
have two personalities - two different temperaments heading up
each group. On one side of the issue you have Mr. Malevolent
Heartless, while on the other side you have Mr. Passive Pigeon-
Hearted.
Mr. Malevolent Heartless is a "jack booted",
"Hitler minded", "Atilla The Hun", who will
pick up his sword (gun, etc.) at any cost and for just about any
reason to defend what his own demented view of liberty, freedom,
and honor is, all in the name of Yeshua, while uplifting the
cross. However, those in his group pervert Yeshua's Holy Name and
they use the cross as a symbolic sword to slash the throats of
their victims. They stockpile food, weapons, etc. for themselves
only. Their motto is the three G's: God, guns, and guts, not
necessarily in that order. They believe God has chosen them to
use anything in their means to destroy anything they deem as
evil. If the Mr. Malevolent Heartless group depicts your attitude
then I have a word for you: You will die in your own violent
folly and sin.
Mr. Passive-Pigeon Hearted heads up the other side. His group
never gets involved in anything that remotely resembles
controversy. They dare not think of taking a stand for anything ,
let alone civil disobedience. If Russia or Red China were to
attack us and land on our shores, this group would probably greet
them with flowers, flags, and flamboyant faces while holding
little signs that say, "We love you". Their act of
involvement is to shake their quiescent heads at tyranny or evil
and then go about their own apathetic agenda. The Mr. Pigeon
Hearted group enjoys what freedoms we still have left, but they
will criticize those individuals who paid with their blood in war
to make those freedoms possible. They would never use the cross
as a symbolic weapon. Instead they hide behind it in an attempt
to hide their own lackadaisical attitude or their own cowardice.
If you find that the Mr. Pigeon Hearted group depicts your
attitude, then you have followed the Pied Piper into the enemy's
camp and you have either been captured by the enemy or worse you
have by your own noninvolvement become their comrades. Your end
will also be destruction as you wallow in your shame.
Mr. Malevolent Heartless and Mr. Passive-Pigeon Hearted represent
a larger number than one might think. This frightens me. However
many find themselves somewhere in between these opposing views.
The balance isn't always in the middle. Only the Holy Spirit of
Yahweh knows where to place the fulcrum.
Today more than anytime in history, Christians need to take a
decisive stand against evil - but do it in love. While we are
taking this decisive stand, in love, we must be "a clear and
present danger" to all forms of tyranny , evil, and
anti-Messiah spirit. The status quo can no longer be the tent you
sleep in. The time is now to make some marked and crucial
decisions.
Gleaning From History
The earliest account of active resistance (civil disobedience) to
a tyrannical state is found in Exodus 1:15-27. Pharaoh had
declared an order, and Pharaoh was law . "Rex Lex"
means king is law. The law applied to the Hebrew midwives. The
midwives were told to murder each newborn male Hebrew baby. The
midwives feared God. They feared God so they broke the King's
law. They were guilty of civil disobedience. Thank God for these
brave God- fearing women.
You can tell much about the milieu of a country by how it treats
the very old and the very young, including the unborn. Any
country that embraces abortion and euthanasia for any reason is
evil. And laws that protect those who murder are not moral laws,
but are heinous. The immoral laws should be resisted. Thank God
for women, and men too, who get involved in the pro-life
movement.
In the book of Daniel - Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, better
known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, stood up in King
Nebuchadnezzar's face and said, "we will not bow". They
were in all actuality law breakers, but obedient to Yahweh. In
Acts 5, Peter and the apostles were put in prison. They had been
given strict orders not to teach in the Name of Yeshua. However,
that night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison
and instructed them to continue teaching the message of Yeshua.
When later questioned regarding their disobedience of violating
the order of teaching about Yeshua, Peter and the apostles said,
"We must obey God rather than man." Acts 5:29.
Brothers and sisters, righteousness is not necessarily wrapped up
in the law of the land, the flag or even the beloved
constitution, but in obeying God and Him alone. Constitutions can
be amended, but God never changes - His Word will abide forever.
Joshua is an example of a man (governing authority) skilled in
both military and spiritual matters as conveyed in Deuteronomy
34:9. Joshua led his people to victory and conquered the enemies
of God and Israel. Peace was accomplished and maintained, not
with the non-involvement, but with a sword! Keep in mind that the
wise use of force must only be ordained by God. There were
warriors in the Bible. Judges is just one of the many books that
speaks of these warriors. These "freedom fighters" are
applauded and held in high- esteem in the hall of fame chapter of
Hebrews 11.
And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the
prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of
righteousness, obtained promises, and shut the mouths of lions,
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from
weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign
armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection;
and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order
that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others
experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and
imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were
tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about
in sheepskins, in goat skins, being destitute, afflicted,
ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in
deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all
these, having gained approval through their faith, did not
receive what was promised, because God had provided something
better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made
perfect. Hebrews 11:32-40
Brothers and sisters, if we do not take a staunch and courageous
stand, if we are not tenacious in our thinking, if we continue
riding that fence, if we refuse to make some crucial decisions
for the Messiah and against evil today, then tomorrow it may be
impossible to make just and courageous decisions.
Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities.
For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist
are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has
opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will
receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause
of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no
fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from
the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you
do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for
nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath
upon the one who practices evil. Romans 13:1-4
The government is to punish evil and reward good. However, any
government that punishes good and rewards evil violates God's
Holy Law and enters into an area in which it has no divine
authority. It is null and void of any blessing from Yahweh as far
as "good government" is concerned. And we are to resist
it with not only a clear conscience but with the approval of
Yahweh Himself, for that government has become a tyranny and it
is not true government.
There are many voices in history expounding the same sentiments.
One such voice was Zwingli (1489-1531). He was a man of God and a
leading participant in the Swiss Reformation who was known as the
"fighting priest". He was killed in the midst of
battle, defending his family, church and nation. As a true pastor
with a shepherd's heart, he fought gallantly to protect his sheep
from the raging wolves, though it cost him his life.
Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) was a strong follower of Jesus
Christ. Rutherford was known as the patriarch of both the
Scottish and American Revolutions. The following are quotes from
Lex Rex written by Samuel Rutherford in 1644. "Tyranny being
a work of Satan is not from God, because sin, whether habitual or
actual, is not from God .... A power ethical, politic, or moral
to oppress (people) is not of God, and is not a (valid) power;
and is no more from God, but from sinful nature and the old
serpent, than a license to sin." (p. 32) "God hath
given no absolute and unlimited power to a king above the Law.
" (p.101) "Absolute power to tyrannize over the people
and to destroy them is not a power from God." (p.102)
John Lilburne (1618-1657), another of God's great servants, who
was also a furious opponent of tyranny and evil. This beloved
Quaker Preacher earned the title "Freedom John". The
following is a quote from "Legitimate defense" that he
wrote in 1653. "The most authentic servants of Christ have
always been the worst enemies of tyranny and the oppressor."
One recent voice from modern history is Frances Schaeffer. He is
still recognized as one of today's most influential Christians
thinkers of today. He has had a positive and profound effect on
my life as well as on the lives of thousands of others. The
following is a quote from his book "Christian
Manifesto".
There does come a time when force, even physical force, is
appropriate. The Christian is not to take the law into his own
hands and become a law unto himself. But when all avenues to
flight and protest have closed, force in the defensive posture is
appropriate. This was the situation of the American Revolution.
The colonists used force in defending themselves. Great Britain,
because of its policy toward the colonies, was seen as a foreign
power invading America. The colonists defended their homeland. As
such, the American Revolution was a conservative
counter-revolution. The colonists saw the British as the
revolutionaries trying to overthrow the legitimate colonial
governments.
A true Christian in Hitler's Germany and in the occupied
countries should have defied the false and counterfeit state and
hidden his Jewish neighbors from the German SS Troops. The
government had abrogated its authority, and it had no right to
make any demands,
( PP. 117-118).
Yeshua Himself was not passive as revealed in The Gospel of John.
And the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to
Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen
and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated. And He made a
scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the
sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the
money-changers, and overturned their tables; and to those who
were selling the doves He said, Take these things away; stop
making My Father's house a house of merchandise. John 2:13-16
Yeshua apparently believed in self defense.
And he said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take
it along, likewise also a bag, and let him who has no sword sell
his robe and buy one. For I tell you, that this which is written
must be fulfilled in Me, And He was numbered with transgressors;
for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment." And they
said, Lord, look, here are two swords. And He said to them,
"It is enough." Luke 22:36-38
In Luke 22:36-38, the sword was not used to kill, maim or destroy
, but it certainly was used for protection. We are to protect
ourselves and those in our care. To be passive when it comes to
protecting our families and those in our care is blatant sin!
The voices of history ring out a clear sound that must be heard
today. Perhaps it's time to overturn some tables. All throughout
history thousands have stood against evil at all cost. How many
decent men and women lost their lives during the demented Hitler
Regime when they refused to obey man's immoral laws but instead
chose to obey God's moral laws? Many hid Jews and other groups
who were sought by the state. Movies such as the "Hiding
Place" depict the courage of those who stood in the face of
tyranny even though it meant imprisonment, torture and/or death.
In writing this article I sought the advice of several men with
whom I correspond. One of these men is Gary Hahn. Below is a
letter he wrote me conveying his views on this topic. My
inclusion of his comments does not necessarily imply that he
concurs with my conclusions, but rather it simply means that he
was kind enough to oblige me as I sought his advice.
Dear Jack
Greetings in the name of Father Yahweh and our Redeemer, Lord
Yeshua.
Regarding the question of "Civil Disobedience", I would
suggest that this
is truly an issue of "Citizenship". While some would
seek to be at odds with government solely to do so, God's word
instructs us to obey Godly Law and as much as possible to live in
peace with all men. The issue revolves around whether we obey
government or Godly Law, and of course, we are clearly told to
obey God rather than men. Like those before us, we must clearly
count the cost, put our hand to the plow; without looking back,
seek first the Kingdom of God, resist the devil and as the
redeemed of the Lord say so.
