This Message of the Kingdom  

By: Larry R. Lasiter

"And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come." (Matthew 24:14)  

THE SCENE: It's evening, not long after nightfall, and it's hot and humid this time of year in Bosnia Herzegovina. For the moment all is deathly quiet, but there was a time when singing mixed with the laughter of children as they played in the streets could be heard through the halls of the apartment complex.  

The happy times of yesterday seem so far away now. The land has been riddled by war and the people are permanently scarred. The struggle has been from within, a fight between friends and neighbors. A bitter conflict between Serbians and Muslims. Two peoples who had been living side by side. The Serbs have the upper hand tonight in this city, and have begun a reign of intimidation and terror.  

Outside, Serbian soldiers can be heard laughing as they drink themselves into the mind set of predatory animals. Inside the apartments Muslim families, mostly women and children kneel in prayer begging God to see them safely through another night of terror.  

Suddenly, their praying stops! They hear the familiar footsteps of Serbian soldiers inside the building! Who will it be tonight? They huddle closely together in silence as the steps come ever nearer. Whose door will they come to tonight?  

The soldiers burst into apartment 212, housing a family of six, a mother with two teenage daughters, one teenage son and twin girls age five years. There was another son age eight, but he was killed while playing in the street by a stray bullet during a crossfire less than three weeks ago.  

One teenage daughter is nursing her newborn baby to keep it quiet as the soldiers storm into the room. Her child is a product of a rape by other Serbian soldiers just a year ago. It is her they grab first. Terrified, she struggles violently as they drag her outside into the hallway. There are six soldiers now, three hold her down as one takes the baby from her arms and lays it on the floor a few feet away. They then begin to rip and tear at her clothing ruthlessly until she is laid bare. In their drunken stupor they brutally rape and abuse her for hours.  

Finally the soldiers begin to tire and some fall asleep as they feel the full effects of the alcohol. It is quiet now. Then suddenly the baby awakes and cries. The cry seems louder and more noticeable. A soldier shouts "QUIET!" But the baby being frightened even more cries louder.  

The young mother, barely able to muster a word makes a desperate plea for her child that she may comfort and nurse it back to sleep. A soldier answers "of course", and then walks over to the baby, takes out his knife and severs its head from its body! He then hands the baby's head to the young mother and demands that she breast-feed it! The soldiers are entertained by her anguish and begin to laugh. Just before daybreak they drag the girl outside and she is never seen again.  

The girl's family in apartment 212 is in agony and sorrow, but there is little time to mourn in time of war. It will be night again in just a matter of hours.  

THE SCENE: The earth is dry and scorched in this land called Somalia. It cries out for rain. The land has forgotten how to bear fruit, as the drought has had its death-grip on it for so long.  

Ben Acaba is near the capital city but a little farther inland. It is here that many have come searching for food and water, but both are rare commodities these days. Supply shipments from the West have steadily come but most are intercepted by the War Lords. The War Lords mistreat and bully the people, but starvation is the real enemy.  

Sitting in the dust beside a small tree is a Somalian woman. Her skin is dry and cracked from the lack of body fluids and heat, and very rough and wrinkled due to massive weight loss.  

She is holding a young child and continually fans the swarm of flies from the child's eyes and mouth. The child's arms and legs are thin and bony but his stomach is bloated. His eyes are deep-set and fixed in a daze. In the small tree next to her sits a vulture awaiting the inevitable.  

The woman is aware that death is near for her son, but all she can do is wait for help. She has seen this look many times, the famine has claimed all her family, and this child is the last remaining of four children. A mothers worst nightmare is to see all of her children taste death before she does. A dark dream this woman is about to experience in real life.  

THE SCENE: All seems quiet and tranquil on the plains of Tanzania, East Africa. A slight breeze is blowing and the tall grass sways lazily with each breath of wind. Not far away, a young Zebra colt is playfully running and kicking. The herd watches in amusement but also casts a wary eye around looking for movement in the grass. The Zebras know they must be on guard, Lions may be on the prowl.  

The little colt doesn't realize the dangers of the plains. There are hyenas, cunning and relentless. And Cheetahs, the fastest land animals, may lurk nearby.  

