The Covenant, the Seal, and the Mark  

By: Larry R. Lasiter

My friends, I believe that we are living in the period of time the Bible calls the "last days" or the "end time." This is not necessarily bad, for it is only the end of life as we have known and experienced. At its end, God will usher in the wonderful world to come where Jesus and his faithful will bring peace to a world that has not truly known peace. In the 5758 years of recorded history,(Hebrew Calendar) there has been war somewhere on this planet for all but about 300 years. In the world to come war will be abolished, notice -"And they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they train for war." (Micah 4:3)  

For the first time in history, man actually has the means to destroy all life on planet Earth. Jesus foretold of this time, and said -"Had not those days been cut short, no life would be saved alive."(Matt.24) The Prophet Daniel prophesied that knowledge and transportation would be vastly increased in the latter days. (Dan.12) Certainly, there has never been a century like the 20th century. Man has literally gone from horse and buggy, to trips to the moon. And from fighting his battles with sword and musket, to laser-controlled missiles each armed with nuclear warheads capable of destroying entire cities.  

Think about it. For thousands of years little changed in how man traveled, fought his wars and treated illnesses. How greatly that has all changed in this century.  

In the END-TIME, there will be a great tribulation. A time of trouble unlike any other time since creation. The last of man's world-ruling empires will arise. This will be the final revival of the fourth beast spoken of in the book of Daniel. Its leader, which the Bible also calls the "beast", will be possessed by Satan, and be assisted by a great religious leader the Scriptures call the "false prophet." The beast, both the man and the system, will deceive the entire world and demand worship. All mankind will worship the beast and receive his MARK except the chosen people of God, the very elect, -the true Christians living during this time period. Notice Jesus' warning, -For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24:24)  

Other than those faithful true Christians, the entire world will follow the beast and worship the Devil unwittingly, notice -"And the WHOLE EARTH was amazed and followed after the beast; and they WORSHIPED THE DRAGON, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast saying, -"Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" (Revelation 13:3-4)  

Verse 7 says that the beast will make war with the saints of God and will overcome them. Notice , -"And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, every one whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain." (Revelation 13:7-8)   

A "saint" is one who has been "sanctified." To be "sanctified' means to be "set-apart." True Christians are "set-apart" by TRUTH. (John 17:13-21) The apostle Paul warned that those who reject truth at that time, will be given a spirit of "strong delusion" in order that they may actually believe lies. (2 Thes. 2) Paul goes on to say that many Christians will fall away to apostasy because they will not have a deep love for the truth.  

During this END-TIME period, the followers of God and the followers of Satan will be distinguished by identifying traits. (1) One group, the vast majority will worship the beast, the dragon and his system. One, the small minority, will not. (2) One group will make war and one group will be overcome. (3) One group will be deceived because they do not have a deep love for God's truth. And one will not be deceived because they do love God's truth. (4) One group will receive the beast's MARK and one group will receive God's SEAL. (5) One group will attack those who will not comply to the commands of the beast. And one group will suffer attack because of their faithfulness to God. (6) One group will despise the COVENANT of God and attack those will hold to it. One group will hold to the COVENANT and suffer persecution because of it. (7) One group will cry for the rocks to fall on them to hide them from the face of the Lord at His return. And one group will rejoice at the return of the Lord in all His glory, knowing that their redemption is at hand and righteous judgment will prevail.  

Whether the MARK of the beast will be an actual visible impression is debatable. One may argue, that if the MARK can be seen with the eyes, then God's SEAL would be visual also. The reason: The Greek word for MARK is "charagma", which means "impressed mark", and the Greek word for SEAL is "sphragis", which means "to impress." The Hebrew word used for SEAL is "chatam", which means "to impress with a seal to confirm and verify." The Bible plainly says that those who receive the MARK, will worship the beast, and those with the SEAL will not. The real key to receiving the SEAL of God, and not the MARK of the beast, is determining who you WORSHIP. True Christians worship God in TRUTH. (John 4)  

To SEAL or MARK comes from the custom of sealing a judgment with the SIGNET RING of a King. The signet ring, bearing the mark of the King represented, would be pressed into the clay or wax seal used to hold a scroll together. The scroll would usually contain a judgment or a measure that had been determined by the King. A courier then could take this scroll to whoever it was intended for with the authority of the King. Notice this from the Illustrated Dictionary and Concordance of the Bible, -"In ancient times, (signet) seals were used to denote personal ownership." In the case of a judgment or measure, the King's signet seal meant that non-compliance would be equivalent to personal rebellion against him and his decree.  

The highest honor and symbol of trust that could be given to one in government in ancient times, was to receive the signet ring of the King. Though very rare, sometimes a person was so trusted and respected by his King that he was actually given the King's signet ring. Having this seal gave the holder the authority of the King. The Pharaoh of Egypt so trusted Joseph, he bestowed upon him this honor, notice -"And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took off HIS SIGNET RING from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put the gold necklace around his neck." (Gen.41:41-42)  

Before the wrath of God is poured out during the last year of the tribulation, an Angel with God's SEAL will descend to seal the Lord's bond-servants on their foreheads for protection. (Revelation 7:3) And after Satan is removed from his throne, an Angel will come down out of heaven with the key to the abyss, a great chain and the SEAL of God to seal the abyss shut over him. (Rev.20:3) But why would Satan SEAL his followers with his MARK?  

