Truth Foundations

CB12A - December, 2021

A  Beautiful  Principle

Todd Nettleton of  The Voice of the Martyrs  shares 
this personal  journal entry  and  a precious conclusion
to this, his short story ... (taken from page 21 of
When Faith Is Forbidden)

     From My Journal

     October, 31, 1998
     Yei,  Sudan
     (addressed to my wife, Char)

     ... I am praying for you, though.  I have asked God to send
     angels to surround our home and protect [it] from the attacks
     of the enemy or anything else that would cause grief.

     The rest of the story:

     One of the nights I was in Sudan, my wife - who was sick
     while I was gone - woke up in the middle of the night.  
     Looking up from the bed, she saw clearly the outline 
     of men's shadows on the mini-blinds covering the two
     windows of our bedroom.  She got up and looked out each
     window but couldn't see anyone outside.  Yet, instead of
     fear, she felt a sense of complete peace, and immediately
     got back into bed and fell back into a deep, restful sleep.
     She and I both believc in angels.   (bold emphasis mine)

While   safe in God's hands  ...   
              God answers prayer  ...  et al.

are beautiful principles - ones we can glean from this
experience of the Nettletons, there is  yet  one other  
"beautiful principle"  Todd models, one we'd like to
highlight here: 

At times, it's  best  to state truth (e.g., Todd's and Char's
experience outlined above)  and/or  Truth (i.e., God's
explicit Truths in His Word)  and  simply leave it at
that - without any further commentary. 

Principle made through Todd's modeling:

"She and I both believe in angels."  [STOP ; no further
commentary offered or needed]

We  apply  this principle here: 

~  Joshua 1:8, 9         [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                       on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                       New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                       of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                       ponder possible applications]

~  Genesis 50:15-51      [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                           on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                           New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                           of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                           ponder possible applications]

~  Psalm 46             [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                    on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                    New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                    of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                    ponder possible applications]

~  Deut. 28:58, 59      [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                        on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                        New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                        of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                        ponder possible applications]

~  Mark 13:13          [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                     on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                     New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                     of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                     ponder possible applications]

~  Ezekiel 33           [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                    on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                    New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                    of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                    ponder possible applications]

~  Luke 12:35-39      [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                      on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                      New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                      of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                      ponder possible applications]

~  Matthew 24:9-14      [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                           on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                           New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                           of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                           ponder possible applications]

~  Acts 4:21, 22       [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                    on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                    New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                    of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                    ponder possible applications]

~  John 16:1-4, 33      [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                        on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                        New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                        of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                        ponder possible applications]

~  Romans 8:18      [stop ; no further  commentary  needed ; go
                                    on to meditate on the passage in light of the
                                    New Covenant in Jesus Christ  and  in light 
                                    of the full Counsel of the Word of God ; then
                                    ponder possible applications]

~  and many, many others!

[ STOP ; no further commentary on the texts are needed ; 
  ponder, especially in light of Isaiah 55:8, 9  &  Heb. 4:12]

A note about our devotional blogs as we approach 2022:

     Our  devotional blogs  take this very approach.  We 
      simply quote the passages  without  commentary
      and then go on to conclude with prayer, song and an
      application appeal.  God be praised.   Note:  In 2022
      we will be  labeling  our devotional blogs, "DB" (short
      for "Devotional Blogs")  while retaining our label for
      our Commentary Blogs - "CB." 

__________

CB11B - November, 2021

Following  God’s  Light            

There are  precious  applications  to be considered
in the  temptation of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We’d
like to highlight  some matters  &  contrast  them with
today’s USA anti-Constitution administration – yes,
the Biden Administration of governance.

1.  Satan tempted Jesus in the context of exercising
      authority.  His first  power move  (as recorded
      in Luke 4) was to make a command (“command
      this stone to become bread”) in the setting of
      Christ’s hunger.  Satan also wanted our Lord
      Jesus to  prove  He was the Son of God in this
      attempt to overthrow the Creator, Savior.