Lifting up Yeshua, so as to position Him to draw all men, we will
find ourselves at odds with anything, government or otherwise,
that positions itself in direct conflict with God and his Laws.
Lawless rebellion cannot be measured against man's law, but
rather only by the true Lawgiver, Yahweh, and our Fellowship
relationship with Him. Often, to follow Yeshua will bring forth
the scorn of many; family, government, the courts and so on, and
we must choose whom we shall serve and trust, delight and commit
to that one.
To clearly understand Romans 13 we must come to terms with verses
3 and 4 as further defined by Isaiah 9:6-7 and we also need to
understand Romans 13:12-14 as defined by Isaiah 10:1-3 I trust
that the thoughts shared will be of blessing to you as you try
the spirit thru The Word and Prayer.
Bro.Gary L. Hahn, Rev., Pastor
I would personally like to thank three other brothers who I have
learned to love and respect, who also took time to correspond
with me as I struggled with writing this article. They are Ed
from California, Bill from Arkansas, and Jim from Texas. Thank
you my brothers!
The Things At Hand
There is a dense fog slowly descending over America. This is no
ordinary fog. It's a type of smog that reeks with the smell of
filth, putrefication and dung. This pungent effluvium carries in
its vapors a poison that has the potential to be lethal to us
all. This cloud of toxicity is engulfing us even as we read this
article. What is this cloud of toxic sewage? It is the new age of
sin, which isn't new at all - it's the polluted breath of satan
attempting to intoxicate and then asphyxiate us all. Our sins are
rampant and our repentance is nil.
There seem to be factions that are currently promoting their evil
agenda. Two of these groups are given more and more specialized
status by our government. These two groups are the radical
homosexuals and abortionists and their supporters. God stands
ready to forgive these individuals, but not only will they not
repent, but they flaunt their sins in God's face.
Any violence directed against the individuals who commit these
sins is just as corrupt and damnable as the sins they themselves
are committing. However, turning our heads from these
abominations is just as evil in its own right.
Today we take in stride what we would have fought tooth and
toenail against 25 years ago. "So they want to build another
abortion mill - go ahead, what do we care." So what if the
"gay" lifestyle is depicted as normal on the networks.
Nothing shocks us any more. We condone millions of babies being
slaughtered and wink at perversion.
Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They
were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to
blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the
time that I punish them, They shall be cast down, says the Lord.
Jeremiah 6:15
Today when Christians speak out against these two sins they are
labeled as mean-spirited and bigots. The Christians have suddenly
become the evil ones. Its decision making time. To be a real
blood-bought, sold out Christian and be accepted by the pagan
world will soon be passe, in fact it already is. Following Yeshua
wholeheartedly may someday cost you your life. No matter what the
cost we need to decide today if we are going to spend eternity
with Him rejoicing in the light, or bow to the false god of
acceptance and spend eternity without Him screaming in outer
darkness. Any government that changes God's truth into a lie
should be resisted by the believer. Any country that embraces
tyranny should not be obeyed but stood against.
Churches your 501C3 tax shield, which you have hidden behind to
protect you from the infamous and illegal IRS, will soon become
an albatross around your neck. You either will become a puppet
for the politically correct, New World Order crowd, or face the
consequences you have been trying so hard to avoid.
There is a New World Order beast government coming which will be
ruled by the
Anti -Messiah. Persecution awaits all Christians. Satan has
always wanted to be like God. He tries to counterfeit what Yahweh
is doing, so he will try all the more in these last days. Can we
change anything that God has ordered?? A thousand times, no!
However, we are never to sit by while the world is led to its
grave by satan's hypnotic song of death.
We must be willing to take an unyielding stand against tyranny,
sin, and anything satan is orchestrating. HOW DARE WE wallow in
our prosperity, refuse to be committed to anything except our own
blessing, while our fellow Christians are in some cases paying
with their very lives in some 60 countries which are ruled by
tyrannical and draconian regimes.
Brothers and sisters, let me make something emphatically clear -
I am in no way advocating the overthrow of anything with violence
(guns, bombs, etc.). This is sheer folly and sin. What I am
advocating is that we must obey God rather than man! We must be
watchmen on the wall. We must never compromise with wickedness.
We must stand staunch and ready for battle in the face of evil
and tyranny and never give up. We must uplift Yeshua as the One
and only hope for the human race. We must have our eyes set like
flint on the King of Kings ( He is Rex Lex) under the banner of
the cross. We must in the Power of God's Holy Spirit, stand
against satan at all costs, even if it means our lives. We must
never back down, never back down, never back down. Amen.
"If there is no final place for civil disobedience, then the
government has been made autonomous, and as such, it has been put
in the place of the Living God. If there is no final place for
civil disobedience, then the government has been put in the place
of the Living God, because then you are to obey it even when it
tells you in its own way at that time to worship Caesar. And that
point is exactly where the early Christians performed their acts
of civil disobedience even when it cost them their lives."
Frances Schaeffer