EMBASSY MOVE, is it Psalm 83 waiting?

Dear friends and readers,

Peace and grace to all of you in this most uncertain time in world history.

The questions we must ask ourselves today are simple; Is war really in the offing and will it be based on Psalm 83? Will moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem be the spark that ignites the already dangerously out of control Middle East?

My thinking? Yes it will, but how long will it take for the REAL violence to ramp up? Ah, if we only knew for sure.

As always, I file the "no prophet" disclaimer. My calling is to analyze current events and compare them to what I see in the Word of God. But at no time do I ever use the "God told me so" rhetoric that seems to be alive and well with so many authors today.  In this article,  I am going to tell you what I think and then you decide for yourself.

We all know that the Middle East is a dry tinder box rife with threats, violence, extremism, hate and outright lies to try and change history. Of course you do know that it IS possible to change history don't you?  No?  Well, when history is no longer taught in school, then the general populace will believe whatever is fed to them "AS HISTORY" by whom ever is doing the speaking at the time.

EXAMPLE: Frequently when speaking to folks about the timing of the eventual rapture of the church, it is inconceivable to me that so many people (long time church goers) say exactly the same thing; "I thought I was a pre trib, post trib, and then a mid trib believer, but then I read an article by so and so. Then I read another article by old what's his name. Then I read an article by Joe the rag picker.  Everyone disagrees and now I don't know what to believe"!

Seldom, if ever,  do these same folks go back to the Bible itself and check what it says. It is the same with history.  People tend to believe the last thing they heard, not what actually happened in the recorded pages of history.  For example, the issue of who actually owns Jerusalem is clearly recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 24:24.  King David PURCHASED what is now the Temple Mount area from a man named "ARAUNAN" for 50 Shekels of silver.  He even got some oxen thrown in with the deal. King David was the second king of Israel, is the spiritual earthly descendant of the Messiah of Israel, Jesus Christ, and all that happened over 3000 years ago.  Jerusalem has always belonged to the Jewish people and has always been Israel's capital city. PERIOD!

All false claims to the contrary, the so called Palestinian people did not even come into existence until Yasser Arafat decided to change history and declare it to be so.  And factually speaking,  Muhammed, the prophet of the Muslim people did not live and walk the earth until 570 A.D.  That would be about 1,500 years after King David purchased the land.  But now because of attempts to change history, somehow the Muslim Palestinian people "have always" owned Jerusalem?  I don't think so.  Let's get real here shall we.

5 U.S. Presidents had the opportunity to move the US Embassy but out of fear that the flaunted peace deal between Israel and the PLO might some how suffer, they demurred.  Finally a US President had the "chutzpah"to  put into law that which the US congress MADE INTO LAW 5 presidents back!

But according to lots of leaders worldwide, this president is acting with incompetence and failure. One such leader by the way would be the Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran.  What a surprise. (sic)  Is that not the very same Ayatollah who has sworn to wipe Israel off the map? What a shame the United Nations seems completely incapable of connecting the dots........!

Then the European Union's top diplomat claims that moving the US Embassy will undermine the peace efforts? Well maybe that guy failed to remember that Israel had offered SEVERAL TIMES to settle the deal with the Palestinians including giving to them all of the Gaza strip. Maybe he could try a little harder to remember that each and every time it was the Palestinian leadership who refused to settle, not Israel.

Then we have the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh declaring; "This move is an uncalculated gamble that will know no limits to the Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim reaction". And further threats and hints of coming war  from the leaders of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and very many other Middle East countries.

The pot is boiling and the machines of war are once again ramping up. Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Syria and others in the region suddenly  have their excuse.  Do I think that war is coming? Yes and I personally doubt we will have to wait long for it to begin. Who knows which spark will ignite this particular forest fire. But ignite it it will. Have no doubt.

In reference to Psalm 83, the belief that this obvious war is yet future is admittedly somewhat of a speculation. Who knows, perhaps something like Psalm 83 already happened eons past (which some do speculate), but it does not mean that the same circumstances cannot once again play themselves out.  An example is the prophesied war of Gog from the land of Magog in Ezekiel chapters 38-39. That will take place sometime after the rise of the antichrist of Daniel chapter 9. BUT it happens again in the book of Revelation in chapter 20 verses 7-10. Many people are confused about this but remember that two such wars 1000 years apart can be launched from the same geographic area but with different people involved. The first war of Gog from the land of Magog is an event brought about by God Himself. The Gog and Magog war in Revelation is clearly stated as being instigated by satan.

Anyway, yes there will be a war and I do think it is imminent , and it may well begin during the first half of 2018.  Yes, I think that the chances are great that this will be the Psalm 83 war. To clarify that you may want to look up my article of February 26, 2017 entitled "PSALM 83, IS WAR IMMINENT"?.  It is listed under the blog archives of www.lastdaysreview.blogspot.com

Finally, yes, I do believe the announcement that the U.S. Embassy will be moved and that the United States finally recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital could be the very spark that ignites the Middle East and provides sufficient run up of Biblical prophecy to launch such horrendous events that  could eventually lead to the advent of the antichrist initiating  a peace deal between Israel and her neighbors. A peace deal of 7 years duration. The time of Jacob's trouble also known as the 7 years of tribulation.  When? I don't know and neither does anyone else. No date setting here. But come it will and the clock is counting down.

But first? THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH. Come quickly Lord Jesus.  I don't know when but we all need to be prepared.

God bless you all today
Remember that prayer works.

Pastor Rance.

SOUND BIBLICAL DOCTRINE or 33,000 "Christian" Denominations" take your pick!

Dear friends and readers,

Last weeks article was about the great falling away listed as an end times event in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 3. We know this is an end times event because the actual wording also includes the revealing of the "man of sin" (the antichrist of Daniel chapter 9). These scriptures in 2 Thessalonians pretty well describe the order with which these end times events will unwind.

Before I launch into a follow up on that article, I have a couple of announcements for my regular readership: 1). This is Thanksgiving week so my staff is on vacation. I am however posting the article below because many of you have expressed interest in the "great falling away" and this break in my regular publishing schedule allows me to explain further and throw some other aspects into the old theological pot.

2). I have been praying the the Lord will show me how and when to expand my already published 3 weekly blogs. The answer to that came to me recently in the form of another blog entitled, WHERE DID MY LOVED ONES GO? No one knows when the rapture of the church will happen but I for one want to continue to minister to the lost even after I am no longer in this world. Articles published on the internet through blogs stay there forever. To this day I am notified when people from various countries lock onto articles that I wrote several years ago. Consequently I have launched a new blog at the following address;

www.wheredidmylovedonesgo.blogspot.com

The very first article is now posted entitled DID MILLIONS OF PEOPLE JUST DISAPPEAR? CONFUSED? READ HERE TO GET YOUR ANSWERS. Once again this blog is intended to simply "float around" out there in cyberspace and be available for people to find after the eventual rapture of the church happens. I plan to write several dozen articles on that blog site with various titles that someone left behind might think of to look up on the internet. FYI!


This week, I want to take you on a journey and to do so I have to build a case for my premise that satan himself has been extremely successful in dividing the church into bite size pieces that he can devour at will. Ergo, much more potential falling away.

2 Thessalonians chapter 2 Verse 3 says, "Let no one deceive you by any means" For that day will not come (emphasis on WILL NOT), unless 1). The falling away comes first 2). And the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.