      Today, our illegitimate government also exercises
       its authority through commands.  “Stay at home”
       orders were issued by prior governmental voices
       but today we are oppressed by other rules:  “Masks
       are mandatory,”  “Vaccine required,”  and  on and
       on it goes.  What bondage!  While our present
       administration makes demands, our great God
       continues to  grace  humanity with great  freedom. 
       What a  CONTRAST  between the two.

2.  Satan went on to tempt the Lord in this way:  He
       falsely promised  gifts :  that he would give Christ
       glorious  authority.  There was one condition to
       receive this empty promise, liar that he (satan) is: 
       worship, including submission.

      Today our national leaders also make promises that are
       lie-based.  They want us to  obey  them in areas (that
       is, life categories) which are  NOT  theirs to command.
       While our present administration promises to extend
       blessings if we but concede to their agenda, our great
       God continues to give kind mercy in  precious freedom
       to mankind.  What a  CONTRAST  between the two.

3.  Satan then tempted our Lord Jesus by yet another
      challenge:  PROVE you are the Son of God by doing
      a miraculous deed.

      Today, our taskmasters act as if they are testing/
       tempting God.  They foster great ungodliness and
       support acts of terror as if they are attention-craved
       children wanting God’s notice – even if it means
       getting some  negative  (corrective) attention:
       judgment from God.  While government actions
       of late are  opposite  God’s  purpose in human
       governance, (see Romans 13 and II Peter 2), our
       great God persists in His Divine rule.  What a 
       CONTRAST  between the temporary rule of
       evil and the eternal rule of Almighty God.

Sovereign Father God, please  remove  the faulty
government currently ruling the USA.  By Your
miraculous hand, as You did in Egypt,  defeat and
replace our current  kings.  Bring them to their knees
and soften their hearts to say  “YES”  to forgiveness
in Christ Jesus, Your beloved Son.  In Jesus Christ’s
name, Lord, we pray for our enemies in this way too.
And Lord:  THANK YOU.  One day You  will  send
Your Son.  Your patience will come to an end whereby
You  will  judge evil.  Help us, Your people in Christ,
to accept  Your  timing on these  end of days  matters.
Even so, please come Lord Jesus.  Amen

P.S.  A reading of blog  CB10D – October, 2020*  puts,
         in part, the above in the context of  affirming  the
         whole Counsel of the Word of God concerning
         our response to God-allowed magistrates.

*  Title:  “A Call to Practice Respectful  ‘No!’ – Saying ” 

__________

CB11A - November, 2021

Living In  Devilish  Days

“The world is  NOT  as strange as you claim.”
I hear this response (albeit in different forms)
more often than I care to acknowledge.

In response,  “Okay then, perhaps we should state
it this way:  The world is quite satan-like.”

Moving on …

So, when we – members of the Body of Christ – say things like:

~  “Have you discerned how  weird  the world
                        has become of late?”

~  “There’s something terribly  WRONG  with
                        culture today.”

~  “How can so many great  injustices  be taking
                        place in our so-called  thinking  society?”

~  “Why has our culture grown to be so  intolerant,
                        yes, even so satan-like, in a day when it
                        claims to be tolerant?”  …

When we raise fair questions like those listed above  AND  then
go on to  evidence  the answers to these questions and the claims
included therein, why is it some respond almost violently against
those who seek to bring attention to these present realities?

Why?  What’s going on here?

It’s because  darkness  is so rampant today that “Truth” itself is
viewed as a threat to present society.  SERIOUSLY!  Just try to
talk with some folks about how the evils of our day are being
accepted and they often get defensive and/or angry.  WOW

But it’s not only “Truth” that’s viewed as the great enemy of the
state.  It’s  beings  who are to be faulted:  God is to blame.  It’s
His followers who proclaim these Truths who are also to be seen
as “DANGEROUS” – yes, even evil (Is. 6:18-23) – in the eyes of
the new satanic culture.

Caring messages …

~  Friends open to                You need  NOT  cater to
      Truth:                                their enslaved worldview!