The herd senses it is time to move on, but they will proceed cautiously. The movement of the entire herd seems to have triggered an attack! Suddenly, a bolt from the flank and another from the front splits the herd. Tragically, in the confusion the colt is separated from its mother. In one smooth motion the lion slaps the colt to the ground and quickly applies a strangle-hold on its neck. It's only a matter of time now. The baby Zebra will die to become food for another.  

A young child cries as she watches this scene on her television, and asks "Why did that happen?" "Why can't the Lion just be nice?"  

A COMING KINGDOM OF GOD?  

   Terrible things happen in this world and will continue until Jesus comes to make all things right.

Is the Kingdom of God only something set up in the hearts and minds of men? In a sense this is true. Those who have become Christians by accepting the sacrifice of Christ actually "become" a "Kingdom of Priests." (1 Peter 2) But Consider also that a "Kingdom" is simply a "Government." Since there are few governments called Kingdoms these days, perhaps a more modern rendering would read "Government of God" or "Government of Heaven."  

When God calls a person into a relationship with Him, He reveals the necessity for that person to repent (change, not merely feel bad) of his unlawful lifestyle and begin living according to the way God instructs in His Word, the Bible. Once the person is convicted of the fact that his sinful life has him on "death roll," he will eagerly seek God's forgiveness through His divine grace. He will be baptized as a symbol of his death to his former way of life, have hands laid upon him through which he will receive the holy spirit. God will then govern him through the holy spirit which will empower him to stay a changed person. So in this sense the Kingdom of God is set up in his mind and heart.  

But even though this changes the person, it does not change the world he lives in. There is still suffering, sickness and death. Notice Jesus' answer when He was asked if He was going to establish the Kingdom on the whole earth during His time as a man on earth. Note also, that the answer He gave was after His crucifixion and resurrection. "And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it AT THIS TIME You are RESTORING THE KINGDOM to Israel?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:6-8) Immediately after saying these things Jesus ascended into heaven as his disciples watched in awe, leaving them with the comfort that He would return again in the future.  

Jesus' death and resurrection did not restore the Government of God to the earth. It will not be established in fullness until the King of Kings and Lord of Lords comes in all His glory to take it by force from Satan, who is the god of this present world.(2 Cor.4:4)  

KINGDOM ON EARTH BEFORE MAN  

The Bible reveals that prior to man's creation the earth was ruled by an Angelic Host who administered the Government of God on this planet. The Book of Job says that the Angels shouted for joy when the Earth was first created. (Job 38:7) Peter's second epistle states that when Lucifer (Satan) and his Angels (Demons) ascended from Earth to Heaven in an attempt to take the very throne of God, that they left their abode, which was the Earth.(Chapter 2) They were defeated by Michael, the Archangel and cast back down to the Earth. (Rev.12)  

God had named him Lucifer when He created him, because he was made to bring light. "Lucifer" means "light bringer." But after his rebellion, God renamed him Satan, the Devil, which means "adversary", "accuser" and "destroyer." He is called the "Prince of Darkness."  

True to his name, Satan then caused the once beautiful Earth to become "dark and void."(Gen.1) When the spirit of God descended from Heaven to re-create the Earth it was dark and covered with water. God caused dry land to appear, brought light and created various forms of life. Then He made a beautiful garden paradise called Eden for man, the first creatures made in the very image and likeness of God. In Eden, God placed two significant trees, the Tree of Life, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He then gave the first humans the choice of submitting to His Government or receiving the knowledge of both good and evil and deciding for themselves. God-reliance on the one hand and Self-reliance on the other. In effect, in the garden, God set before them Life and Death, but counseled them to choose life. Notice also, that in order that they may be tested, God even allowed Satan to enter in to tempt them. Through Adam, man was given the opportunity to unseat Satan from his Earthly throne and restore the Kingdom of God on the Earth. But he would have to refuse the fruit of the forbidden Tree and eat of the Tree of Life. Adam would have to say "No!" to the Devil and "Yes!" to God. Perhaps Satan knew it would be much more difficult for Adam to refuse his wife, Eve, since he first deceived her and used her to entice her husband.  