Pretty clear don't you think? But I need to back track a bit so we have a full understanding so stay with me and we will get there.

 Later in chapter 2, this issue of timing is clarified to a fare-thee-well. In verse 5 the Apostle Paul says "Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things?" These words were penned in a second letter to the church of Thessalonica. In the first letter to that church Paul had identified the event which came to be called the RAPTURE of the church. A great calling away from the earth of all church age believers alive at the time Christ decides to come back for His Bride, the church. Now in the second letter Paul is giving us the timing of events yet to come.

Going back to verse 6, Paul says "Now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time". So who is he? The "man of sin" is identified and Paul gives us a crash course on this guys personality and ugly little plan. Verse 4 describes him and tells us what to look for. "Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God". Talk about a personality disorder on steroids. This guy, the eventual antichrist has a pride issue of grand proportions. Since he is the antichrist he will be the polar opposite of the true Christ, Jesus the Messiah of Israel.  The wording "showing HIMSELF" that he is God should be the dead give away.  The book of Revelation chapter 12 verse 9 says that the serpent of old, the devil, satan WHO DECEIVES THE WHOLE WORLD was cast out of heaven. NOTE: Keep your finger on the words WHO DECEIVES THE WHOLE WORLD, for future reference.

Depending upon which author you are reading the antichrist is either physically entered by the one called satan at about the mid point of Revelation (3 1/2 years into the 7 years of tribulation) or he is completely controlled by satan who has his own celestial body. For me the difference is not worth arguing over but some folks do, just as they do over very many things clearly defined within the pages of the Bible. One way or another the timing is clearly stated in 2 Thessalonians, not once but twice.

There are also those who will  cause argument about verse 6. The question? Who is restraining and what is He restraining? The "what" is ultimate evil in the form of antichrist. The "who" as far as I am concerned is the Holy Spirit. We know that within the Trinity of God, He displays Himself to mankind in 3 different personalities but He is still only 1 God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

So, let's think that through; God the Father is omnipresent. He is literally present everywhere at once so He, the Father can never be taken out of the way of anything. Jesus Christ the Son was taken out of the way (temporarily at the cross of Calvary) and currently sits at the right hand of the father in heaven awaiting the word to come back for His Bride, the church. That leaves the Holy Spirit.  In Acts chapter 2,  Jesus Disciples were all together with one accord on the day of Pentecost. That was when they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts chapter 4 verse 31 reinforces that doctrine by stating "and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness".

So we know that the Holy Spirit inhabits believers within the church. One of the job descriptions of the Holy Spirit is to convict of sin without which evil will always grow and violence increase. This will make sense as we discover how satan deceives the whole world including many within the church.  Back to first and second Thessalonians, we know that the church will eventually be called to heaven by the Lord and no where in the word of God does it ever say that after being filled with the Holy Spirit, that portion of the Trinity of God is ever withdrawn from believers. Consequently, it is the Holy Spirit who now restrains evil but when the church is raptured along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, then the remainder of verse 6 will happen and "he, the man of sin will be revealed". This is the prescribed order of things to come; 1). Rapture 2). end of restraint of evil by the Holy Spirit 3). Revealing of the man of sin, the antichrist. This is one of the many reasons we know that the rapture takes place before the advent of the 7 years of tribulation but that is the subject for another article.

What does all that  have to do with sound doctrine and  the title of this article? Remember when I said keep your finger on "satan who deceives the whole world"?

Last weeks article zeroed in on what the great falling away is. A falling away from sound Biblical doctrine. And I can expand that to include an extremely fractured church worldwide. We know for certain that this will happen coming into the end times. 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they WILL NOT endure sound doctrine." Couple that with "satan who deceives the whole world" and we have a clue as to why Jesus says to MANY in Matthew chapter 7 "I never knew you, depart from Me you who practice lawlessness."

Or do we somehow think that by virtue of being a Christian we are not included as part of the whole world who can be deceived by satan?  When the church first began (albeit much smaller than todays estimate of 2 billion 500 million believers worldwide), the very first admirable characteristic was that they were in ONE ACCORD! Can anyone truthfully say that about the church today?

Did you know that the World Christian Encyclopedia in 2012 listed a worldwide existence of 33,830 Christians denominations? That's amazing when you consider that all of us share two things in common; 1). Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 2). The Bible. However obviously all kinds of cultures are involved here but the fact is, culture should never change the Bible. The Bible, the words of God, should always conform each and every culture to a single Godly standard. An example of how satan gets his slimy foot in the church house door is as follows; A question for you to think about.  Who is right? The denominations who claim that all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12) all passed away with the last Apostle? Or those who claim that everyone should speak in tongues? Biblically neither of those are true but those two decidedly different views of something the Bible never says have separated Christians for multiple eons.

Or how about entire congregations torn asunder by the color of church carpeting or song books? How about thousands being driven completely out of church because of unbiblical church legalism or license (to sin). Or head coverings and long dresses opposed to concentrating on the condition of the human soul? The use of alcohol verses non alcohol? A huge thing in some denominations and a no brainer in others. While at the very same time, people within the church on both sides of that issue are dying daily from nicotine poisoning and diabetes (in many cases from food abuse) which are seldom if ever discussed in church. In most western countries you are taking your life in your own hands by even mentioning the condition of "overweight"! In Mexico where I served as a pastor for 25 years, being overweight is often celebrated as a sign of prosperity. Same issue but treated differently by the very same denominations in different countries but through rose colored glasses.

In the course of my career in ministry I have had the pleasure of traveling and either teaching or doing some kind of missionary work in several countries. I have always been willing and frankly happy to cross denominational lines. Not that  I approve of some denominational doctrines or practices but I have always believed that as Christians we should be able to find some common ground to walk on. Frankly that has not always worked because there is great suspicion between many of our denominations. You know, the old "we are saved but they are not routine?" But I continue to try. At first I was utterly shocked when I discovered that some habit, action or type of clothing that would be considered extremely sinful in a particular countries denomination, was perfectly OK and practiced regularly in another country by the very same denomination.  I have seen that first hand in many places. I just don't think that kind of religiosity is something the Lord would approve of.

In a way, I do understand because as a man with a pastors heart myself, we all want the folks in our congregations to be the very best they can be in Christ Jesus. But what I have learned is that Holiness cannot be regulated into existence. Holiness is something that proceeds from the heart of a person who is in love with their Creator. Man made rules of conduct cannot make that happen and in fact is responsible for driving many people out of churches. For a crash course in church legalism and what the Bible has to say about that please refresh yourself in Colossians chapter 2.

What do you think would happen if every denomination simply taught the Bible exactly as written? Maybe then we would ably to come together ALL WITH ONE ACCORD. If that were the case and every Christian worldwide depended solely on his or her Bible for the correct answers, and held their pastors and teachers to that Biblical standard??? Well, I for one do not think that satan would be able to divide and conquer within the church . He might be able to continue to deceive the whole world but that would be minus those who are believers. Maybe we would no longer need 33,830 denominations. Maybe the only denomination we would need is the one headed up by Jesus Christ.

