CB3E - March, 2020

A  CALL  To  Humble  Confession

In light of Psalm 119:89, 160  …
In light of II Timothy 3:16, 17  and  II Peter 1:20, 21  …
In light of contemporary false teachers who reject
     God’s eternal principles – including the one below  …
In light of the need of the hour  …

II Chronicles 7:13, 14 reads

   [ God speaking ]

   When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or
                 command the locust to devour the land, or
                 send pestilence among My people,

   if My people who are called by My name will
   humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,
   and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear
   from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal
   their land.  (NKJV)

We discern many – not all ! – of the ungodly will
continue in rebellion against God given the deceptive
bondage by which they are presently held captive,  BUT
let US (those of us in Christ Jesus) not make the same
mistake of rejecting His call to repent.

Instead of  blaming God  for some of our present global
concerns, we His people need to follow in the footsteps
of Daniel – see Daniel 9.

And know this dear readers:

God is not asking for temporary  lip-service  apology
like we witnessed by many after 911.  He’s asking us 
to follow the examples of those in Nehemiah 8 (as
opposed to those persisting in the sinful Jer. 6:16-21
perspective [of verses 16c and 17c]).

And, if you’re presently an unbeliever:

He’s asking you to follow in the footsteps of the 
ancient Ninevites – see Jonah 3  and  Click Here
for Good News.

The loving judgment of God is upon the earth,
providing circumstances/opportunities to turn
from our wicked ways.  Even in this loving discipline,
our God is good … and great … and greatly to be
praised.

May each of us respond to the love of God in ways
most beneficial to our eternal souls.  In Jesus Christ’s
name we pray, unto Your glory and praise, amen.

2nd quarter  commentary blogs  of 2020 ...




CB4A - April, 2020

Our 2020 End-Time Bible Reading Schedule (April - June)

April 

1      Mark 1
2      Mark 2
... etc. ...
12     Mark 12
13     Mark 13
14     Psalm 95
15     Psalm 32
16     Psalm 143
17     Psalm 102
18     Psalm 103
19     Psalm 37
20     Psalm 31
21      Psalm 35
22     Psalm 30     
23     Psalm 42     
24     Psalm 43
25     Psalm 63     
26     Psalm 98     
27     Psalm 103     
28     Psalm 41      
29     Psalm 52    
30     Psalm 44

May

1        Psalm 45
2       Psalm 47
3       Psalm 48
4       Psalm 119:1-64
5       Psalm 119:65-128
6       Psalm 119:129-176
7       Psalm 49
8       Psalm 53
9       Psalm 50
10     Psalm 59
11      Psalm 60
12     Psalm 19
13     Psalm 46
14     Psalm 40
15     Psalm 54
16     Psalm 51
17     Psalm 55
18     Psalm 138
19     Psalm 139
20     Psalm 24
21      Psalm 29
22     Psalm 8
23     Psalm 84     
24     Matthew 24
25     Matthew 25
26     Mark 13
27     Luke 12
28     Luke 17
29     Luke 21
30     John 14
31      John 16

June

1       John 1
2      John 2
... etc. ...
20    John 20
21     John 21    
22     Psalm 56 
23     Psalm 57
24     Psalm 58
25     Psalm 59
26     Psalm 60
27     Psalm 61
28     Psalm 62  
29     Psalm 63    
30     Psalm 64

Lord God, thank You for Your faithfulness in meeting
with us as we fellowship before Your holy face.  May
Your Word penetrate our very depth of being such that 
we glorify You as we are further conformed to the precious 
image of Your dear Son.  In Jesus Christ's name we pray. 

____________________

CB4B - April, 2020

Divine Chess

When playing the game of chess, one encounters the possibility
of multiple moves – many possible ones, actually.  And, as we
also well know, the  moves  are made in light of a basic dynamic
of the game, namely ANOTHER player is involved.  So while one
makes  moves,  it’s with the  understanding  the  other player 
may not make  response moves  in the way (or ways) anticipated.

A  similar  (Note well:  pure analogies almost never exist, if they 
exist at all)  dynamic is found in  future strategy  efforts, a game 
that is played but often played seriously by some because they 
know the future is indeed coming … it’s a  really real  thing.

Because there are many extraneous variables when it comes to
projecting the future – mankind doesn’t actually KNOW the future – 
plans made by these strategists may have to change.  Unexpected
things happen.  It’s the nature of this beast.

BUT here’s where we enter into an entirely different  chess game.

Are we, as God’s people in Jesus Christ, wise enough to consider
an additional dynamic when we play  Divine chess ?  Do we truly
believe the  but God  perspective, especially that He knows the
actual future?  Do we live our lives in light of  this  aspect of 
future things?

Christians  often say, “Of course we acknowledge this.”

But do we really?

If we really include – if we truly believe – God’s wisdom in this
significant life game, we’d live very differently than the way 
most of us are living today.  If we honestly accept His special
revelation, then His church doesn’t have to worry about un-
anticipated corrections/changes.  As the analogy goes, we 
don’t have to concern ourselves with our opponents going 
in different directions (making different moves) than anti-
cipated.  Pretty cool!

But some ask, “How so, especially given the many failed 
words of counsel on this matter of  end times ?”

This is our  very  point!

God  KNOWS  the actual future and has communicated key
(most crucial) elements of the future to us – ones that will
indeed come to pass.  This is the dynamic of  Divine chess
because He does indeed know all things … even the actual
future.

Our appeal:   There are a few  conditions  to our knowing
                         (correctly) His revelation about future things.

IF we care to retain God’s  Big-picture  wisdom which He 
graciously grants, we need to keep in mind the following:

1.  We MUST play by His rules and not inject human 
     strategy and opinion into the game.  We must discern
     the incorrect plans and projections of some Christians
     because some of the teachings they herald are NOT in 
     accord with what God has clearly written.

     For example:  Following the  unbiblical  game plans
         of    A.  Preterit theology (and the practical application
                      of this theological perspective:  End-time 
                        passages are not for today)
         of    B.  Pre-Tribulationalism (and their tenet that 
                       Christians won’t be on earth during the time 
                       the antichrist seeks to rule)
         of    C.  Pan-Mil / Pan-Trib (especially including this 
                       attitude:  We don’t need to concern ourselves 
                       with  end-of-days  matters)  …
         following these game plans could  be deadly.           

     If we base our  moves  on faulty theology (some examples
     listed immediately above), we’re in jeopardy of loosing this
     eternally significant game.  Let’s think on [end time] things
     that are actually True – Phil. 4:8.

2.  We MUST avoid unbiblical extremes, especially those views
     which reject the other facets of the explicitly biblical gem.

     For example:  Affirming John 10:29, John 3:16, Romans 10:9
     and other passages while at the same time rejecting I Tim. 4:1,
     Mt. 24:10, II Thes. 2:4 and other  on-the-other-side-of-the-coin
     passages  is also deadly.         

     In other words, we must walk (play the Divine chess game) in
     light of the  full  Counsel of God’s actual Word, not based on 
     opinions or interpretations of men, for partial truths can some-
     times be used to entrap to the extent of eternally significant  
     checkmate  conclusions.

All we’re saying here is this:

We must allow  God’s revelation  about the  end of days  to 
be that which informs our understanding about  future  things.  
Because His Word will unfold just as He says, we need to be 
listening to His Words, not the words of some of the false 
prophets and false teachers today. 

As we discern the false appeals, we can be confident (in God!) 
as we play the  Divine chess game using HIS actual Truths.

____________________

CB4C - April, 2020

CB4D - April, 2020

The  End Days*  Of  The End Of Days  Are Unfolding 

Do you recall the movie,  2012 ?

How about the scene in the film where the placard guy on 
the street corner is holding his cardboard sign reading,
"Repent!  The end is near!" ?

And the funny, crazy radio conspiracy nut who shouts,
"I have goose bumps people!"  just before his death as
Yellowstone finally  blows its top ?  [ By the way, earthquakes 
have increased in this area of late!  :-) ]

And last, but not least, do you remember the place in the
film where  Carl Anheuser (the White House staff member)
says, "[It's] kinda galling when you realize that nutbags with
the cardboard signs had it right the whole time." ?

Friends, let's be discerning and come out from under
the bondage of deception:

God's Word has been  right the whole time.  As He has been
most accurate regarding His Son's  1st Coming,  so too is He
proving to be  spot on  concerning days just prior to His Son's
2nd Coming.

We plead with you:  Make a decision to receive God's rich
blessings in Jesus Christ.

As famous atheist, William Provine, wrote me months before
his passing in 2015  [ he said, "I agree with you" (regarding our
appeals on our  TruthMatters.com  site) ],  we ask YOU to do 
likewise:  Agree with God  concerning His Truths about the days
prior to the return of His Son  and  the eternal message of HOPE
He alone offers.