Adam failed, and thus the Kingdom of Satan would prevail upon the Earth until the "promised Seed," which is Jesus, who will reclaim the throne at His second coming. (Gen.3/Rom.16:20/1 Cor 15) Because of this man must die once, endure terrible wars and sufferings from the effects of deciding right and wrong for himself, and see the wonderful blessings removed and replaced by curses. Including the Animal kingdom and land itself. (Gen.3)  

THIS IS STILL SATAN'S KINGDOM. That is why there was WAR in Bosnia, FAMINE in Somalia and ANIMALS KILLING ANIMALS for food.  

The real good news concerning the Kingdom of God, is that even though the first man, Adam failed, the second Adam, (Jesus) succeeded, and has qualified to remove Satan from the Earth's throne. And will very soon. (1 Cor.15/Rom.5)  

THE MESSAGE  

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: You are commissioned by God to deliver the real good news of a Kingdom that will make a difference to the family in room 212.  

You sit down beside the mother and comfort her with these words, "I understand that you are experiencing deep emotion and pain. I am sincerely sorry for the tragic loss of your children and the terrible conditions here in your country. It is a result of Satan's rule on the Earth. But I have news of hope, -the great God that created us has looked down upon us in mercy. And even though most of us have rejected His way which produces peace, He is going to intervene in our behalf anyway, and rescue us from ourselves, and from the influence of Satan. You may endure more suffering until that time of change, but know this, you will see your children again, alive and well in a world in peace. God will not forsake them in their graves, and as dark as it is now, know that there is a time of reunion, peace, and eternal life forever on the horizon. And God can give you peace now, even amid these horrific circumstances if you sincerely ask Him. If you will receive Jesus as your personal Savior, you will be saved from your sins and be given peace even in these dire circumstances."  

BEN ACABA, SOMALIA:  

To the Somalian woman with the dying child. "I'm terribly sorry, and I share your grief and agony. But there is hope." "God says we all suffer because we have tried to live by our own way instead of His. His way produces love, peace, and abundance.Because man has rejected God we are under the rule of an evil dictator called Satan. But God will soon rescue us when we have learned our lesson, and turn to Him. God cares for you and will soon usher in a new government and bring plenty for all. No longer will children starve while their mothers watch helplessly."  

"This great God has the power to heal your dying child now, but if He chooses not to at this time, know that He will bring him, and also your other loved ones, back from the dead, completely healed. And will give them a rich land of abundance, and peace. Though we may all die today because of sin, we will be made alive again tomorrow when the Kingdom arrives. At that time even the deserts will bloom. Jesus, the Son of God, has come and died so that you can have life, blessings and peace. Recieve Him today."  

TO THE LITTLE GIRL CRYING FOR THE BABY ZEBRA: You comfort her by saying,  -"It is a very sad thing for a little baby Zebra to die just because a Lion is hungry. But that is the way it is in Satan's world. The Lion wasn't mean on purpose, he was just hungry and had to kill to survive. He isn't able to graze on grass like the Zebra. Satan is ruling the world now, but soon God will send His Son Jesus to punish Satan, and take over all the Earth. Then things will change. People, and even animals will change and be nice. He won't let animals hurt other animals, and will cause even Lions to eat grass for food. And they will become like pets to little girls like you, won't that be wonderful?"  

WHEN THE KINGDOM COMES. . .  

"Behold the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them. . .and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall no longer be death. . .mourning, crying or pain; the first things have passed away."(Rev.21:3-4) Thank you, Lord, Your kingdom come. 

SPOTLIGHT: Doomsday Y2K?  

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

The Millennium Bug  

The Y2K problem, or "millennium bug," is due to the fact that many computers, from the largest mainframes to the smallest microprocessors, will have trouble accurately processing dates and codes after January 1, 2000. Though many disagree as to the extent of the severity of possible problems, most professionals working on the problem agree that a temporary failure of the infrastructure is a distinct possibility.  

Concerning the Y2K problem, Senator Robert Bennett (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate's Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem, recently said, -"I cannot be optimistic and I am generally concerned about the possibility of power shortages. . .Pay attention to the things that are vulnerable in your life, and make contingency plans."  