I am going to close this article by making a statement that may shock some of you. I think what we are seeing develop is two separate and distinct churches of Jesus Christ. Man's version of the church with all those unbiblical rules and regulations or the proverbial "wink" at sin agenda. And a much smaller true church of Jesus Christ who has the motto, "God said what He meant and meant what He said"! Does that sound judgmental to you? I don't mean it that way at all and I am not one of those who thinks my way is the only way.

What I do think is that Jesus way is the only way.

God bless you all. THINK BIBLE!!!
Pastor Rance.

The great falling away. What is it?

Dear friends and readers,

The falling away.  What is it?   2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 3 is speaking of  "the day of the Lord---and the man of sin".  Basically in the context of the Rapture of the church. Verse 3 includes the words "The falling away comes first".  Last week I put a post on one of my FaceBook feeds and was asked by a lady if I had written any articles on "The falling away"?  Since I had not for a long time, this seemed like the perfect time to do so.

A very long time ago when I was a young pastor, I thought that the falling away would be in a time near the end of the church era when people (believers) would actually begin denying Christ.  Of course in those days I knew very little about end times events and even less about Bible Prophecy.

Now after being a student of Biblical prophecy and a teacher/writer thereof for many years, I have come to realize something entirely different.  Of course I am sure along the way there have been a few "believers" who have actually denied Christ for whatever reason.  In fact I myself know of a couple of people who did exactly that.  Difficult to imagine.  We could argue about whether of not these people really were believers to begin with but that would get us no where since only the Holy Spirit knows for certain.  For those people who have ever done that despicable act there will be no possibility of returning to the faith according to Hebrews 6:4-6  "For it is IMPOSSIBLE for those once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, IF THEY FALL AWAY (my emphasis added), to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame".  Scary!

But to clarify, I do not believe the scripture in Hebrews is referring to believers who make occasional mistakes that require repentance.  This is referring to a TOTAL AND COMPLETE falling away as in walking away from and denying Christ.

While I suppose that has happened to some extent over the centuries, I do not believe that 2 Thessalonians is speaking in that context.  I would like to add here though that I have always urged great caution for people who somehow cast their anger upon a Holy and Righteous God because somehow mankind has injured them.  Some church has let them down, a loved one has died of accident, cancer or some other malady resulting in a person believing that God somehow caused it too happen or even allowed it to happen.  Not so.  Maybe this is a good time for a small "bunny trail" because I know for certain that very many people do blame God for natural circumstances or mean spirited actions by other humans.

It reminds me of one of the greatest travesties of all time;  The Holocaust of WWII in which a despicable tyrant tried to wipe out the Jewish people and in fact killed over 6 million people including 2 million children.  A horribly tragic indictment on mankind in general.  But God neither caused nor allowed that to happen. So many times I have heard, "God allowed the Holocaust so Israel could become a nation in 1948".  No, No, NO!  Folks have that all backwards and forget that after the events of the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden (Genesis chapter 3), mankind in general has carried the scars from that terrible mistake ever since.  And it was only after the first coming of the Son of God and His substitutionary death on the cross of Calvary that the original sin (and our personal sins ) were atoned for---but ONLY for those who repented for their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

From the Garden of Eden until now all mankind has been born in sin and the ONLY escape is through Jesus Christ.  For those who are not believers in Christ terrible things can develop in and through their lives.  I am not talking here about the age old saying,  "bad things can happen to good people".  Which of course can be true.  But rather, without the anchor of the Holy Sprit in the lives of any man or woman, terrible proclivities can lead to extreme behavior including a drive for excessive power, extreme wealth through any means, sexual deviations, drug abuse, crime and violence to mention only a few.

God did not cause or even allow the Holocaust.  An evil dictator, Adolf Hitler did that all by himself and much more.  But God did in fact do something;  Romans 8:28  "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose".   In other words, while God did not cause terrible catastrophe to land upon His chosen people, after the fact He did  use those events to once again begin bringing His people home to their beloved land of Israel.  Also during WWII it has been documented that God used very many Christians to save and protect countless lives from extinction.  And He used some non Christians as well.

Can you see the difference here?  I hope so because that brings me back to the point.  It is a dangerous and uncalled for thing to blame God for circumstances that either happen by design of mankind or through the natural evolution of the effects of mankind living in a diseased and sin ridden world.

In fact that leads us directly to the thresh hold of "FALLING AWAY".  So the question is, falling away from what?

The answer to that is found in scripture.  2 Timothy 4:3  (The Apostle Paul speaking to a young pastor by the name of Timothy).  The context is the end times.  "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  And they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables".  Earlier in 2 Timothy we find the words (Chapter 3 verse 7---speaking of eventual apostasy)  "Always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth).  But first what are itching ears?  It is a matter of mankind, even some within the church looking around for pastors to tell them what they want to hear, irrespective of what the Bible actually says.  I have run into this many times when people seeking marriage counseling "shop around" for a pastor or counselor who will tell them what they want to hear.

I need to be really careful here with what I am about to say because I do not want to lead anyone to believe that Bible studies are bad or that Studying the Bible will do anything but make one better in their walk with the Lord.  Still I do have a question for you?  Do you know people within the church who have attended Bible study after Bible study, year in and year out?  But do not seem to be able to put those principles to work in their own lives?  Many have been successful but in my experience much fewer of them take that knowledge outside the paint on the inside of the church door.  No broad brush strokes here folks so if you do use that information to help people outside the church to come to faith then good for you.  And yes once again, of course the study of God's word is in itself very edifying for our personal lives and walk with the Lord.

But many do not take the information they learn to the outside world.   In fact for many the learning of great stuff from the Bible has become a way to make themselves better with little thought about an unsaved world.  Once again no blanket condemnation there. That is why Paul speaks in terms of  "ALWAYS LEARNING AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH"!  And what is the truth?  Nearly the last command that Jesus gave to the church before He was drawn up to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.  The Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20.  We as Christians cannot sit around in our church houses and wait for an unsaved world to come knock on the door.  Ain't going to happen.  We need to be proactive in our efforts for evangelism.  Still there is no problem with either Bible studies or using them to help us become the best we can in Christ Jesus. I hope that is crystal clear so I don't receive any  "nasty grams" claiming I am against Bible studies (-:

So, now for the great falling away from faith.  What is going on that may indicate a falling away is happening today?

1).  People heaping up false teachers.  Flocking to "feel good churches" but in many cases not bothering to take their Bibles along with them.  One needs only turn on televised Sunday morning church services to see false teaching.  Having said that there are also some very good people teaching on the television but without checking what is heard with a reliable Bible, it is easy to begin thinking that good sounding stuff is actually Biblical when in reality it is not.   There is an old country saying  "If a truth is only 99% truth---IT IS ALL LIE!

2).  Example;  I have a great friend with a church in heavy decline.  This pastor teaches the word exactly as written. Well balanced, works hard and loves his congregation.   Just two weeks ago he told me that the word is getting around his town,  "Those folks over that at that church are nice people but there is just too much talk about Jesus".  Really?  Think about that for a moment because it is exactly that issue that is symptomatic within some of our churches today.  "Tell me good stuff but for heavens sake not too much about accountability". And friends, Jesus is all about responsibility and accountability!