~  Secularists who deny       Don’t laugh, for we can
      spiritual realities:            warrant these things …

Satan is:         

   the father of lies / the great deceiver;
   the enemy of  יהוה God  and all that is good;
   the great opponent of Creator God:  Jesus Christ.

The world is:  

   enslaved to the father of lies and gladly embraces deceit;
   hostile to God and His good things;
   hateful toward the Lord Jesus and His faithful followers. 

The reality that  strange things are happening  is confessed by
many today.  So again, we sincerely, with  urgent  appeal, ask:
Question:  “What’s going on here?!”  Let’s better discern
our day.

ANSWSER (in part):

We are in the  end of days  before Jesus Christ’s initial appearing.
We have been experiencing the “time of sorrows” as predicted by
our Lord Jesus in Matthew 24  and  are now moving further into
the tribulation period – one  NOT  defined as some false teachers
and false prophets define it today!  CLICK HERE  for one
amazing example.

Note:   Do a study on the word “tribulation.”  A  biblical  study
              may surprise you  in that  Bible-based  end-time tribulation 
              is very different than how  some  are defining end-time
              Tribulation these days.  ( e.g., The Tribulation Week )

So how should we now live?   In part …

We should continue to look up, for our salvation draws near.
We should continue to keep our eyes on the Author and Finisher
of our faith, Jesus Christ:  King of kings and Lord of lords.
We should continue in His Word.

As we do so, God will illumine our paths as we abide in His
Vine and as we walk in His Spirit.

      Precious heavenly Father, blessed be Your great and holy name!
      We  praise You for all the blessings in the heavenly places in
      Christ Jesus Your holy Son, our Savior.  Receive our adoration
       and  thanksgiving  as we enter into this Thanksgiving season.
       May we press on in living out our lives as Your living sacrifices
       unto Your glory and praise.  May Your dear Spirit be honored
       as we take up our crosses daily  and  allow Him free reign in
       and through our lives.  Thank You sweet Father God.  Even
       so, please come quickly Lord Jesus.  Amen 

P.S.  Please visit our newest web site:

        www.enduranceministries.online 

__________

CB10B – October, 2021

A Summary Sketch Of Our  Now the Rapture?  (Part 1)

Some folks in local churches do not seem willing to heed
Jesus Christ's mandate to watch - Mark 13:37 ( " ... what I 
say to you I say to all:  Watch!" ; emphasis ours)

This group is growing in numbers.  End-time ill-preparedness -
fostered by false eschatological views predominate in the western
church today - is rampant.

Three historical lessons (from I Kings 13, Jeremiah 20 - 29 and
Matthew 15) encourage us to be mindful of false appeal, especially
false prophetic appeal.  Instead of listening to the  peace and
safety  prophets and teachers of our day, we need to be looking
at what the Word of God actually says.  It offer much Counsel
about our  end of days.

In light of John 14, I Cor. 15, I Thes. 4 & 5, Mt. 24 & 25,
Rev. 11:15-19 & 14:14-16, revelation in the book of Daniel
and other Bible passages, we need to acknowledge this fact:
The Bible does  not  teach  Jesus Christ could come (back
to earth  and/or  back to rapture-gather His Church) at
any time.  It actually teaches the opposite.  The doctrine
of  imminence  is false - a teaching the Word of God denies.
Instead, the Bible explicitly (clearly) teaches  signs  precede
His coming - signs which even precede the rapture gathering
of His Church.  When the signs are manifest, we are to discern
His close return.  (see Mt. 24:32 - 25:13  &  Luke 21:25-28)

If you  care at all  about avoiding personal deception, give
our web sites a look over.  In the material you will find  Bible
appeal that we need to be ready as the Word of God so clearly
outlines

Our  web presence, at present, includes:   (http:// unless otherwise stated)

TruthMatters.com                          EnduranceMinistries.com
TruthFoundations.com                 https://www.EndMin.net
FinalTrumpet.org                           TruthFoundations.org
EnduranceMinistries.org              EndMin.com
CurrentMatters.org (CM.org)             and others

One final, crucial appeal:  IF  you don't currently enjoy secure,
eternal  HOPE  in Christ Jesus, please go to  CM.org  and view
our   Gospel presentations.  [ Updated link ]

To view the entire  Now the Rapture?  (Part 1)  document,
please  Click Here.