"From the convergence of various economic cycles, coinciding with effects caused by the 'year 2000 bug,' it can be demonstrated that severe worldwide downturn is imminent. While it is tempting to dismiss it as 'millennial madness,' there is firm evidence and consensus that such a calamity has already begun, will continue to escalate in 1999 and total in 2000."  

"Never before in history have we been able to predict the date of a catastrophe. . .until now. Most convincing is the 'millennium computer glitch' (or Y2K). Most have heard of it, but there is widespread lack of concern and knowledge of the magnitude of this problem. The potential consequences are far more serious than commonly believed. It is an integral, monumental built-in time bomb that pervades most computers and all of society's systems."  

"Many still think it'll be taken care of, and don't yet realize this seemingly trivial matter will soon radically alter our current way of life. The present complacency is the calm before the storm, Or mass denial. This will change dramatically next year, when cold hard reality and panic sets in."  

"It can be assertively stated that Y2K can't and won't be fixed. The question now is 'how extensive the damage?' While we won't know the precise details until the immovable deadline arrives, an educated guess can be made. A severe Year 2000 recession is not only a strong possibility, but probably far too optimistic. An intense years-long global depression or worse is more likely. When the general public figures it out, expect an international run on banks and stocks before winter 1999. All of the Y2K experts overwhelmingly believe we are facing a near-term disaster. President Clinton has given a (too little too late) Y2K speech. Even the CIA has given dire warnings. This may be the greatest threat modern society has ever faced, particularly if the Power Grid shuts down."  

"With the complex and delicate modern interdependencies of communication, transportation, finance, food, fuel, it doesn't take much of a shock to severely disrupt the 'system'. We are now dependent on millions of interconnected computers to do everything from international finance to operating a power-plant. The Y2K bug may be the Grandaddy of all shocks. Like a continent sized, level 5 hurricane, it will hit every conceivable sector of the economy, all at once."  

""Coinciding, the various independent cycles and forces that show the economy will enter a recession,. . .and may spiral us into A Great Depression or even total collapse." (Future Doomsday Year 2000, D. Fisher)  

Y2K: What the Experts are saying  

The ants are not strong folk, but they prepare their food in the summer; -they are exceedingly wise. (Prov.30:25)  

"Denial, short-sightedness and procrastination got us here, and is also what will ensure our demise. A global financial crash, nuclear meltdowns, hospital life-support system shut downs, a collapse of the air-traffic system are possibilities." (NY Times, feature article 4-2-97)  

"Electric power is the critical utility. After more than about three days of failure everything just folds up. Trains, heat, refrigeration, water supplies all go. We'd be straight back to the 18th and 19th century, and it would take twenty years to regain the lost economic capability." (Ross Anderson, Cambridge Computer Lab.)  

"Every test I have seen done on an electrical power plant has caused it to shut down, period. I know of no plant or facility investigated to this date that has passed without Y2K problems." (David Hall, Cara Corporation)  

"In this situation, you can't just go by the FEMA or Red Cross guidelines, -you must consider many other things. Does your thermostat or heating systems have a chip that may fail and leave you without heat in the middle of winter? Should you get several months supplies of essential prescription medicines? Will you need extra cash in case there are banking or ATM problems? These are problems specific only to Y2K, not other common emergencies." (James Talmage Stevens, Author: Don't Get Caught with your Pantry Down)  

ONE WEAK LINK WOULD CUT POWER. One electron away from failure is how millennium bug researcher Adam Cobb describes the vulnerability of critical systems, such as power and telecommunications, to the effects of a computer glitch..-"There is a very high risk that critical infrastructures that rely on networked computers will face serious, if not catastrophic failure," Dr Cobb writes. Dr Cobb warns the effects of the bug will mean that -"because it will all happen at the same time right across the country (and indeed internationally within 24 hours) it is impossible to predict the scope of the impact. Its scale, however, will be unprecedented." (The Austrialian)  

ARMY FEARS CIVIL CHAOS: "The Canadian Armed Forces have been ordered to spend the coming months preparing for what could be their biggest peacetime deployment. Tens of thousands of troops spread across the country and frigates standing by in major ports, in case computer problems in 2000 bring civil chaos." (The Globe)  