3).  Downright heretics daring to teach the gospel and leading multitudes astray. False doctrines ranging from doubting the Bible as a reliable document, Allegorizing it, doubting or arguing over the rapture, Trying to predict timing of future events, denying the Trinity by claiming that Christ was a created being and therefore not really God.  And many, many more false doctrines being taught today.  2 Peter 2:1 speaks of these people. "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction".  We are warned about teachers in James 3:1 "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment".  As a pastor, that scares me because I know one day I will stand before the Judgement seat of Christ and the books will be opened.  I want to be able to tell the Lord that I taught the word of God exactly as written.

4).  DRUGS;  Just two weeks ago the President of the USA announced that drug abuse (use of Opioids)  is now a national epidemic.  Not just in America either, This is worldwide.  In the Greek language the term SORCERIES is translated as "PHARMAKEIA".  The root word for Pharmacies.  Galatians 5:17-21 describes the fruits of the flesh and one of those is (verse 20) SORCERIES.  But of course in addition to drug abuse, there is also a drift by many in the world today to things within downright witchcraft such as an organization known as the Wiccans or WICCA which is pagan witchcraft at it's worst.   Revelation chapter 7:21 and related scripture is speaking about the eventual death of a full 1/3 of all mankind.   It concludes in verse 21 by saying  "And they did not repent for their murders or their sorceries.  Or their sexual immorality or thefts". Lack of sincere repentance before the Lord is a sure fire path to an eternity in a place called hell. Oh, Oh, I nearly forgot, hell is no longer politically correct is it? Well, I for one say down with P.C. and lets get back to the Bible.

5).  Pornography;  It is now estimated that as many as 60% of adult males WITHIN THE WESTERN CHURCH are addicted to internet porn.  Including some pastors and pastors wives.  There are now entire ministries springing up to help pull these people out of pornography which is an addiction that insidiously destroys entire families, marriages crumbling, both pre teen boys and girls watching this free crud on their cell phones with zero restrictions (unless imposed by parents---hint!). Of course that's another P.C. thing isn't it? Parents can no longer regulate their own children's activities.  Child welfare services says so! Hmmmm?

6).  Hollywood;  Has anyone noticed how violent and sexual movies are becoming?  Movies that are now approved for PG-13 audiences? T.V. series filled with witches and werewolves? Prime time filled with sexually replete shows and pure unfettered violence?  Need I say more?  Does anyone honestly believe that Christian youth are not also  being led astray by that kind of thing since it surrounds them every single day, floating as a magnetic force---free of charge on the internet?

7).  Legalism within the church;  This one subject runs more people off from the church than anything else.  It hurts people to the point that they run away and never want to enter a church again.  Not a valid point because there are a lot of well balanced pastors and churches but still it happens far too often.  Someone told me a story years ago that I have never forgotten.  A much older and wiser man than I was speaking about what the two most destructive enemies are to the church.  And no, one of them was not satan.  He said, they are the two thieves on the crosses beside Jesus cross at Calvary; Obviously a metaphor but none the less accurate.

They are 1).  legalism because that is religion run amok.   This is becoming more prevalent by the day.  Denominations and some churches and pastors trying to "make" their congregation holy through  extra Biblical rules and regulations.  Holiness can only flow from a heart that is sold out and in love with the Lord. True pastors lead their flocks through positive example. They do not drive their flocks through implied threat or intimidation.

 2).  License;  Defined in this instance as religion that turns a blind eye to sin within a congregation. Respectfully and privately helping a person with a sin issue in their life is good and called for. Ignoring issues of that nature is literally the rotten apple that spoils the entire barrel.  Because of that, large portions of any church can be led astray. An example is denominations who now approve of homosexuality and in fact ordain people who are involved in that lifestyle. The word of God is very clear about that issue and in Galatians chapter 5, rank that issue right up there with Adultery, fornication, murder and drunkenness. So for those denominations, does that mean it's also ok to ordain a serial murderer?

Other sins listed In Galatians are also not always dealt with.  Turn the blind eye, after all that guy sleeping with his secretary is an elder. No rocking the boat for goodness sake!  Which brings up another subject; Have you ever noticed that when a killer or rapist is finally released from prison and has had a conversion experience to Christianity, they are often guest speakers on some Christian television? But how often have you ever seen a woman or even a man who has been cheated on and suffered a divorce because of it, interviewed on T.V.?  Never or very seldom.  Reformed violent abusers are celebrated but people suffering a divorce within Christianity are "dirty forever" and often treated like pariahs. Not by everyone of course but I can tell you about a case I recently handled in which a pastor was caught dirty having an affair with a 20 year old girl. Lot's of effort went into his restoration (which praise God eventually did happen). On the other hand, his innocent wife of many years lost most of her support for a continuing very worth while ministry---because she was headed for divorce that was not her fault. This stuff happens all the time and then we wonder why people get as far away from the organized church as they can.

The divorce rate within some parts of the western church is almost as high as in the secular world. "Maintenance drugs" are winked at, abortion has become a social issue many denominations do not want to deal with. And it goes on and on with an inexhaustible list, all of which water down true Christianity and a Biblical message. Do we wonder why so many people disengage from churches today? However I am quick to say there are thousands and thousands of great pastors and churches still out there. If you have been injured by other believers or church rules and regulations, please do not give up. In searching you will find some great congregations who will gather around and love you  unconditionally and without prejudice.

 I will conclude this section with a question from Colossians chapter 2 verse 20-22. "Therefore if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, WHY, do you subject yourselves to regulations---do not touch, do not taste, do not handle, which all concern things which perish with the using--ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENTS AND DOCTRINES OF MEN"? Find yourself a church which uses the Bible and only the Bible. You will be a happy camper when you do.

8).  Folks, the Bible is replete with warnings about all these things destined to happen in the end times.  And all those things are happening in our world today in ever increasing amounts.  NO one who reads the Bible should miss these warnings.  Matthew chapter 7 verses 21-23 is speaking of end times people who obviously believe they are followers of Christ---but who are not!  (Jesus speaking) "Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name?  And then I will declare to them.   I never knew you;  Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness".

Did you notice that Jesus said MANY?  Not a few but many will be cast aside by the Lord because they practice lawlessness.  These people are inside many of our churches today.  Some in leadership roles.  This is not the occasional sin repented for.  These people are openly PRACTICING evil.  And yet obviously they have been duped---perhaps by all those false teachers into believing they were actually sincere followers of Christ.  Did they once upon a time make an altar call?  Did they say the little prayer of repentance but walked away with zero intent to conform their lives to a Biblical standard?  I sincerely wish I knew.

I just read an article this morning about a young believer in England who was attending the University of Sheffield as a graduate student.  He made a statement on his private FaceBook account that got him summarily expelled from college.  He said "Same sex marriage is a sin whether we like it or not.  It is God's word and men's sentiment do not change His word".  He was expelled from college because "he may have caused offense to some individual".   An English court of law upheld the college ruling.  Folks this stuff is happening worldwide and P.C.  (political correctness) is for many people far more powerful than the Bible.  Including for many Christians today.

This is a world gone mad in which even many believers no longer endure sound doctrine.  And that is what I believe the falling away of 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 3 is speaking about.  Falling away from sound doctrine.

May the Lord of glory reveal to all of us ways in which we can lead these kinds of people to a stable relationship with the Lord before it is too late.

God bless you all,
Pastor Rance.

Fasting within the church. What is it really? You might be surprised!

