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"Therefore, All Bible Students Should Pay Strict Attention:

Noah Part- 2. MENU

[ No. 19 ] - A Tremendous Increase In Knowledge Has Taken Place . . .

[ No. 20 ] - Tens Of Thousands Of Schools Populate This Globe . . .

[ No. 21] - Noah Himself Found Faith And Walked With The Lord, What About Your Walk? . . .

[ No. 22 ] - Depravity And Unbelief 0f Man, And The Faith Of The Saints. . . .

[ No. 23 ] - The Signs Of The Times Just Preceding And During The Last Days . . .

[ No. 24 ] - The Economic Picture During Noah's Day And A Picture Of Adam's Son, Cain And Of Cain's Descendants . . .

[ No. 25 ] - And Then Polygamy Really Began In Full Force . . .

[ No. 26 ] - The Continued Rise And Experimentation Of Agriculture . . .

[ No. 27 ] - Lots And Lots Of Music For These Last Days . . .

[ No. 28 ] - "And Then We Have The Age Of Metal" . . .

[ No. 29 ] - And Of Course, This Is An Age Of Violence . . .

[ No. 30 ] - How Can All This Be Of Any Interest For Us Today? . . .

[ No. 31 ] - This Had Absolutely Nothing To Do With The End 0f This World . . .

[ No. 32 ] - Considering The First Sign Of Christ's Return . . .

[ No. 33 ] - Concerning The False Messiahs In This Present Grace Age

[ No. 34 ] - "And You Shall Hear Of Wars And Rumors Of Wars: {Matthew 24:6}." . . .

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. Commentary . . . The second sign given in this verse in Daniel is "knowledge shall be increased, { Daniel 12:4 }." This refers to that time just before the return of Christ and, that these words of Daniel which had remained shut and sealed would be opened up. This also means that new understanding concerning the prophecies of the Rapture, and Second Coming, of that truth which would characterize the time just before the return of Jesus, is understood by many Bible students, that could not understand Daniel 100 years ago. However, we believe it has a wider meaning as implied to the tremendous development in the realm of education, scientific discoveries, and public information. In every realm of human experience - the arts, the sciences, in culture, and in the natural phenomena. Greater progress has been achieved in the past century than in all recorded human history.

2. The dissemination of knowledge and information has revolutionized society. As a result of the amazing discoveries of modern means of communication, knowledge in general has not only increased but personal knowledge has been made and placed on computers by internet to be available to all mankind throughout every country on this whole earth by satellite communication. Think of the relatively recent inventions and discoveries just since the telephone, automatic printing presses, the radio, television, VCRs, computers, automatic copiers, available literature for everyone plus so many other things that it would take many large volumes to name all that has been developed in the last fifty years. Illiteracy has virtually disappeared in the progressive countries. During the first 40 years of this last century, an eighth grade school education placed one above the level of the average, and a high school education was a special privilege, and a college education was only for that favored few who planned to enter the professions, such as the arts and the sciences.

3. All this is tremendously different today. As a result of modern media, of communication through TV. satellites and computers, education has become not only a privilege but a practical necessity. During world war two many men were taken into the service who lacked a grade school education, and many of them could not even read and write. Today they consider men and woman without at least a high school education as a very low class drag to society, and many young people without a high school diploma can only receive work that pays minimum wages for them to live on. But, knowledge is increasing. This increase in knowledge reaches into every facet of human education, biology, physiology, medicine, computerization, surgery, physics, chemistry, literature, agriculture, mechanics, electronics, astronomy, meteorology, the construction trades and etc.

4. And, now to cap it all, folks have reached the climax of an "increase in knowledge" when they tapped the secret of the universe and the discovery of atomic energy by nuclear fission. Scientists tell us that the discovery of atomic energy is the final answer to the secret of matter. To the average layman, even though educated, all of it seems fantastic and almost supernatural. But, Daniel the prophet predicted it all when he said that in the last days: "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."

5. Commentary . . . It is said that presently - knowledge actually doubles every three years. So rapidly has this increase of knowledge been that today we find our facilities for routine education wholly inadequate. Schools and colleges are being built at top speed; literally billions of dollars are appropriated to build institutions of learning; a large percentage of our tax dollars is earmarked for schools, and yet there are tens of thousands who cannot be accommodated for lack of facilities and funds. Our colleges today are jammed to their capacity and we have been told that thousands must be denied admittance. Truly this is the age of travel and of Knowledge.

6. One stands in reverence and awe before the Word of God which described over 2,500 years ago, the very conditions which would prevail in these last days. All one has to do is take notice of what is before our eyes in this present grace period. And, the Tribulation Period that will follow after the Rapture of the Body of Christ will be a hundred fold more prophetic. To the enlightened Bible students, this increase in travel and education is just another sign spelling out three things: "The Rapture, { 1- Corinthians 15:51-52 }" . . . "the time of Jacob's trouble, { Jeremiah 30:7 }," . . . and immediately afterwards: "the return of Christ the Messiah to this earth, { Zechariah 14:4 }." . . . Folks, "the season of Christ's coming for His Saints is at hand!"

7. The thing of it is, while mankind increases in knowledge of the wisdom of this world, they are becoming more deeply ignorant of the true wisdom of the Creator. It is a strange thing that the more folks learn about the wonders of "creation" the less attention and entrust they have about their own Creator. With all the increase in knowledge and opportunity to learn, man takes credit for this wisdom and will not recognize God as the Author, the Creator, and the Administrator of the universe. Only a comparative minority are increasing in true wisdom and knowledge of God. Most of the world's population are far more interested in knowing what man is accomplishing, than in the study of the "0ne Book" which tells what God in doing.

8. As human Knowledge increases and becomes the center of peoples interest, the study of the Word of God that is taught decreases. When the true Word of God is taught, the average person who attends their own denominational congregation will ignore much of the truth of the Scriptures, and instead, accept a great deal of untrue denominational doctrine instead of Biblical Knowledge. God's Word has truthfully reached an all-time low world wide. We have read that at this present time more and more people are getting religion, but religion is one thing and Christianity is another! Are the people learning Assembly doctrine, or are they receiving Bible doctrine? Notice now how this is clearly stated in the following verse, and after saying that in the last days: "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased," the prophet continues and states . . .

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9. Scripture: "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried [ smelted and refined ]; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and "NONE" of the wicked shall understand: but the wise [ teachers and those others who listen to the Biblical truth which is taught ] shall understand, { Daniel 12:10 }."

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10. { V. 33 } Scripture: "And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. { V. 34 }: Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. { V. 35 }: And some of them with understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed, { Daniel 11:33-35 }."

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11. The above three verses paraphrased, { 33 }: "And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: and make them understand, though some of them and their followers shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and plunder, for many days. { 34 }: Now when they fall, they shall receive a little help. Many shall join themselves to them with flatteries and hypocrisies. { 35 }: And some of those who are wise, prudent and understanding shall be weakened and fall; therefore, this means that many people who are insincere among true Christians will lose courage and become deserters. It will be a test to refine, to purify and make those among God's people white, even to the time of the end; this can only happen in the time God appointed."

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12. Commentary . . . Even though the text above tells about the times in past history, many shadows of those events can be looked on as events transpiring in our midst in this present day! People really haven't changed all that much from that time to the present. Lessons never seem to be learned adequately enough to stay with us, usually they are forgotten in a short period of time. During the prophet Daniel's age, it was true that many did fall by the sword. After three years of fighting, the Israelis were able to restore worship to the Temple in Jerusalem. It was cleansed and purified on December 25, 165 B.C. This event has been commemorated ever since as the Feast of Hanukkah, or the Feast of dedication as it is sometimes called in { John 10:22 }.

14. As to the Rapture and Second advent, in the light of the imminent coming of Christ and impending judgment, God's Saved Children will purify themselves and separate themselves from the religious program of the world, and take their unpopular place outside the camp. This is the meaning of the phrase: "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried," in the above verse. But, while God's people heed the signs of the times and prepare to meet the Lord, the world will drown itself in greater wickedness. Daniel said in the same verse that: "the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand." Isn't this a picture of what is taking place today right before your very eyes? "Friend it's time to awaken and take notice!"

15. While Christians at this very time are recognizing the signs of coming judgment, this world is rushing headlong into a godless disregard for the warnings of impending doom by the very inventions of man's knowledge. While those who will not compromise the Gospel, but stand for the faith once for all delivered to the saints, are crying: "How long, O Lord, how long?" Calamity is approaching very rapidly. While this question of "how long" is being asked by millions of Saints, this world will become much more chaotic with evil flourishing unabated. Anyone that has their eyes open can see that society is extremely wicked. And, if you are not blind and brain washed you will agree that you have noticed the trend - that man is approaching a climactic end, that will take place just before the coming of Christ.

16. This age will not result in mankind turning to Christ! Man's increase in knowledge will not solve the problem of war, terrorism, and untold violence! Humanities increase in knowledge will not bring in a world wide revival! But, apostasy will prevail till the King steps down from Heaven to end man's program of self-destruction by the inventions of his own knowledge. And, this is in harmony with the words of Jesus Christ when He said:

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17. Scripture: "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the [ return of the ] Son of man, { Luke 17:26 }."

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18. Commentary . . . Before the Flood the great majority of folks continued in their wickedness in the very shadow of judgment, while only a little handful, Noah's family, were ready for the Flood and were saved." How graphically it is stated by Jesus. When He described the days of Noah with these words . . .

19. Scripture: "They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the Flood came, and destroyed them all, { Luke 17:27 }."

20. Commentary . . . Noah and his family were safe, because they believed Jehovah's warning. There is presently these same two groups today in our midst, and you personally belong to either the one or the other. Are you among those who ignore the warnings of God and the signs of the times? Or, are you one of those who are wise, and understand? Are you prepared to meet the Lord by believing God's Word, repenting of your sins daily, exercising, and proselytizing your belief to others which concern salvation to others through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you warning loved one's and others in your locality about Christ's soon return? As for yourself, the only hope for you and your loved ones in the coming crisis, is to belong to those who are in the group of the family of God that are represented by the family of Noah before the flood. You can settle it now by doing what Noah did, "Believe the Word of God." The Bible states . . .

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21. { V. 8 } Scripture: "But Noah found grace [ favor ] in the eyes of the Lord. { V. 9 }: These are the generations [ and history ] of Noah: Noah was a just [ and righteous ] man [ blameless ] and perfect in his [ evil ] generations, and Noah walked [ in habitual fellowship ] with God, { Genesis 6:8-9 }." Finding grace through faith in the eyes of the Lord and walking with Him are inseparable. The author of Hebrews said:

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22. Scripture: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear [ i.e., fear of God = "piety" ], prepared an Ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, { Hebrews 11:7 }."

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What About Your Walk? . . .

23.. Commentary . . . From the study of the Scriptures we find that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and began his walk with the Lord well over a hundred and twenty years before the Flood, how long before the Flood Scripture does not say. Because of Noah's famous walk, this teaches us the fact that Jehovah God came down from Heaven and revealed Himself to Noah. The Lord told him, "All flesh is going to be destroyed. I will give the world one hundred and twenty years of reprieve, and while this reprieve is in force you will build an Ark of safety for you and your family, and then this world will be judged." Noah then believed God, and found grace in His eyes. When any lost soul finds that he or she is under the judgment of God and that everything around them is also under the Lord's judgment, it is impossible for them to live without fear.