Confess your rebellious sin and He will forgive you.  Repent - stop
living a life contrary to God's ways.  Instead, as He empowers His
new-born Saints in Christ through His Spirit, live in victorious 
light  and  love  as His Word outlines. 

You  can  do  it !

Begin by acknowledging you're a sinner who's not perfect - no one
is.  Accept God's only provision for forgiveness of sin before Him -
believe and receive the sacrifice of God's heavenly Lamb, Jesus
Christ, who shed His blood to secure forgiveness of sin.

Then, subsequent to New Birth,  walk  in newness of life - Gal. 2:20.

For further clarification as to God's eternal rescue from the Lake
of Fire, please  Click Here.

Yes, God's placard is  pressing  today!  It reads,  "Repent!  The end
is near!"  

*    We will also post, Lord willing, a future blog titled:
     The  Very End Days  Of  The End Of Days  Are Unfolding
      once Daniel's 70th Week begins - Projection date:  TBA 

____________________

CB4F - April, 2020

The  BLAME  Game 

        Can anything happen without the Lord's permission?
        Is it not the Most High who helps one and harms another?
        Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we
        are punished for our sins?
        Instead, let us test and examine our ways.  Let us turn 
        again in repentance to the LORD.  Let us lift our hearts
        and hands to God in heaven and say, "We have sinned
        and rebelled, and you have not forgiven us.  You have
        engulfed us with your anger, chased us down, and
        slaughtered us without mercy.  You have hidden your-
        self in a cloud so our prayers cannot reach you.  You 
        have discarded us as refuse and garbage among the
        nations.              Lamentations 3:37-45 ; NLT

Initial  blame-game  moments include:

        Adam's blaming Eve
        Eve's blaming the serpent

Both genders play this dark, ugly game, and yet, each
needed to acknowledge their  own  failure.

Ongoing  blame-game  playing continues - TODAY  ...

        Are  bats  the  culprits / offenders ?
        Others want to blame a communistic system for
            unleashing our current virus epidemic - biological
            warfare against the opposing capitalistic paradigm.
        Some prefer to blame the scary sanitation contexts
            of Wuhan market food providers.
        Other propagators of  holistic myth  seem to appear
            less judgmental.  They blame the virus on  natural
            evolution / natural selection.  (Some of these folks
            also play another game:  the game of  deception
            as they commit the error or fallacy of false analogy.)
        And of course, there are some who  judge  God to be
            WRONG.  He is the One to be faulted.

BUT  IS  IT  POSSIBLE  ...

Is it possible the Lord Jesus, Who holds supreme authority over
His entire Creation, has allowed our devastation (yes, through
specific means/instruments at His beckoning call) due to  our
own sins ?

Listen, again, to the  pertinent-to-today  Jeremiah cry :

       Who  is  he  who  speaks and it comes to pass,
       when  the Lord has not commanded  it ?  Is it  not
       from the mouth of the Most High that woe and
       well-being proceed?  Why should a living man
       complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
       Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn
       back to the LORD;  let us lift our hearts and hands
       to God in heaven.  We have transgressed and re-
       belled;  You have not pardoned.  You have covered
       Yourself  with anger and pursued us;  You have 
        slain  and  not pitied.  You have covered Yourself
        with a cloud, that prayer should not pass through.
        You have made us an offscouring and refuse in 
        the midst of the peoples.       Lamentations 3:37-45 ; NKJV

In  application  ... 

Repent, oh foolish,  rebellious  world  (this appeal also 
includes the  satanic world  and  the  lukewarm  church).

Turn from your rebellion against the LORD Most High.

       Stop murdering the innocent
       Discontinue your adultery and other sexual sins
       Honor your father and mother, for this is right
       Lay aside your passionate, lustful ways
       Abstain from your constant  lie-telling
       Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy
       Stop stealing from your neighbor
       Put aside your false gods                            instead,
       Bow to the God of love, mercy and grace  
       Stop taking His holy name in vain

Repent - confess and change -  so we can go back to
a sweet  New Covenant  Song of Moses  and  delight in
His  BLESSINGS  as opposed to suffering under His
hand of DISCIPLINE.

May we do so  before  even greater  degrees of His WRATH
fall upon us.

Receive God's Salvation today -  Click Here  

And this week's  weekly blog  is worth reading too.

____________________

Persistent  False  Teachings  Today ... 

I recently heard this comment:
"Put your head in the sand ... and take a deep breath!"

WOW.  I'm thankful the Lord (of all lords) and King (of all
kings)  was, and is,  a bit more  mercy  driven.

And yet, our Lord Jesus was most willing to  confront  
when the need arose.  Again,  balance  in all things.  And
again, we'd be wise to acknowledge this:  Balance  as God
defines it  isn't always - actually, rarely! - how  we , as  
man,  define balance.  See  Isaiah 55:8-11  for an awesome 
picture tied to a partial  dynamic quality  on this matter of  
defining  balance !

Anyway, back to this blog's emphasis.

God has dealt most graciously with mankind through the
millennia.  He continues to do so.  His demonstrations of
loving mercy  are  indeed  new every morning.  Great is His
faithfulness.

And yet, there  will  come a time when the very  end of days 
will surely unfold.  While there are voices in pop-Christianity
which seem to  deny  the fact that one day  Jesus Christ  will
come  in His 2nd Coming  as outlined in the Word of God -
Kris, speaking in a caring way,  you're WRONG* - these  
false-teaching voices  will not deter Him.

We'd like to  spin  the initial statement (above) and present it
(to those who would follow  faulty  paradigms today) in a way
we believe to be more Christ-like:

"Take your head out of the sand and  discern  the signs 
unfolding all around us!"  It's time to use the words of our Lord
to better evaluate our day.  Please use our suggested  end-time
reading schedule  for awesome Truths  which so pertain to living
truthfully  and  fruitfully  in Jesus Christ today.  See blog CB4A
below. 

*  Kris Vallotton  has made the following false  end-time  appeal :
   (though, in fairness to him, we're not sure he continues to make
   this dangerous, incorrect appeal.  We did contact him on this
   matter.  This is the response we received [to our email contact
   with him, an email which included an initial draft of this blog] :
   "Thank you so much for your email.  Kris doesn't feel the need
   to comment on this but thank you for the opportunity."  
   Again, we encourage  you, the reader of this blog,  to  discern
   for yourselves the implications of this response.  What a day to
   be heralding  GOD's Truths  in Christ Jesus - our soon-coming
   King!)   Click Here  (for Kris' false  end-time  appeal)

Some have also expressed concern that we are judgmental.
Please see  Erwin Lutzer's book,  Who Are YOU to JUDGE?  for
a quality, Bible-based distinction between wrongly judging  VS.
exposing those who reject  crucial-to-our-day  Bible Truths.  

____________________

Listening To  YHVH God's  Counsel:
This  Month's  Berean  Challenge  ...

It is incumbent upon God's people in Jesus Christ to 
build our  worldview perspective  on His authoritative
foundation of Counsel.  This includes submitting to His
words  AND  the definitions  He  attributes to those words.

Let's do some  word studies  on the following terms:
"Tribulation," "Judgment"  and  "Wrath."  You will find a 
partial list of passages (which appeal to various dynamics
of the nature of God's wrath)  here.  

We encourage  everyone  to do a personal Bible study on
God's wrath  and  the related passages which clearly show
He, at times, disciplines, judges and even pours out His
wrath upon His wayward people.

We strongly encourage this study because, honestly speaking,
EVERYONE  not  in bondage by the deceptive powers of dark-
ness  wants  to avoid God's wrath, especially when it comes to
incurring it personally.

Given this quality of God's genuine people in Christ Jesus, let's
strive toward a  Bible-balanced  understanding of God's crucial
corrective discipline, His judgment unto repentance  and  His
wrath.

May we take the time to seek His Truths on this important
matter - for our bests interests, for the best interests of others
and unto our Creator's glory and praise. 

____________________

CB6E - June, 2020

God's  Most  Precious  316s

He sure has various ways of creatively communicating His loving
message of restoration to us!

As gas prices once again begin to rise, we'll most likely find a
316 at the pump.

As the afternoon lengthens, all of us will pass 316.  Some of us,
like myself, often find ourselves awake during the early morning
hours.  In fact, just most recently, I sent an email and sure enough,
the time the email was sent was 316.  

The next time  you  encounter 316, remember one of the most 
important 316s (the Bible offers multiple 316s!) of them all:

     For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
     Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
     everlasting life.   (John 3:16 ; NKJV)

Click the link immediately below for further clarification about this  
Good News. 

____________________

CB6F - June, 2020

Because We  NEED  To

Due to the increase of  outright censorship  (e.g., "Your post has
been removed.")  AND  stealth  censorship  (e.g., restrictions due
to  technical difficulties, etc.) - ones beyond our control - we 
NEED  to ask: 

1.  Please understand we offer  help  within our means.  Because we
     cannot always control  freedom-of-speech  venues  (for example,
     electronic video and documentation ; web site access ; etc.),
     we encourage  this  action on  your  part:

     Download our materials while they are still available.  Record
     our  snail-mail  contact information  (so that you can contact us
     if our Internet presence has been terminated).

