Endtime Truth

"See that you refuse not him that speaketh" (Hebrews 12:25)

The Old Testament is replete with phrases like - "And the Lord said…", "And the word of the Lord came". Likewise in the New Testament, God continues to speak through His anointed oracles. The above text and an examination of the context (v. 22-29), show us that God's voice is very much a reality in the midst of His true Church.

We know that God has embodied His message in the person of His dear Son (Hebrews 1:1,2), yet, He still speaks specific things to His people according to the times and the seasons. For example, in a time of rapid deterioration, as noted in the churches in Revelation 2 and 3, God sent a specific message to each of them, adding the challenge, "He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

Although we have observed an increase in the counterfeit activity of religious fanatics predicting 'the end of the world' in recent years, we remain of the conviction that we are in an 'end-time' situation. Our reference to the 'end' does not imply the total annihilation of planet earth, but the climactic judgment of an evil and unrighteous world order. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 14,15; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 11:15; 14:19; 19:15)

The Bible bears record that God has spoken to those close to Him when an 'end-time' scenario was approaching. "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me." (Genesis 6:13) As He weighed conditions in Sodom and Gomorrah, God exclaimed, "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" (Genesis 18:17) Also, a general promise of His communication to us is given in Amos 3:7: "Surely the Lord God will do nothing (without revealing-RSV) his secret unto his servants the prophets."

Finally, may we recall that Jesus, in Matthew 24:3, did not hesitate to respond to His disciples' question, "Tell us…what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

The Nature of End-time Truth
The prophetic voice is most active when conditions are not according to God's standards, both in the world and in His church. In both of these arenas we are seeing a rapidly deteriorating situation today. Surely, God has something to say in an hour such as this.

The 'end-time' truth we believe to be most relevant today is that which addresses the sub-par conditions of the church and/or helps establish His vision for the future. Much of what is presented with this label is presumptuous, speculative, superfluous and/or erroneous. We see this as the enemy attempting to discredit the prophetic voice in its entirety and keep God's people in ignorance.

Conditions and Vision
Let us compile a list of conditions which we feel God is addressing today and add our particular vision with respect to each.

(1) Lukewarmness, worldliness and mixture. The Spirit's message to the church of the Laodiceans is an exact description of conditions today. This is true not only in denominational churches but also in the Charismatic-Pentecostal community. Most churches are blind to their need and the wretchedness of their condition and are 'happy with what they have'. They abound with form, ceremony, ritual, numbers, programs, material wealth and popularity.

Whereas denominational systems are characterized by a Babylonish environment engendering bondage, limitation and confusion, the Charismatic-Pentecostal community is tainted by much 'hype', a mixture of the flesh, the soul and the world. The strength of man and the ways of the world are implemented to produce a man-centered gospel which pleases the crowds by its focus on the manifold blessings of God. The spirit of entertainment and showmanship has replaced the awesome presence of God.

What is the Lord saying?

"Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins…" Revelation 18:4)

"come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch (no) unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:17,18)

"let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)

It is our conviction that only a relatively small number (a remnant) will hear what God is saying. This remnant is referred to repeatedly in Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, as 'overcomers'. Thus, what the church as a whole was destined to be and do in God's purposes will be accomplished by this 'church within the church'. Others will occupy a lesser place in the overall economy of God. (See 2 Timothy 2:20-21) This sounds exclusive, but it represents a fulfillment of Matthew 22:14, "For many are called, but few are chosen."

(For other messages on the subject of 'overcomers', see Watchman Nee's book, "The Overcomers" and volume 2 of "Living Water From Deep Wells of Revelation" by T. Austin Sparks.)

(2) Shallowness and Immaturity. The prevailing climate in much of Christendom today is not conducive to spiritual growth. The testimony of many is simply, "I'm saved and going to heaven." Others are, 'saved and filled with the Spirit'. In many places, the preaching of the word is becoming secondary to 'performance-type scenarios' such as skits and dramas. A theatre-like environment can be found in many churches, complete with stage, performers, audience, applause and laughter. What Paul warned about in 2 Corinthians 11 is now in evidence in the church world: 'another Jesus' - 'another gospel' - 'another spirit'.

Also, the failure of leadership to move from the 'milk of the word' to the 'meat' is producing spiritual stagnation and retardation. Millions of babes in heaven would never satisfy the Heavenly Father's desire to have mature sons in the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ!

What is the Lord saying?

"leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection…" (maturity and completion of His purpose)
[Hebrews 6:1]

"…that we may present every man perfect (complete and mature) in Christ Jesus" (Colossians 1:28)

"…apostles…prophets…evangelists…pastors…and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints…till we all come…unto a perfect (fullgrown) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13)

(3) Lack of righteousness and holiness. if the statistics are accurate, we have cause for grave concern when we hear that incidents of adultery, divorce and involvement with pornography are as numerous in the church as they are in the world. The music, methods and philosophy of the world are permeating the church, violating her holiness. It appears that today's modern gospel is not producing a righteous and holy people.