The Bible tells us of a time before man when the Angels had dominion with Lucifer as the leader of one-third of them as given by God. In Ezekiel 28 the prophet tells us that Lucifer had the "SEAL of perfection", or literally, "you were the SIGNET of perfection." the Masoretic Text reads, -"You were the one SEALING up, or a SEALER of proportion, measure, symmetry -perfection." The Latin Vulgate reads, -"You were the SIGNET RING of proportion, measure, symmetry and perfection."  

Notice what M.L. Andreasen said in his book entitled The Sabbath, -"Different translations give the same general idea, that Lucifer had something to do with the SEAL, that he had the SIGNET RING, and that that which was SEALED was something perfect, a pattern, a measure. We therefore, with the support of the original, translate, -"Thou art the SEALER of the measure." We take the word "measure" to denote LAW, a common use, as, -"The legislature has just passed a new measure."  

Understand also, that the Ark of the COVENANT has two Angels with their wings out-stretched to COVER the mercy seat. The mercy seat represents the throne of God. The Ark was simply a box to house the TESTIMONY, which was the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God into tablets of stone. The COVENANT is the agreed terms between God and man. God promised to bless those who will keep His Commandments. Keeping the Commandments is being faithful to the terms of the covenant.  

In Ezekiel 28, Lucifer is named as a "COVERING ANGEL." "COVERS" in Hebrew is "sakak" meaning "to hedge in" or "protector." Lucifer was one of the covering Angels, one of those who had been given charge of the LAW, to protect it. He was the keeper of the SIGNET RING used to confirm measures or judgments of God. This was the highest honor which God could bestow upon him, but Lucifer became disqualified because he desired the very throne of God. He said to himself, -"I will ascend and establish my throne in heaven."(Isa.14) His unlawful desire led to war in heaven. (Rev.12) After his defeat, he lost the honor of possessing the signet of God and was cast down to the earth. But as the god of this world (2 Cor.4:4) Lucifer has replaced God's SEAL with his own MARK. A MARK to impress his lawless way on all who would receive it. This gives greater meaning to the passage, "And they worshipped the dragon (Lucifer) because he GAVE HIS AUTHORITY to the BEAST." The beast will receive the SIGNET or MARK of Lucifer which will enable him to exercise all the AUTHORITY of the god of this world, which is the Devil.  

Those SEALED by God are those who keep the Commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.(Rev.12) They are SEALED with the holy spirit and the name of God is on their foreheads.(Rev 14) Notice, -"And the dragon was enraged with the woman (church) and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring, who KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of God and hold the TESTIMONY OF JESUS." (Rev.12:17) Some teach that this woman is Israel, but notice that she not only "keeps the commandments" but "holds the testimony of Jesus." Israel for the most part has never received the testimony of Jesus. Notice again how God's SAINTS are identified in this time, -"Here is the perseverance of the SAINTS who KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of God and their FAITH IN JESUS." (Rev.14:12)  

In sharp contrast, the beast is called the "man of lawlessness", -"Let no one in any way DECEIVE YOU, for it will not come (Jesus' second coming) unless the apostasy (falling away from the true faith) comes first, and the MAN OF LAWLESSNESS is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God." (2 Thes.2:3-4)  

During the great tribulation the beast will claim to be God and demand worship, but notice that Paul calls him the "man of lawlessness", why? Could it be it is because he seeks to destroy the terms of the COVENANT? Not the Sinai covenant ratified by the blood of animals, but the NEW COVENANT ratified by the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God? Notice, -"But if you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and CHURCH of the first-born who are ENROLLED IN HEAVEN, (Book of Life)and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, and to Jesus, the MEDIATOR of a NEW COVENANT, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel." (Heb.12:22-24) The church of God are partakers of the new covenant. They know their God and God knows them personally. They have repented (changed) of their old lawless ways and have agreed to the terms of the new covenant, which is living by the Commandments of God. After confessing their former sinful ways, they have been baptized and received the holy spirit, which is the SEAL of God.(Ephesians 1:13) They understand that to stop practicing sin is to stop transgressing the commandments. Notice, -"Sin is the transgression of the LAW." Or as rendered in the NAS, -"Every one who PRACTICES SIN also PRACTICES LAWLESSNESS; and SIN IS LAWLESSNESS." (1 John 3:4)  

Anyone who does not practice keeping the Ten Commandments has not entered into the new covenant. The Apostle John was inspired to write, -"And BY THIS we know that we have come to KNOW HIM, if we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. The one who says, -"I have come to know Him" and does not KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS is a LIAR, and the TRUTH is not in him." (1 John 2:3-4)  

Remember, as we learned from 2 Thes. Chapter 2, it is those who possess and love the TRUTH that will not be deceived by the "man of lawlessness." And as John says, those who do not keep the Commandments do not possess the truth that would ultimately protect them from being deceived by the beast. As Revelation chapter 12 and chapter 14 states, those who refuse the MARK are those who keep the commandments and hold to the belief that Jesus is the Messiah. It will not be enough to keep the commandments alone, without partaking of the blood and terms of the new covenant, -without accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. But it will also not be enough to profess Jesus as your Lord but live a lawless way of life.  