2.  Because we are now experiencing difficulties - even  updating
     our web sites - please know we do seek to keep our informational
     messages  up to date.  Circumstances beyond our control, at times,
     are now hindering us from doing so.  Snail-mail us if you'd like  
     current updates on our  time sensitive  documents, especially if 
     the posted materials  seem to  need updating.  

Thank you for understanding our need to post this message. Thank
you for discerning the darkness of our times where even simple but
truthful communication is a threat to enslaved instruments of the 
dark one.

In conclusion, we NEED to ask:  Can  you  help us  help you  on this 
growingly necessary matter?  

3rd quarter  commentary blogs  of 2020 ...




CB7A - July, 2020

Our 2020 End-Time Bible Reading Schedule (July - September)

July 1     Matthew 1
July 2     Mt. 2
...  etc.  ...
July 27   Mt. 27
July 28   Mt. 28
July 29   Mark 13
July 30   Luke 17
July 31    Luke 21

August 1     Revelation 1
August 2     Rev. 2
...  etc.  ...
August 21    Rev. 21
August 22    Rev. 22
August 23    Daniel 1
August 24    Dan. 2
August 25    Dan. 3
August 26    Dan. 4
August 27    Dan. 5
August 28    Dan. 6
August 29    Matthew 24
August 30    Matthew 25
August 31     John 16

September 1     Hebrews 1
September 2     Heb. 2
...  etc.  ...
September 11   Heb. 11
September 12   Heb. 12
September 13   Heb. 13
September 14   Titus 2
September 15   I Timothy 4
September 16   II Timothy 3 & 4
September 17   I Thessalonians 4 & 5
September 18   II Thessalonians 2
September 19   Daniel 1
September 20   Daniel 2
September 21   Daniel 3
September 22   Daniel 4
September 23   Daniel 5
September 24   Daniel 6
September 25   Daniel 7
September 26   Daniel 8
September 27   Daniel 9
September 28   Daniel 10
September 29   Daniel 11
September 30   Daniel 12

____________________

CB7B - July, 2020

Prepared  Through  Song

Click Here  for sweet encouragement!   

____________________ 

CB7C - July, 2020

Bringing  FOREwarning  Before The Fact

Click Here  for blog CB7C. 

____________________ 

CB7D - July, 2020

God's  AWESOME  Rainbow

(The following is a  re-post  from a blog we intially posted in 2014.)

Click Here  to view this commentary blog.

____________________ 

CB7E - July, 2020

"But"  Is  A  VALID  Word  ...  Father, You Have MY Attention!

Before sharing a parable, here's our  point  in this blog: 

While we agree with  most  of the appeals in the video,  
American Gospel: Christ Alone,  we  must  go on to say:  
"We agree with you, for the most part,  BUT  there's more to it than 
what you're preaching!"  The  FULL  Counsel of God's Word must
be honored.  

Parable:  "Father, You Have MY Attention!"

There was a son who was most negligent toward his dad.
For decades he turned a deaf ear to his father's counsel and
acted as if his dad was his enemy.  He went out of his way to
demonstrate acts of rejection, deeds so unjustified that some
called the son's life-actions, "simply  weird - nothing less than
strange."  But it was a  strangeness  that was  dark  in nature,
hard even to describe.  

Year after year Jonah spurned Yoni's efforts at reaching out.
His heart had indeed grown most callous.

One day it did happen:  Yoni's  final  effort at reconciling with
Jonah arrived.  No, it wasn't as if he  came no more.  In fact,
the occasion was just the opposite.  Instead of  coming no more,
Yoni's loving actions were impossible to ignore.  What he did to
get his son's attention is indescribable.  And I mean just that.
I must leave it at that, for it truly is not something that can be
adequately pictured through wordy address.

What I can go on to say is this:

The son was so amazed at his father's actions that his frozen
heart thawed ... instantly.  In this moment of  never-before-
experienced  tenderness,  Jonah cried,  "Father, you have
my attention!"  

___

Dear reader, if you haven't yet discerned the loving invitations
of your heavenly Father at making your relationship  right  with
Him, please ask your Creator to remove the scales presently
blinding your eyes.  Ask Him to melt the ice which is preventing
your heart to beat as it was intended.

He loves you so very much but, in His loving approach - one He, in
His right, unquestionable Authority, has deemed appropriate - does
not force you to accept His loving kindness through His Son, Jesus
Christ.  Yes, He desires all to be saved  BUT  allows you your
choice.  It's not too late to change your mind and say  yes  to 
restoring relationship with your kind Father.  One day it will
happen:  the offer will close;  the possibility of restoration  will
be made no more.  Don't allow darkness to take you to the Lake
of Fire in eternal agony.  Instead, say  YES  to God's offer of
reconciliation through His beloved Son.  You know what to do.
Talk with Him.  Talk with Him before it's too late ...  Puff the
magic dragon?  No, it's God's still small voice as  316  came
early today.  

____________________

CB8A - August, 2020

Why Doesn't The Church Offer A More 
Accurate  BIBLE-Based  Eschatology? 

By God's grace, it does! 

Use the  gift handouts (1-50)  on  this site  for
clear warrant for the  claim  immediately above. 
Also view our  Salvation messages  by  clicking here.

____________________ 

CB8B - August, 2020

When A Trusted Bible Commentator Fails Us

How do  you  respond when Dr. David Jeremiah  errs  in his
book,  The Book Of Signs  (2019; W Publishing) ?

One example of error:

On page 164 he writes,

        "While raptures are extremely rare, they have
     happened before, and they will happen again.  There
     are six raptures recorded and described in the Bible.
     Four of those raptures have already taken place, and
     two are yet to come.
        The four raptures that have already occurred were
     experienced by Enoch (Heb. 11:5), Elijah (2 Kings 2:11),
     Paul (2 Cor. 12:2-4), and Jesus Christ (Acts 1:10-11).
     The two raptures that are yet to happen are the rapture
     of the church, which is the discussion of this chapter,
     and the rapture of the two witnesses as prophesied in
     Revelation 11:12."

Dr. Jeremiah is  incorrect. 

There's another  HUGE  rapture gathering  that's yet 
ahead - a  third  future rapture (in view of Pre-Tribulational
Rapture understanding).  Our Lord Jesus describes it in
Matthew 24:29-31.

Oops

If a trusted evangelical Bible scholar is  incorrect  on one 
key eschatological matter, couldn't he be incorrect on other
crucial end-time matters?

Of course this is a possibility.  Please read on as this is 
important.  And do understand that it sincerely is the love
of Christ Jesus which compels us to raise this valid concern.

FACT:  The PRE-Trib rapture of the Church is  NOT  taught
in the Word of God.  Not  one  single explicit Bible passage
teaches this dangerous tradition.

Even the so-called  inferences (non-explicit interpretations
and claims)  in support of this false-hope promise (by some)
are  not  evidenced.

Click here  for Bible facts - Truths in support of our plea:
"Please don't be dogmatic about  PRE-Trib  opinion." 

As David Jeremiah asks in his book, so too have we
been asking:

"What shall we do?"
"How shall we now live?"

Let's go to God's Word for Truthful information about
these  end of days.

Yes, it's clear we are called to be watchful and ready.  BUT
please note:  One  prepares  differently  depending upon the
eschatological view one holds.

Is  YOUR  end-time view  Bible  based?

It needs to be  IF  you want to be  rightly  prepared. 

____________________

CB9A - September, 2020

YHVH God's  Shining  WORD

Just a reminder from (as far as my research went) 
Fr. Dwight Longenecker:

       "First we overlook evil, then we permit evil,
        then we legalize evil, then we promote evil,
        then we celebrate evil, then we persecute
        those who still call it evil."

God's Word declares His faithful people in Jesus Christ will
suffer tribulation/persecution during the days prior to Christ's
initial appearing in the clouds.  This predicted fact is quickly
becoming a  global  reality - even in countries long
considered to be  free.  

And yet, as evil takes over, the fruits thereof become ripe:
Not only  less freedom  for all but violence against those 
who will not  fall away,  who will persist in heralding YHVH
God's Truths forever settled in heaven.

Will we obey our LORD Jesus and  endure to the end ?

Or, as Scripture does indeed foretell, will we join the ranks
of those who choose to deny our Lord and become luke-
warm?  Beware of eternal compromise.  See the article 
titled  "Nancy's Example" - posted on  this page.

Yet, God's gracious  good news  persists:  One day, after
the tribulation and great tribulation period, His Son will make
a glorious appearing.  (Mt. 24:29, 30 ; Rev. 12-13, 14-17)

Question:  ( because we sincerely care God's people resist
                    the present  apostasy )

Is  your  resolve such that you honor the  full  Counsel of God
concerning end-time details?  Or, stated in yet another way:
Will we follow in our Saving Lord's footsteps and balance
God's  entire  revelation to us? 