MOST PROBABLE SCENARIO: Martial law implemented, nationalization of electricity utilities. Several weeks of massive regional outages, brown-outs, 'dirty power' and rationing of electricity with concerted, full-scale national effort to restore. Power Grid manually disconnected into smaller regions with cities given priority; rural areas without power for extended period. Becomes largely stabilized after 3-4 weeks or so. This in itself will create a severe, extended depression. If it stays down for more than about 6-8 weeks, we can pretty much say goodbye to modern civilization." (Future Doomsday Year 2000, Daniel Fisher)  

From the Editor: Certainly, mankind's rendezvous with this millennium bug may create serious problems. How serious, no one knows for sure. But since many factors indicate that we are living in the last days, complications stemming from Y2K could arise that would send us into the Great Tribulation. We should prepare ourselves for the possibility of shortages of necessities. Think and plan ahead of time, not only for you but for friends and relatives. Make lists of things you need on a regular basis. But let us not neglect nor forget, that ultimately it will be God who will bless and keep us. A close personal relationship with Him is one's greatest resource. We can't save ourselves. (Remember what Jesus said -Matthew 16:25) 

Family Affairs: Marriage is...  

Letting Christ in  

By: Treon Lasiter  

Larry and Treon Lasiter: 26 Happy Years

When I hear of marital problems and even divorces within the Body of Christ, it brings to mind Jesus' message to the Church at Laodicea. Particularly the verse which reads, -"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20)  

What Jesus seems to be saying to those in the Church infected with the Laodicean spirit, is that they have put Christ out of their homes. Jesus is saying that He is outside knocking, desiring to come in, -but is waiting for those in the house to open the door.  

Letting Jesus in your life and home means letting Him in your marriage as well. It is also letting Him into the Way you rear the children God blesses your family with. It is each person submitting to the role God has created them to fulfill. Only then, can there be harmony, peace and order.  

Married on October 26, 1972, my husband Larry and I celebrate 26 years of life together as a couple. At the ages of 18 and 17, not many of our family and friends gave us much of a chance at "making it." And on our own, we probably wouldn't have.  

But in 1974, shortly after the birth of our first child, Ashleigh(24), our merciful heavenly Father gave us an opportunity to come to know Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. God blessed our marriage and gave us four more beautiful children to raise in His ways, -Sarah (20), Jennifer (18), Michael (14) and Matthew (10).  

With God the Father and His Son Jesus at the center of our home, we began applying His "prescription" for a happy marriage, and happy family. Larry assumed his role as head of the family, and I submitted to my role of being his help-meet. Immediately wonderful changes began to take place. Our children were raised in this environment.  

When you focus on doing your part; on fulfilling your responsibilities to God, then you can pray for Him to lead your mate, and bless the decisions that are made.  

You are assured that God will hear your prayers, because you are fulfilling your role as God directs.  

As the Creator of marriage, God knows how He designed it to work. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, and the wife is not to reject her husband as her head. Rebellion is never pleasing in God's sight.  

With the divorce rate at an all-time high, -more than half of marriages end in divorce, something is very wrong in our society and even in the Church.  

I believe Christ at the center of our homes is the answer to these marital problems. But before He can be in the center of your home, you first must open the door and let Him in. If He is already in your life, home and marriage, -then let Him in even more ways.  

The odds of marital success today are slim, but with Jesus in control you can beat them. We have!  

Focus on Preparation: Y2K  

Seven Steps for Preparation  

WATER: Fresh, safe drinking water tops the list of survival resources that you will need because of potential utility interruptions due to Y2K. Fresh drinking water makes up less than 3% of the earth's available water resources. The average person uses over 50 gallons per day, and this does not include dishwashing and laundry. We recommend storing a minimum of 1 gallon per day, per person -30 gallons per month. Before storing, treat it with chlorine. Eight drops chlorine per gallon.  

FOOD: We recommend starting to stockpile non-perishable basics like canned goods, grains, powdered milk and toilet paper. You may also need some means of cooking your food. We suggest investing in a propane camp stove.  