Dear friends and readers,

Todays article is about "fasting", sacrosanct for many generations of church goers.  While in fact it may be that many within the church do not fully realize the actual Biblical purpose of fasting. Obviously others will.

First allow me to be crystal clear.  Fasting of food or others things has been practiced within the church forever and in many cases is called for.  I am not disputing that one tiny little bit.  But, as is the case of many other things that God instituted for the well being of mankind, there is a much larger purpose that is seldom taught.  And yes, this much larger purpose is very Biblical and written for all to see.

So no one misunderstands my intent, allow me to list several passages in which people did fast food for specific purposes;  Judges 20:26 Israelites fast and inquire of God before going into battle.  1 Samuel 1:3-7 Hannah prepares for worship and prayer.  2 Samuel 12:16 King David tries to save his son.  Ezra 8:23 People ask God for protection.  Nehemiah 9:1 Fasting coupled with repentance.

In fact in the Old Testament several other passages indicate fasting of food as follows;   Interesting, look them up.  1Samuel 31:13, 1Chronicles 10:12.  1 Kings 21:27.  2 Chronicles 20:3.  Nehemiah 1:4.  Esther 4:16.  Daniel 6:18.  Joel 1:14.  And Jonah 3:5-10.  So we know for certain that Old Testament people for various reasons fasted food and that the fast was in many cases accompanied by prayer.  The main purpose was for the people to humble themselves before God and through the denial of worldly necessities, to afflict their souls.  A good thing to do but in fact "fasting" was only specifically commanded in the Old Testament for the Day Of Atonement which is part of the fall High Holy Days (we just passed through that time during September and part of October this year).  It should be noted that no where in the Bible (Old or New Testaments) did God ever set in place any principles governing the length or nature of fasting at least in terms of what physical objects to fast.

For the New Testament, we are almost immediately told that Jesus fasted during His 40 day sojourn in the wilderness at the very beginning of His earthly walk and ministry in Matthew 4:1-9 and Luke 4:1-2.   Jesus felt it necessary to fast all food during this time period so we can conclude that fasting for the right reasons certainly has real value.  Jesus also taught in Matthew 6:16-18 that fasting was to be done privately NOT publicly.  He was teaching about forgiving men their trespasses and followed with this injunction "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance.  For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting.  Assuredly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your heavenly Father who is in the SECRET PLACE (my emphasis added).  And your Father who sees you in secret will reward you openly"!

Jesus then goes on to tell us not to lay up our treasures on earth but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.  Of course we can also conclude in that statement that although having "STUFF" here on this earth is not a problem for most people, worshipping or even valuing the stuff more that our commitment to the Lord is a problem.   In other words when fasting or even doing good works for other people, do not advertise it.

P.S.  Legal or not perhaps if your giving is really unto the LORD?  Do you really need that tax deduction?  Because if that is the case are you not also receiving reward in return for your giving?  Just a thought to ponder.

I fully understand that lot's of Christian folks innocently declare their fasting and good works.  How many times I have heard  "I am fasting this week and going for 40 days just like Jesus".  Or,  "you know that poor family down the block?  We took care of all their needs just last week"!  Well, according to Jesus words, any heavenly rewards for that fasting giver are not going to happen because they have already received their kudos here on earth.   Secondly, although I am sure there are a few people in the world who have been able to make it for 40 days of fasting, in my entire ministry life I have ever known one man who did that successfully.  And although I sincerely respect his self discipline and commitment, he went around telling people about his achievement.  Basically by telling people what he had done all he accomplished was making himself hungry for 40 days.  A very good brother by the way so no slap on the wrist here.  It's just that very many believers do not realize that their fasting or good works should always remain in the "secret place".

NOTE:  In response to questions about doing good works, I DO advise that since married people are "ONE FLESH" before the Lord, in my opinion they should be on the same page where these things are concerned and I have always encouraged couples to talk these things over.  NO secrets in a happy marriage!

Jesus did say that His disciples would fast AFTER He was taken from this world.  Matthew 9:15 plus reiterated in Mark 2:18-20 and Luke 5:33-39.  Basically all the same message.  The church in Antioch (Acts 13:1-3) fasted and prayed for the Apostle Paul and Barnabas before sending them on their way.

The churches in Galatia fasted and prayed in Acts 14:21-23.   And we could discuss other times.  But I have a question for all my readers?

Where in the Bible does God actually EVER explain what constitutes a fast?  Do you know off the top of your head?  Well actually there is one very specific place in the Bible where God tells us what a fast is and that is found in the Old Testament.  In Isaiah chapter 58:6-9.  And it is extremely specific.

While fasting coupled with prayer, done very privately, certainly has value for the individual believer, the overarching theme of fasting in the eyes of God is something altogether different.  As you read the following passages which were penned by Isaiah through the leading of God's Holy Spirit, please keep the New Testament GREAT COMMISSION command in the forefront of your mind because these two extremely important areas of both Testaments dovetail almost exactly but with slightly differing objectives.  Or are they different?  Really?

In Matthew chapter 28:18-20 Jesus literally gives us a command to accomplish and He did this just prior to ascending to sit at the right hand of our heavenly Father.  "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;  And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age".  Amen.

So the question is?  Who exactly was Jesus speaking to?  Just pastors and evangelists?  No, He was speaking to ALL church age believers without exception.  As a pastor myself I would like to tell you a short story that convicted me when I realized what I was inadvertently doing myself.  A very long time ago, I was preparing for a large outreach in 5 different towns in another country.  I spent months in preparation and teaching my missionary crew what we would be doing which included door to door invitations, handing out tracts, evangelizing, teaching, altar calls, working with the local pastors,  ad infinitum!  Before we actually left for the planned 21 day vigil, I was exhausted and took a couple of days off for quiet time, speaking to the Lord etc.  My own prayer time.  Do you know what the Lord put in my heart?  I had put all this effort (for a good cause) into going "somewhere else" to preach the gospel but during all those months had literally walked past thousands of unsaved souls without ever giving them a second thought.  People I would probably never see again.  And yes, the Lord could certainly reach these people through other means.  But I was convicted to the tips of my toes.  In my rush to DO the great commission, I had NEGLECTED the great commission.   It reminded me of what I had always told my own congregation;  Missions (in this case evangelism) begins right next door.  Keep that in mind please as we see what God has to say about fasting because in my opinion, God's stated purpose for fasting is very connected to the great commission.

Isaiah 58:6-9  (Remember please that this is the ONLY place in the entire Bible where God defines what a fast is).   God begins by asking a question.  "IS THIS NOT THE FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN?  To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undue the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?  Is it not that you share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor that are cast out;  When you see the naked that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?"

Clearly while privately fasting food may provide benefit to you as an individual, God defines fasting as something different entirely.  He defines fasting as helping other people.  So let's backtrack a bit. In our complex, often dangerous  society today I do not recommend that you pick up strange homeless people and bring them to your house.  But everyone can either volunteer time or help in some way at a homeless shelter or church doing outreach to these folks or others who are less fortunate than ourselves. Or if you cannot do so physically support with finances or even prayer covering.

Another story may help explain how helping others may qualify as a fast.  Remember that fasting may not be limited to food intake.  It could include setting aside movies for a week or month, using this years vacation money to help build a needed house for a poor family, donating something that is important to you because someone else has sincere needs.