24. Their one desire is to find grace and mercy in the eyes of God to escape, first, the judgment they deserve, and then to be saved from future judgment because of sin. The only way they will find eternal peace with the Creator is to accept the salvation offered to them by the Lord through His Word. Noah, seeing and understanding this judgment that was to fall upon the whole earth, began his walk with God. That word "walk" is an emphatic word, and means that Noah set himself or definitely made up his mind regardless of the cost, that is, regardless of what anyone else did, or what they spoke against him - to walk with God. Noah was like the Psalmist David when he said . . .

25. Scripture: "My Heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed [ steadfast and confident ]: I will sing and give praise, { Psalm 57:7 }."

Commentary . . . Nothing could turn Noah away from following the Lord. All of the opposition, ridicule, and persecution that was laid upon him, at to the end of his life could not overcome him and force him to join his antagonist, all of the grumbling against him had no effect on him. Now, why? Because Noah believed God in regard to the judgment that was coming upon the world. He knew that God told the truth, and he set himself to walk with God. He walked with God just like God walked with the Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, { Daniel 3:1-30 }, which was a lesson of faith." And we repeat this next verse . . .

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26. Scripture: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, { Hebrews 11:7 }."

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27. The above verse 7 Paraphrased: "Prompted by faith Noah, being forewarned of Jehovah God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an Ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [ his faith which relied on the Lord ] he passed judgment and sentence on the world's unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness, [ i.e., this is that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith." See { Genesis 6:13-22 }.

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28. Commentary . . . When we say that Noah walked with God, we mean that Noah found out where God was going, what Jehovah was intending to accomplish, and went all the way with Him as any saved Saint should do. Noah was not ashamed that people knew that he lived that separated life from the world, and was more than willing to continue his walk with his Lord and Creator. "Walking with God" means keeping step with God. It means that you keep your eye upon the Lord of the universe. It means that you are on familiar grounds with Him, which can be called, "Covenant grounds." And, it means that the individual Christian through prayer talks with God, and God spiritually speaking, talks with him.

29. Many folks will take exception and be in opposition with me when I state that I talk with God and may tell me about it in no uncertain terms. They will say that "No man could come to know the Lord in such a personal way that he could walk with God and talk with Him." But let me make this statement here very clear: no matter what you may think, I have walked with my Lord many times. And, I talk with Him just as I talk with a familiar friend. Do you? I can get an audience with my Lord at any moment. Can you? Don't forget what prayer consists of.

30. There is another great fact of walking with God that Noah found; that was the fact that, he was at ease in God's presence. The average individual, whether in Noah's day or in our day, cannot be at ease in the presence of the Lord manifested through another life. They are afraid of the supernatural. Many sinners have cried out against a minister, and say that "they are leery of him." The reason is, they cannot stand the presence of the Lord God of Heaven Who dwells in the ministers heart . To talk with God means that you have a perfect confidence in God; you believe His Word; you trust Him with everything and for everything. Walking with God means that you please Him, and we are told in { Hebrews 11:6 } that the only way we can please God is to believe Him. To walk with the Lord means that you are not separated from Him. No matter where Noah was, the Lord God was with Him, and he was with the Lord.

31. You can't walk with the Lord and be separated from Him at the same time. This means that no matter how people treat you or downgrade you, they do not know what you have suffered, how your name may have been slandered, no matter how rough the way may seem to be, you can walk with your heavenly Father. No matter how you are persecuted, or how you are hindered, you can walk with your Creator. To walk with Him means that your mind, your entire life, is set upon one thing and one of the most important things in a persons life is to walk continually and never cease your continued walk with the Lord of your salvation. There is nothing that can turn you back. Your eyes are set like flint toward Christ, and if you are wise like the prophet Abraham who walked with Jehovah: than ask yourself this question: "are you looking for that great wonderful city built not by human hands, but by the Lord of Heaven, which has foundations constructed by Almighty God?" Noah really did walk with God. And, so can you.

32. Noah was a busy man: he was a farmer, and he had to gather material for the Ark. He was a preacher of righteousness, { 2 - Peter 2:5 }; that is, he went forth proclaiming that God had provided an offering, a sin-offering, for His people. How much time he gave to preaching, we do not know; but in his messages of warning, meeting the world in its utter rejection of the Covenant God, he warned them of the coming judgment and the Flood. As far as we have record, there had been no rain upon the earth since the earth had been created. The earth had been watered by a mist going up from the earth, and mist, and more then likely dew coming down from the atmosphere { see Genesis 2:5-6 }. And, most all the scientist, intellectuals, and men of wisdom would argue with Noah that such a thing as the Flood could not come upon the earth.

33. 0f course, so-called great men in Noah's Dispensation told him that he was absolutely mistaken, perhaps he had just been dreaming. They likely told him that what he was teaching the multitudes was a false doctrine and because of this he was misleading their families and neighbors. And, that God had not really informed him of any great coming judgment. The world as a whole had rejected "Jehovah the Covenant God," and they laughed at the idea of a blood redemption. No longer did they believe in bringing a blood-offering for their sins. They had all gone the way of Cain.

34. Now, I want you to pay close attention to something here, the trouble with the doctrine of Cain was, that those which accepted that type of doctrine denied that there was a considerable difference between themselves and God. They did the same thing as some folks are doing at this present time. They put themselves on the same level with God; therefore, they denied that death was a judgment and the sentence of God was upon them. They denied that death by a blood sacrifice must be an absolute reality, before they would be accepted of God. They obviously denied that they were fallen creatures needing to be reconciled to God by the substitute. They repudiated the idea that the ground was cursed because of their sin.

35. They testified that the ground was good, and that the fruit of the ground was acceptable unto God as an offering. Yet we believe that they refused to even make any type of an offering to Jehovah. That sums up to a certain extent, what the doctrine of Cain consisted of worldwide in Noah's age and how the people evidently believed. So you see what Noah was up against when he went forth preaching righteousness and judgment. The people laughed at him just as the intellectuals of today. Scientists, professionals, and others laugh today at God's Word. Many of these folks believe today that man himself created God in his own mind. But, Noah walked with God in the midst of all that error, and the exaltation of the self deifying of man. Noah was well aware that much of the violence that had been taking place was caused by strange flesh which we will talk about later in our discourse.

36. And, Noah walked with God, that is, he carried on the business of God in public. He was a public minister. The Scripture says that he was righteous and perfect, which is an evidence of the fact that he had a personal salvation and a personal moral character. But for Noah to walk with God, it was a public thing. It was for him to carry out God's business before a Jehovah - hating world, before a world that would not hear the Word of God or respond to His teaching. Noah was constantly informing others of the promises and judgments of the Lord, and he was doing it before that most wicked generation. He suffered everything that people in public positions would suffer.

37. Unless you have stood alone and proclaimed the truths of God's Word, you cannot understand how difficult it is for one man to oppose the common worldly opinions and brain washings of the different denominational doctrines and carnal worldly governments. How difficult it is to stand up and contend against the views and teachings of good men and, many times, your best friends and family members. And, this especially, when you teach Biblical truth that opposes their own Congregational doctrine in opposition to things that have been taught them un-scripturally .

38. The only way you can do it is to be like Noah - walk with God, with a steadfastness that will not let you turn back. Noah did not leave the Lord's business undone. They could not embarrass him. He carried it on courageously until God told him, "Noah, that's enough! "My Spirit will not always strive with men," which meant, "I will not argue with this generation any longer. They are factual in their own minds and in the positions they have taken, even though it's the wrong position. So go on; finish the Ark, because the day of judgment is at hand."

39. It's an awful day when God withdraws His Spirit from a people, whether it is an individual, a group, a community, a nation, or a world, as He did in the days of Noah, and turned them over to a reprobate mind to believe a lie and be damned! It's considerably difficult to understand how one man can stand out against the world as many of god's ministers do even in our own generation. John the Baptist stood out among his generation and lost his head because of it. And, the Apostle Paul did likewise. John was a voice crying out in the wilderness, and Noah's voice was doing the same thing. They stated "Repent! Repent! Judgment will soon fall!"

40. When all this took place the people would only laugh at them, and made fun and ridiculed them. They obviously warned others not to listen to Noah, and yet Noah continued to walk with the Lord! I know it takes all the grace God can give you to stand up and be faithful and true to the souls of men in the face of a critical and hostile world. We know that many people today do not love the Gospel any more than they loved it in Noah's day. Human nature has never changed, and innumerable multitudes despise countless things that God likes, and love countless things that is sinful.

41. Our Lord said in { Luke 17:26 } that ". . . As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man." Commentary . . . Religiously we are practically in the same state worldwide that the world was in - in the days of Noah. Practically every religious sect today has a certain semblance of religion. But, do they really comprehend Christianity as the Bible teaches? and they fail to understand the Doctrine of 'Total Depravity,' and the Person and Work of Christ in the salvation of a soul by blood redemption. Repentance is the missing link in this present-day society. There are two things involved in salvation that is most important, one is 'faith' the other is 'repentance.' Every true Christian knows that in a religious life built on faith alone without repentance is a religious superstructure without a foundation. And, there can be no repentance without Holy Spirit conviction. Everywhere we turn, there are people who base salvation upon a mental assent to Christ which does not touch their hearts. They are actually depraved sinners, dead in trespasses and sin, and this fails to bring them to a new life in Christ."

42. Commentary . . . The question is, why do ministers fail to teach all of the above in their Assemblies? It is literally amazing to me as I sit and listen to the vast majority of our ministers, and see that many of them are interested in a "social gospel" that does not make a new creature of a wicked, sinful, depraved, undeserving sinner. Then when individuals go astray on the doctrine of total Depravity, they go astray on all other doctrines of God's Word. It was in the midst of such a world that Noah walked with God and preached and confessed those great doctrines and poured forth his soul, calling men to repentance and to a saving faith in a Covenant God until God said to him, "Stop; that's enough!"

43. Read the first chapter of Romans, and you'll get a picture of the days of Noah, and the days of which you and I are living. "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of [ the coming of ] the Son of man." In just the last few years, there have been several million families who have left the farms and moved to the cities, and, as any public official knows, wherever humanity is concentrated in cities, sin of all types abounds, crimes of every description multiply, and cities are a fertile soil for violence, for resolution which is rapidly preparing for a mob spirit, and setting the world up, or getting ready, for the coming Antichrist.

44. Yes, in the midst of a world of "strange flesh," in a world of corruption [ I would like for you to read the little book of Jude concerning this ], Noah walked with God. Noah also, through the power of his voice, put the unbelieving world under condemnation, and also received a tremendous power of faith from the Lord, plus the salvation of himself and of his household. He became the heir of the righteousness which is by faith. I would like to show you today what it means to walk by faith in an adulterous and sinful generation, { see Mark 8:38 }, that we live in today, a world that is condemned already because of unbelief. Christ said, "Not all men have faith," and He warned folks to beware of those who do not have faith.

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45. { V. 26 } Scripture: "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. { V. 27 }: They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage [ that is, they swapped wives ], until the day that Noah entered into the Ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all, { Luke 17:26-27 }."

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46. Commentary . . . Noah's hope was obviously in the coming Redeemer as the 'seed of the woman,' by whom he found grace in the eyes of God. Corruption and violence are entwined, they cease to exist apart from each other, and that's what we face today in this world, in every phase of life. In looking at the life of Noah in an age when the fullness of iniquity prevailed, we found that by grace we can walk with God as Noah did. But, according to the prophecies concerning the last days, 'in the anti-type of Noah's day, disaster will come upon this world. And, Christ according to Old Testament prophecy had to be rejected, suffer, and die, see { Luke 24:25-27; - Psalm 16; - 22; - & - Isaiah Ch. 53 }. The Apostle Paul said . . .