The "King of the North" of Daniel chapter 11 is the "beast" of chapter 7 and Revelation 13. In Daniel 11 the prophet foretells that this man will become enraged at the "HOLY COVENANT" and take action against it. In Verse 30, Daniel says the beast will show favor to those who "forsake the holy covenant." In Verse 31 we see that by smooth, deceitful words he will convince many Christians to turn from keeping the commandments, notice -And by smooth words he will TURN TO GODLESSNESS those who act wickedly toward the COVENANT, but the PEOPLE who KNOW THEIR GOD will DISPLAY STRENGTH and TAKE ACTION." We have already seen that those who keep the commandments are those who know their God. The true Christians will stand in the truth of what it means to abide in the grace of the new covenant,(Heb.10:26-29) and will "give understanding to many"(Verse 32), for which many will be killed. Isn't it easy to understand why the Apostle Paul referred to him as the "man of lawlessness?"  

One cannot know God without keeping His commandments. One cannot be a true, faithful Christian without knowing God. One cannot receive God's SEAL without the holy spirit. And one cannot receive the holy spirit without repenting of practicing sin, which is breaking the commandments on a regular basis, and is not submitting to the terms of the new covenant. One cannot have the truth without keeping the commandments. And one cannot be protected from the deception to come without the truth. All without the SEAL and TRUTH of God will be seduced by "smooth words" into receiving the MARK of the beast, the very impress of the Devil. They will be stamped with his SIGNET RING which connotes his ownership. Those who are not owned by God, having been purchased with the blood of His Son (blood of the new covenant) and impressed with His SEAL, will be claimed by Satan and impressed with his MARK.  

David Spangler, a well-known leader in the New Age religious movement and Author of several books, claims that he has communicated with the "New Age Messiah" in spirit. This spirit calls himself "Limitless Love and Truth". This demonic spirit masquerading as a messenger from God sent these words to the people of the earth, -"I present to you, therefore, the revelation of man's destiny, for behold! I have PLACED MY SEAL upon this PLANET." (The Birth of a New Age, Spangler) The "god of this world" is claiming all who will forsake the covenant and God's commandments, as his followers. The Devil calls it his "SEAL" but God calls it his "MARK", sealing up not a pattern of LAW, as he did while in the grace of God, but of LAWLESSNESS. Let true Christians respond to that foul, demonic spirit, -"I submit to you therefore, your destiny. You shall be banished at the return of Jesus as Lord of Lords and King of Kings! You lost the battle at the cross of Calvary."  

We could spend much time trying to determine just what the MARK of the beast will be, and yet still ultimately be deceived into receiving it. It will only be those who have a love for the truth that will not be deceived. Those spoken of as being persecuted and even killed at that time are those who keep the commandments and receive Jesus as their Messiah.  

Almost 2000 years ago a young rich ruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life? Jesus answered, -"Keep the Commandments."(Matt.19) It's still the same today. True Christians will keep the Commandments and hold the testimony of Jesus.  

My friends, make sure you stand in obedience to God by keeping all Ten of His great Commandments including the seventh-day Sabbath. If it weren't still holy, then why would Jesus instruct us to pray this prayer at the time of the tribulation? -"But PRAY that your flight may not be in the winter, or on a SABBATH."(Matt.24:20) My friends, seek the SEAL.   

 
SPOTLIGHT: New Age!  

Warfare in Prayer opens ears to hear and eyes to see. Intercession prepares the way of the Lord.  

"The seven hundred people packed into the Seattle auditorium have paid $400 each to hear RAMTHA. They sit in excited expectation, their pulses pounding, their eyes rapturously cast upon the stage. Then RAMTHA comes forth. He speaks marvelous words, exhorting the audience to know that each one of them is God and that nothing they do is evil, because there is no good and evil in human nature. He scorns the teachings of Jesus, cynically proclaiming that because each person is God, they do not need anyone to teach them. RAMTHA also reveals that in the seed of Lucifer lies God and divineness." (Dark Secrets of the New Age, Texe Marrs)  