I remember clearly (nearly 30 years ago) when several ladies from a local church kindly showed up at our mission base with a bunch of used clothing for the poor and they wanted to volunteer some time.  These were all very dedicated Christian ladies with good intent so I do not want to demean them in the slightest way.  The clothing they brought although greatly appreciated was somewhere around 20 years old.  The kind of styles that hang in your closet for years, are faded and spotted and you would never ever think about wearing today.  These ladies were dressed to the hilt. Great clothes, jewelry, make up and hair done to the max.  No fault, no criticism.  Well, as the case is at most missions bases, donated used clothing is not always clean upon arrival.  As a result the used clothing room is a processing plant that can be somewhat odiferous until all those intended give-a-ways are sorted and washed.

Meaning well about their plans to volunteer time, these ladies immediately turned up their noses about touching someone else's used garments.   So they settled in for coffee, donuts and conversation which I was glad to oblige because I sincerely appreciated their hearts.  In the process they explained that they had all decided to go through their closets and donate dresses and things that they would never wear again because styles had changed.  Then one of these sweet ladies asked me the dreaded question that I really did not relish answering.  "Tell us what we could really do to give of ourselves and bless someone else"?

Well, I have run into that before and knew that by being honest with them I could easily offend but I also knew that I had to be truthful with them.  My answer?  "How about if you go home and take out of your closet the very best dress that you have and donate that to the poor"?   You know, a little clothes horse fast?  Of course I did not say that last part but when we give, the question is are we giving our best to Jesus or our worst, no longer wanted's?

Matthew 25:35-40  (Jesus speaking)  "For I was hungry and you gave Me food;  I was thirsty and you gave Me drink;  I was a stranger and you took Me in;  I was naked and you clothed Me;  I was sick and you visited Me;  I was in prison and you came to Me."  Then the righteous will answer Him saying, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you etc?"  And the King will answer and say to them,  "Assuredly I say to you, in as much as you DID IT to the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me"!

In verse 45 the tone changes to something entirely different!  (Also Jesus speaking), Then He will answer them saying  "Assuredly I say to you, in as much as you DID NOT do it to one of the least of these, you DID NOT DO IT TO ME"!  Uh, oh!

When we give, do we give our best to the Lord or what we would otherwise sell at a garage sale?  Well, needless to say my answer to these other wise very nice ladies went over like the proverbial lead ballon.  In fact it was the very last time I was invited for coffee and donuts.

Now lets go revisit Isaiah chapter 58, and begin with verse 8.  Remember that this is the ONLY place in either Testament where God Himself defines what He considers to be a fast.  The context beginning in verse 8 is that AFTER WE HAVE DONE VERSES 6-7, the result will be as follows;  "Then your light will break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness will go before you;  The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.  Then you shall call, and the LORD WILL ANSWER, You will cry, and He will say  "HERE I AM"!

Do you want to be a true light in this world?  Want your healing to come speedily?  Really want to be righteous before the Lord?  Want the Lord to be your rearguard?  Sincerely want to hear the Lord's voice speaking to you from within?  Take another look at Isaiah 58:6-9.

That's pretty clear don't you think?  While fasting food or drink is clearly a Biblical concept when done correctly, the Creator of the universe defines fasting as service to other people.  Very privately done service to other people.

By definition for believers, whatever we have accumulated in life has been provided for us by the Lord.  Often through our own hard work or career but even that is something provided to us by God.  So the question is a simple one.  How is it that we can receive bounty from the Lord with our right hands and sell it back or give it back to Him as unwanted junk with our left hands?

At the risk of glorifying myself which is not my intent, I will close this article with another story.  More years ago than I can count, I was running a large missions base and church.  The base had a warehouse  of 35,000 square feet filled with donated food, clothes, furniture, kitchen utensils and enough used bowling balls to outfit the cannons of a small army from 1800.  A young lady freshly relocated from a large city went to a local Christian book store and told them she wanted to donate a lot of newer city style clothing but did not want to donate them to any organization who would in turn sell them.  The owner of the store told her to go see Pastor Rance because he is the one locally who refuses to take money from the poor.   (NOTE: I personally know of many other pastors and leaders who have that policy.  The reason you may not know it is because those kinds of people generally keep it to themselves).   Forgive me for sharing my own story and feelings about this but it is the only way I could think of to get my point across.  I still feel strongly about that to this very day.

She came, donated her clothing, eventually came on staff as a missionary, became my best friend and in time my cherished wife for life.  As we were planning our wedding, I shared with her that the Lord had given me (years before) a very special verse to begin the basis of the missions organization He had begun through me.  It was Isaiah chapter 58 verses 6 and 7.  She was shocked and shared with me that when she was beginning her Christian walk, the Lord had given her "life verses" that were Isaiah chapter 58 verses 8-11.  An exact follow up to mine!

No mistakes or coincidence where the Lord is concerned.  He has it all planned out before we were ever conceived in our mothers womb!

Folks, if you value fasting continue to do so but do so quietly.  If you want to help someone in need, do so but do it privately.  The main things we can accomplish in our lives are at least four;

1).  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength---and love your neighbor as yourself.  Mark 12:29-31

2).  Do your best to obey the Lord's commands.  Luke 6:46.

3). Understand that God's definition of fasting is service to mankind.  Isaiah 58:6-7.  And yes, continue fasting food and drink if you feel called to do so.

4). Keep your priorities straight.  God first, then spouse and children---family.  Then, work, job, career.  Also quietly take care of those around you who have need as best you are able.

God bless you all today,
Pastor Rance.

The Lord's supper, how often? And is it still a requirement for Christians?

Dear friends and readers,

We are past the High Holy days this year and so I wanted to write an article this week that should be near and dear to the hearts of Christians worldwide. The subject is taking communion also know as the Lord's supper or the Lord's table and even Holy Communion. In the larger, more ebullient denominations, this practice is also referred to as the "Eucharist"!

As a pastor, when I served communion to my congregation I liked to use the passages in 1 Corinthians chapter 11:23-26. Although Matthew chapter 26:26-28 is a somewhat abbreviated version of the same ceremony as is Luke 22:19-20. I have now retired from my church and write full time. But for several years I served communion each and every week as part of our regular service time. Some folks would think that extreme but I had my purpose which I will relate as this article unfolds. As new people would join us who had previously attended other fellowships, invariable I would be asked "In the past we only took communion once each month or once each year. So, why do you do this so often?

Before I answer that allow me to explain. What we know as "COMMUNION" was undertaken by the Lord Jesus Christ with His disciples just prior to His voluntary death on the cross of Calvary. It was not just some "last supper" as is depicted by many painters and sculptures in famous pieces of art. In reality, the Lord was presiding over a PASSOVER feast (Seder) that memorialized the exodus story which related the events of Moses leading the captives of Israel out of Pharaohs slavery in Egypt.  This "last supper" had in fact been celebrated  in Jewish (and many Christian) households for about 1500 years prior to Christ's atoning death which now means well over 3500 years by todays calendar. The meal itself can take at least 3 hours to complete with very much ceremony involved in the complete telling of those terrible events including the various plagues that fell upon Pharaoh and his people because he refused the Lord's command through Moses to set God's people free.

For a great read please refer to the Exodus story in your own Bible, Exodus chapters 1 through 15.