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47. Scripture: "Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be by grace [ that is, justification ]; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham who is the father of us all, {Romans 4:16 }."

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48. { V. 16 } above paraphrased: "Therefore [ inheriting ] the promise is the outcome of faith and depends [ entirely ] on faith, in order that it might be given as an act of grace [ unmerited favor ], to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants; not only to the devotees and adherents of the Law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham who is [ thus, ] the father of us all."

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49. Commentary . . . Since the promise of salvation is dependent upon faith, the blessings of salvation are offered by the means of God's grace. "Therefore, not to those only which were under the Mosaic Law, but to those also which presently have the same kind of faith that Abraham had. Paul was insisting that only those that possess the faith of Abraham are the seed of Abraham and whether the people were of the Hebrew race or of the Gentile races, if they have placed their faith in the salvation provided by Abraham's God, then Abraham is the father of all of them alike.

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50. Scripture: "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith, { Romans 1:17 }."

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51. Above verse 17 paraphrased: "For in the Gospel of Christ a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from pure faith and leading onward to a deeper faith . . . disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith. As it is written, the man or woman who through faith is just and upright shall live," - 'and shall thus live by faith.' See { Habakkuk 2:4 }.

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52. Commentary . . . the righteousness of God, i.e., the restoration of right relations between man and God which proceeds from God's gift through His Son. The words 'from faith to faith' means 'faith from start to finish.' 'The just shall live by faith,' quoting { Hebrews 2:4 }, Paul is emphasizing that one can be righteous in God's sight only through faith; i.e., he who is just through faith shall live now and forever by faith. The person who has been made righteous by God [ "the just" ] lives [ and survives the coming ordeal ] by faith. The Christian must trust the Lord in everything. { Hebrews 2:4 } is also quoted in { Romans 1:17; - & - Galatians 3:11 }, where Paul uses it to teach that the one who is righteous by faith rather than by works shall live. Paul's emphasis is on salvation by faith.

53. How many have I heard make the excuse, "I can't live a Christian life in this wicked body, or in my wicked home"! These people fail to understand that a home is what we make it to be, it doesn't always have to be wicked, we have to make it better! Nevertheless, even though your home isn't what you would have it to be, "you personally can live by faith in the midst of all the wickedness in the world right where you are." Just as Noah did in the days before the Flood. God's grace is sufficient to meet any obstacle that you may find in your way and still lead you to Christ, regardless of how sinful or how wicked you may be, or the situation you may be in! We repeat the next two verses . . .

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54. { V. 8 } Scripture: "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, { V. 9 }: Not of works, lest any man should boast [ glory ]. { Ephesians 2:8-9 }."

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55. The above verses paraphrased, { 8 }: "For it is by free grace 'God's unmerited favor' that you are saved, 'delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation through your faith.' And this salvation is not because you yourself earned it on your own, so-called good works, but it is because of the free gift of God; { 9 }: Not because of works, "therefore, it is not because of the fulfillment of the old Mosaic Law's demands, lest any man should boast." . . . It is not the result of what any one can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself because of it." . . . Read also verse ten. Good works always accompany salvation! Then Paul said:

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56. Scripture: "Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, { Romans 5:20 },"

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57. The above verse { 20 } paraphrased: "But the Law came in, [ only ] to expand and increase the trespass [ making it more apparent and exciting opposition ]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace [ God's unmerited favor ] has surpassed it and increased the more, and superabounded." Then again Paul says:

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58. Scripture: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me, { Galatians 2:20 },"

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59. { V. 20 } above paraphrased: "I have been crucified with Christ [ in His death baptism Romans 6:3 ] . . . in Him I have shared His crucifixion; it is no longer I who live, but Christ, Who lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith . . . by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in . . . the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

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60. Commentary . . . Paul stated that he was crucified with Christ. Crucifixion which means death to or separation from the reigning power of the old sinful life and freedom to experience the power of the resurrection life of Christ by faith see { Romans 6:6 }. Christ had taken up His abode in Paul, yet without submerging Paul's own personality.

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61. Scripture: "So then faith comes by hearing [ the Bible truth that is taught ], and hearing by the Word of God [ the oral Word ], { Romans 10:17 }," See { Isaiah 53:1 }.

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62. Commentary . . . Therefore, to walk by faith is a gift from God, which the lost sinner does not work up, or work for. That being so, if you are lost you can ask the Lord for salvation, for faith, and for grace; and if you will not ask, could it be your own fault that you do not receive it?

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64. Scripture: "But without faith it is impossible to please [ and be satisfactory to ] Him [ the Lord ]: for he that comes [ near ] to God must [ necessarily ] believe that He is [ our God, and that God really and truly does exist ], and that He is a Rewarder of them that [ earnestly and ] diligently seek Him [ out ], { Hebrews 11:6 },"

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65. Commentary . . . You don't please God by working for Him; you please God by believing and by trusting Him. Did you notice that first statement: "But without Faith it is impossible to please Him?" You can work your fingers to the bone; you can speak with elegant words of the sophisticated linguist and if it were possible even with the voice of angels; you can understand all mysteries and prophecies and have all knowledge; if you could do all this it would be pleasing to God. You can give all your goods to feed the poor, afflict your body, and torment your soul, you can pray day and night, and have your prayers, seemingly, answered, but if you do not have faith by love, you do not and can not please God! "Without faith it is impossible to please Him. This is not only true in the spiritual realm, but it is true in every phase of daily life. If you do not have faith in your husband, or your wife, you cannot please your mate."

66. If you do not have faith in your parents, or your children, then the suspicion that results makes life miserable for the whole family. The same is true in business and social relationship. If your faith is lacking, all you have to do is ask the Lord to renew your faith and He will do it. It all boils down to trust, do you trust Him? What we have been talking about is primarily unbelief. Unbelief is a disguise under which a mind full of enmity and resentment hides. Unbelief is a cover of self-righteousness for a mind full of enmity. It consists of a closed door against an individual; whereas faith consists of an open mind and open arms.

67. The question is, "what does unbelief do?" If you could see the inner life of a person who withdraws himself or herself from God in unbelief while living under the cloak of faith, you would be amazed especially, if the Lord ever opens your mind to your own lost condition. And also, we certainly pray that it will be this very day when Christ performs this miracle in your life. Because, it is always a miracle when a lost soul becomes a Saint! Unbelief does not agree with God in His holiness, or in His hatred of sin. Unbelief does not see the awfulness of corruption, lust, self-will, and covetousness. Unbelief loves its sins; resents God's claims upon Him and His promised judgment. Unbelief covers a foolish head, an empty mind, and a miserable soul. Unbelief will try to silence the voice and crush the influence of the servant of God.

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68. { V. 33 } Scripture: "Hear another parable: There was a certain householder [ i.e., master of his own land ], which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and dug [ a hole in the vineyard to build ] a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let [ rented ] it out to husbandmen, [ tenants on shares ] and went into a far country.

69. { V. 34 }: And when the time of the fruit [ season, harvest ] drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen [ tenants ], that they might receive [ the masters own share of ] the fruits of it.

70. { V. 35 } And the husbandmen [ tenants ] took his [ the masters ] servants and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

71. { V. 36 }: Again he [ the master ] sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

72. { V. 37 }: But [ finally ] last of all he [ the master ] sent unto them his son saying, They will reverence [ respect and give heed to ] my son.

73. { V. 38 }: But when the husbandmen [ tenants ] saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance,

74. { V. 39 }: And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him, { Matthew 21:35-39 }." [ Read the following verses of that parable ].

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75. Commentary . . . Concerning the above verses, Jesus makes clear in this parable concerning His Divine authority by presenting Himself as the Son of God sent by God the Father. The "house holder" represents God the Father, and the "vineyard" represents Israel, which was a symbol of the theocracy which was familiar to the Jewish leaders, see { Psalm 80:8-16; - & - Isaiah 5:1-7 }. The "husbandmen" were the priests and religious leaders and the "far country" is Heaven. The anticipated "fruit " represents a spiritual evidence of true conversion, which was to be the end result of the work of the husbandmen. Instead, the religion of Israel had degenerated into a formal system for the benefit of the priests who were now more concerned about perpetuating their own intrusts.

76. The "servants," sent by the owner represents the Old Testament prophets and can even include John the Baptist and the 12 Apostles who followed Christ. Actually, all those who came to correct religious abuses in the nation and were also rejected by their contemporaries [ though venerated by subsequent generations. ] The words: "last of all" indicates that Jesus was God's final emissary to Israel. None has ever appeared since Christ and none ever will appear, but this will not take place until the Jews recognize Christ as their final Prophet and Messiah! The determination to kill Jesus, the rightful heir of God the Father had already been expressed by the Jewish leaders, see { John 11:47-53 }, Jesus clearly foretold His coming rejection and death with the statement "they . . . slew Him."

77. Do you see the awfulness of unbelief? This is an attitude straight from the condition of carnal minds! Unbelief thrusts Christ and His true Ministers out of the natural and worldly man's entire life, and out of His vineyard and tries to seize Heaven for itself in its own way. The Bible states that Noah believed and walked with God, the Epistle of { Romans 1:24-32 } gives us a clear and graphic picture of a world given up to corruption and violence, which is the fruit of the mind of unbelief, for the word "apostasy" [ apos'ta si "Greek. apostasies" ], means a falling out of fellowship from the faith, and a total desertion of, or departure from, one's principles. This is how it was in the day in which Noah lived. Noah stood, walked, and labored alone.

78. He preached the Gospel and had no help in doing so, he stood completely alone amongst hordes of heathenish unbelievers in a world that had lost all good common sense. He taught about a coming Messiah to a world aflame with burning lust, the lust of strange forbidden flesh. And, public worship of strange gods was widespread. The people as a whole belonged to some religious group, but any true worship of Jehovah was not evident. Religion was all mixed up and intermingled with paganism, and with fallen angels and their Giant offspring. Those just mentioned in part, became the mythological heroes of the ancients and were called "Titans," including Hercules, Thor, and Zeus, until all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth, that is, that was what their worship consisted of.

79. Think of Noah trying to tell that apostate generation about the glory of the coming Messiah Whom those bloody sacrifices pointed to! Think of him showing them the preciousness of man's perfect rest from all their sins, the deliverance from their corruption! They just stood there and laughed at him and said, "Wake up, old man, you are missing half of your life." One by one, the old Saints died; those who had more of a semblance of the truth began to visit Noah less and less to talk about the things of the coming Saviour. Ridicule from the more modern groups made them fear their reputation, and no doubt they were afraid they would lose their jobs if they continued to associate with Noah.

