So Many Warnings

Dear Brethren,                                               February 9, 2000

There is one thing we can be sure of, and that is this – God’s Plan is right on schedule.  So many of our friends have gone off in different directions, church-wise.  Does it make any difference?  Yes, it does!  At this time, “where will I attend, and who will be my teacher” could be the most important questions one could ask themselves.

We want to be counted worthy to be with Jesus Christ when He comes back to rule this earth.  You know the old question, “Will the Bride be prepared for the Bridegroom?”  Some people are making decisions that will cause themselves tribulation, and worse than that, some choices will cause a loss of salvation.

How can so many brethren be so cavalier at a time like this?  We must not be disregarding and dismissing the terrible threats to the safety of those we once counted as Brethren.  We are supposed to be our brother’s keeper – according to God’s Word.  We are supposed to have loving care and concern for each other.  What will we say when we stand before Jesus Christ, and He asks us, “Where is your brother?”  “Well, I took care of myself,” will not be an acceptable answer.

Knowing the conditions we would face right now, God gave us ample warning – enough for us to make the right choices.  Jesus told us that His Church would not die out – so, where is His Church right now?  Would Jesus find a group of believers living as true Christians if He came back right now?  Who are they?  With whom would Herbert W. Armstrong go to Sabbath services next week, if he were alive today?  Why has God given us so many warnings about this?

Biblical warnings about False Teachers, Grievous Wolves, and Deceivers are NOT speaking of the so-called Christianity of the world.  No!!!  God is warning you and I, Brethren, of perils in the Church of God right now.

Can we assume that every Pastor who draws away disciples unto himself – speaks for God?  Why are so many of our brethren heaping teachers unto themselves – thinking that they will be filled?  “The time will come when the brethren will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, because they have itching ears.”  (2 Timothy 4:3)

Is God right when He speaks of seducers growing worse and worse – deceiving and being deceived?  “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”  (2 Timothy 3:13)  Did Jesus Christ warn us about men who would only appear to be transformed into ministers of righteousness?  “It is no great thing if [Satan’s] ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”  (2 Cor 11:15)  They look good and they sound good, but are they?

God’s true people are at risk now!  Where is it, that Grievous Wolves will enter in – not sparing the flock?  It is the True Church of God! “I know this, Paul said, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”  (Acts 20:29)  How is a member to react to false teachers who privately bring in damnable heresies?  “There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”  (2 Peter 2:1)

God said, to you and I in the Church, “Many shall follow their shameful ways.”  Now, that is scary!  Who stands for God’s Truth anymore?  How many have the zeal to speak out against apostasy?  How many have the courage to hold to true doctrine in the face of lukewarmness? 

Will Jesus say to every one in every group, “Well done good and faithful servant?”  No, He will not!  The Holy Scripture tells us that Jesus will make a clear distinction.  “Jesus shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.”  (Matthew 25:33)  We know that Jesus Christ is going to say to those who did many wonderful works, “I never knew you.”  How can we be sure that we have a right relationship with our Creator?

Today, many ministers are starting their own churches and justifying their intentions.  They are not faithful with the Scriptures.  They are not putting the unity of the Brethren over their desire for security.  These are autonomous men with independent churches, feeding themselves without fear, answerable to no one, submitting to no one but themselves (Jude :12).  They have Laodicean attitudes – lacking a zeal for the truth of God (Revelation 3:19).

In contrast, Jesus – not doing His own will - set us an example of service to the Brethren, and obedience to His Father.  His last prayer was for our unity (John 17).  Godly care for one another is a salvational issue!  “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”  (1 John 3:14)

Perhaps, we thought that we would never have to face such difficult personal decisions.  But, time is short.  Remember God’s words to a small flock… “I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.”  (Jeremiah 3:14)

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong used to say, “Don’t believe me – read it for yourself, in your own Bible.”  “Prove it for yourself.” 

Brethren, please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you in your quest for God’s truth.

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