The Knowledge of the
Son of God

Dear Brethren,

Each week there is the expectation that the "Countdown" will encourage all of us as we come into the Sabbath.  In addition to prayer requests, news, announcements, and bits of world news that fit into the mosaic of end-time prophecy, we wish to help foster the brotherly concern for one another that is absolutely required of us as Christians.  We recognize that all too often, genuine care for the brethren, within the Church of God, has not been taught and practiced as much as it is in the gospel record.  "Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another... If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."(1John 4:11-12)

Perhaps God is giving the Body of Christ additional time to grow up spiritually in an area in which we have come short.  Sure, we  know doctrine, we know prophecy, we keep the Sabbath, etc., but there is much more.  Paul tells us that we still have a lot of growing to do. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and ofthe knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."  (Ephesians 4:13)

In this selfish world, we often witness the "every man for himself" attitude that permeates society.  We should certainly understand the extent to which Jesus Christ demonstrated His love for us in giving His life - but to what extent have we followed His example in demonstrating our loving concern for each other?  "For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps."(1Peter 2:21)

End-time prophecy speaks of famine, drought, wars, and curses.  We address some of these issues to show that the time of our Lord is at hand.   Acknowledging that time is short, let's be motivated to real Christian action.  We are told to watch, and be ready: "Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord doth come.  "(Matthew 24:42)

Terrorists attacks against the U.S., a new constitution for a united Europe, a run-away economy - what will be the straw that breaks the camel's back?  While these things may be involved in events leading up to the end, no single factor will bring the world to an end.  Why?  Because, it will not be the failure of one single system that will bring about the ultimate destruction of the end time.  If that were the case, people would be able to say, "If only such and such... none of this would have happened, and Jesus Christ would not have had to return."  No, brethren, there is going to be total failure of all worldly systems at the same time!  All men, including the Israelitish nations, will realize the utter hopelessness of this world's God-less ways.

"Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him."  (Revelation 1:7)

"These bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, andour hope is lost:..  And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves." (Ezekiel 37:11,13)

Men will finally realize how futile all existence is without Jesus Christ.  There will be no second guessing the need for the Kingdom of God because history will have recorded that the result of mankind's best efforts - was always ruin, failure, and destruction.

We need to realize that the root cause of the demise of our society is the lack of Godly character.  Communities of supportive neighbors are quickly becoming a thing of the past.  The degeneration of the English-speaking peoples in areas such as morality, education, and spiritual values has already started the ball rolling downhill.  This ever-growing trend will eventually result in a people ripe for destruction.  Then, as Europe strengthens and becomes a great power - religiously, militarily and economically - they will find that the weakened Israelitish people have made themselves an easy prey.  The European Beast power will simply inflict the “coup de grace” or deathblow - bringing to an end our mortally wounded Godless society.  The decline within America and the other Israelitish countries is the real cause of the coming destruction of our society. 

"Thus says the Lord of hosts, Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart."  (Zechariah 7:9-10)

Look at the obvious signs of how our society is weakening from within:  Anything and everything passes for "spirituality" in the area of religion.  Astrology and witchcraft are acceptable and "God" is not.  Occultism and mysticism are applauded while the ten commandments are looked down upon with contempt.  One parent homes are the norm, and same sex "unions" are politically correct.  "Fatherless" births are increasing.  Entertainment is mindless television, virtue-less movies and the playing of video games destitute of redeeming values.  The gambling industry is growing, and the war against drugs is almost forgotten.  Greedy agricultural practices and the medical profession’s overuse of antibiotics are setting us up for the prophesied pestilence and disease epidemics of “Biblical” proportions.

In Hosea 13:1-3, God prophesied of Ephraim, as a type of all Israelitish nations, that these pervasive and ungodly trends will finally result in a people that has made itself to be without substance. "And now they sin more and more... according to their own understanding... Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passes away."

We need to recognize these, and other end-time signs, for what they are - a warning to us, brethren, to be lively Christians in a dying world.

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Sermon:  "The Knowledge of the Son of God"  

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