80. One thing you can be sure of, those people will spend eternity regretting their failure in accepting the doctrine of Noah and his teachings about the supreme God! Can you really see any difference between the people of Noah's day and earth's population that are living today? The world is groaning, laughing, ridiculing, slandering, and despising God's Ministers. And, many of the people would be happy to see a law pass to destroy the Lord's true clergy and their followers! Personally I believe that a day will soon come where it will be against the law for ministers to preach about Christ or salvation. I believe that the Gospel will be outlawed on TV, the radio, from the news papers, and will be taken of the internet, as time goes on. It is already being outlawed in several countries at this time when the Scriptures could save a huge host of lost souls today. Is it really different at the present - than it was in the days of Noah? "As it was, so shall it be." These next verses we will paraphrase so read them along with us in your King James Bible, Isaiah the prophet stated that:

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81. { V. 4 } Paraphrased text . . . Scripture: "All the host of the heavens shall be dissolved and crumble away, and the skies shall be rolled together as a scroll; and all their host [ the stars and the planets ] shall drop like a faded leaf from the vine, and as a withered fig falls from the fig tree. See { Revelation 6:13-14 }. { V. 5 }: Because My sword has been bathed and equipped in Heaven, behold, it shall come down upon Edom [ the Palestinians living in Idumaea, the descendants of Esau ], upon the people whom I have doomed for judgment, { Isaiah 34:4-5 }."

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82. Commentary . . . Concerning the Edomites and their descendants read { Obadiah Vs. 8-21 }. We have written a great deal about the Palestinians in Idumaea in other messages. The "Host of the heavens in Verse 4 likely refers in part to the wicked angels who are followers of Satan that still live in the star systems of the second heaven at this present time." The prophet Joel gave a warning to Israel's enemies that will be in Israel's land at the end of the Tribulation Period, See { Joel 3:2, 19 }.

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83. { V. 10 } Scripture: "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away [ and vanish ] with a great noise [ a thunderous crash ], and the [ material ] elements [ in the first and second heavens ] shall melt with fervent heat [ be dissolved with fire ], the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up [ after Christ's thousand year reign has come to an end ].

84. { V. 11 }: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in [ the meantime in ] all holy conversation and godliness [ i.e., in consecrated and holy behavior, devout and godly qualities ]?

85. { V. 12 }: looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the [ flaming ] heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the [ material ] elements shall [ flare and ] melt with fervent heat, { 2 - Peter 3:10-12 }."

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86. Commentary . . . The Day of the Lord concerns the Tribulation period and the following Millennial reign of Christ. But, the "Day of God" follows the Millennial period and the White Throne Judgment of the Wicked souls of man, demons and wicked angels that had followed Satan. The certainty of this dissolution makes doubly urgent a life of godliness right now today! The Day of God in the above text, begins with eternity { Revelation 21:1 }: on the eighth Millennial day of man since Adam and Eve were created. In our own present day, Satan is having a wonderful time of it .

87. Leaving the subject to include the following . . . this writer has just read about a 2004 Christmas celebration parade in Denver Colorado . . . "The Christmas parade would have no Christian Music nor can the people recognize Christ's birth that took place 2,000 years ago, nor anything else that pertains to Christ as being God Who came in the flesh." Actually Christianity altogether would be banned from the parade. One man stated: "This is the beginning of the Christmas season and already the anti-christmas crusade is in high gear." In the name of separation of church and state, they distort it. In the name of diversity, they crush it. In the name of tolerance, they obliterate it. Which is why we need to call them for what they are "cultural fascists."

88. Among the participants of the parade was to be "highly decorated floats with symbols of the holiday season such as Santa Clause, gingerbread houses and toy soldiers, along with what was billed as an "international procession to celebrate the cultural and ethnic diversity of the region, the event would include Homosexual American Indians, and bisexual, or the transgendered, honoring them as 'holy people,' plus Kung Fu artisans, belly dancers, and as we have said, Santa Clause. Sin is a continued pastime! Well, all the above has been concluded." this makes one wonder what devilish doings are being planed for this coming Christmas. "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be."

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89. { V. 3 } Scripture: "Knowing this first [ to begin with, and understand this ], that there shall come in the last days scoffers, [ people who will be ] walking after their own [ fleshly ] lusts [ and desires { V. 4 }: and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep [ in death ], all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation { 2- Peter 3:3-4 }."

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90. Commentary . . . Knowing this first: This is an emphatic reminder of a primary fact [ Greek 'protos' ]; Peter had used these exact words in { Ch. 1:20 } to stress the primary fact that their preaching did not arise from their own ingenuity but was the Word of God as much as was the Old Testament. The fact here is that 'scoffers' will appear and do their best to alienate the minds of the people from Bible scholars who teach God's Word. Although the great apostasy was a generally known fact from all apocalyptic literature { see 1- Timothy 4:1; - & - 2- Thessalonians 2:3 } which also assume this. The Apostle Peter now applies it to his own time and specifically to the reports of the false teachers, giving us a hint of the occasion of the letter. Timothy said:

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91. { V. 1 } Scripture: "Now the [ Holy ] Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed [ attention ] to [ deluding and ] seducing spirits [ demons ], and doctrines of devils [ other demons, which teach ] . . .

92. { V. 2 }: [ Through the ] speaking [ of ] lies in hypocrisy; [ and pretensions of liars ] having their consciences seared [ polluted ] with a hot iron [ a cauterized character ], { 1- Timothy 4:1-2 }."

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93. Commentary . . . The Apostle Paul returned to his attack on heresy by teaching that false doctrine is inspired by demons and promulgated by men speaking lies in hypocrisy [ the "speaking" here in this sense is masculine, referring to men ]. The Christian should live affirmatively, neither renouncing the world for a life of self-denial nor plunging into excessive indulgence. The days in which Peter lived were the last days of that particular Kingdom Dispensation, this was during that time when the Kingdom Gospel was at its climax and set aside during the Gospel of Acts dispensation. Concerning the Kingdom Gospel See { Matthew 4:17, 23; - & - 18:3, etc. }

94. The final Millennial Kingdom Dispensation will began and then be concluded after the Rapture of the Body of Christ and its grace period elapses. In Biblical terminology, Peter's days were not the former days of promise and prophecy, but the last day of that particular Kingdom period. In Peter's time as well as in our own time scoffers [ Gr. 'empaiktes' ], were present in abundance. The Greek word denotes one who ridicules or scorns, as a "satirist." Peter was in turn ridiculing them and coming to the aide of the truth of Christ's future Second Coming. Before coming to the message of the scoffers Peter stressed their false character and corruption.

95. They heaped scorn and ridicule on the message of God's Gospel [ literally they were scorners with their scorn ] and yet they themselves lived [ Greek 'in the present tense' ] in a lusting condition. The question is, how ludicrous can one get? Once again, it is obvious that these false teachers will be destroyed as the enemies of God in the day of judgment! The ridiculous implication of their question in { V. 4 } above, was stated as if they were saying: "There is no Rapture or a Second Coming, we can live any way we want. "A good and gracious God will never judge us." This was, of course, in direct opposition to the apostolic preaching which always included the Second Coming of Christ as the fulfillment of the prophecies of the 0ld Testament. "All things continue as they were," they said, God will never bring judgment upon the living and the dead!

96. Various folks often state: "Well, it's been two thousand years now since Christ went up into Heaven, and He hasn't come back yet!" What are you going to do about it? Friend, I'm not going to do anything about it! I'm going to depend on Jesus Christ to choose the time when He will return. The truth is, nobody can do anything about what God's plans are or when He will fulfill His prophetic Word. When you scoff, you do not know that your scoffing is fulfilling God's prophecy of the soon coming of our Lord! And you forget that He said, Scripture: "Be you ready, for you know not in what hour I will return."

97. Go ahead and scoff at the coming of our Lord and the judgment that is about to fall - not a water judgment, as it was in Noah's day, but the Fire Judgment, and before that, "the judgment of the Great Tribulation Dispensation Period! Statistics say that at least seventy-five percent of our preachers over the world today do not believe in the second coming of Christ. The reason for it is that they don't believe that He is risen from the dead. If the vast majority of our preachers come in the class of those "scoffers," where does the rest of the world find itself? Read again . . .

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98. { V. 5 } Scripture: "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water { see Genesis 1:6-8; - & - 7:11 }:

99. { V. 6 }: Whereby the world that then [ existed ] was being overflowed [ deluged ] with water [ and ], perished:

100. { V. 7 }: But, the [ present ] heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. . .

101. { V. 8 }: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. See { Psalm 90:4 }.

102. { V. 9 }: The Lord is not slack [ He does not delay and be tardy or slow ] concerning His promises, as some men count slackness [ or according to some peoples conception of slowness ]; but [ He ] is long suffering [ extraordinarily patient ] to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, { 2- Peter 3:5-9 }."

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103. Commentary . . . My friend, why do you want to scoff at God's Word? That judgment is coming! I don't know when, but it's coming! Do you know Christ? I and many others have been warning folks for many years, I have observed many who listen for a while, and then draw back from the warning messages of the Lord Jesus. It must be because they want to put on a respectable covering over a wicked, corrupt, and self-willed unbelief that shuts God out of their conscience, mind, and life. I warn you again, no individual will be able to stand at the judgment bar of God and blame Christ because they are not saved. Nor can you or any body else blame any Godly minister who has declared the message of salvation to you over and over. There is only one way to salvation - that's Christ! Do you know Him? Have you ever been humbled in the dust of repentance at the feet of Christ, asking Him for mercy? Have you?'

The Last Days . . .

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104. Scripture: "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the world [ age ]? { Matthew 24:3 }."

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105. Commentary . . . As you can see, we have repeated this verse again. Jesus immediately and directly plunges into a recitation of scores of signs by which we may know that His return was near. In the beginning of the chapter He mentioned [ 1 ]: deception, [ 2 ]: wars, [ 3 ]: rumors of wars, [ 4 ]: famines, [ 5 ]: pestilences, [ 6 ]: apostasy, [ 7 ]: earthquakes, [ 8 ]: anti - Semitism, [ 9 ]: false teachers, and a nnumber of other signs. Next He warned them of the coming of the great Tribulation Period, and then gives a picture of Messiah's glorious Return to the earth. But, if the reader will notice, the Lord gave no mention of the Rapture only of His Own literal return! He gives the sign of the fig tree, [ a type of Israel ], and caps it all by a recapitulation of all the foregoing signs when He states: "As it was so shall it be, { Matthew 24:38-39 }."

106. These verses are the heart of the whole chapter. The statement is positive, and admits of no juggling or tampering. { Ch. 4 } of Genesis gives us a picture of the economic and industrial conditions which existed before the Flood. { Ch. 5 } gives us a dispensational picture of those same days, and { Ch. 6 } a picture of the moral situation and conditions before the Flood, of which showed the reason for the coming Deluge upon the earth. The next picture as is related for us in { Ch. 4 } is very pointed and brief:

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107. { V. 17 }: Scripture: "And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived [ became pregnant ], and bare Enoch [ a son ]: and he [ Cain ] built a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

108. { V. 18 }: And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat [ was the father of ] Mehujael, and Mehujael begat [ was the father of ] Methusael, and Methusael begat [ was the father of ] Lamech.

109. { V. 19 }: And Lamech took unto him [ self ] two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

110. { V. 20 } And Adah bare [ gave birth to a son named ] Jabal: [ and ] he [ Jabal ] was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.

111. { V. 21 }: And his [ Jabal's ] brother's name was Ju'bal: he was the father of all such as handle [ and play ] the harp [ lyre ] and organ [ flute ].

112. { V. 22 }: And Zil'lah she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructor of every artificer [ i.e., forger, one who worked with mettle, an artistic craftsman, an inventor ] in brass and iron [ i.e., of all cutting instruments of bronze and iron ]. And the sister of Tubal-cain was Na'amah.