We sure hope so, by God's mercy and grace, for these things
are  eternally significant,  as His Word so clearly outlines. 

____________________

CB9B - September, 2020

Reasons For The Season:  A Blog of Thanksgiving

As we prepare to enter into yet another glorious  late fall/early
winter  season, may we once again anticipate abundant, gracious
lovingkindness from our eternal heavenly Father.  He is faithful to
His own in Jesus Christ - who walk under the direction of His Spirit.

May we  give thanks  to the Holy One this
     October, November and December.

May we sincerely exalt Him for the 
     marvels of His creation.

May we praise our  LORD GOD  for His other
     grace-based gifts of general revelation.

May we express humble adoration for our Creator God's
     WORD  and the indescribable blessings therein.

May we love Him through obedience as we yield to His
     HOLY SPIRIT  within (those who are in Christ Jesus).

May we honor and glorify  YHVH GOD  as He
     prepares to return to earth.

May we genuinely look forward to, by faith, our eternity
     as we live with Him, days without end.

May we  give thanks  to the Holy One this
     October, November and December.

As we enjoy this precious time, may we find needed
refreshment in our fellowship with the self-existent,
one true tri-une God.  And may we do so toward
His good pleasure.

P.S.   Read the "Blessed be!" passages in both the Old and New
         Testaments.  For those who do so, a huge blessing awaits.

P.P.S.   Parents and grandparents of little ones:
            Teach this prayer song - to the tune of  Twinkle, 
             Twinkle, Little Star  - to your loved ones ...

             God of glory, God of grace,
             Help us LORD to seek Thy face.
             You who dwell above the earth;
             You who gave us second birth:
             God of glory, God of grace,
             Help us LORD to seek Thy face. 

4th quarter  commentary blogs  of 2020 ...

CB10A - October, 2020

Our 2020 End-Time Bible Reading Schedule (October - December)

October 1      Galatians 1
October 2     Galatians 2
October 3     Galatians 3
October 4     Galatians 4
October 5     Galatians 5
October 6     Galatians 6
October 7     Ephesians 1
October 8     Ephesians 2
October 9     Ephesians 3
October 10    Ephesians 4
October 11     Ephesians 5
October 12    Ephesians 6
October 13    Philippians 1
October 14    Philippians 2
October 15    Philippians 3
October 16    Philippians 4
October 17    Colossians 1
October 18    Colossians 2
October 19    Colossians 3
October 20   Colossians 4
October 21    Psalm 1
October 22    Psalm 2
October 23    Psalm 3
October 24    Psalm 4
October 25    Psalm 5
October 26    Psalm 6
October 27    Psalm 7
October 28    Psalm 8
October 29    Psalm 9
October 30    Psalm 10
October 31     Psalm 11

November 1      Mark 1
November 2     Mark 2
...  etc.  ...
November 15    Mark 15
November 16    Mark 16
November 17    Psalm 32
November 18    Psalm 51
November 19    Psalm 103
November 20    Psalm 136
November 21     John 12
November 22    John 13
November 23    John 14
November 24    John 15
November 25    John 16
November 26    John 17
November 27    John 18
November 28    John 19
November 29    John 20
November 30    John 21

December 1      Luke 1
December 2     Luke 2
...  etc.  ...
December 23   Luke 23
December 24   Luke 24
December 25   Matthew 1
December 26   Matthew 26
December 27   Matthew 27
December 28   Matthew 28
December 29   Matthew 24
December 30   Matthew 25
December 31    Mark 13

____________________

CB10B - October, 2020

Is  "Free"  Really  Free ** ?
Living God's Big Picture During Our Deceptive Days

(The following is an actual encounter tied to the matter 
of speaking TRUTH in the context of the global pandemic
we're currently fighting.)

In light of recent COVID-19 concerns, my wife and I felt it
would be prudent to get tested for the virus.

Our phone call got us to the  front desk  of our local hospital where
we were directed to the COVID-19 staff.  After answering some
questions concerning symptoms, we were granted approval to
come in for testing.  Throughout our phone discussion we had 
asked if the testing was free.  We were given affirmative responses.

Then, the  true  fruits of what the hospital staff  MEANT  by "free"
began sounding alarms in our heads.  The representative we
talked with kept saying - on two occasions - that the staff would
take insurance information (among other things) upon our coming.
As a result, my wife wisely asked yet another time, "Is this a free
test?"  The staff person answered in the positive  THEN  went on
to say that our insurance company would be billed.

WOW!  Her REAL meaning of "free" was now out in the open!  I 
had to enter into the phone conversation at this juncture.  I stated
that we had been told, no less than 3 times, that the testing was
free only now to hear further clarification that "free" meant  free
to me / free to us - which is, in and of itself, not true either (in the
big-picture understanding of the holistic context).

The  straw that broke the camel's back  ...

The next response from the staff person has caused me to 
write and post this true story in a public setting.  We wanted
to post this as a  letter to the editor  in our local newspaper
but  word count  limitations did not allow us to move in that
direction.  By the way:  Opinion  is, at times, different than
fact.  I am citing FACTS here.  Back to our story ...

The hospital staff person asked me to explain my unwilling-
ness to accept [her definition of] "free" - meaning payment
through insurance*  (because, according to her flawed
worldview - and socialistic - perspective, the test would
be free ... to me).  (Things were all of a sudden, with
one simple question, twisted to get us off our concern.)  
Not on my watch!   WRONG   "Free" does not mean
some other party will pay our medical services, especially
when additional clarification was not given ... not until we 
pressed our concern!  No, WE pay for it in the long run.  
And the staff did persist in affirming the testing would be
"free."

*  The staff person stated it in different words, to be sure, but
    what she was saying, basically, was that the testing was  free
    to me  because our insurance companies would pick up the
    charges. 

In response to her comment seeking to justify  her  use of "free"
(and possibly the hospital's misleading use of the word, as well),
I told her I had justification for  rejecting  their use of "free" and 
that I was under no obligation to share my warrants with her.  I
then told her to cancel our appointment.  (Yes, I was mad.  But
my frustration is  valid  because it has to do with whether or not
we can  TRUST  the words and actions of our local hospital.  I,
personally, don't believe I can.)

She (the representative of the hospital) then thanked me and
closed the conversation.

WHY  do I take the time to raise this valid concern about 
receiveing  honest  information from a medical service provider?

I am sincerely concerned for my local community, not to mention
my care for my national and international family in that I don't
want them to be indirectly  lied to - or, at the very least, misled.
If we cannot trust our local hospital staff to  shoot straight  with
us when it comes to the financial picture of a medical inquiry,
how can we trust them when it comes to honest medical advice
and treatment since the counsel and suggested medical steps
are indeed connected to revenue?  

On a spiritual note, if we cannot trust our leaders in general
to  shoot straight  with us when it comes to crucial metaphysical
concerns, why would we submit to their dangerous  orders,  ones
that, at times, venture into eternally significant matters which 
place us in harm's way, spiritually?

I simply care for you - the reader - thus I share this story.

Proof, once again that there's no such thing as a "free" lunch - or,
in this case, a free COVID-19 test?

Of course the testing is not free.  Someone or some entity pays
for it.

Our appeal through this recent encounter:

Folks are willing to be misleading - deceptive - today.  May we
better discern just how satanic our world really is  and  avoid the
uglies  of this worldview.  Instead,  let's go to YHVH God and live
in the brilliant light of His glorious, TRUTHFUL Counsel.

**   Webster's New World dictionary definition of "free" concerning
      financial  obligation - 2nd College Edition:

      " 17.  With no charge or cost; gratis [ a free ticket ] "

____________________

CB10C - October, 2020

Seriously Considering Some  VALID  Fulfillment  Options

Our Lord Jesus states this concerning  birth pains :

      " ... For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom
        against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences,
        and earthquakes in various places.  All these  are  the
        beginning of sorrows."   (Matthew 24:7, 8 ; NKJV)

The Second Seal of Revelation 6 includes this (vv. 3, 4) :

        When He [Jesus Christ] opened the second seal,
        I [John the Apostle] heard the second living creature
        saying, "Come and see."  Another horse, fiery red, 
        went out.  And it was granted to the one who sat on it
        to take peace from the earth, and that  people  should
        kill one another;  and there was given to him a great
        sword.  (NKJV)

On our 2020 charts we frequently state Seal 1 and Seal 2
have already been opened.  The details of  Mt. 24:9-14 
(AFTER the  beginning of sorrows / birth pains  begin)
also speak to our day.

Some Pertinent Questions:

1.  Where does COVID-19 fit into the  end of days
      prophetic picture?
2.  Is this pandemic only another (more intense)
      round of birth-pain famines and/or pestilences?    OR,
3.  Is this global virus further fostering  unrest  and
      unrighteousness - themes of the 2nd Seal and of
      Mt. 24:9-14?