"Christians and Jews must pay back the karmic debt they have incurred because of unbelief in world religious unity. Only then will they be fit for reincarnation into the New Age Kingdom. In the Bhagavad Gita, we find all the justification the Antichrist would need to order Christian and other spiritual REBELS put to death. In these Heathen Hindu scriptures so revered by the New Age, the devout are taught that both life and death are illusions (maya), that the Mother Goddess's karmic wheel catches all men up into a revolving-door cycle of reincarnations. The New Age believer rejects the Christian doctrine of judgment as "negative thinking," maintaining that man will return again and again in an endless stream of life and death. So killing a person can be a righteous act to help the victim work out his karma. He can thus be reborn in a later reincarnation as a happier individual. The Antichrist will convince the world they are doing the Christian -that pitiful, unspiritual, unenlightened member of a racially inferior species -a favor by sending him on to another dimension or to the next incarnation where he will be more happy. The wholesale massacre of Christians may well be justified as a humanitarian and creative act of LOVE." (Dark Secrets of the New Age, Texe Marrs)  

"Claiming to represent a radical new global culture, the New Age World Religion denies the existence of a personal God who loves His own, while it exalts human potential and scientific progress. Its leaders point out that they are forerunners of the New Age Messiah, a great superhuman world teacher and leader who is soon to come. He will, they have declared, establish a glorious Kingdom of MAN on earth in which all men will live in peace, harmony, and unity. Possessing unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, and wielding marvelous psychic abilities, all the powers of the universe will be at his command." (Dark Secrets of the New Age, Texe Marrs)  

New Agers believe that GOD is an impersonal energy force that is integrated into the fabric of everything that exists. They believe that CHRIST is a reincarnated Messenger from the Angelic Hierarchy. New Agers claim that Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, Jesus etc., were all "Christs," but the greatest of all is soon to come on the scene to usher in the New Age of Enlightenment. New Agers perceive ANGELS as "Ascended Masters," "Spirit Guides," "One's Own Higher Self," etc. Collectively, they are referred to as the "HIERARCHY." New Agers do not believe in the Biblical concept of a fiery HELL. Nor do they accept the reality of judgment, or even the existence of sin and evil.  

The New Age movement for a One World Religion is clothed with the deceit of a false LOVE and the teaching of a TOLERANCE God condemns in His Word. True Love manifests itself in a person when he submits to the will of his Creator as given in the Bible, by joyously and obediently keeping God's Commandments. Love, without commandment observance is useless. "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:2-3) "One of the reasons the New Age attracts so many people today is its emphasis on LOVE. A theology of love is a powerful aphrodisiac in a selfish world so universally devoid of true caring."(Texe Marrs)  

What the New Agers are saying.  

"In Later times some will fall away. . .paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Tim.4:1)  

"I am convinced that the battle for mankind's future must be waged and won in the public school classrooms by teachers who correctly perceive their role as the proselytizers of a new faith.. . .The classroom must and will become an arena of conflict between the old and the new -the rotting corpse of Christianity, together with all its adjacent evils and misery, and the new faith. . .resplendent in its promise." (John Dunphy, The Humanist)  

"We are as much God as God is a part of us. . .each of us is God. . .together we are God. . .this all-for-one-and-one-for-all. . .makes us the whole of God." (Ruth Montgomery)  

"There is no authority superior to the guidance of a person's inner self; the universe is of good intent; evil and destruction do not exist." (Seth's Teachings, Seth Center)  

"The Bible was not intended to be interpreted literally in all its parts. . .The idea of "original sin" is totally false. . .The High Religion has nothing to do with sin, only spiritual development of man. Evil exists only in our minds -it is a human creation." (John Randolph Price, Superbeings)  

"A New Age World Religion is needed to synthesize scientific knowledge with spiritual teachings and to UNIFY mankind." (Toward a New Age World Religion, Lola Davis)  

"Everybody has the truth. Jesus had his truth; I got my truth. I can't use anybody else's. . .You are all beautiful. You are God." (Magical Blend, Terry Cole-Whittaker)  

"The idea of a man groveling before his God comes down from his ancient heritage. . .The science. . .revealed by the Ancient Masters restores to mankind in this age. . .the original destiny in perfection before the expulsion from Paradise." (Science of the Spoken Word, Lord Maitreya spirit)  

"We can take all the Scriptures and all the teachings and all the tablets and all the laws, and all the marshmallows and have a jolly good bonfire and marshmallow roast, because that is all they are worth." (Reflections on Christ, Spangler)  

"You are the supreme being. . .there isn't any right or wrong." (Playing the Game the New Way, Carl Frederick)  

"There has not been and there will not be a place for the unfit. The fit will lead, and if the unfit are not coming along there is no place for them. . .In the Age of Enlightenment there is no place for ignorant people. Nature will not allow ignorance to prevail. It just can't. Nonexistence of the unfit has been the law of nature." (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi)  

"Those who survive the shift will be a different type of people from those in physical form today, freed from strife and hatred, longing to be of service to the whole of mankind. . .The souls who helped to bring on the chaos of the present century will have passed into spirit to rethink their attitudes." (Threshold to Tomorrow, Ruth Montgomery)  

"We are all pure light, or pieces of God. . .We are obviously ALL ONE. . .If you can just remember that we are all one, we are ALL GOD. . .Your negative feelings will disappear. . .Logic, reason, intuition and the esoteric literature from most world religions indicate that if you think you have the only way then your God is too limited." (Spirit)  