113. { V. 23 }: And Lamech said to his wives, Adah and Zil'lah, Hear my voice; you wives of [ myself ] Lamech, hear [ listen ] to my speech [ listen to what I say ]: for I have slain a man to my wounding [ i.e., merely for wounding me ], and a young man to my hurt [ for striking and bruising me ].

114. { V. 24 }: If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly [ myself ] Lamech seventy and sevenfold, { Genesis 4:17-24 }."

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115. Commentary . . . Lamech had killed some young fellow who had gave him a whipping, now he was boasting that if anyone should try to avenge the murder, he would take care of himself seventy and sevenfold, without any help from God, such as Cain received. We find 8 striking things which stand out above all others in the above text; and when these are repeated, they will constitute the sign of the return of the Lord at the end of the Hebrew age. It should be understood that the Hebrew age did not end at the beginning of the Body of Christ period. The Kingdom Dispensation at that time was only interrupted and postponed until after this present Grace Period comes to its close with the Rapture of the Body of Christ. That particular Kingdom Dispensation will proceed where it left off in the Acts Period, and will continue onward after the Body of Christ has been resurrected from off the earth in these last days. The continuation of the Kingdom Gospel will then go forth throughout the nations, just as if it had never been interrupted two Millenniums ago.

116. These 8 signs given above are: "[ 1 ]: Religious apostasy, [ 2 ]: Travel, [ 3 ]: City building, [ 4 ]: Polygamy, [ 5 ]: Great agricultural achievement, [ 6 ]: Music, [ 7 ]: Metallic arts, and [ 8 ]: Unprecedented violence." In previous parts of our message we studied the first two of these: 'religious apostasy and travel.' Note each one of these carefully, and see what Jesus meant when He referred to the days of His literal return to this earth once again as being a repetition of the days which immediately preceded the Flood of Noah. The next one of these signs is city building, and we have the record where we read, and we repeat part of this next verse . . .

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118. Commentary . . . This is the first mention of cities in the entire Word of God. When God created man, He did not place him in a city, but in a garden; cities were invented by wicked men, and have since then been the very symbol of wickedness and corruption. In the concentrations of populations in our cities, sin develops at a rate utterly unknown elsewhere. Time and space does not permit us to point out all the dangers of city life. Morally and spiritually, dangers, and attitudes are much worse in cities than in the rural districts. All of this began before the Flood, in the days of Cain and his descendants. It was the first great city building boom of all history, and was followed by all the evils which are peculiar to the urban districts and city life of any age. Sodom and the other cities in the same locality were the anti-type of the horrible evil that is present in the cities of today.

119. The past century onward to this present time has seen a literal repetition of this sign of the days of Noah. Around a hundred years ago, we understand that almost 90 percent of the population of the world lived on farms and in small rural communities. Then came the industrial revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries with machinery and labor-saving farm implements and devices, so that millions employed on farms were no more needed there because of the development of labor-saving machinery. As the door of labor closed in agriculture, the newly built factories springing up everywhere to build this same labor-saving machinery called for the services of these same rural young folks who were no longer needed on the farm. Thus, the great shift from the country to the city began. New and better machinery was built, throwing thousands of workers out of work on farms. Naturally this caused a demand for more factory workers in the cities. This was accomplished so that even more labor-saving machines could be built, therefore, causing even thousands more of farm workers to seek employment in the city.

120. All this was accomplished in order to build more machines, after all, progress was very important to the leaders of the nations. In the past 75 years the ratio has been completely reversed, and now more than 90 percent of the entire population presently lives in the city, with a corresponding increase of wickedness, crime, rape, murder, drug addiction and so many other things we could mention that characterizes city life. The simple rural life has decreased, and the mad, wicked scramble and screeching of city life has broken down the composure and ease and contentment our forefathers knew, and about which Christ stated: "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be." And again we repeat "And he [ Cain ] built a city . . . { Genesis 4:17 }."

121. Commentary . . . As a direct result of the concentration of the population in the cities, we have the next sign which is mentioned in this passage; namely, the breakdown of the home, and polygamy. Lamech was the first man mentioned in our Bible, in human history to break God's rule of creation, and began a sin which culminated in the Flood. According to the Bible record . . .

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122. Scripture: "And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah, { Genesis 4:19 }."

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123. Commentary . . . In the wake of city building came the evil of divorce and polygamy and the breakdown of the home. Therefore, because of the concentration of population, and the closer association of the sexes in industry sin really flourished. Women, after being divorced and separated from their husbands, and sometimes just separated because of wars being waged throughout the nations when husbands were taken into the armed forces, brought sinful conditions to flourish. Woman many times were forced to leave their homes and children to seek employment in factories, shops, and offices, in order to cloth and feed their families. This trend brought forth evil, and the trend climaxed until it proceeded beyond all restraints. And, many men being subject to work alongside woman in the work place, and other men also being absent from their wives while in the armed forces, sought female companionship while on leave from their wives which also caused the divorcee rate to climb drastically. Who suffered? both parties, and the children most of all!

124. There can be no question that the Lord Jesus Christ also had this in mind when in { Matthew Ch. 24 } He told us about the days of Noah. He spoke of how the sins of humanity in the future would be repeated in the last days, for He said that in those days they were: "marrying and giving in marriage." The Lord was not condemning marriage, for that is a God-given institution. God Himself brought together the first man and woman in the garden. And the reference therefore must be to the abuse of marriage, rather than the use. God made one man, Adam, to be the husband of one wife, Eve, and said:

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125. Scripture: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother [ and shall be united ], and shall cleave unto his wife [ not wives ]: and they shall be [ come ] one flesh [ in and after the marriage union ], { Genesis 2:24 }." See { Ephesians 5:31-33. }

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126. Commentary . . . Today we have a repetition of the days of Noah. I remember when as a young boy, we heard of a divorce, and thought it the greatest of shame! When a divorce was obtained, the parties concerned were so ashamed they usually left the community to began life anew elsewhere, where they were unknown. Divorces were more difficult to obtain then, too, but better still, were seldom sought. The various Christian Assemblies in several occasions refused fellowship to the guilty parties, and discouraged it. Many times the folks involved were actually excluded from the local Church's. Today, thanks to our modern philosophies and enlightenment of civilization, all of this has changed. Divorce has become a means of wealth and is very lucrative among certain classes, and especially among greedy judges and lawyers. The rate of divorce in the last 50 years has skyrocketed, doubled, tripled, quadrupled, and then doubled again. There are many folks who have been married and remarried as much as 8 or more times with different spouses each time it took place, and many of the children in the family had different fathers! One man I personally know, stated that his father had fathered 19 children, and not any two of the children had the same mother.

127. All of this has taken place while our land is becoming flooded with over two generations of children who have never really known a real father or the blessings of a happy home. And this alone has been the greatest single contributing factor to juvenile delinquents. Statistics show that by far the greater majority of all juvenile crime cases come from broken homes. Divorce is an evil cancer, contrary to God's Word, and the mention of it should never even be taught among those who name the name of Christ. Yet today in many states it is said that there is as many as six divorces annually to every ten marriages, and they are still on the increase.

128. In the nineteen fifties and sixties it was stated that four out of ten marriages ended in divorce, but notice how they have increased since that time! And, these divorces are not just among unsaved people but is skyrocketing among Christians also. Never before in history, since the days before the flood, has this condition existed so generally, and it is undoubtedly this that the Lord referred to when He said:

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129. Scripture: "As it was in the days before the Flood, so shall it also be in the days of the coming of the Son of man."

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130. Commentary . . . We now come to the third sign mentioned by Jesus, in His Mount Olivet discourse prediction. He referred to a future age of great development in agriculture and animal culture.

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131. Scripture: "And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle . . ., {Genesis 4:20 }."

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132. Commentary . . . Closely associated with city growth, and as a direct result of it, came the development in agriculture and in animal husbandry. The depletion of labor on the farms called for more efficient and productive methods. This need together with scientific research and the machinery produced down through the years in both the cities and the country, has therefore revolutionized the whole business of gardening and farming. Remember this third sign, which speaks of cattle, as being used by man for the first time. This was the beginning of the cattle industry, and it is the first mention of cattle being used for man's profit . We have not far to look to see a repetition of this in modern life today. The fact in the latest development of the branch of modern civilization is to well known to need much comment. Just think of the advancement that has been made in farming and ranching in the last generation! And, look at the progress with all our new machinery, the scientific progress in cattle breeding as well as poultry and sheep, by various new discoveries in the laboratories. We have gone ahead in leaps and bounds.

133. The milk production of dairy cattle has been pushed to unbelievable heights. The development of beef cattle by careful breeding, and discoveries for prevention and cure of disease have done veritable miracles. And even artificial insemination of animals and of humans is looked upon as a great miracle. This also has been productive with cattle and other livestock by taking sperm from carefully selected males which have made prize stock available throughout all the world. The pedigreed seed of a prize-winning animal can be flown across the country and even across the seas to introduce this super-strain in the herds abroad by artificial insemination. Surely it is the age of miracles in agriculture, and animal husbandry. And what is true of animal husbandry is just as true in the raising of crops. Through scientific research and hybridization, we have been able to develop new strains of grains and fruits and vegetables, and to greatly increase the productivity of our land. This, too, is in fulfillment of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ when He said, "As it was . . . so shall it be . . ."

134. Commentary . . . Following closely upon city building and polygamy, Music, is the sixth sign: it was an age which was characterized by music. And we repeat this verse:

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135. Scripture: "And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp [ lyre ] and organ [ flute ], { Genesis 4:21 }."

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136. Commentary . . . Again may I remind you that this is the first mention in the entire Bible of musical instruments or music, and is a characteristic sign of the antediluvian days. How tremendously striking is the similarity of that day to the age in which we live! The words of our Lord, "As it was in the days before the Flood," are naturally called to attention again, for today may indeed be named the age of music. Certainly we need to say but little about the present day in this connection. Never has there been more music in the air than there is today. We turn to our radio and televisions, most all programs have music. When a movie or most any other program is playing, some type of music is in the background, and sometimes so loud it becomes difficult to hear what people are saying!

137. And such music, most of it is just a horrible noise, and the development of pagan, tin-pan tabulations which defy all efforts at description. Music everywhere! Squeaks and squawks and empty groans and baby talk and monkey moans. It has been said that some folks have gone out of their minds which is thought to be instrumental in many young people becoming demon possessed. During the world war two area - a dance called the jiter bug was famous, I believe that it was called jiter bug because it gave many folks the jitters! Today it is much worse, with hard rock and a great deal of contemporary music that is mostly just a loud noise. Yes indeed! Jesus knew what He was talking about when He compared the days of Noah to the days in which we now live.

138. It seems that nothing can be done any more without the sound of music in the background: we sell our wares, and hawk products by music. But, the sad thing is that it has invaded our sacred precincts of that holy place in Christian Assemblies, many times substituting music for the preaching of the Word of God. Many silly choruses, atrocious modern contemporary spirituals, are supposed to prepare folk's hearts for the Gospel. Empty phrases are repeated over and over and over and over, until the emotionally unstable break beneath the strain and imagination that they have heard a voice from Heaven.

139. This writer's married daughter said that her Assembly had forty minutes of music and singing and about 15 to 20 minutes of preaching from the pastor. This shows that there are many lazy ministers who fail to preach as they should. 70 years ago there were countless all-day meetings and some would go on as long as a three day period. Today people it seems only wish to be entertained instead of listening to God's Word. To prove this is so, how many times have you heard people complain about not having enough Bible taught in their Assemblies? Yes, my friend, "As it was . . . so shall it be . . . "

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140. Scripture: "And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron . . ., { Genesis 4:22 }."