Along with the question, "why so often?", I would also hear "should we not just celebrate Communion at EASTER time? That gave me the opportunity to explain and draw very exacting lines between the event known as EASTER and what is really the message of communion. The death and resurrection from the grave of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ without which Christianity would simply be another empty religious shell. How can I say that? Easily because what separates Christianity from every other belief system in the world are two very distinct qualities. 1). To be a Christian is not to be religious (Religion refined: a SYSTEM of belief or worship, often involving a code of ethics). No, to be a Christian is to simply recognize and accept that Jesus Christ is Lord and has been resurrected from the dead. That coupled with sincere repentance. In other words, many "religions" have become legalistic messes that require specific works by their adherents to acquire salvation, whereas true Christianity is solely based upon the works completed by Jesus Himself at the cross of Calvary and is dependent solely upon our personal relationship with Him.

2). Salvation is a free gift from God solely based upon the grace extended to any man or woman ever born who will simply accept Jesus Christ as their Lord. And without the Lord's resurrection from the grave and His promise to do the same for all who follow Him, Christianity would have no power over death or promise of eternal life with a righteous God forevermore in heaven.

So, for my explanation to those who questioned why I served Communion every week; In 1 Corinthians chapter 11 verse 26, the ceremony of communion ends with this statement "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, YOU PROCLAIM THE LORD'S DEATH UNTIL HE COMES". Proclaiming that fact along with accomplishing the Great Commission is as I see it, the number 1 job of all believers in this world, plus simply obeying what Jesus said.

As a pastor, I wanted my congregation (not to mention myself) to keep both the Passover story and Jesus sacrificial death and resurrection literally before their eyes at all times, not just sometimes or once a year. Preparing for a communion service is  a very special time of deep down heart wrenching reflection. A time when we as individuals can privately ask ourselves an incredibly important question? How am I doing? Is my individual walk with the Lord meeting HIS expectations? And if not, do I need to repent for anything happening in my life?  Communion is a perfect time to do that.

Now at this point I want to make something perfectly clear. Serving Communion each and every week is something I chose to do, not something commanded in the Bible. If you attend a church that serves communion on a less  frequent basis, it does not mean that it is wrong or that your pastor is not somehow living up to a Biblical standard. I am merely explaining the way I did things which does not make my way better than any other pastors. A church normally becomes a reflection of what is taught from the pulpit. Different pastors have different callings and priorities, simple as that.  So why this article? Because for some, the "ceremony" of communion has become just that. A ceremony just like any other event found within the normal Christian church. But communion, is far more than simple ceremony and should be looked upon with eager anticipation and sincere thought by all concerned.

It is interesting to note that a very famous theologian/Bible teacher, John Wesley (1703-1791, mentioned in the original edition of Fox's book of martyrs) personally received communion every 4-5 days throughout his long career. Part of his testimony is that he realized that this LORDS TABLE ceremony was far more than just ceremony. It provided spiritual refreshing and actual communion with the Lord. In other words, when taken properly the act of remembering what the Lord did for us is a form of personal communications with Him.

There are in my opinion at least three ways in which taking communion is meaningful to Christians today; First, please remember that taking communion is  a roadmap that relates to past, present and future.

1). The communion service is a time of past remembrance because Jesus said in his statements in 1 Corinthians "do this is remembrance of Me"! Not so much in my opinion as dwelling upon the suffering of Christ upon the cross (although that is certainly important) but as it is to be in remembrance of the fantastic life and ministry of our Savior to humankind. What a great reminder it is that Jesus gave His life voluntary because of His love for us---no there reason! It is a time for us to express our very deepest level of praise and thanksgiving for all that our Lord has CHOSEN to do for us.  The Passover meal proclaims the Hebrew peoples deliverance from slavery at the hands of evil Pharaoh. Exodus12:26-27. Also the blood of an unblemished lamb that the Hebrew families  spread across their door posts and lintels saved the people from death. In the same way (now in the present) during the communion service, Christians proclaim their deliverance from sin and everlasting torment through the shed blood of the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ who is the Messiah if Israel. In other words "CHRIST OUR PASSOVER"! 1 Corinthians chapter 5:7-8 and 11:26.

2). "The Lord's supper" is a time of refreshing and literal communion with the Lord Himself. As we choose (just like He chose) to participate in the benefits of Jesus death and resurrection from the grave to eternal life (Romans 5:10-11 and 1 Corinthians 10:16---future), we are being nourished and given fresh empowerment directly from the risen Christ through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Could God empower us anew without undertaking this ritual? Yes, but that is just the point. Communion is not just some ritual. It is a time in which God provided ample opportunity for us as individual believers to commune with Him. In those few moments of communion our minds are on no other but God. Worldly distraction can be locked out. This is another way that God gives us the opportunity to commune with Him in the same way that prayer gives us opportunity to speak directly to Him and hearing and reading scripture gives us opportunity to hear directly from Him. In fact it is important to realize just what phenomenal benefit is realized by hearing God's word. Romans 10:17 "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God". Want more faith in your life? Read and hear more of God's word.

3). The communion service is a special time set aside for us to recommit ourselves, our very lives to our King. Also to refresh our memories in regards to the anticipation of eternal life which Christ provided by His voluntary unspeakable suffering and atoning death. That atonement by His shed blood removes the necessity for any believer to shed his own blood (or the blood of animals as was practiced in the Jewish Temple) to atone for his or her personal sins. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 tells us to "let a man (woman) examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup, for he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner, eats and drinks judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord's body". And what would be unworthy? For one, by simply thinking communion is just another version in a long line of church service doctrine---another empty ceremony. Communion is 100% about the Lord and what He did for us. It is not about us at all except for our remembering what He has done for us and our recommitment to Him each and every time we participate.

At this point I would like to share a small story from my own life; During one of our several travels to Israel, I purchased a "crown of thorns". A brutal thing if I ever saw one. Twisted, very stiff vine like material sprouting huge, inch and longer extremely sharp thorns. It hangs in my office as a reminder to me regarding the horror of Jesus death, given voluntarily  for my sins. Just a few days ago when I was beginning this article, something I was looking for in my office fell behind one of the over stuffed chairs in my seating group. In the process of leaning over the back of that chair, I bumped the book shelf that the crown of thorns was hanging from. It fell directly onto my head, (and no I do not think it any sign from God but merely an example of my own clumsy self). I cannot tell you how much that hurt and it was only on my head for seconds. It gave me tremendous pause to think about the pain that our Savior endured in our behalf.

The communion service is a reflection on our lives which can and should lead to repentance when called for. Of course only the individual believer and the Lord Himself knows the secrets of a persons mind and heart. Sometimes I have been asked, "How can I know if I should take communion"? The answer to that is simple. If you are a repentant Christian then yes, you should. If your life is somehow cluttered with hidden unrepentant sin, then I suggest that you have a very serious talk with the Lord and clean that up. Once done then by all means take communion.

Try as I might I can find no place in the Bible that gives me (or anyone else) the right to "tear down" another mans' house. By that I simply mean that as a pastor I do not make a habit of attacking other pastors who do not agree with me on the "jot and tittle" of scripture or attack other denominations that are not in accord with my Biblical view. I stick to my own flock and make certain that they are not swallowing any false doctrine and I do that by assuring them that every single word of the Bible is true and correct.