IDENTITY: The old saying, -"If it isn't in writing it doesn't exist," takes on a new meaning as a result of Y2K and the computer foul-ups that may erase your records. Both government and financial records top the list of documentation that you may need to prove your age, citizenship, marital status, property owned, debts owed, etc.  

ENERGY: Over 90% of Americans are dependent on their local utility. Because of the vulnerability of the U.S. Power Grid you will need an alternate power source. And because the crisis is scheduled to occur in the winter, many will have an immediate need for heat. Fireplaces or wood-burning stoves should be considered. For lighting, flashlights and candles, but store plenty of batteries and matches.  

CLOTHING: What is needed is comfortable, warm items of clothing. The best way to stay warm is by layering your clothing. Plan on buying extra long underwear and socks, gloves, caps, sweatshirts and a waterproof jacket. Doubling up on your supply of undergarments allows air to be trapped between layers and serve as a sort of insulation.  

MEDICAL: Every household should have a good first-aid medical kit equipped with the basics, -aspirin, bandages, iodine, antibacterial salve, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, allergy medication and especially vitamins. And don't forget any important prescription drugs you will need.  

PRAYER: Prayer, not only for ourselves and our own circumstances, but intercessory prayer for others. It's a Godly principle that what we are willing to release to others determines what God releases to us. We must love others, even our enemies as ourselves if we are to truly fulfill our sacred duty as Christians, -remember it is us who carry His Name. And it is more than a mere pronunciation of syllables, but a Way that produces good deeds. Jack Hayford, Pastor of the Church On The Way, once said, -"It's the people who ride the high places with God who, in partnership with Him, determine the affairs of humankind living in the valleys and plains below." Let us pray, -"What a tremendous privilege to be alive at this time in history. Lord, don't let me miss a single purpose related to that privilege." Let us be as Moses who continually fell before God pleading mercy for his rebellious brethren.  

OVER-REACTING?: Maybe, but perhaps Dr. Edward Yardeni, a highly respected Wall Street Economist, sums up the Y2K Crisis best, -"Plan for the worst, and hope for the best."  

Youth Corner: Dating  

By: Jennifer Lasiter  

Hello, my name is Jennifer Lasiter and I am 18 years old. I grew up in a Christian home, and with two older sisters, the issue of dating came up occasionally in our family. I had always heard from our church that it was best to not date a person exclusively while you're young, but to stay open and date several people. Recently, though, I've been prompted to re-think this whole teenage dating concept.  

We know we are living in the end-time. Why spend precious time you could be spending getting to know your Lord more personally, on someone you know you will (or should) never marry? What real good could truly come of it? Sure, it's fun, but does it really pay?  

When you are dating someone, obviously that person is going to consume a lot of your time and your thoughts. That means less time in prayer and study, and family time. Why go out and date someone now, when you are not looking for a mate? I'd rather not waste my feelings, which are designed and intended for my future husband, on someone else.  

Our teen years are best spent on time with God and with family. Now, I don't want to be unclear here, I love to have fun and spend time with others my age. I just understand better now, that my life is not my own, and that I shouldn't act on impulse. My life should first be used as a witness for God's wonderful way of life, and should try to bring Him glory in every way.  

Dating in the teen years, before we're baptized especially, and not ready for marriage, can only serve to draw us away from God. In this time, don't you want to be as close to God as possible?  

It also serves as a tremendous witness to the world when a teenager chooses not to date. It shows where their mind is, where their focus is. That's one witness that just does not need many words. It's an action that illustrates that our youth will be spent giving glory to the Lord, -"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come."(Ecclesiastes 12:1) If we spend our youth doing whatever happens to make us feel good at the time, we will not be ready to meet our Savior.  

Again, I want to make it clear that I am not talking about a group of friends going out together, I"m talking about one on one dating.  

A person often gets involved with a person that they would never consider marrying, "it's just for fun." But little by little through compromise, they begin to accept what they may later regret. If this happens they have lost the chance of experiencing the joy of sharing their life with the person God would have given them, if He were asked. Always remember to pray and ask God to choose the right person for you. And remember also, that honoring your parents means dating only who they approve of too. You never have the right to disobey your parents unless they are asking you to disobey God. So, if you are seeing someone your parents disapprove of, stop now. You will lose important blessings.  