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141. Commentary . . . It was the metallurgical age. This too, is the first mention in the Bible of the development of the art of metallurgy. Not until we came to this particular age do we find that man began to utilize the heavy metals. How tremendously striking is the similarity of that day to the age in which we live! This may definitely be called the metal age. The metal industries, and its failure would mean an industrial collapse. As the supplies of wood decreased, man developed the products of metal to an amazing degree. New alloys and compounds of unbelievable strength and durability have been developed. Rustproof and corrosion-resisting compounds have revolutionized industry, agriculture, domestic life, and of course warfare. Products of steel and other metals have been developed, permitting our trains, trucks, cars and many other vehicles to thunder along upon two thin strips of steel for trains, and huge highways systems which could be called speedways for rubber tired vehicles of various types, but sadly not always with perfect safety.

142. Huge trucks by the millions, warships, aircraft carriers, airplanes, army tanks, weapons of all description, and all the other equipment of war reminds us of the Lord's words: "As it was so shall it be." Tubal-cain, the instructor of every artificer in brass and iron, has been resurrected in these last days when millions of folks are engaged in this ancient industry. Just think back in your past when you bought your first car, and even back to our fore-fathers time when there were cars with many wooden parts, and wooden bows across the top, wooden running boards and dash-bards, cloth tops and cloth side curtains placed over the windows to keep rain and snow out. Compare those days with today's cars, yes, Jesus knew it all. The metal age is hear to stay and the same thing can be said about plastic. All of this came upon us in perfect chronological order according to the pattern laid down in Genesis: "As it was . . . so shall it be . . ."

143. Commentary . . . When approaching the last of these particular signs as recorded in our Bible, we cannot leave out the acts of violence and murder! Just look at the record, and we repeat this text:

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144. { V. 23 } Scripture: "And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah . . . hearken [ listen, pay attention ] to my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. { V. 24 }: If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold, { Genesis 4:23-24 }."

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145. Commentary . . . We have mentioned this text before but just think about the fact that here we have a picture of the first real "big shot" mentioned in history, a man who not only committed violence and murder, but was boastful and proud enough to brag about it. This gives us a picture of the age which is further developed in the next chapter of Genesis. It was an age of violence, murder and unprovoked slayings and atrocious crimes. Do we need to comment here? Has there ever been an age in history which records more brutal, unprovoked atrocities than today? This is a sadistic age. Every newspaper and news broadcast over the air tells of the sad, atrocious, and chaotic stories, and it has become so alarming that people live behind bolted doors with locks and keys, for fear of being attacked even in the broad daylight, not only in our cities, but even in our rural districts.

146. Women and children, are not safe on our streets, and are even more unsafe in evening hours when parked in parking lots, or when entering and leaving places of business. Small children have to be given special protection against the sadistic and inhuman tendencies of this present evil age which is rapidly ripening for judgment. The subject is a sordid one, and we do not care to enter into all of the details. We have but to listen to the news broadcast and to study the statistics of the tremendous increase in crimes, not only among juveniles, but of older felons also. What did the Lord say about this age?: "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be."

147. Commentary . . . These are the eight signs in { Genesis Ch. 4 } to which the Lord obviously referred to in { Matthew Ch. 24 }, and notice that they follow in chronological order, each prophetic event paving the way for the next. City building, polygamy, agriculture, music, metal development, modern-day violence, and corruption have advanced in sequence during the past few decades. With the advent of the industrial revolution and the tremendous expansion of our great and modern cities, the last one is here, unprecedented violence and destruction on every hand. These we believe are definite signs of the Lord's return! How can any Bible student disagree concerning this matter?

148. If what we have taught thus far from { Genesis Ch. 4 }, is true, then we would be blind not to understand the Dispensational picture which will soon culminate in the Rapture. In { Genesis Ch. 5 } we have the record of six successive generations of death, and then Enoch is Raptured into Heaven. In this { Ch. 5 } we find the monotonous, droning record repeated over and over of the words: "and he died." It is said of Adam, of Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, and Jared, "and he died." { Genesis Ch. 5 } has been called the Obituary Column of the Bible. Six successive generations of death, and then suddenly we come to a breath-taking interruption, when one man who formed the exception; for we read about Enoch:

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149. Scripture: "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him, { Genesis 5:24 }."

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150. Commentary . . . With all of these signs before us, we believe that the next event in the program of God is the resurrection of the Body of Christ. Please notice one significant statement Jesus made . . .

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151. Scripture: "And this [ good news concerning the ] Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all [ throughout ] the world for a witness [ a testimony ] unto all nations; and then shall the end [ of the "tribulation" and of the Hebrew age ] come, { Matthew 24:14 }."

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152. Commentary . . . Now carefully pay attention to the closing phrase of this verse ". . . and then shall the end come." This Kingdom Gospel, as we have mentioned many times in other messages began with John the Baptist, see { Luke 16:16 } but, was set aside during the end of the Acts Administration with the Apostle Paul, but will commence again at the conclusion of the Rapture of the Body of Christ! Today we are not to preach the Kingdom Gospel that will be taught during the Tribulation Period, but we are to preach the Gospel of the Mystery of the grace of God as long as the Body of Christ is still present on this earth.

153. Many ministers are really mixed up concerning the Gospel of the Kingdom that was taught by Christ in the former Dispensation. The beatitudes themselves in { Matthew Ch, 5 } all referred to Messiah's future Kingdom Period. See also Matthew 10:5-7; - & - 5:17, 23 etc. } And, the Gospel of the Mystery { Ephesians 3:1-9; - & - 1- Corinthians 15:1-4 etc } that was given to the Apostle Paul for the Body of Christ during this Grace Dispensation. The beginning of the Tribulation Period will signal the end of the Hebrew age by the preaching again of the Kingdom Gospel in every nation on this earth. This Kingdom gospel will have its fulfillment during the Tribulation Period and the time of Messiah's Kingdom reign. Therefore, we nevertheless are already seeing that future Antichrist administration approaching very rapidly right before our eyes! Today after 6000 years of human and world history, we still see the Gospel of the Mystery of the grace of God being broadcast and taught throughout every square foot on the surface of this earth.

154. This Grace Gospel is reaching out by means of satellite, Computer, by radio, TV. and other outreach programs. Ministers through missionary work are now able to reach every human being with the message of salvation. If every person worldwide had a radio and was able to understand what was being spoken, and is willing to listen, it is possible that today we can send the Gospel to every human being. The fact that all will not listen, does not make any difference. Surely we have a right to expect the imminent return of the Lord at any moment.

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155. Scripture: "The night is far spent [ and ], the day is at hand [ almost here ]: let us therefore cast off the works [ and deeds ] of darkness, and let us put on the [ full ] armour of light [ i.e., the breastplate of integrity, moral rectitude, and right standing with God ], { Romans 13:12 }." See { Ephesians 6:14 }.

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156. Scripture: "Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober, { 1- Thessalonians 5:6 }."

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157. Above { V. 6 } paraphrased: "Accordingly then, let us not sleep [ not physical but moral as in { Mark 13:36; - & - Ephesians 5:14 }, but let us keep wide awake [ alert, watchful, cautious and on our guard ] and let us be sober [ calm, collected and circumspect." ]

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158. { V. 20 } Scripture: "He [ Who gives the warning and affirms and ] which testifies these things says [ yes ], Surely I come quickly [ swiftly, and speedily ]. "Amen: Even so, come, Lord Jesus." { V. 21 }: The grace [ blessing and favor ] of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen, { Revelation 22:20-21 }."

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159. Commentary . . . The Rapture of the Body of Christ is called in Scripture, "that blessed hope," that is, the hope for our heavenly calling to take place. Because in the Rapture of Christ's Saints it will mean the abolishment of death for saved Believers, the end of suffering and trial, and the eternal enjoyment of Heavenly blessings. It has always been this Hope of all Saints who have died in Christ and whose bodies have been sleeping in the graves: [ Queber "Hebrew" ]. Likewise, at the Lord's Second Advent all Old Testament and Tribulation Saints who have died will have their dead bodies resurrected in sinless perfection. From then on there will be no more death for them, neither will there be any pain or worry, for in their eternal spiritual bodies there will be no cause for death or pain. They will from that time onward only look forward to eternal bliss with their King and Messiah. Israel, after Messiah's return, will from that time on live in complete harmony as a nation. This will be a fulfillment of Israel's blessed hope for all time!

160. On the Millennial earth, all the Saints that will still be present on the earth after the Tribulation has ended will meet the Old Testament Saints that Jesus will bring back to earth with Him at His return. And, those Saints whether Hebrew or members of the world's nations, whom are still alive on earth at that time will never see death, but will reside on the earth throughout the Lord's thousand year reign! Naturally, we have already taught what will have taken place previously to the Body of Christ before the Tribulation had begun. Since we of the Lord's Body at that time will be in our eternal home in the Paradise of the Heavens, in { 1- Thessalonians 4:16-18 }, it must be remembered that this text has nothing to do with any Saints other than those Members of the Body of Christ.

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161. Commentary . . . All true Children of God, therefore, should be intensely interested in this momentous future event. This will be the most dramatic event that will take place since the first coming of Christ. We are also warned not to remain ignorant of the signs of Messiah's return. Jesus castigated and condemned the scribes and Pharisees for not being able to read the signs of His first coming, thus so, the nation was unready to receive Him. This warning was very important so that, Christ's followers would not make the same mistake concerning His Second Advent. Therefore, Jesus again made the warning very clear just before He went to the Cross, and He foretold a long list of signs which would precede His glorious second advent .

162. Almost every book of the New Testament deals in greater or lesser degree with the certainty of Christ's return, but { Matthew Ch. 24 } is beyond question the most complete, although condensed, it gives a list of the signs of the times. We therefore recommend and urge upon all who are interested in this subject to carefully study this important part of the Lord's discourse on the Mount of Olives. We remind you again that the entire chapter was spoken in response to the pointed question of the disciples, and, we again repeat this verse . . .

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163. Scripture: "Tell us, when shall these things be, and what shall be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the world: [ 'Hebrew age' ], { Matthew 24:3 }."

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164. Commentary . . . Please notice that the words of Jesus were spoken to a select few whom were Believers, and was addressed exclusively to the followers of Jesus who were interested in the subject. They were not for the general public to hear. It seems that the unconverted were not to be taught concerning these future events, because they would not comprehend without being led by the Holy Spirit. Until a person is born again there is nothing in the Word of God for him but condemnation. The Lord's Word can only be received and understood by those whose spiritual eyes have been opened by the new birth. According to the Scriptures, before any person can really comprehend Christ's Second advent or anything else pertaining to Bible doctrine, they must first receive Him as their Saviour Who came the first time two thousand years ago. Therefore, unless folks believe by faith that which is stated about the Lord Jesus, His Cross of Calvary, and the empty tomb, and His resurrection, the Rapture and the Second Coming of the Lord can be of no interest at all, nor can the 'unlearned unbeliever,' be expected to understand.

165. If you are one of those who say that you are not concerned about the return of Christ, I would like to ask, have you ever met Jesus as your Saviour? If those who profess to be a Child of God expresses no interest in the return of Christ, then perhaps he or she should question whether they themselves are saved at all. The message of the Lord's return is of comfort only to those who "look for Him," and to all others it means only judgment, doom, and eternal remorse. Another thing to notice was the question of the disciples when they used the following words, "the end of the world." This expression, due to a misleading translation, has occasioned a great deal of misunderstanding which we must correct to avoid further confusion.

