|
Exclusive Intelligence Examiner Report
|
|
“In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”
|
|
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
|
Biblical truth shall endure for all time. No matter what the naysayers and false so-called Christian leaders claim, His truth is everlasting. Unfortunately, there are many who have chosen to change His Word for man’s word. As of February 2022, there were more than eighty thousand different bible versions which generated at least one sale.
Let me repeat that... 80,000! How is this even possible? The hubris of man has lead to the multitude of false bible versions. God said He would preserve His Word for all time. Yet man, as he has “evolved,” continues to modify or change His Word to better help people in their understanding.
With so many versions available, what prevents the average person seeking biblical guidance from being confused? Could this not be the handiwork of Satan? Who better to muddy the waters? The Apostle Paul succinctly explains: “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Love of Money, Not Truth
The proliferation of false bible versions has surely enabled that old serpent to foment disarray. Those who where not called to the pulpit but sought fortune and prominence in the community, has allowed liberal doctrines to infiltrate many of today’s churches. The teaching being espoused from the mouths of lukewarm “pastors” has accelerated the “dumbing down” of the sheep.
These same teachers, by using these false versions, are trying to convince Christians that tribulation and wrath are one and the same. This could not be further from the truth.
Trials and Tribulations
Each and every one of us has been subjected to some form of tribulation in our lives. As Christians, we should expect Satan to come after us. However, we have yet to come before the throne of judgment and face God’s wrath. When that time comes, surely those who have been teaching a false doctrine will ultimately understand the difference.
Americans have been blessed—they have also been spoiled—in their ability of enjoy freedom of religion. Many are naive about the evils that lay-in-wait elsewhere on this planet for those who wish to worship Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
Consider those Christians in China who must meet in secret to avoid being sent to re-education camps or murdered by the communist regime. Likewise, those who worship Christ in Israel, or in Muslim countries, face persecution of some sort if they are found out.
Will You Be Left Behind?
For many years, Power of Prophecy has fielded numerous calls about “The Great Tribulation” and the “Rapture.” Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind series prompted many people to believe Christians would be “rescued” before any tribulation would occur to them. Who cares about those heathens left behind, right?
In a recent conversation this author had with Pastor Matt Furse of Mountainview Baptist Church, a powerful analogy was given which should bring much clarity to the reader. Matt stated: “If I tell you that I have been suffering great depression, you would comfort and pray for me to get better. However, if I say I have lived through The Great Depression, you’d know I was talking about an historical event. There are teachers today saying ‘The Great Tribulation’ as if it is a period of time in future or history that we should watch out for. It’s a brainwashing tactic.”
What is the definition of tribulation? Dictionary.com defines it as “grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering.” We have all been counseled at one time or another in our lifetime that “God never gives us more than we can handle.” Facing tribulation is part of being human and it’s more so for Christians.
Steadfast in Faith
Can anyone argue that Job suffered tribulations? His entire wealth and livelihood were gone in one afternoon. His suffering and continued steadfast faith in God is one of the most powerful lessons we can learn from the Bible.
|
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
|
Likewise, the first Christian martyr, Stephen, dared to preach Jesus Christ at the synagogue. It mattered not that he was a well-respected man. For this he was brought before the Sanhedrin facing serious allegations. Stephen admonished those who rejected Christ and defended his faith. We read of this in Acts 7:51-58:
|
“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him:”
|
The Apostle Paul, after starting the church in Thessalonica, was forced to flee the city. Shortly after, he penned an epistle offering words of encouragement for the faithful:
|
“For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know... I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain... when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:4-7).
|
Wrath or Tribulation?
Many lukewarm pastors have forsaken God’s Holy Word in the King James Bible and teach of a rapture before tribulation occurs. These false teachers equate tribulation with wrath. There shall come a day when they will rue their lies and deceit. On this day they will truly understand what wrath is.
The Apostle Paul explains quite clearly what must happen before the return of Jesus in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3:
|
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”
|
After these events transpire those who deny Christ Jesus will surely feel His wrath. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 explains: “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” In Ephesians 5:6 he teaches: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
In Romans 5:3-5, Paul again teaches: “...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
We will all be faced with tribulation. Christians are public enemy number one to Satan and his minions. Paul teaches us to glory in them. Stand fast in your faith and obedience to Him. Continue to spread His Word far and wide for we are a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” 
|