And now, some are saying the COVID-19 pestilence and its
effect upon global economics and food availability and pricing 
are  signs  the 3rd Seal (Rev. 6:5, 6) has now been opened.

        When He opened the third seal, I heard the third
        living creature say, "Come and see."  So I looked,
        and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it
        had a pair of scales in his hand.  And I heard a
        voice in the midst of the four living creatures
        saying, "A quart of wheat of a denarius, and 
        three quarts of barley for a denarius;  and do
        not harm the oil and the wine."  (NKJV)

As we've been asked,*  "Where does  Endurance Ministries
stand on this matter of where we are at on the prophetic
calendar, especially in light of COVID-19?"

As stated on our chart documents, we believe Seals 1 & 2
have already been opened.  As you will discover, Lord
willing, in early 2021 - on our new posted charts - we 
believe our Lord is leading us to go on record (as to an
answer to the above question  and  as to our understanding
regarding the matter of COVID-19 and its global effects) in
this way:

We simply answer through the asking of an appropriate 
question ...

"Has  Seal 3  been opened?"

Here are a few early examples as to the ways we are
implementing (expressing) our decision on this current
cultural affair:

Example 1 
Example 2 
Example 3 
Example 4 
Example 5 

For those who have contacted us on this matter,  thank
you for asking.  

May we continue to  thrive  as we play  Divine Chess  and 
as we further strive toward  Batting 1,000  as we press on
in going to YHVH God's holy Word for His end-time Truths
concerning our awesome days. 

*  The question above condenses the inquiries (we've 
    received to date) into one concise question.

____________________

CB10D - October, 2020

A Call To  Practice  Respectful  "NO!" - Saying

We  affirm  the holistic Counsel of God's Holy Word.  Included
within its authoritative pages are mandates to  obey  governing
authorities.

IF  laws and mandates do not go against

   1.  our USA Constitutional freedoms;
   2.  differing governmental oversight - other branches of government;
   3.  personal, Christ-honoring convictions about right and wrong;  and/or
   4.  Scripture - the 66 books of the Bible,

we call for the submission to the governing authorities.

Having stated our  general  respect for human governmental authorities,
the following are a few  2020  personal examples toward  saying "NO!"
through quiet action.  See some precious  Bible examples  found in
Daniel 1, 3 & 6  for other related modeling of pertinent response to
our dark culture's appeals toward  falling away.

A.  Our Idaho governor made an initial "Stay at Home"  order  as 
      COVID-19 was gaining early momentum.  This "order" was
      excessive.  It was NOT honored by other Idaho expressions of
      state government (e.g., sheriff officers).  The "order" was quickly
      changed.  While my wife and I honored  social distancing, we did
      NOT stay at home.  We said, "NO!"

B.  Our local hospital misused language as we sought COVID-19 
      testing.  In response, because we could not trust them  and
      because we chose not to submit to their health care criteria for
      service (based on what we felt was a faulty approach),  we said,
      "NO!"

C.  Some church folks have told us to stop speaking Bible Truths.
      We sincerely seek to speak His Truths in love.  At times, yes, these
      appeals sound  confrontive  - tough love.  We persist in, at times,
      expressing these tough-love messages because we care about
      the big picture and because we must obey God's leading as to
      our  Ambassadoring  (including  salt and light ministry efforts)
      on His behalf.  We said, "NO!"  to the folks who told us to stop 
      heralding God's Truths.  (One time, years ago, we  gave in  to 
      one who was calling for our discontinuing one aspect of our
      heralding ministry efforts.  We then asked God to intervene.  
      He did.  He took the one who was restraining our Kingdom
      work, Home.  [We believe this surprise Home-going was an
      example of I John 5:14-17 - specifically, a sin unto death.])

We continue  saying "NO!"  as we discern God's leading.

WHY do we call for the increased  practice  of  "NO!" - saying ?

Because our Lord Jesus calls us to  say "NO!"  to many end-time
things - ones which are, even today, being expressed in global
culture.  Yes, there are some  yet-future  things we also must
say "NO!" to (as well)  but  there are eternally consequential
temptations before us on a daily basis.  Yes, we must  say "NO!" 
TODAY.

Long story short, dear Family in Christ Jesus - our sure and
eternal HOPE:

PRACTICE  SAYING  "NO!"  Do so as your conscience leads.
Do so in light of the full Counsel of God  and  under the direction
of His Holy Spirit. 

____________________

CB10E - October, 2020

Say  What !?  Considering Yet Another Dark
Venue Of Possible Deception

"I hate it when people put words in my mouth, especially 
ones I have not actually said,"  was the response of one.

Personally, I don't think  any  of us appreciate activities 
along these lines.   Do  YOU ?   Are you okay with folks
speaking on your behalf, especially when the things claimed
are actually NOT what you've said ... or worse:  appeals which
are  contrary  to what you believe? 

The following represents a movement which we suggest guard-
ing against - at the very least, think twice about - supporting.
We should do so  not  because, in most cases, the messages
are outright evil  but  because there is  huge  potential for these
voices - and those who speak on behalf of others - to  wander 
into  misrepresentation.

Here are some examples:

1.  The Gospel of Thomas
2.  Channeled works which claim to speak YHVH God's very words;
3.  Conversations with God;
4.  Jesus Calling;
5.  Silence (2016 movie);
6.  The Chosen;    and
7.  Eyewitness: The Visual Bible Experience
8.  et al.  (more are coming)

ALL of the above make claims through others.  They communicate
holistic messages which the ones they purport to speak on behalf of
have actually  NOT,  in historical context, said.

BEWARE!   Be discerning!

So how is it we can  test these spirits ?

Let's go back to the pure - Psalm 12 - Word of God.  As we do,
we'll find we're on His Word's Foundation in these shifting days.
Let's read and heed Matthew 7:13-29. 

____________________

CB11A - November, 2020

A Word Of Wisdom ...
   A Prayer For Righteousness

A familiar quote, especially during political  fires ...

     Under Democrats,  people  exploit  people ;
     under Republicans,  it's just the opposite - 
          people  exploit  people.

In light of the reality above,
in light of the sinful nature of all
mankind, we offer the following cry:

Please come quickly Lord Jesus!  We LONG
for  Your  justice during Your millennial reign.
Until then, help Your Church be all that it can 
be ... help Your Church be  YOUR  salt and light 
in today's needy world.  

____________________

CB11B - November, 2020

A  Rebuke  To Compromising Churches

A close (to me) Brother in Christ is leaving his local church
due to worldly concessions.

Actually, many attending local churches are further
discerning an attitude of  waywardness  on the part of
their church leadership.

Friends, let's not forget:  It is better to obey God rather than man.
When our churches willingly embrace carnal worldview perspectives,
it's time to prayerfully consider finding another home church.  After
all, it's the LORD we seek to follow and honor, not the world.  It's 
the LORD to Whom we will give final account.  This option (of leaving)
is a viable option for some ... as the Spirit of God leads those who
are not wanting to be part of a lukewarm church. 

Just three passages pertinent to this appeal:

Psalm 111 (NKJV - footnote ours)

     Praise the LORD!  I will praise the LORD with  my  whole heart,
     in the assembly of the upright and  in  the congregation.  The 
     works of the LORD  are  great, studied by all who have pleasure
     in them.  His work  is  honorable and glorious, and His righteous-
     ness endures forever.  He has made His wonderful works to be
     remembered;  the LORD  is  gracious and full of compassion.
     He has given food to those who fear Him;  He will ever be 
     mindful of His covenant.  He has declared to His people the
     power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
     The works of His hands  are  verity and justice;  all His precepts
     are  sure.  They stand fast forever and ever,  and are  done in
     truth and uprightness.  He has sent redemption to His people;
     He has commanded His covenant forever;  Holy and awesome
     is  His name.  The fear of the LORD*  is  the beginning of wisdom;
     a good understanding have all those who do  His commandments.
     His praise endures forever.  

     *  The  fear of the LORD  is partially defined in Proverbs 8:13.

Romans 12:1, 2 (NKJV)

     I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
     that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, 
     acceptable to God,  which is  your reasonable service.
     And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
     by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what  is
     that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

I John 3:1-10 (NKJV)

     Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed
     on us, that we should be called children of God!  There-
     fore the world does not know us, because it did not know
     Him.  Beloved, now we are children of God;  and it has not 
     yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when
     He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as
     He is.  And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies him-
     self, just as He is pure.  Whoever commits sin also commits
     lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.  And you know that He
     was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no
     sin.  Whoever abides in Him does not sin.  Whoever sins has
     neither seen Him nor known Him.  Little children, let no one
     deceive you.  He who practices righteousness is righteous,
     just as He is righteous.  He who sins is of the devil, for the
     devil has sinned from the beginning.  For this purpose the
     Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works
     of the devil.  Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for
     His seed remains in him;  and he cannot sin, because he has
     been born of God.  In this the children of God and the children
     of the devil are manifest:  Whoever does not practice righteous-
     ness is not of God, nor  is  he who does not love his brother.