"We want to talk to you of love. We want to blend with you -we want to blend our energy with yours so we can touch each other -so we can work together." (Lazaris, a Demon Spirit)  

"I prefer to think of them as angels of light -whether from earth or other worlds. They search, select and guide those men and women who may be suitable subjects. . .A Master may then instruct, or plant the seed of a new concept. . .and the word is spread, taking hold and growing in the mind of others, until there is a wave of collective thinking sufficiently powerful to change events and shape the future." (Elena, a demon spirit to John Randolph Price)  

"Am I God? Am I a Christ? Am I a Being come to you from the dwelling places of the infinite? I am all these things, yet more. I am revelation. I am the Presence which has been before the foundations of the Earth." (Limitless Love and Truth, Demon spirit to Spangler)  

"The one distinguishing feature in the World Order will be the credo: "All is one." (Jonathan Stone)  

New Age is more than half-a-billion strong and growing. 

Family Affairs: Marriage is...  

Marriage is unique to man, in that he can conceive of the future, and can relate the present to the future, even to eternity. He is the only creature that can have marriage instead of simply mating, -for marriage involves commitment for the future, with both husband and wife each fulfilling that which is lacking in the other.  

Marriage is a union endowed with spiritual significance when each partner is enabled by love to transcend his own self-centeredness and identify himself with the well-being and concerns of another.  

Marriage is two becoming one. Marriage is raised to the highest pinnacle as the type of the union between Christ and His Church. This conception emphasizes both the holiness of the estate and the wickedness of all sins against it. Husband and Wife are not two, but one.  

Marriage is commitment to the holy laws that regulate it. The duty of the Husband is love, and of the Wife obedience and respect, with the Husband being the God-ordained head of his Wife. As Christians, they both are joint-heirs of the promise.  

Marriage is being one flesh. Sexual union is holy, being the creation and gift of God. It is fulfilled only as regulated by the law of God in marriage. Man and woman were created to compliment each other physically as in other ways, and to share together in God's creative process. This unity causes growth as each child is conceived and born. Adam and Eve were created by God's own hand, -but God allowed Husband and Wife to join with Him in creating the rest of humanity. This is accomplished through this holy and intimate union of Husband and Wife.  

Marriage is the honor of offering the precious gift of sexual communion, with each partner giving that which has been exclusively preserved for that one alone.  

Marriage is honoring the band on your hand.  

Marriage is. . . Communication  

During this time of unprecedented immorality, adultery and unfaithfulness, one would think that the main reason for the escalating divorce rate would be one of these. But surprisingly, lack of communication is named most for terminating a marriage. Even though, a recent poll found that over 65% of married people have had affairs during their marriage, most put forth an effort to save their marriage afterwards. It seems that lack of communication presents a more hopeless obstacle.  

Generally, men view themselves as "problem-solvers." Men often communicate with each other about how to do something, or how to prevent doing something wrong. Men are accustomed to feeling they need to have an answer for whatever problem may arise.  

Generally, women are more socially oriented, in that their communicating is designed for personal bonding rather than problem solving.  

Often, Wives want to communicate to strengthen the marriage bond, and to feel closer to her mate. As Husbands, we should understand that when our mate talks with us, even about problems, she is not necessarily telling us so we can jump into "solve-mode."  

Men desire to be appreciated and needed. Women desire to be valued and cherished. Men should understand that their Wives need these things communicated to them in ways other than mere words, but also in actions. A soft touch, a gentle caress, -confirms your words. Wives should know that their Husbands truly need respect and honor as the head of the home. Build him up with encouraging words, gently tell him where you wish he was a little different without demanding change or usurping his authority.  

Husbands listen to your Wives. Wives submit to your Husbands. The greatest communication a marriage can have, is when the actions of both Husband and Wife are motivated by love with concern for the needs of the other, and seeing it all through the eyes of God. 

Focus on Health: Rest  

"Life today is fast paced, exciting -and exhausting. Insomnia is epidemic. People are gulping down millions of sedatives and tranquilizers, desperate for rest that will restore their energies."  

"It could be an illness -such as a cold or the flu -sapping your energy. Or you may be depressed."  

"Many otherwise healthy people work in confining sedentary jobs with deadline pressures and emotionally draining problems. These people are not likely to feel rested when they get out of bed."  

"In addition, few people get through a day anymore without a pick-me-up, usually coffee, tea or cola. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and a common cause of insomnia."  

"Besides tiredness and a lack of energy there is also an increase in irritability. Tempers get short and patience goes out the window. Everything requires more effort until finally the simplest tasks seem overwhelming."  

"Fatigue also sabotages creativity. Judgment suffers and efficiency goes. And if unrelieved, fatigue can culminate in exhaustion and full-scale depression."  

"Rest allows your body to renew itself. Waste products are removed, repairs are effected, enzymes are replenished, energy is restored. In addition: Rest aids in the healing of injuries, infections and other assaults on your body, as well as stress and emotional trauma."  

"Rest strengthens your body's immune system, helping protect you from disease."  