What is the Lord saying and doing?

"…be zealous therefore and repent…" (Revelation 3:19)

[There's a clear trumpet sound for repentance to take place in the church.]

"…He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire…" (Matthew 3:11)

[Generally, the church has not known a baptism of fire in the last 50 years. Those who desire to go on in God's purpose will experience this baptism.]

"…and the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple….. but who may abide the day of His coming? for He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silver…" (Malachi 3:1-3)

[For the remnant, a genuine purification process will take place. This will prepare the church as a Bride for the returning Bridegroom.]

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it unto himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish…" (Ephesians 5:26)

(4) The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory. We cannot bear witness to the popular 'pre-tribulation rapture' teaching which seems to pervade much of Christendom. Yes, we do believe in the personal return of our Lord Jesus and a 'catching up' to Him. We acknowledge that the Bible teaches there will be a climactic end to this present world order. What then do we feel is wrong with the 'rapture' teaching?

(a.) We believe God's people will go through the tribulation as a means of purification and preparation for the marriage supper of the Lamb. (See Daniel 11:35; 12:9,10; Matthew 24:21,22,29-31; Revelation 7:14)

(b.) Today's popular rapture teaching makes the believer a candidate for the Bride and for the Kingdom without any further preparation. The implication is that once you are saved, you are ready for everything. The scriptures, when honestly read, do not establish this conclusion, but challenge the believer to righteous living (1 John 3:7-10), purification (Titus 2:14; 1 John 3:2,3), holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:10), preparation for the Bride (Revelation 19:7; Ephesians 5:26,27; 2 Corinthians 11:2,3) and qualifying for the literal coming Kingdom (Matthew 7:21; 20:21,22; Acts 14:22; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Revelation 2:26,27; 3:21)

May we not blindly follow religious leaders and gullibly accept the doctrines of denominations.

(c.) We cannot accept that the glorious church (Ephesians 5), the overcomers (Revelation 2 & 3) and the sons of God (Romans 8:19) -a remnant who have been undergoing intense dealings and preparation - will be raptured and be in heaven while the Jews are here on earth to do God's work during the tribulation. No, it will be the church, moving in the fullness of Christ's anointing, which will manifest His glory and authority in the midst of gross darkness. (Isaiah 60) All creation is waiting, not for the rapture of the church, but for the 'manifestation of the sons of God'. (Please read the entire passage of Romans 8:18-25.)

(d) In the passage 1 Thessalonians 4:17, the phrase 'to meet the Lord in the air' (from the Greek texts) actually has the meaning of 'meeting someone and continuing with them to their destination'. We believe the destination is the earth, where our Lord Jesus Christ will begin to set up His literal kingdom. The 'catching up' will be for the purpose of taking on a glorified body, a necessity for the days of the kingdom. The following passages of scripture further support this scenario: (Jude 14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Philippians 3:20,21; Colossians 3:4; Revelation 19:7-21 {read entire context})

NOWHERE IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION, THE BOOK OF END-TIME EVENTS, DO WE FIND ANY REFERENCE TO TWO COMINGS OF THE LORD, AS IS COMMONLY TAUGHT.

(5) Zion, His Habitation, in the days of David and Solomon, was the place of government, the location of the temple and the center of worship for the people of Israel. It was the place God had chosen for His dwelling place, and became an expression of the fullness of God in the earth. (Psalm 132) Literal Zion foreshadows spiritual Zion, the true church, which is also called to become an expression of God's fullness. (Ephesians 1:23; Hebrews 12:22-29)

In the practical outworking of this truth, the proper building of the local church comes into view. Among the requirements of a 'local body' are deep commitments to God and to each other, relationships based on 'agape' love, frequent gatherings and fellowship and a spiritual functioning of all the members. Crowds gathering to be blessed or to watch a performance do not constitute a proper 'local church'. Also, it is difficult for gatherings of hundreds and thousands to properly function as a church.

The purified worship and ministry of the church as a whole will (1) Delight the heart of God, (2) Impact principalities and powers, (3) Meet the needs of God's people, and (4) Become a genuine testimony to the world.

(6) The Spiritual Climate or Tone. What is the true nature of this hour? What type of season is upon us? Many are in a mode of celebration, supposedly over so-called spiritual visitations, supernatural manifestations such as 'holy laughter', 'gold dust', etc…while others are caught up in the blessings realms. Though we sense there are some valid moves of the Spirit in the earth today, we are basically living in A TIME OF APOSTASY. The overall conditions of the church represent grave departure and deviation from Biblical standards of righteousness and holiness.

What is the Lord saying?

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet and shew my people their transgression and the house of Jacob their sins." (Isaiah 58:1)

"Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh…turn ye even to me, with all your heart and with fasting, and with weeping and with mourning…let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O, Lord." (Joel 2:1,12,17)