Always remember to pray and ask God to choose the person He prefers. Tell Him that you will trust Him to do that, and then put it in His capable hands and wait. After all, your life is His, He knows what you need and want more than you do, really.  

Becoming true Christians means striving to always put God where He belongs, first! In doing that, we live first for tomorrow, and second for today. Notice this insightful quote from Henry Ward Beecher, -"Living is death; dying is life. . .On this side of the grave we are exiles, on that, citizens; on this side, orphans; on that, children; on this side, captives; on that, freemen; on this side disguised, unknown; on that, disclosed and proclaimed as the sons of God."  

Concerning a mate, my Dad had my older sister and I make a list of the qualities that we desire in a potential mate. This is especially important for girls, -our emotions can take over sometimes and influence what we think. When this happens, we can very easily overlook major flaws that will matter later, especially when we bring children into the picture. Once you are emotionally involved an unsuitable mate can appear otherwise. A detailed list, serves to remind you of the things that are most important in a mate. I hope you will stand with me, and wait for God's choice too.  

The Watchman: Judgment!

"Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not right'. . .I will judge each of you according to his ways." Ezek.33  

As you have seen, part of this newsletter is devoted to the coming Y2K crisis. I want to tell you readers that I did not present the worst-case scenario. While researching this subject I found many predictions by experts that paint a much dire picture as we rush into the next millennia. I took the "probable scenario" approach, believing that "everything" that could go wrong probably would not. But since this article is concerning God's coming judgment, let me give you a few additional facts and comments.  

Russia says it will take them 50 years to get back to normal after the Y2K bug strikes. The U.S. Dept. Of Defense claims it will be 2009 before they are fully back as they are at present. And 37% of companies are already experiencing problems when they do their projections. One major Insurance company lost everything while testing their system. It took them $10 million dollars to restore the lost information. Fortunate for them and their clients, they had it stored elsewhere.  

Grant Jeffrey, Author of "The Millennium Meltdown", says, -"I believe this the most catastrophic technological crisis that has ever faced humanity! -We will see a panic like we have never seen, our world will be shaken as never before."  

When God gets ready to move, He often does whatever it takes to get the attention of those He is reaching out to. The reason for this reaching out, is to call people to repentance, in order that they may cleanse themselves of sinful behavior and meet their Creator.  

Today, people rarely concern themselves with God's will, but rest assured, God is taking action. He is going to shake this world to its very foundations.  

As prophesied, Americans have become lovers of self, lovers of money and lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. (2 Tim.3) Yet it is God who gives us every good thing, and indeed even life itself. Today immorality is running rampant. Although, the Apostle Paul told us not to speak evil of our leaders, who can ignore the immoral, disgraceful example President Clinton has set for the youth of our country? Why is it that the polls have been so kind to him? Perhaps it is  

because over 65% of married couples have experienced infidelity in their marriages. The answer has been, "Let's not throw stones, because we are doing it." People generally feel bad about being hypocritical, but sadly not enough to repent of their wicked deeds themselves. This creates a compromising spirit that infects our land with the idea, that if we don't condemn others of their sins, we won't be condemned. The truth is, we should not condemn the President or anyone else because of sin, but we must understand that unrepented of sin kills! Man cannot condemn man for his sins, but must condemn the act of sin itself, and know that God will judge and condemn those who refuse to repent of practicing sin.  

The reason it is so important for the American President to lead at least an honest and moral lifestyle, is because he is the accepted leader of not only our country, but most of the world. He is to lead his people as "one people, UNDER GOD" as our pledge of allegiance states, not "one people, UNDER THE DEVIL," nor according to his twisted ways.  

Christians, likewise are called out of this world to live as exiles in this land of promise. We are to be a shining example, a light in a dark world so that others may see. God has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, but God will open the minds of many when these times of trouble come, He will get their attention.  