"Proper rest can add length to your life. In a large population study of health habits a few years ago it was found that people who regularly slept 7-8 hours each night had lower death rates than those who averaged either less than 7 hours, or who slept longer."  

"People need different kinds of rest and a relaxing night's sleep is a good start. Newborn babies sleep from 16 to 20 hours, while young children need 10 to 12 hours. Adults vary widely in their requirements but most do best on 7 to 8 hours per night."  

"People also need a change of pace. During World  

War II, Great Britain instituted a 74-hour work week but soon found that people could not maintain the pace. After experimenting, they found that a 48-hour work week, with regular breaks, plus one day of rest each week, resulted in maximum efficiency."  

"During normal sleep the body passes back and forth between periods of light and deep sleep. During light sleep dreaming occurs providing a natural outlet for the pressures and tensions that build up during the day."  

"Medicated sleep, however, while producing a welcome state of unconsciousness, suppresses that dream stage. Even though people believe they have slept soundly, they may not feel as refreshed and energetic the next day."  

"Sleep medications may be helpful in emergencies but they will contribute to chronic fatigue if continued over time."  

"Alcohol is another commonly used drug that seems to produce relaxation and aid sleep. But alcohol-induced sleep is not as restorative as normal sleep"  

HOW CAN I SLEEP BETTER?  
 

1.  "Take frequent breaks during the workday. Drink water, walk around and take some deep breaths." 
2. "Engage daily in 30-60 minutes of active exercise. Exercise relaxes, restores energy, helps banish depression and combats nervous tension." 
3. "Maintain as regular a schedule as possible for going to bed, getting up, eating and exercising. The body flourishes on regular rhythms." 
4. "Eat the evening meal at least four hours before bedtime. An empty, resting stomach is more conductive to quality rest." 
5. "Try a lukewarm bath. It is a helpful relaxation technique." 

6. "Count your blessings. Fill the mind with gratitude and thanksgiving." 

(Lifestyle Capsules,Ludington & Diehl) 

 
Letters, Announcements & Local News  

"Please you may wonder who is this writing to you. Please I would like to let you know me very well. Since it's my wish that I may know more brothers whom we share the same faith and calling. Sir when I was in Nakuru (Kenya, Africa) for the Passover feast I was introduced and given your address by my very brother David, and he told me to write to you since he would be happy to hear that I'm receiving teachings from you. Therefore, please I would request you to be corresponding to me and I will be happy to be blessed by your teaching and also receiving the Word of knowledge from you sir. Therefore, please it's my pleasure to introduce myself to you and requesting of your material of literature please. Please your reply to this letter is of very importance to me please." Duncan M. Muchiri, Kenya, East Africa, Chairman of the Evangelization Committee  

"At the beginning of August, our fellowship here in Russellville, decided to form an Evangelization Committee. Our job would be to come up with ideas and make decisions concerning ways to reach out to our local community. There are many ways to do this, but we were looking for ways that would compliment our POINTS OF TRUTH Radio Broadcast, -more personal ways. We have and will continue to hand out tracts on different Biblical subjects, but we also wanted to consider how to let the light of Christ shine through us to the people around us. We began a program called Adopt-A-Block. We simply went door to door in the neighborhood near our church and offered refrigerator magnets that had a list of services we were offering printed on them. Services included, someone to talk, study or pray with, help around the house or yard, transportation etc. In this way, we hope to let our lights shine so that our heavenly Father and our Savior may be glorified through our actions. Earlene Donalson  

"This summer my sister Jennifer and I have begun an outreach program called, Sisters for Christ Promotions. We'll be promoting Christian singing groups and staging their concerts. I think this will be a good way to spread the gospel to Russellville and cities nearby. We will work the crowds with personal witnessing and handing out tracts, tapes, etc. We'll be glorifying God by our devotion to such a call and causing others to glorify Him through music. I'm excited about this effort and am asking God to guide and direct it every step of the way. So far we have made a list of places we can rent for the performances, and are presently forming a list of Christian Bands and Singers who are interested in joining us in this endeavor. Recently, we posted fliers and placed newspaper ads searching for talent. Hopefully, God will be able to use this outreach for His own work, and allow us to share in part, his awesome purpose for bringing others to Christ. Sarah, Arkansas  

"Enjoyed that last (sermon) tape you sent me very much. Julius sounded beautiful on it.(special music) And the ending prayer was great. It was kind of like being there. . .Those tapes sure make a difference. While I am unable to go to services someone saw my writings on the Internet and we have become friends, and she is very interested in changing her belief and denomination. She is a Baptist. . .I gave her three chapters to start and told her if she can deal with that and understand and not turn away from reading it that Yawh's (God's) spirit was assuredly working with her. . .Maybe between all of us we can help her. . .So maybe you can help her too with sermon tapes, info and other sources to get her off right. She is so confused right now, but most assuredly loves God." Bob, Arkansas 

"Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God the Father in Christ, our Savior. Warm Greetings unto you from Quebec. I pray that this letter finds you well and happy. I got your address from Freedom Biblical Information Center. I request please to be placed on your mailing list for receiving your newsletter and also a complete detail of resource of materials will be appreciated. I anticipate hearing from you. May God bless you and your loved ones in everything. May His protection, strength and peace be with you always. R.Dupere, Canada  

 
Questions & Answers  

"Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." 1 Peter 3:15  

In the August issue you stated that man does not possess an immortal soul, what about the Scriptures talking about the everlasting fires of Hell sinners will be cast into? In the Greek, the language of the New Testament, "everlasting" means age-lasting. It is from the Greek "aionios". It does not mean forever as we might think, but only for a designated period of time. Notice carefully, that in Revelation 20 John says to be cast into the Lake of Fire is to suffer the second death. You may have heard ministers preach that sinners go directly to a burning Hell when they die, to be tortured forever. If this were true, then it would mean that they were condemned to eternal punishment before they were judged. Notice when the dead will be judged by God, -"Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice and shall come forth. Those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment."(John 5:28-29) Jesus said, an hour is coming when the graves will give up their dead, and then each will be judged, some rewarded with eternal life and some to be destroyed in the fires of Hell.  

Do you believe that Jesus paid the price for your sins? What price did He pay? Didn't He pay with His own life? You see, if the penalty for sin is living forever in a burning Hell, then no one has paid that price. To believe that, would mean believing that Jesus is in a fiery Hell suffering for humanity for all eternity, yet we know by the Scriptures He was resurrected from death to life and ascended to Heaven 40 days later. He is not living in Hell, but in Heaven.  

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE "GREAT WHORE" OF REVELATION 17

(1). When we compare Matt. 23:35 with Rev. 18:24, we know the "Great Whore" is not the Catholic Church. What is the current theory on this issue? I don't know what the "current theory" is so I'll just give you mine. The Great Whore of Rev.17 is not a church but a city, -"And the woman whom you saw is the GREAT CITY which reigns over the kings of the earth."(Vs 18) Rev.18:10 gives the name of the city, -"Woe, Woe, the great city BABYLON, the strong CITY." This city is not actually Babylon of the Chaldeans, nor is it Rome, but will rule over Rome when the Beast takes his place in the temple of God. It is spiritual Babylon, the city we know as JERUSALEM.

Concerning Matt.23, Jesus first refers to the Scribes and Pharisees, the leaders in Jerusalem, but then switches to Jerusalem, the city and its temple in verses 38-39. According to Christ, the CITY and its religious leaders are responsible and guilty for all the righteous blood that has been shed since the first murder of righteous Abel. Verse 32, Jesus tells them to "Fill up then the measure of the guilt of your fathers." This is similar to what Paul said of the Jewish leaders in 1 Thes.2:14-16, -"They always fill up the measure of their sins, But wrath has come upon them to the utmost." Ezekiel's Prophecy, -"And you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the BLOODY CITY? Then cause HER to know all her ABOMINATIONS? And you shall say, "Thus says the Lord God, A CITY SHEDDING BLOOD in HER midst, so that HER TIME WILL COME, and that makes idols, contrary to her interest, for defilement! You have become GUILTY by the blood which you have shed, and defiled by your idols which you have made. Thus you have brought your day near and have come to your years; therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations, and a mocking to all the lands." (Ezekiel 22:2-4)  

Notice God's judgment is against the CITY which played the HARLOT, -"Rejoice over HER, O heaven, and you SAINTS and APOSTLES and PROPHETS, because God has pronounced judgment for you against HER.." (REV.18:20)  

Remember, Jesus said it was Jerusalem that killed the Prophets and stoned those who God sent to HER.(Matt 23) Notice now Rev.18:21, -"And a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "thus will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer." The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem caused many to be offended in Christ, -"But woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from men; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in." (Matt.23:13) Now Luke 17:1-2, -"And He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him through whom they come!" It would be better for him if a MILLSTONE were hung around his neck and he were THROWN INTO THE SEA, and that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble." This is the same terminology Jesus used in judgment against the HARLOT CITY in Rev.18.

Now notice what was found in "Babylon" after Her destruction, -"And in HER was found the blood of the PROPHETS and of SAINTS and of ALL who have been slain on the earth."(Rev.18:24) It is Jerusalem alone that Jesus pronounced guilty of ALL the RIGHTEOUS BLOOD shed on the earth. It is Jerusalem alone of all the cities of the earth that has played the WHORE, and will again when the Beast rises to power. It is Jerusalem in which the temple will be and the Beast allowed to take his seat there and erect an IDOL called the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION.  