May we submit to the  full  Counsel of God, including what
we find in the book of James and in our Lord's letters to His
churches in Revelation 2 & 3. 

____________________

CB11C - November, 2020

The  FINAL  Authority

Many Democrats  believe  President Trump and his supporters are evil.
On the other side of the coin, many Republicans  believe  presidential
candidate Joe Biden and his supporters are evil.

In the context of our present reality (one facet illustrated by the  above),
we ask:  Just  WHO  is it who  determines  who is evil and who is good?

Our answer:

On firm  foundation,  Father God is the final Word on matters of
Truth.  As His Son, Jesus Christ, is Truth, so too is YHVH God in 
His fullness.  He sets the True standard for all things under the sun.

In His fullness, the eternal Creator God - YHVH God - is also  love.

In actively  loving  His Church, as loving fathers do, He disciplines
His children when necessary.  His love is not exhausted in His
supreme demonstation of love - Romans 5:8 ; John 3:16.
He goes on to  love  His new born babes in Christ by correcting
His less than perfect children.     T H A N K    Y O U    L O R D  !!

On yet another front ...

In actively  loving  the lost world, He continues to graciously offer
His gift of mercy to those who would confess the obvious - they
are not perfect ... they are sinners needing God's forgiveness.

This forgiveness is  not  found in good works, including spiritual
systems  which teach one can gain favor with God by being a
good person.

Forgiveness of sin  before God  is found only in the blood sacrifice
of Jesus Christ in His death on the cross.  For  Truthful  information
on this gift which continues to be offered,  Click Here. 

Whether you like it or not, YHVH God will have the last Word.
Please yield to His transcendent ways over your own puny ways.
Please get out from under the dark satanic bondage - in whatever 
form - and throw off the world, the flesh and the devil.  Do so by
submitting to God's higher, loving ways.

____________________

CB11D - November, 2020

NOT  Losing Sight Of The Whole

In the blessed  light  of Hebrews 12:1, 2  [ please read ], we PRAY:

   THANK YOU, Lord God, for gracing us with Your Big-Picture
   perspective.  Help us - Your people in Christ - to  abide  therein!

   Thank You for Your Son and His helpful example to us.  Did He
   surrender when all seemed so dark in the closing day of His life?
   Absolutely not - praise God.

   Instead, He, for the JOY that was set before Him, endured
   the cross as He despised its shame. 

   Lord Jesus, Your example continues to help us press on, like
   You did - in Your resolve to obey and accomplish the Father's
   bidding - as You paid for the sins of mankind on the cross.
   THANK YOU.

   Lord, this  USA election  presents Your Church with yet another
   opportunity to once again follow in Your footsteps.  

   In Your kind mercy and grace, help us do so.

   As darkness seems overwhelming at times these days, may
   we  look to Jesus  in light of what's coming.  May we  thrive 
   in the fact You exploit darkness for Your rightful praise.

   Lord, may we  rejoice  as we further prepare to incur the
   sufferings of Christ  that are coming to Your true people in
   Your beloved Son.  May we take  encouragement  that we
   are counted worthy to suffer shame for His name's sake.

   In Christ Jesus' name, Father, please continue to help us
   redeem the opportunities this next year for Your glory and
   praise.  And LORD, given it's  Thanksgiving  time (in this
   Thanksgiving Season), may we glory - take awe - in YOUR
   eternal Truths forever settled in heaven as the Big-Picture
   race  continues.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
   Glory to Your holy, matchless name.  

   In Jesus Christ's name we pray, amen. 

Meditation suggestion:  Ponder some of the Bible passages
                                           which address hope-filled perspective
                                           during times of persecution.

____________________

CB11E - November, 2020

How  SAD  ...  But  GOD !

The story of Israel's defeat by the Philistines - I Samuel 4, 5

God's people had been defeated by their enemies, even to the
extent of the capturing of the ark of the covenant.  I Samuel 4:12-22
especially highlights the degree of despair.

HOW  SAD

But  the story doesn't  stop  there - it continues ...

BUT  GOD  ...

The reading of I Samuel 5 speaks for itself - please
take just a moment to read it.

The story of Haman against Mordecai and the Jews - Esther

God's people were about to be destroyed as a result of the
hateful intentions and actions of Haman the Agagite.

HOW  SAD

But  the story doesn't  stop  there - it continues ...

BUT  GOD  ...

The reading of  the rest of the story  speaks for itself - please
take just a moment to read Esther 5 - 9.

And what of  current  cultural matters ?

The story of God's people's seeming defeat in the spiritual
war against  secular socialism

It appears, at present, that God's people in Jesus Christ here
in the  United (right!) States  will now face a new wave of anti- 
God, socialistic advance in the decade to come. 

HOW  SAD

But  the story doesn't  stop  there - it continues ...

BUT  GOD  ...

The reading of Bible passages which highlight our great God's
ability to redeem even circumstances of growing darkness will
serve as an encouragement to us  if  we but take the time to
reassure ourselves that we do indeed, by the mercy and grace
of God, remain safe in God's powerful hands.  May we go back
to His Word for precious insight second to none. 

And what of  future  cultural matters ?

The story of God's faithful people in Jesus Christ being  warred
upon  by the world as it follows the spirit of antichrist

HOW  SAD

But  the story won't  stop  there - it will continue ...

BUT  GOD  ...

After the  final  wave of the  war against the Saints  is
supernaturally stopped - Mt. 24:22 ; Rev. 6:12a - God's
master  Chess Plan  will see His people rapture-gathered
at the Final Trumpet of Revelation 11.

How then should we  NOW  be living?

God has been clear on His people  enduring to the end.  We
will find strength for the days ahead  if  we but go back to His
precious Word, experience His JOY and PEACE, and thus
press on in His mighty empowering - as we abide in His Vine
and walk in His Spirit - whereby we prove to be His  overcomers.

All praise and glory alone be to our YHVH God Most High.  Amen

____________________

CB11F - November, 2020

PAST  Thanksgiving

Psalm 136  (NKJV)

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for  He  is good!  For His mercy
endures  forever.  Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!  For His 
mercy  endures  forever.  Oh, give thanks for the Lord of lords!  
For His mercy  endures  forever.  To Him who alone does great 
wonders, for His mercy  endures  forever;  to Him who by wisdom 
made the heavens, for His mercy  endures  forever;  to Him who
laid out the earth above the waters, for His mercy  endures  forever;
to Him who made great lights, for His mercy  endures  forever -  the
sun to rule by day, for His mercy  endures  forever;  the moon and 
stars to rule by night, for His mercy  endures  forever.  To Him who
struck Egypt in their firstborn, for His mercy  endures  forever;  and
brought out Israel from among them, for His mercy  endures  forever;
with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, for His mercy  endures  
forever;  To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, for His mercy  endures  
forever;  and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for His mercy  
endures  forever;  but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
for His mercy  endures  forever;  to Him who led His people through the
wilderness, for His mercy  endures  forever;  to Him who struck down the
great kings, for His mercy  endures  forever;  and slew famous kings, for
His mercy  endures  forever - Sihon king of the Amorites, for His mercy  
endures  forever;  and Og king of Bashan, for His mercy  endures  for-
ever - and gave their land as a heritage, for His mercy  endures  forever;
a heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy  endures  forever.  Who
remembered us in our lowly state, for His mercy  endures  forever;  and
rescued us from our enemies, for His mercy  endures  forever;  Who 
gives food to all flesh, for His mercy  endures  forever.  Oh give thanks
to the God of heaven!  For His mery  endures  forever.

Amen

____________________

CB11G - November, 2020

PRESENT  Thanksgiving

In light of the  Truths  found in the worship tune,  How Deep the
Father's Love for Us,  we respond in praise-filled song:

     Give thanks, with a grateful heart;
     Give thanks, the the Holy One;
     Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

     [  Repeat  ]

     And now, let the weak say, "I am strong;"  
     Let the poor say, "I am rich," because of what
          the Lord has done for us.      

     And now, let the weak say, "I am strong;"  
     Let the poor say, "I am rich," because of what
          the Lord has done for us.

     ...  Give thanks,
               give thanks,
                    give thanks!                 

Amen                              Song title:  Give Thanks ; 
                                        Lyrics by Henry Smith, 1978

____________________

CB11H - November, 2020

FUTURE  Thanksgiving

Revelation 4:8-11  (NKJV)

     The  four living creatures, each having six wings, were full 
      of eyes around and within.  And they do not rest day or 
      night saying:

                  "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,
                    Who was and is and is to come!"

      Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and
      and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever
      and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who
      sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and 
      ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

                    "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and
                     honor and power;  for You created all things,
                     and by Your will they exist and were created."