__________

CB10A – October, 2021

Our 2021 End-Time Bible Reading Schedule  (October - December)

October

1      Revelation 1
2     Revelation 2
...  etc.  ...
21    Revelation 21
22    Revelation 22
23    Daniel 1
24    Daniel 2
25    Daniel 3
26    Daniel 4
27    Daniel 5
28    Daniel 6
29    Daniel 7, 8
30    Daniel 9, 10
31     Daniel 11, 12

November

1        Psalm 1
2       Psalm 2
...  etc.  ...
29     Psalm 29
30     Psalm 30

December

1       Mark 1
2      Mark 2
...  etc.  ...
15     Mark 15
16     Mark 16
17     Matthew 24, 25
18     I Cor. 15
19     I Thes. 4 ; John 14
20    Revelation 11, 14
21     I Peter 1
22    I Peter 2
23    I Peter 3
24    I Peter 4
25    I Peter 5
26    Mark 13
27    II Peter 1
28    II Peter 2
29    II Peter 3
30    I John 1 - 3
31     I John 4, 5

May our soon-coming King bring precious fruit to our
reading and heeding of His powerful Word.  Unto His
glory and praise, in Christ Jesus' name, amen.

__________

CB9B – September, 2021

Wisdom:  On Discerning  Traditions

Some false assumptions can kill.  Do the traditions we
hold  possibly  include erroneous presuppositions? 

Storytelling (using one, more insignificant matter – as
opposed to a crucial one) to make our point …

One recently – in a kind, casual manner – called
me on my use of the abbreviation, “Thes.” – short
for  Thessalonians.  “Why don’t you use the correct
abbreviation:  ‘Thess.’ in your writings?”  I was asked.

I thanked the person for expressing her concern and
didn’t make a big deal about it.  As I pondered her
concern, I was led to investigate.  Was I surprised
by what I found!

Because abbreviations are typically based on word
syllables, I looked up the word “Thessalonians” in the
dictionary.  This is what I found in Webster’s and in
The American Heritage dictionaries:

        Thes  ə  lo  ne  ənz        NOT         Thess  ə  lo  ne  ənz

If one wants to get technical, I would guess BOTH ways
of abbreviating  Thessalonians  would be acceptable.  Yet,
in our  dogmatic, tradition-rich Christian  culture, some
would say the only correct way to abbreviate “Thessalonians”
is  “Thess.”  because there are two S’s in the early part of
the word. 

We would suggest this:  There are multiple ways one can
abbreviate the word, “Thessalonians.”

My points – moving from a less significant example to
wise, life-action principles: 

1.  It’s important we avoid  dogma  if we don’t have
      grounds to support it.  When we do not have
      sufficient warrant, we should take a softer stand
      (in this case, on the matter of abbreviation; in
         general, on  traditions  as a whole).

      Related Appeal:  Traditions aren’t always true.

2.  Let’s not judge others (who hold different views)
      as “wrong”  if  we don’t have sufficient evidence
      to reject their ideas.  Let’s not label them as
      untrustworthy  simply because they do not see
      it as we see it. 

      Appeal:  Don’t automatically write off someone
                     if that someone doesn’t hold to our
                     opinion or standard of right and wrong.

In application tied to my illustration …

Please don’t  write me off as incredible  simply
because I chose to use a different abbreviation for
Thessalonians.

Fair enough?  Point made?

When we don’t have sufficient grounds to hold
a dogmatic view  or  what we believe to be an
uncontested tradition, let’s not be judgmental.

On the other side of the coin, if we find  traditions
to be poorly evidenced, let’s be willing to contest those
traditions, or at the very least, be  Berean-like  in response.