166. The expression "end of the world" should be properly translated "end of any particular age" or "the end of that particular Dispensation or [ world administration ]." The word translated "World" in the Authorized Version is "AION" and means an age or a limited period of time. It corresponds to our English word eon. A literal translation of the disciple's question would be: "What shall be the sign of Your Coming, and the consummation of this Hebrew age?" The word translated 'coming' is 'parousia,' used consistently in the Scripture for the "arrival" or "Coming again" of the Lord. The end of the [ Hebrew ] age, about which the disciples were concerned, will come at the return of Jesus Christ the Messiah. We would like to make this point again: when we mention a translation of certain words in a verse - it would be wise to turn to that verse in your Bible and copy the notation next to the verse in your own Bible for a better understanding: while you read it, and while you are studying your Bible.

[ Heading No. 31 ]. This Had Absolutely Nothing To Do With The End 0f This World . . .

167. Commentary . . . Again we say: the "end of the age" must never be confused with the "end of the world." This must be emphasized over and over again, for until we sharply distinguish between the two, we cannot understand the Lord's program. The end of that Hebrew age will come when Jesus returns visibly to this earth to set up His Kingdom of righteousness. But, the world will never end according to Scripture! See { Isaiah 45:17; - Ephesians 3:21; - Luke 1:33; - Ecclesiastess 1:4; - Psalms 104:5; - 119:90; - & - Genesis 8:22, etc }. This coming Millennial Kingdom age, after the close of the Hebrew age will last one millennium. And, then all the Saints on earth at that time will be taken up from the earth in order for the old earth to be purged with fire and a new earth having been cleansed from all sin recreated on this planet. But, first : { 1- Thessalonians 4:16-18, - & - 1- Corinthians 15:50-55 - etc } must be fulfilled."

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168. { V. 12 } Scripture: "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

169. { V. 13 }: Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth [ that will be made ready ], wherein [ will ] dwell righteousness,

170. { V. 14 }:Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless, { 2- Peter 3:12-14 }."

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171. { Vs. 12-14 } above paraphrased in commentary form, { 12 }: "While you wait and earnestly long for . . . expecting and hastening . . . the coming of the day of God by reason of which the flaming heavens will be dissolved, and the material elements of all matter therein will flare and melt because of the heat of the fire. { See Isaiah 34:4. } { 13 }: But, we look for new heavens and a new earth according to God's promise, in which righteousness, [ uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God ] is to abide. See { Isaiah 65:17, - & - 66:22. } { 14 }: So beloved since you are expecting these things, be eager to be found by Christ the Messiah at His return - without spot or blemish, and at peace ... . . in serene confidence, free from fear and agitating passions and moral conflicts."

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172. Commentary . . . Again concerning the above { V. 12, } it continues to mark the contrast in the way the day is viewed by the ungodly and the godly; they tremble because it means punishment and destruction, while the Christian is 'Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day.' "Looking for,' [ Greek 'prosdokao' ] is used in the context with the sense of 'anticipation' with the word hasting [ Gr. 'pseudo' ] which means 'hurry,' or 'get busy,' and is translated 'be diligent' in { V. 14 }. The hope or expectation of the Christian, 'new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness,' is the basis for the exhortation to blamelessness and purity of conduct. There will be no false teachers in heaven.

[ Heading No. 32 ]. Considering The First Sign Of Christ's Return . . .

173. Commentary . . . The disciple's questions did not concern the final end of this world, but rather they were questioning Him about the end of the Hebrew age when He returns as the Messiah. With this in mind we turn to the Lord's answer. He begins the long recitation of the signs of His Second advent when He states:

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174. Scripture: "And Jesus answered and said to them, Take heed [ be very cautious ] that no man deceives you, { Matthew 24:4 }."

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175. Commentary . . . We emphasize the fact that of all the signs recounted in this chapter, the one that heads the list is 'Deception,' the deception that would rear its head in the last days. To impress upon the Bible student the importance of this sign, it is mentioned three times and is at the head of the list of signs. In three texts, we find the question of the disciples concerning the 'when and the what' of Christ's return. Jesus gives us the very first sign to look for, and this pertains to the increase of deception, the false cults, and ism's of the last days.

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176. Scripture, { V. 5 }: "And Jesus answering them began to say, take heed [ be watchful and be careful ] lest any man [ shall ] deceive you, { V. 6 }: For many shall come [ appropriating to themselves ] in My name [ of Messiah basing their claims ], saying, I am Christ; and [ they ] shall deceive [ and mislead ] many, { Mark 13:5-6 }." Commentary . . . In addition to { Matthew Ch. 24 - & - Mark Ch. 13 }, we have recorded in { Luke Ch. 21 } the same sign as heading the list of all others.

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177. Scripture: "And He [ Christ ] said, take heed [ be very careful, pay strict attention ] that you be not deceived: for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and [ as ] the time draws near: go you not therefore after them, { Luke 21:8 }."

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178. Commentary . . . Jesus stated that the last days will be characterized first of all by a multiplication of false doctrines which will be expressed primarily by deceptive cults. We can quickly understand how significant this warning is in the light of the amazing increase in new and exotic sects, cults, isms, and their religious fantasies. When I was a young man I purchased several "Good News For Modern Man" Bibles to pass out to other people. But, after I started reading one of them I found that it contradicted much of the King James Bible, so I threw the rest of them into the trash can. It is amazing what some of the cults read and receive their false doctrine from.

179. The Jehovah Witness use the "New World Translation Bible.' The Mormon use the "Book of Mormon." The Satanist use the "Satanist Bible," and the Seventh Day Adventist primarily use the writings of Ellen G. White's writings and other peoples writings to base a great deal of their religion on. As far as I am concerned, all of these materials should also be thrown likewise into the trash can, because all of them contradicted the genuine Word of God! None of these should be used by born again Christians. Confusion, confusion! And, never before has there been such confusion of tongues with such a babel of strange voices on this earth. And no matter how fantastic, fanatical and evidently Satanic are some of the teachings in these movements, they do not lack for followers.

180. There are hundreds and hundreds of sects and of cultic denominational and un-denominational groups in America today and, many more worldwide. Many of them, especially of those in America quote from one certain Bible, one that teaches their own occultic doctrine. And, each of these sects claim the guidance of the Spirit of God. 0f course we must ask: which God are they following? The God who created all things { Isaiah 9:6-7; - 46:9-10; - & - 1-Timothy 3:16 } or, the God spoken of in { 2- Corinthians 4:4 } who is Satan the enemy of God and Man. They continually claim they are right, and yet all differing in greater or lesser degrees with one another. Is it any wonder that men are confused and are asking, "How can we find the truth?" Who has the right interpretation? Where can the truth be found? And then, the Lord answers with tremendous power. " . . .

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181. Scripture: "Take heed [ be very careful ] that NO MAN deceive you, { Matthew 24:4 }."

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182. Commentary . . . The moment we accept the word of man instead of, or in addition to, the Bible, we are being led astray. Ask this question when confronted with a questionable religious movement; is their teaching based solely and exclusively on the Bible, or is it based upon the Bible plus something additional. Could it be revelation, or vision, dreams, voices, or the discoveries of additional documents? Or might It be the creeds, dogmas, interpretations of men from denominational doctrines or of traditions? Anything added to the Word of God as we have it in the sixty-six books of the Bible, brands it as false and dangerous.

183. We have mentioned this before, practically every denomination whether it is a large well-known Christian organization or a false cult, we find that they teach covenant theology. What we mean by this is that they are taking many texts from Scripture completely out from its rightful context. And, they are wrongfully applying many of the sacraments and commandments that were taught through the Old Testament ordinances of the Mosaic Law period, to the doctrine of the Body of Christ in this age of grace!

184. Jesus gave warning when He said that in the last days deception would be the first and characteristic sign of His coming. It is said that a new cult or sect springs up at the rate of one every two weeks in the Unite States alone. Thus, no matter how fantastic are the different doctrines, and no matter how wild their beliefs are, there are always those who are willing to accept their claims. And, why is this? Because it is the age of gross deception about which the Lord warned, He said: "Take heed that no man deceive you." This writer has tried to clear up some of the false doctrine and covenant theology that has replaced the Apostle Paul's teachings for us today, but the brain washing goes on and on. The question is, are you awake to truth? You had best "take heed" as Christ told you to do!

185. Then after Jesus had issued this warning against deception at the head of the list, He adds much more in the rest of the chapter. "As it was . . . so shall it be again." Surely the days of Noah must have been days of great deception. In spite of the powerful preaching of Enoch and the witnessing of Noah, the world would not believe these preachers; and when the Flood came, there were only eight people who were saved. There was no lack of good preaching in those days before the Flood. All the people had a chance to hear. Of Enoch we read in Jude that he preached coming judgment, but the world paid little heed.

186. No doubt there were other Godly ministers during those times but Jehovah chose these two outstanding prophets to go down in history as a guide for future students to learn from. Evidently all true Believers had passed on to their reward by the time the great Flood took place, this was proof how evil had taken over the world and its people by the time of the Deluge. Scripture: "Noah, a preacher of righteousness, { 2- Peter 2:5 }." One cannot miss the parallel. There is no lack of preaching today, and yet comparatively few are heeding the warning. We are beginning to understand the significance of the question Jesus had asked:

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187. { V. 6 } Scripture: "And the Lord said, hear what the unjust judge says! { V. 7 }: And shall not [ our just ] God [ defend and protect His chosen ones and ] avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them [ will He ignore them and delay help on their behalf? ], { V. 8 }: I tell you that He will [ defend and protect and ] avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall He find [ persistence in ] faith on the earth? { Luke 18:8 }."

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188. Commentary . . . Christ will return speedily, but nothing in the above verses said that He would return immediately for we are well aware that its been almost 2,000 years since He made that promise. The student should realize that with God, time is rather meaningless as to His own time and existence. Concerning the words "faith on the earth," this does not argue for improved spiritual conditions in this world before Christ's return! But concerning present signs, we therefore assert confidently and without apology that the signs of the times indicate the soon return of the Lord.

189. We have shown in this message that the evidence clearly portrays the fact that for the first time in history all the signs mentioned in connection with the Second Coming are present together! Therefore the Rapture must be imminent . The most pressing warning then is "be not deceived!" And the most pressing question is: "Are you prepared and ready for the return of the Lord? Remember, "as it was in the days of Noah," those who neglected to believe, perished forever. If you are not a believing Christian "why not trust Christ for salvation today?"

190. As we have pointed out, of all the signs of Messiah's return that have been revealed, deception leads the list. Be diligent in watching for false prophets, false Christs and false doctrine. Because of the prominent place the Lord gives to these signs, we re-emphasize the importance of understanding the Lord's list of indications of the close of the age. Throughout the Bible, where ever it speaks about the last days, the passages are usually preceded or accompanied by a warning against Satan's deception concerning prophetic truth. Christ knew about all the false interpretations, denials, and perversions which Satan would foist upon the people of God in the later days concerning the truth of His return.