But, you know, a person can have his eyes opened and still not see the Church of God if we are not letting our lights shine. The light we have as Christians, is nothing more than the true Light of Jesus shining forth in our lives, in how we worship, speak, act and react. Remember, "What Would Jesus Do?" How do we know what Jesus would do? By what He did do while He lived as a mortal man on earth. Let us also remember this concept, -What Did Jesus Say?"  

Judgment is swiftly coming upon the land because we have forsaken the Commandments of God. Jesus plainly warned, to never even imagine that He came to destroy the Law (10 Commandments) or the Prophets. Notice, -"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until Heaven and Earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished."(Matt.5:17-18) Jesus goes on to say in verse 19 that those who teach others to relax even the least of the Commandments will be ranked least in the Kingdom.  

The Churches in the land are riddled with false teachers speaking smooth things to tickle the ears of their congregations. Many preachers live in fear of losing their parsonage, so they are careful to preach the "party-line." Christ put Pastors in the assembly to manage it as he would his own family, yet today Pastors must answer to their governing boards. The reason for most of this is, of course money. Boards don't want their congregations offended by strong reproof, they may lose members, and Pastors don't want to lose their salaries. If a Pastor begins to preach heresy, then the congregation should leave him. But too many today leave assemblies over Pastors calling for purification and repentance.  

Wolves in the flock don't simply leave, they attempt to implement changes that will affect the entire flock. Rather than leave an assembly, they want to see those teaching righteousness put out, in order to replace them with Teachers they can control. Notice Paul's warning to young Timothy, which is a prophesy of the End-Time, -"For the time will come when they will not endure sound-doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled they will ACCUMULATE FOR THEMSELVES TEACHERS in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths."(2 Tim.4)  

My Friends and Brethren, we are now living in those times. People in the Church and out, don't like the rules God has set forth for those who would be His chosen. Rather than REPENT!, and truly turn to God, sadly they seek to re-define the terms of salvation. So many I talk with erroneously believe that as long as they try to live a decent, honest, life, God will accept them.  

Remember, Jesus instructed those who wanted to follow Him, to leave this world and take up their cross. Yes, Christians do have crosses to bear, contrary to the latest fad of prosperity preaching. Christians must carry their crosses to their Coronations, where they will lay them at the feet of Him who is faithful and true, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, and only then will they receive their Crown of Glory.  

In the Spring of 1999 there will be millions of families anxiously preparing for local High School and College graduations. It will be a thrilling and joyous time.But there will also be many boys and girls who will not be there. A lost generation numbering into the millions. Children conceived years earlier, only to see their precious lives stuffed out before they were even born, by Abortion.  

This is nothing new, Israel slaughtered their children and burned them as offerings to Pagan gods. The only difference is that they killed them after they were delivered. But it brought the wrath of God on them, and He caused the nation to be split in two. Afterwards, because of unrepentance, God sent the mighty Assyrian Army on the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and years later the Babylonian Army on the Southern Kingdom. There was a great slaughter, their cities were looted and burned, their women brutally ravaged and the remnant carried away as slaves. God even allowed His own House, the beautiful Temple built by Solomon, to be defiled, robbed and burned to the ground. You see, you can provide a Place to worship, but if the worshippers are rebellious and unholy the worship is in vain, and unacceptable to God.  

Sacrificing their children was not all God had against Israel in judgment. He also punished them for breaking the Sabbaths, the weekly and the land Sabbaths. Notice 2 Chronicles 36:20-21, -"And those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of Jeremiah, until the LAND had enjoyed its SABBATHS. All the days of its desolation it kept Sabbath until seventy years were complete."  

How many Christian Churches do you know that teach all ten of the Ten Commandments, including the seventh-day Sabbath? Or the keeping of the seventh-year land Sabbaths? How many teach observing God's Holy Days?(Lev.23) How many accept divorce as honorable in the Church? Or cozy up to the world?  

Our land is filled with Pagan influences. God's wrath is also coming because we have accepted the Pagan practices of Christmas, Easter, Valentines and Halloween. All in the name of God, who hates them.  

This Y2K Crisis could very well be the spark that ignites an explosion that sends this world into the Great Tribulation. The clock is ticking away as we move ever closer to that day. REPENT!, stand fast, and prepare to meet your God. - Larry R. Lasiter