Closing this blog with a more significant appeal …

To date, no pastor, theologian, friend, Family member
in Christ nor foe has shown  Bible  warrant for rejecting
the eschatological proposal called  The Final Trumpet
Rapture Gathering  of the Church (as defined in our
Endurance Ministries materials).  IF  you feel you
have grounds to reject this possible end-time view,
would you be so kind as to share your evidence with us?
Please use  email@therapturegathering.org  to do so.

IF there are  not  Bible  grounds for continuing to herald
the  Final Trumpet Rapture Gathering, then we will
DISCONTINUE  doing so.  As you have noticed (if
you’ve read over our materials), we DO find explicit
Bible evidence for the themes and chronology we
highlight.  May God be glorified in this  end of days 
discipleship effort.

__________

CB9A – September, 2021

Anticipating  Further  Darkness 

Have you ever considered the event of  911
in the setting or context of  betrayal ?

Mt. 24:10 states  falling away, betrayal and hate
will be characteristic of the days which follow
(“then” – vs. 9) the birth pains/time of sorrows.        

     Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and
     kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for
     My name's sake.  And then many will be offended,
     will betray one another, and will hate one another.
     Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive
     many.  And because lawlessness will abound, the
     love of many will grow cold.  But he who endures
     to the end shall be saved.  And this gospel of the
     kingdom will be preached in all the world as a
     witness to all the nations, and then the end will
     come.     Matthew 24:9-14 ; NKJV 

We are in these days (of Mt. 24:9-14).

This blog anticipates one expression of “betrayal.”
Read on for details  BUT  please note:  The threat
of  accusatory attack  in order to foster  betrayal
in a marriage relationship context is only  one  of
many possible battle fields.  Local church encounters
(i.e., confrontations between church attendees),
neighborly engagements, betrayal in the work
place (the old  stab in the back) among peers, etc.,
also provide  contexts  where false accusations
could contribute to relational betrayal.

Darkness gleans from Bible information.  Even today
it seeks to maximize  betrayal  to its advantage. 

Let’s take time to ponder some of the ways it – evil –
may go about this effort.  We’re not going to exhaust
this upcoming  wave of darkness  for you.  Instead,
you  give this coming storm some further thought. 
We’ll simply bring one possible example of betrayal
efforts.  Our suggestion will hopefully get your
creative juices flowing.

So we ask:  How might we, as those  in Christ,
anticipate dark efforts on these battle fronts of
betrayal?  

Here’s our specific, contemporary example …

My wife and I know and trust each other.  There may
come a time when false accusations are uttered
against my wife (and/or visa versa).  She may be told
terrible things her husband has done.  Or, folks may tell
me my wife has done this or that.  Question:  How will
we respond to these  accuser of the brethren  lies?

As in the  but God  responses through Scripture,
my wife and I know to doubt the accuser(s), not
our beloved.  The Supreme Court nomination
process has some insight for us.  As the process
of the nomination unfolded for Brett Kavanaugh,
false accusations were thrown against him.  Only
later did we know these were clearly false claims.

My wife and I, if we were to experience false
charges against us – ones which  seek to  bring
about betrayal against each other, will, by the
grace and mercy of our God Most High,
respond wisely.  We will evaluate what’s being
said in light of the nature of the accuser(s) and
with a Christ-centered worldview.  We will discern
their lies and continue trusting one another.

We will not trust the liars who bring false
accusation  but  will trust our Truth-walking
spouse.  In this, with God’s help, we will
find victory.  But others, sadly so, will fall
prey to various forms of this dark attack. 

Thankfully, in the setting of college campus
ministry, I’ve learned a great deal about attacks
of betrayal from some who call themselves
Christian – family in Christ.  Some are not.
They are wolves in sheep’s clothing – Mt. 7:15-20

Entrapment efforts will continue.  False report
and misrepresentation will escalate.  This form
of persecution will only grow as the satanic
darkness grows. 