191. The devil knows the power of "that blessed hope of the Saint," and would do anything in his power to rob God's people of this stimulating, energizing, comforting and purifying hope. The devil at times will use false teachers to teach a general resurrection. In other words, they will teach that there is no such thing as a Rapture of a body of Christ because the word rapture cannot even be found in our Bible! This lie is propagated by them and they will tell you that there will be a general resurrection where all folks, both saved and lost will be resurrected together at the same time. This my friend is false doctrine. We assure you, that there will be a Rapture for the Body of Christ at least seven years before Christ Messiah returns to this earth to set up His Millennial reign! We have explained all this in many of our former messages. [ Read our message concerning "The Five Resurrections," and also our message: "Part One, Of The Bride And Body Of Christ . ]

192. No wonder Satan tries to confuse Christians by all the deceptive means at his disposal, by causing all sorts of foolish interpretations to be raised by the deceivers of these last days. Various folks appear at the front door in the name of Christ with their reading material, and quotations from the Word of God, and may when questioned, even state that Jesus wasn't God in the flesh! Should one or more of these people come to your door, the first thing you should ask them: "Is Jesus Christ God?" Make sure they answer you directly by saying "yes or no." If they say no, no matter how they explain themselves, they are false teachers. They are lost sinners and are using deceit to explain the Gospel. Most of them are deceivers. Some would deny the fact of Christ's return; they would rob the truth of its power by delaying His return, placing some event or events before His imminent any-moment return to Rapture His Body of Saints. Still others would debauch the truth by fantastic claims and so-called additional revelations concerning the exact time. As a result of this confusion, many Christians don't know what to believe and therefore ignore and refuse to study the subject.

193. All false doctrine is exactly what the great deceiver would have us believe! He wants us to forget about any return of Christ, as though it is of no importance at all. Hence, we find well-meaning, sincere Christians repeating the misleading argument while saying "Well, the truth of Christ's return is not a fundamental matter, not a basic essential doctrine; it is not necessary for salvation." But, this is utterly wrong, for "if it is not" an important, basic, fundamental doctrine, then why did the Holy Spirit devote more time and space to it in the Scriptures than any other fact, not excluding the revelation concerning the first coming of Christ?

194. Therefore, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Be on guard, Jesus seems to say; be on the lookout for human deceptions, false interpretations and claims. Test everything by the Word of God, and reject everything else. Be sure and think deep when studying God's Word! The final test is: "What says the Scriptures?" and 'IF' you don't understand the Scriptures, you cannot discern what part of it is right or wrong. Ignorance of the Word of God is the one great cause for the success of these present-day deceivers!

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[ Heading No. 33 ]. Concerning The False Messiahs In This Present Grace Age . . .

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195. Scripture: "For many shall come in [ on the strength of ] My name [ appropriating the name which belongs to Me ], saying, I am Christ [ the Messiah ]; and shall deceive many [ by leading them astray ], { Matthew 24:5 }."

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196. Commentary . . . We are told that in the last hundred years approximately 2000 men of the various races, in various parts of the world have claimed to be Christ and the Saviour of the world. They have called themselves by the names of deity: "Divine Father," "the Great I Am," and a thousand others-all claiming the prerogatives of deity and Christ. And, all of them have found eager, deluded followers, in fulfillment of Christ's words: "they shall deceive many."

[ Heading No. 34 ]. "And You Shall Hear Of Wars And Rumors Of Wars: { Matthew 24:6 }..."

197. Commentary . . . The third sign which Jesus mentioned concerns war with "nation rising against nation, { Matthew 24:7 }." Now if you object and say there have always been wars and rumors of wars, we naturally must agree, but never before on a scale such as we have today. You may read history as far back as you wish; you will find no parallel to current international conditions with our present suicidal annihilatory instruments of destruction. In our own brief lifetime we have experienced two major world wars, and scores of lesser ones all over the world.

198. Presently, whether you will accept it or not, we are in a third world war being forced upon us by uncountable terrorist organizations right at this very minute. Whom, according to their own religious concepts and beliefs, are waging this war against the entire world. The truth is, a religious war is the most difficult type of war that can be waged and won. These antagonist are trying to force a change in all the world's nations according to their own religious philosophy and they are trying to do away with anyone who disbelieves their own satanic doctrine. In some cases, the devilish fact is, that several nations seems to be going along with them and, at this same time, we are desperately trying to avert a suicidal atomic catastrophe. Concerning the recent past, It is believed that more people have been killed in the many wars during the 20th century than were killed in all other wars of history combined. Perhaps the twentieth century was picked out by God and put on His calendar for a special purpose. Disease:

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199. In the months following December of 1918, at the conclusion of World War 1, a flu epidemic swept through every country of the world. This worldwide pestilence took over 50 million lives. It was stated that the death toll from the disease was more than double the casualties of World War 1. Food: In 1945, because of, and at the conclusion of World War Two, there was a worldwide shortage of food. After 1958, the population explosion on planet Earth surpassed man's ability to feed the starving masses. The food shortage became critical in 1973. That year some six million people died of starvation in Africa and Asia. By 1976, the annual number had grown to about 20 million. It is said that in 1985, over 50 million people died of starvation or of some related disease.

200. Even though there was an over abundance of food in the past that we have already written about, things seem to have changed for the worse in this present time. We understand that right now in the western United States, drought has come upon many of the western states and people are running out of water. Timber fires have been raging in several places in the western U.S. and this loss could cause lumber prices to reach an all time high. Farmers and ranchers are fearful that their land will eventually go back to dry prairie land or even turn into desert. It may not be long until America feels the pinch of famine. The strange weather conditions of the past decade have created further problems with food crops. Inflation and unemployment in several places have added to the problem.

201. Disease is on the rampage. Today, one of the great causes of death in the united States is cancer. In the middle 1980s the death rate from cancer rose to 5.1 percent. In resent years it has grown dramatically. And then, other new diseases have surfaced. Some are incurable, and are related to immorality. One was called Herpes . . . which affects the playboy set, and another one as the reader well knows was and is called AIDS and is considered by the worlds nations as a raging epidemic. The apocalyptic signs predicted in the Bible for the end-time generation appear to be present as never before. We do not know what the eventual intensity of those and other predicted plagues will be before the Tribulation Period begins, but it is possible that humanity is reaching that awesome hour.

202. It seems to this writer that we actually entered into the last days period with the beginning of World War 1. For the first time in history, a war of global proportions involved most of the nations of the world. Millions of people died. I personally believe that it ushered in the beginning of the end of the age of Grace. Remember, Jesus said "as it was in Noah's day, so shall it be in the end time." But, World War 1 was not the end, but just might have began the end of this age. "Nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom." For the first time in history, in 1914, war erupted on a global scale. In 1917, the czar was murdered in Russia, the Bolsheviks took the country, and communism was born. Also in 1917, the British took Jerusalem away from the Turks, and Zionism came to the forefront of history. Both communism and Zionism emerged upon the stage of world politics in 1917. It's possible that those events may have marked the beginning of the end time.

203. The 20th century brought on more war and bloodshed than all the 59 centuries combined previously, i.e., since Adam was created. During World War two there were approximately 100 Million casualties worldwide. Millions more have died in Korea, Vietnam, and other wars around the world in the last and present century. It has been estimated that in all the wars of history, there have been a total of well over 200 million casualties. The 20th century alone constitute an estimated sixty percent of all deaths in all the wars of history. The leaders worldwide are crying, "Peace, peace." But , there is no peace, and will not be until the Prince of Peace appears.

204. Over the past 6,000 years, there have been less than 268 years of peace. History is littered with the bodies of the slain. In the near future war of Gog and Magog, where a fourth of the population of the earth will die, it is believed by many that {Revelation 6:8 } gives the record of that great event. With a world populated with over 6 1/2 billion as it is today, this means that over one and a half billion people will perish. And then, according to { Revelation 9:18 } another third part of the population will be killed during the horrible plagues and war that takes place at that time. These coming wars will be more devastating than all past wars of history. Jesus said that . . .

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205. Scripture: ". . . nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in different places [ all at the same time ], { Matthew 24:7 }."

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206. Commentary . . . Leaders of several Arab nations and the terrorist organizations have been rallying their people worldwide in pep rally-type meeting to call for the destruction of the U.S. and Israel. These events fit with the predicted scenario of the battle of Gog mentioned in { Ezekiel Ch. 38-39 }. The exact time when the apocalyptic war will occur is yet unknown, but when Syria and Iran draws Israel into another war, the Israeli Defense Forces could destroy Damascus. The Dome of the Rock could also be destroyed at the same time. Should this take place, it will likely bring on the Russian coalition invasion of the Middle East.

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207. Scripture: "Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap, { Isaiah 17: 1 }."

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208. Commentary . . . Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world, it was partially destroyed in 732 B.C., by Tiglath-pileser of Assyria, but has never been completely destroyed as other famous ancient cities have. The future destruction of the city according to prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. Perhaps the ancient prediction will soon come to pass. If so, Russia will have no choice but to honor its defense treaty with Syria and invade Israel, and naturally the same thing could be said if Israel was to declare war on Iran. However, before the destruction of Damascus, the Tabernacle of David could be set up and replace the Arabic dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Isaiah predicts the occasion when Messiah will later sit on His throne in a rebuilt Temple. One text to prove this is foretold by the prophet as follows:

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209. Scripture: "And in mercy shall the throne be established: and He shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness, { Isaiah 16:5 }." [ Read our message "the different Temples of God." ]

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210. Commentary . . . The above text places this passage in the future millennial Kingdom with Christ sitting on His earthly throne extending His mercy toward His Hebrew remnant. In the mean-time the Middle East is like a powder keg, about to blow up, another war between the Muslims and Israel could be just around the corner.

211. When Russia makes war with Israel, Iraq which is ancient Babylon, is not named in the war the prophet Ezekiel predicts, although it could be that it will join Russia in the invasion. Iran which is ancient Persia, has a huge force of combatants and can cause much damage in the Middle East, and will join Russia in the invasion foretold by the 'prophet Ezekiel.' I personally believe that before the Russian invasion that there will be war between Syria and Israel. Russia has a defense treaty with Syria and will take steps to help the nation against Israel. Russia has helped both Syria and Iran by spending hundreds of millions of dollars to build up their defense forces with tanks, missiles, and whatever else the nations needed to combat Israeli forces when the time comes for their own war with Israel. Russia will not want to see all this expensive war equipment destroyed or captured by Israel. And, the same thing can be said concerning Iran.

212. There is no doubt that Damascus is going to be destroyed, and then the world will condemn Israel for destroying the city. There won't be anything new about that, every time Israel successfully defends itself the world blames Israel for everything! Perhaps several months will pass before the invasion by Russia will occur. But, the Russian invasion will take place. [ See our other message concerning the Russian invasion and Russia's destruction ].

213. The world today is a seething sea of unrest, suspicion and misunderstanding, with the greatest preparations for war in all history. Jesus predicted almost two thousand years ago that man in these last days, would not yet have brought forth peace. Suppose during these last two millenniums the nations had found a formula for world peace and abolishment of war. Jesus would have been proven mistaken. But He showed His authority by making a prediction two thousand years ago concerning the future, was He right or wrong? Famines and pestilences are mentioned next.

214. As man has been unable to solve the military problem, so also he has failed to solve the problem of famine, disease, and death. Today hunger and starvation are taking their dread toll in many lands, while in other lands such surplus of foods exists that laws are past curtailing further production, and it has been said that vast stores of these overproduced foods are decaying in storehouses. There are today millions living on starvation diets while we here at home seem to have plenty to eat. Following the Lord's warning against "false teachers, wars and rumors of wars, and famine and pestilence," the Lord also mentioned earthquakes.

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