Revelation 5:8-14  (NKJV)

     Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures
      and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each
      having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are
      the prayers of the saints.  And they sang a new song, saying:

                     "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open
                      its seals;  for You were slain, and have redeemed
                      us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and
                      tongue and people and nation, and have made us
                      kings and priests to our God;  and we shall reign 
                      on the earth."

      Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around
      the throne, the living creatures, and the elders;  and the
      number of them was ten thousand times ten thousands, 
      and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,

                     "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive
                      power and riches and wisdom, and strength
                      and honor and glory and blessing!"

      And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and
      under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are
      in them, I heard saying:

                     "Blessing and honor and glory and power  be 
                      to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb,
                      forever and ever!"

      Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!"  And the twenty-
      four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever
      and ever. 

Revelation 19:1-9  (NKJV)

      After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude 
      in heaven, saying, "Alleluia!  Salvation and glory and honor
      and power  belong  to the Lord our God!  For true and right-
      eous  are  His judgments, because He has judged the great
      harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication;  and He
      has avenged on her the blood of His servants  shed  by her."
      Again they said, "Alleluia!  Her smoke rises up forever and
      ever!"  And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures
      fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying,
      "Amen!  Alleluia!"  Then a voice came from the throne, saying,
      "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him,
      both small and great!"  And I heard, as it were, the voice of a
      great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the 
      sound of mighty thunderings, saying,

                     "Alleluia!  For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!"
                      Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for
                      the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife
                      has made herself ready."

      And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and
      bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  Then
      he said to me, "Write:  'Blessed  are  those who are called to the
      marriage supper of the Lamb!"  And he said to me, "These are
      the true sayings of God." 

Question: 

Are you humbly  exalting  the One True, eternal God  today ?
If not,  Click Here  for some most encouraging direction.

Closing                    Oh KING of kings and LORD of lords,
Prayer                      please come quickly Lord Jesus.  Thank
                                 You for gracing Your people with JOY and
                                 PEACE   -   JOY  to the world ...  and on earth,
                                                     PEACE,  goodwill toward men. 

____________________

CB11I - November, 2020

One Of America's  TOP  Fallacies

In our Postmodern commitment, many have thrown 
objective truth  to the wind.  Some even deny the role
logical fallacies  play in helping us retain some degree 
of common sense.

Because  good help  is indeed available in the using of our
God-given minds, we say  "NO!"  to foolish principles which
occasionally come from the  court of public opinion.  (Many
of them would have us  reject  cautions presented through
logical appeal.)   As a result, we ask:

Question:  What's  one  TOP American fallacy?

Answer:  The Appeal to the Majority  

It is considered a fallacy if one uses  the appeal of the majority
as the basis to establish truth.

Please allow me to explain using 3 examples.

~   On origins 

      Evolution.  Have you noticed how  quiet  the faith-
      based evolutionary community has become?  Why
      is this the case?

      Their theory is denied by historical, scientific,* rational
      and Bible-based warrants.  And yet, it seems, most en-
      dure in their evolutionary faith.  Some continue making
      the fallacious claim that the  majority  of thinkers and
      scientists provide sufficient proof for their big-picture
      evolutionary fairy tale.  (A pretty cool  sidebar:  
      Click Here  for evidence that this  faulty  view of origins
      is actually a fulfillment of  end-time Bible prophecy!)

      *  We have some awesome DVDs highlighting scientific
         evidence against evolutionary theory.  Email us for 
         specifics on this free-gift offer at:  mail@endmin.com. 
         And by the way, we have sweet and powerful epistemic 
         reasons to hold our Faith -  Check it out! 

~   On present  political affairs  [ This political example is
      different than the origins example above in that its
      basis for claim  is dominated by  personal conviction
      of the voters. ]

      Just this month the  majority (it seems!)  voted in favor of a
      change of presidency in the USA.  BUT PLEASE understand:
      While the past vote  - whatever that may be determined
      to be -  will see the winning candidate in service the next
      four years, it will  NOT  establish the  rightness  of the
      administration on the grand scale picture - no more so 
      than the  majority  in Germany established the  rightness
      of Hitler's rule.  (I can hear screaming from our opponents
      who will read this - even as I write!  In response:  Thank 
      you for your  faulty  opinion  - "faulty" based on God's
      Isaiah 55:8, 9 Truths forever settled in heaven.)

One final example - an  in-house-to-Christianity  one ...

~   On conclusions

      Just because a  seeming majority  of Christians believe
      in popular end-time viewpoints ( Click Here  for some
      specific cases in point), their being  in majority  does NOT
      make the views correct.  What matters and what determines
      Truth on this topic is this:  What does the Word of God actually
      teach?  That's what matters.  ( On an important related topic:
      Click Here )

Lord God, in Jesus Christ's name, may we submit to YOUR
Truths on all matters of faith and practice.  Amen  

____________________

CB11J - November, 2020

JESUS  LIVES (vb.)   Matters !

In this Thanksgiving Season we take yet another moment to
thank our Creator God for His  significant  love for mankind.

     Father, we thank and praise You for Your love gift of
     mercy and grace - Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.

From  black  bondage to satan (Ephesians 2:1-3)
to  white-as-snow  freedom over sin (Isaiah 1:18) - WOW!

That He lives for all - including  lives  yet lost - should be so
attractive to a dying world.

Victory over death should  matter !  The offer of eternal life 
is as genuine  today  as it was millennia ago.  Click Here
for details. 

     Lord, darkness has a way of counterfeiting or 
     belittling Your truly significant things.  Help us
     discern the cheap substitute the Black Lives
     Matter *  movement is when contrasted to Your
     glorious standard of social justice.

*  Click Here  for some differences between Christ-centered
    justice  VS  the justice of the  Black Lives Matter  organization.

____________________

CB12A - December, 2020

2020:  An  INTRODUCTION  To The  Troubled Waters  Ahead

Highlighting some of the events of 2020 ...

~  Vile expressions of unrighteousness and hateful acts are
     zealously committed by enemies of peace, especially when
     they don't get  their way.  Their demands continue  today 
     and will continue  tomorrow  as we walk further down the
     end of days  path. 

~  COVID-19  emerges as a global pandemic - hundreds of
     thousands die.  Additional effects of this virus are coming,
     not to mention and develop  other  coming pestilence.

~  Clear  (e.g., ongoing ICANN governance;  growing secular
     control of communication venues)  and  subtle  Internet 
     restructuring/configuring  efforts mushroom.  Instruments
     of darkness will  continue  pressing forward in this activity -
     preparation activity fostering further censorship of Bible-
     based heralding efforts.

~  Manifestations of deceit, deception and related father-of-lies
     activity flourish - e.g., the USA 2020 election vote count.  This
     quality of darkness will further escalate this next decade. 

~  Societal  unrest  heightens around the globe, especially in
     secular, non-socialistic countries - hmmm.  Spiritual darkness
     will use this  authority platform of socialism  to promote satan's
     brief (and just about final - recall Rev. 20:7-9) quest to bring
     humanity under his submission  [ Christian,*  never forget the
     most crucial  Divine Chess  match with which we're involved.
     We KNOW Who wins! ]  May we press on in our Faith commit-
     ment and say "No!" to spiritual harlotry through apostasy.

~  Food scarcity - starvation for many - and food costs increase.
     This concern will continue in greater expression in the days
     ahead.

~  Economic stability weakens;  currency issues further pave 
     the way for a new financial system, one coming soon.

While the above  facts  have been undeniable parts of our 2020
experience, God's people in Jesus Christ  need  to remember the
"But God ..."  Big Picture  blessings.

To be sure, more difficult days are ahead.  They will unfold in
light of our Savior's  instruction/forewarning/Counsel.  We - 
God's people - are to walk in the JOY & PEACE of God  and  in
the LOVE of our Savior as we  endure  in being His Ambassadors
of [HIS - emphasis necessary] light to a dark, deceived world.

      Lord Jesus, have mercy upon us by graciously empowering
      us in Your eternal Kingdom efforts of  PG-HE (Pertinent, God-
      Honoring Evangelism)  and  CBD (Contemporary Bible
      Discipleship).  Lord, by faith in Your holy Word, we thank You
      for Your  but God  interventions!  Unto our Father's glory and
      praise, amen. 

*  For a  free  DVD copy of a recent presentation of  The Pilgrim's
    Progress - remember  Christian ? - email us for details at
    mail@endmin.com.  (When you email we ask you to  help us
    with postage.  The "help" is a $5 contribution given we send
    out our gift DVDs "priority mail.")  And please recall:  We only
    mail gifts to those residing in the continental USA.  We hope
    for your understanding on this limitation of ours.  

