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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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