(2) Rev.3:9 shows there is to be a people in our day who think they fulfill Romans 2:29, but do not. Aren't they part of that "Whore" system when comparing the Scriptures I gave in my previous question? It may be that it is only referring to spiritual Jews, or it may be referring to the Jewish leaders, or it may be dual and mean both. Consider this searing indictment that Jesus made against the Jewish leaders, -"You are of your father THE DEVIL, and you want to do the desires of you father. He was a MURDERER from the beginning (enticing Cain to kill Abel) and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies." (John 8:44)

"Judah" or "Jew" means "praise," so when Paul told the Romans a "Jew" is one inwardly not outwardly, and said "and his PRAISE (Jewishness) is not from men but from God. The Whore system has to be those who have been betrothed to God but have played the Harlot toward Him. Both Israel and Judah have done this, and particularly the HOLY CITY as well. The New Jerusalem descends from Heaven as a BRIDE adorned for HER HUSBAND. It is clear that the Old Jerusalem has forsaken her betrothed to lay with the world. Notice James 4:4, -"You ADULTERESSES, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." Speaking of the Great CITY notice Rev.17:2, -"With whom the kings of the earth committed acts of IMMORALITY, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of HER IMMORALITY."  

(3) God is commanding His people to come out of that system.(Rev.18:4/Jer.51:45) Showing them to be spiritual captives, not physical, because they are able to come out by their own accord. But aren't all of God's chosen in the Worldwide Church and its offshoots? Consider that if "Babylon" is "Jerusalem" in the end time, then one could come out of her just as the early church did in AD 69 just prior to her being sieged by the Roman army in AD 70. This would make the prophecy of Matt 23 dual. Now notice Matt.24:15-16, -Therefore when you see the Abomination of Desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the Prophet, standing in the Holy Place, THEN let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." This has not occurred yet, the end time Abomination of Desolation has not been erected in the temple, in fact the temple has yet to be rebuilt.

But Jerusalem was utterly destroyed by the Romans in the first Century AD. According to Josephus, about six months prior what sounded like thunder was heard on a clear day, the Christians understood it as a voice saying, -"Remove you from here." The church heeded and fled. An end time scenario could happen this way, -The Beast comes to power in Europe and soon rules a federation of 10 European nations. A great False Prophet arises and says this man is God. As God-King, this Beast comes to power in Rome, the city of seven hills, but soon determines to set up his headquarters in Jerusalem (Babylon) and convinces Jews that he is God-Messiah. Jerusalem plays the HARLOT with the Beast by accepting him and his idolatrous image, which would be the Abomination of Desolation, and would signal the people of God there to flee to the mountains knowing the wrath of God would soon be poured out on her. Notice Rev.18:4-5, -And I heard another VOICE from HEAVEN saying, "Come out of her (city) MY PEOPLE, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered iniquities." To answer the second part of your question sister, no I do not believe that "all God's Chosen" were in the Worldwide Church or one its "offshoots."  

(4) Many interpret Rev.11:8 to events that take place in Jerusalem, but doesn't the word "ALL" in Rev.18:24 include the two witnesses? So, doesn't both verses refer to the same city? I believe so, which means "Babylon" of Rev.18 is the "Great City" (Jerusalem) of Rev.11)  

(5) When comparing Lam.1:1 and 2;10 with Rev.18:18-19, I see a second fulfillment in prophecy. When comparing Ezekiel 16:15-30 with Rev.18:4, I see the same city. But isn't Worldwide and her offshoots supposed to be spiritual Jerusalem? Are we again fulfilling Lam.2:6 and 4:14 in a spiritual sense? I believe that God did bring down the Worldwide Church of God and recently the Church of God International, primarily because of the sins of the leadership. But the Scriptures do not revolve around WCG.  

(6) Why would God punish people whom he has not revealed Himself to? The tribulation is primarily the time of Jacob's (Israel) trouble. It is God allowing Satan to pour out his wrath on the Israelite nations (including Britain and America) because they have not honored the Sinai Covenant. It was not the Romans, Greeks or Assyrians etc, that stood at Mt. Sinai and said, -"Yes, we will do all you have said Lord." And it has not been those nations that have received the enormous blessings of power and prosperity in the last days.  

Available Literature and Tapes  
For a Gift of any size  
"And let the one who is taught the Word share all good things with him who teaches." Gal.6:6  
  

• LITERATURE & TRANSCRIPTS 

• • Food and the Bible 
  • Is There Hope for the Dead? 
  • Beware the Wolf! 
  • The Seventh-Day Sabbath in Scripture & History with Commentary. 
  • What Does the Bible say about Tithing and Offerings? 
  • Halloween, Trick or Treat? 
  • Halloween's Ugly Legacy 
  • What is Hell? 
  • Jubilee, And the Number 40 
  • What Happens at Death? 

  This only a small sampling of what we have available. For a more complete listing please write or call.  

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• TAPES OFFERED FOR SEPTEMBER 

• • "Building Our Belief System" 
  • "Foundation for Empowerment" 
  • "What do You Want out of Life?" 
  • "No Greater Sacrifice" 
  • "Discerning the Spirits" (5 tape series) 
  • "Your Identity in Christ" 
  • "Nature and Power of Sin" 
  • "Wait on God, Father Knows Best" 

 Sabbath (Saturday) Services: 12:30 Potluck Meal Worship 1:30 Bible Study: Wednesdays 7pm