____________________

CB12B - December, 2020

A Note To Christians:  Please Treat Us As You'd Treat
Our Lord Jesus, Our Fellow Christians and Unbelievers

Jesus Christ was perfectly loving to those He served while
on this earth 2,000 years ago.  He was, in His  tough-love 
service, willing to confront, even to the extent of rightly
charging the religious leaders with hypocrisy ... and then
some:  "White-washed tombs"  He called them.

Was our Lord  erring  in this?  Absolutely not.

Were the biblical prophets of old  sinning  when they 
brought messages of rebuke?  Absolutely not.

In light of the  point  above, please don't label us as  harsh
or  unloving  or  ? ?   as we go about living out our Divine
assignemnt of prophetic  watchmen-on-the-wall  ministry
under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ and under the
direction of God's precious Holy Spirit.

Please  know  we extend exhortations and/or rebukes  NOT 
in personal attack of individuals and/or groups  but  for the
sake of speaking God's Truths in love ... because we care.
Sincerely:  The love of Jesus Christ compels us.

Thank you.

In closing:  Dear Church, please treat us you'd treat others.*
                  Again, thanks.

P.S.  We're  teachable, so, as some have, please contact
         us with your concern(s).  We've responded favorably
         to some concerns and criticisms shared, especially
         those based on the light of the authoritative, Word-of-
         God Truth (VS opinion-based concerns and/or
         criticisms.)

*  Included in this request is the related request found in
    blog  CB2B - February, 2020.  (Simply scroll down to
    this blog - titled "A  Fair  Request" - once you click 
    the link immediately above.)

____________________

CB12C - December, 2020

A  Peanuts  CHRISTmas Meditation

Please  Click Here  for this  Christmas  blog.

____________________

CB12D - December, 2020

A  Bible  CHRISTmas Meditation

Please  Click Here  for this  Christmas  blog.

____________________

CB12E - December, 2020

Anticipating  GOD's  Hope, Peace And Joy  In 2021

How  in the world  does a born-again follower of Jesus Christ
ongoingly  abide in God's  hope, peace and joy  during these
days of unrest and growing persecution?

The answer to this question is this:  One  doesn't !
One  only  finds  His  hope, peace and joy  in God - NOT
in the world.  Galatians 3:1-3  ...  pretty cool !

So allow me, please, to re-ask the question:

How do new-born Saints in Christ Jesus continue to enjoy
God's  hope, peace and joy  in these troubled days?  God
does His part.  May we do ours:

May we continue in His bounty by  GUARDING  our personal 
quiet time with Him.  Being  in Him  - this includes our being in
His Word and in prayer with Him -  is essential.  If we truly wish
to  thrive  in the heavenly blessings in Christ Jesus, we must be
spending time with Him.  Am I?  Are YOU?

The world - definitely including the satan-bound (a  real  state of
reality!) secular socialists around the globe - does  not  offer the
glorious fruits of the Abundant Life in Jesus Christ ... nor can it.

Yet another question for believers in God's precious Son:

Are we  basking  in the precious fruit of the Holy Spirit of God
as we walk in Him  ...  as we abide in God's Vine?  If so, let's
abound more and more. 

The day-by-day experiences in our Christ-centered lives are
beautiful indeed.  [ We - my wife and I - could, at this juncture,
testify of the  AWESOME  Bible-based  marriage  we  SO  enjoy
in Christ  but  we'll save sharing the details until our personal
visit with you - if you'd invite us / have us come your way! ]

For now, we simply wish to direct you to a few of our discipleship
handouts, ones fostering God's  hope-filled  perspective, even in
these dark days.  These handouts include many Bible Truths - our
Truth Foundation - and can be found on our  gift page  at:
www.currentmatters.org/gifts-from-em.

1.   Perspective As  HE  Would Have It      (Handout #38)
2.  Truth Matters:  Toward Enduring      (Handout #39)
3.  Ready Preparedness In Present Apostasy     (Handout #42)
4.  In The Grand Scheme Of Things     (Handout # 58)
       Don't miss the sweet blessing found in blog B33;15 - a blog
       which is linked on this handout.

We have been called to "watch."  Doing so with God's big-picture
perspective  in mind is most helpful.  In affirming God's end-time
warnings, we are better equipped to walk through the flames ahead
when we  think on these things - the things God has said will indeed
come to pass in the closing days just prior to His Son's glorious 
initial appearing.

As we conclude this article, we ask (for emphasis' sake) :

How can true Christians continue in His precious blessings of
light in our dark day - days of Noah and Lot?   Answer:

Let's be thinking on  HIS  forever-settled-in-heaven Truths as we
fellowship with our holy Creator.

Lord, we praise You for Philippians 4:8, 9 !  

____________________

CB12F - December, 2020

Might Eschatological  PURIM  Come Earlier Than Anticipated ?

The following is a revised blog, one we published in April of 
2016 - titled,  The Call For Purim.

Do you recall the historical account of what is now annually
celebrated as  "Purim" ?

The book of Esther in the Old Testament describes a time when
God's people were going to be attacked, robbed and killed.  Just
before that period of pillage and murder began, the word went 
out that God's people could defend themselves against those 
who brought threat. 

We take this story and make appeal for  contemporary  application:

Under the New Covenant in Jesus Christ, we suggest prayerful
consideration of a similar response in the setting of a coming
period of time when hatred will further drive more people to 
plunder and kill.

Here's our simple, legal, balanced suggestion:

Abiding under the laws of the land, let's be willing to  defend
ourselves and our families  as we each deem best.  It's okay to
do so!  Take measures in accord with your personal convictions
before YHVH/YHWH God.  Let's seek to walk in biblical balance
as we live in light of the full Counsel of God's precious Word.

In closing, may our soon-coming Lord Jesus lead us in this
matter of whether or not to  take up the sword.  

Oh Lord Who provides, please give us Your wisdom as to how
YOU would have us protect ourselves (or not) during the tumul-
tuous times ahead.  Allow us mercy and grace to accept  various
responses of Family members on this matter whereby we don't
inappropriately judge them outside our rightful place, for You
allow Your people in Christ Jesus precious liberty - multiple
options*  on this concern of just how we, in the years ahead,
respond during the raging storm.  Thank You for Your Son's
soon coming!  Even so, please come quickly Lord Jesus.  It's
in His name we pray dear Father.  Amen

P.S.   Please write us and ask for our  gift  to you -  Polycarp 
          DVD (with a $5 donation to help us with postage).

         Endurance Ministries
         P.O. Box 92098
         Portland, OR  97292

         This DVD rightly demonstrates a Christ-honoring attitude
         concerning individuals giving account to the Lord for their
         own  personal responses to end-time conditions.  One of
         the DVD's main points:  A  variety  of response options
         are viable for believers.

*  multiple options  within the confines of Scripture  ...
    Please also view this  BOTH / AND  handout.

____________________

CB12G - December, 2020

Closing Our  2020  CB Blog Efforts

We begin the close of our 2020 commentary blog 
ministry with two sincere benedictions:

1.   The LORD bless you and keep you;
       the LORD make His face to shine upon you
          and be gracious to you;
       the Lord lift up His countenance upon you
          and give you His peace -
          peace with God  IF  you are  not  currently a
             believer in His Son - Jesus Christ;
          continued peace with God  AND  the ongoing
             peace of God  IF  you are a  new-born  in Christ
             and are presently  abiding in Him / walking in
             His Spirit.

2.   Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling
       and to present you faultless before His glorious 
       presence with exceeding JOY, to the only wise God
       our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion and power
       both now and evermore.  Amen

We conclude our final 2020 blog ministry efforts by 
stating one  major  change  in next year's  weekly  blogs:

RE:  Weekly blogs ...

We wish to continue in the mode reflecting our  "He must
increase;  we must decrease"  commitment as it's God's
Word which serves as our foundation of Truth,  not  our
own meager opinions.

This past year we quoted Bible passages and then simply
went on to close each blog with a related prayer in response
to God's kind revelation.

In 2021, Lord willing, we will be  adding  one additional element
to our  weekly  blogs - an addition that's sure, by His mercy and
grace, to bring blessing.

Here's the new blessing:  We will also include lyrics from hymns,
choruses or other worship songs in our regular posts.  Consider
this to be one example of  fruit  from our  Prepared Through Song 
project. 

RE:  Commentary blogs ...

It has been our custom of late to highlight current cultural 
affairs in light of Bible Truths.  Lord willing, we will maintain
this approach in 2021, always seeking to be listening to His
Spirit's leading as we go.  As a result, we will continue, by
God's grace, in frontline prophetic New Covenant ministry
BUT  we will do so  after  a short sabbatical.  Thereafter we
will continue striving to communicate accurate, Bible-based
discernment of our  end-of-days  global culture in which we
live - today. 

Wishing you  YHVH/YHWH God's continued  significant
blessings in Christ Jesus through 2021,

Endurance Ministries'  ministry team

P.S.  Do stay in His  Word  for direction second to none! 

To EM's  2021 Archived Commentary Blogs  CLICK HERE