But since we are discussing the act of taking communion, I feel it necessary to advise that there is a major false doctrine in a couple of our larger denominations. It is the doctrine of "TRANSUBSTANTIATION". A Webster's definition of that is "Conversion of a substance into that of another". In this particular case, Transubstantiation means that the bread or wafer eaten at a communion service actually and in reality changes as eaten into the physical body of Christ. Also that the wine or grape juice served during communion changes physically into the actual blood of Christ when consumed.

This doctrine is totally false and the slightest evidence for it cannot be found anywhere in either the Old or New Testaments. The bread or wafer is merely a symbol of the body of Christ and the wine or grape juice (depending upon the church or denomination) is merely a symbol of the blood of Christ.

This is one of those times when believers should always place their confidence in the written word of the Bible rather than the doctrines of men. Which by the way is confirmed and directed in the second chapter of the book of Colossians.

When asked today, a large percentage of Christians worldwide will say "yes, I do believe that we are in the "end times". A position I hold myself. And if that is the case, it behooves every single one of us to ask that one simple question as often as possible. How am I doing? Is my individual walk with the Lord meeting His expectations? Only you and He can answer that but it is something that we should all take very seriously because after all, (Matthew 24:36---Jesus speaking) "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only". Who knows, it could be today, or tomorrow, or---??? Accordingly we should all be prepared.

God bless you all in Jesus Name,
Pastor Rance.
 

TABERNACLES (SUKKOT), God with us!

Drear friends and readers,

My last two articles have centered on the HIGH HOLY DAYS beginning with Trumpets, then on to the Day of atonement and now completing this year with a 7 day feast (with one extra added rest day at the end for a total of 8) known as TABERNACLES (Sukkot).  The speculation in all three cases is this???  If Jesus fulfilled all of the seminal events of His first coming exactly on the Spring feast days of Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits and Pentecost, will he also choose to fulfill the events of His second coming on the Fall Biblically prescribed days known as the "HIGH HOLY DAYS"?

Briefly, if in some future year TRUMPETS somehow fulfills the rapture of the church and DAY OF ATONEMENT, His second coming, is there then a possibility that TABERNACLES will signal the beginning of the 1000 year physical reign of Christ upon this earth?

Todays article examines the last of the fall High Holy Days known as Tabernacles which begins 5 days after the end of  Day of Atonement.  This coming Wednesday ( October 4, 2017) at exactly 6:29 p.m. (Jerusalem time),  the candles in every Jewish home (and some Christian) will be lit by the mother of the household signaling the eve of Tabernacles.  Remember that on the Jewish religious calendar, the new day begins at sundown and runs for 24 hours.  This feast is an annual  Biblical requirement according to Leviticus chapter 23 and verses 33-44 outline this particular feast day.

There are some very interesting things about this feast day that should inspire thought and study by Christians.  First (MY disclaimer---this is a hotly debated subject but worthy of mention), many people believe that Jesus actual birthday was on Tishri 4 (About September 11)---please remember that in those days a calendar year of 360 days was used.  The calculations by those who make this claim are derived from careful study of scriptures including 1 Chronicles , Leviticus 23 and Luke chapters 1 and 2.  Tishri 4 this year fell between Trumpets and Day on Atonement.  Also it is believed that Jesus may (probably) was born during a Jubilee year.  You can decide the relevance of that for that yourselves.

This is my thought on the matter; I love to study this stuff but if God wanted us to major on Jesus birthday, He would have clearly spelled it out in scripture. He did not. What He did want us to major on is Jesus' sacrificial death, burial and resurrection from the grave without which Christianity would be just another empty religion with no promise for a future eternity with God.  Having said that, traditional Christmas is coming soon, YEAAA! Oh, yea, raised with Christmas on December 25 and even though the Lord really was not born on that day, we (my family) still love to celebrate the holiday but always remember that "He really is the reason for the season" regardless of His actual birthday.

It should be noted very carefully that when Mary was found to be with child, her betrothed husband Joseph understandable had a few questions about that. As in , "say what"? Uh, well we have not actually "been together" yet so how can this be? The angel Gabriel visited Joseph at that time and set the record straight but for our purposes today he told Joseph that the child would be called "IMMANUEL" which means GOD WITH US (Matthew chapter 1)! In the book of John chapter 1:14 the Apostle tells us "And the Word (JESUS) became flesh and DWELT among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth".  The word "DWELT" is literally translated  "TABERNACLED" (God with us or God living among us).

This theme of "God with us" goes way back to the very beginning; Psalm 46:7 "The Lord of Hosts is WITH US; The God of Jacob is our refuge". Exodus chapter 17 sees the people in the wilderness thirsty and complaining to Moses.  By the Lord's  command Moses struck the rock on Mount Horeb and when the people were satiated, Moses asked them a question. "Is the Lord among us or not". Obviously the answer to that was yes.

One of the purposes for the eventual 1000 year physical reign of Christ upon this earth is for Him to rule and live among His people.  He will TABERNACLE among His creation. Zephaniah 3:17 gives us a glimpse into the kind of love that the Lord has for His people; "The Lord your God "IN YOUR MIDST", The Mighty One will save;  He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing".  Zechariah 9:9 repeats a similar theme but is speaking about the moment in history when Jesus was proclaimed King by His people as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.

After the Second Coming of Christ, He will ruin the antichrist and false prophets day via a very quick, permanent trip to the eternal lake of fire (Revelation 19:20) and then chuck satan into a pit for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-2).  Judgement is then prescribed for those who deserve it. And then The Messiah, King Jesus sets up His Millennial reign and TABERNACLES with His people.

So of course the outstanding question is, are we reading this correctly, in that the feast of Tabernacles may someday correspond with His second coming?  I think so but you decide for yourselves.

Now for something very interesting that is set in scriptural stone:  During the 1000 year reign of the Lord on this earth only one annual feast day is commanded.  Guess which one?

Zechariah 14:16-20 is lengthy so you can read it for yourselves.   But in brief, this is what it says;  Of everyone who is left (alive to enter the Millennium) each and every year they (referred to as both the nations and as families), MUST celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles to worship the King in Jerusalem. It is a command with a severe penalty if they do not come to Jerusalem do so. If they refuse there will be no rain upon their land.

Tabernacles is very important and should be fully understood by Christians who will after all be in Jerusalem in their glorified bodies each and every year along with their King, Jesus Christ.

We as Christians do not study or celebrate the 7 Biblically appointed times as any form of legality to obtain our salvation. We should be doing so because if something is important to God, should it not also be important to us? Should we not know and fully understand God's mind and heart regarding the manner in which these specified days affect the manifest destiny of mankind? It is kind of similar to the age old argument about the 10 Commandments; Should they be important to Christians or are we past all that by virtue of our salvation by grace?

Well lets see now;

1).Worship only The Lord your God.
2). Don't worship false gods.
3). Don't take the Lord's Name in vain.
4). Take a day off each week, you need it.
5). Honor your mom and dad. By the way, you will live longer if you do!
6). Don't commit murder.
7). Don't commit adultery.
8). Don't steal.
9). Don't lie about your neighbor.
10). Don't be jealous and want your neighbors wife or other stuff.

Are we Christians really beyond those basic rules? And can someone please tell me why modern society could possibly think that showing those rules to our children on the walls of their schools is unhealthy?

God bless you all,
Pastor Rance.