May we follow in our Lord’s footsteps as we
continue walking through the challenges ahead.
And, dear Church, let’s keep  smiling  as we go
knowing, by faith, our Lord Jesus will give us
His words in response during evil interrogation.

He will lead us just as He’s promised:                      

     Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst
     of wolves.  Therefore be wise as serpents and
     harmless as doves.  But beware of men, for they
     will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in
     their synagogues.  You will be brought before gov-
     ernors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to
     them and to the Gentiles.  But when they deliver
     you up, do not worry about how or what you should
     speak.  For it will be given to you in that hour what
     you should speak;  for it is not you who speak, but
     the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
     Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and 
     a father his  child;  and children will rise up against
     parents and cause them to be put to death.  And you
     will be hated by all for My name's sake.  But he who
     endures to the end will be saved.  When they perse-
     cute you in this city, flee to another.  For assuredly, 
     I say to you, you will not have gone through the 
     cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
     Matthew 10:16-23 ; NKJV  

As the song goes, “victory is mine.”  Victory is indeed ours
if  we press on in walking in God’s Spirit,  if  we persist in
abiding in the Vine.

__________

CB8B - August, 2021

Care-Driven  Sharing

The following is an excerpt from "Better SAID Than NOT SAID"
(blog CB6D - June, 2020):

     [ A principle in the biblical book of Ezekiel is driving this
        pressing warning.  We  know things.  But by the grace of
        God, we share some of His  critical  insights with you ...
        because  love,  as defined in I Cor. 13, impels us  and 
        because we are accountable before God to do so. ]

     If  one knows a kayaker was about to meet her doom (as she,
     unaware of the threat ahead, was about to encounter a 40-foot
     fall), is it not incumbent on the individual who knows there's
     danger ahead to  warn  the one in the kayak?      In like manner ...

     If  a neighbor sees a fire burning in the basement of a home
     across  the street - where a family of four is playing cards on
     the second story of their residence - is it not right for the 
     neighbor to warn them they are in imminent harm's way?

     Of course those [in the know] should speak out and bring warning! 

   
One additional appeal tied to  this  expression of care ...

     [ An excerpt from  Now The Rapture (Part 2) follows.  View a 
        complete "pre-release" of this booklet by going to our  "Gift
        Page" at  www.currentmatters.org/gifts-from-em. ]

     If you knew your beloved parents were about to suffer great
     loss as a result of a certain action, wouldn't you respond 
     appropriately in order to try to prevent that great tragedy?

     We are talking about eternal tragedies as a result of people
     being willfully ignorant concerning what God has clearly
     said about our days.  'If we neglect the passages God has
     graciously given us for the purpose of better discerning the
     many false teachings currently being propagated today, 
     will we not be making a conscious choice toward casting
     aside one  crucial  means He has provided to help us avoid
     becoming deceived?'

The  love  of Jesus Christ moves us to raise these contemporary
concerns.  We care.  May our Lord be praised in  all  of our 
Mark 12:28-31 expressions of love for God and mankind.

__________ 

CB8A - August, 2021

With  CARE  In Jesus Christ ...

While this is  not  a "frequently asked question" by
our reading audience, it has been asked:

Q:   Why don't you put more emphasis on  present  social matters
        as opposed to an end-time chronological focus?

A:  Fact of the matter, the Word of God emphasizes  both  chronological
      and  thematic aspects of the  end of days  prior to Jesus Christ's initial
      appearing.  As a result, we do  both  - we address social concerns  and 
      chronological matters so as to help mankind better discern today's
      worldly climate.

We don't use  our  opinion as our  truth foundation  but instead use the
Word of God (Who fully knows what is happening and what will take 
place this next decade).

By God's mercy and grace, our  Truth foundation  is solid.  If you'd 
care to enjoy enlightenment from our Creator God, please look over
His Counsel as to guidance for living in these days of the end.  Read
our devotional blogs and the passages found posted on our end-time
Bible reading schedule.

We love you, sincerely we do. 

__________

CB7B - July, 2021