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Noah Part- 4. MENU

[ No. 43 ] - "All Of These Are The Beginning Of Sorrows, {Matthew 24:8}." . . .

[ No. 44 ] - The Word's Here, "Endure To The End" Does Not Refer To Christians Today! . . .

[ No. 45 ] - Anti-Christian Prognoses: What Do Horoscopes Really Stand For? What Does The Bible Say About This? Are You One Of Those Who Live According To Your Horoscope? . . .

[ No. 46 ] - Astrology Worshipers Are Said To Be Spending Hundreds Of Millions A Year To Propagate Their Businesses. . . .

[ No. 47 ] - Many Lies Have Been Taught Concerning The Truth Of God's Word. . . .

[ No. 48 ] - And Then We Had Jeanne Dixon Who Was Looked Upon As A Great Prognosticator. . . .

[ No. 49 ] - Many Christians So-called, Have Been Swayed To Follow Anti-Christian Religions. . . .

[ No. 50 ] - Considering What Your Horoscope Can Really Mean To You . . .

[ No. 51 ] - "The Days Of Noah And The Horrendous Ending Of That Prophecy." "The Literal Fulfillment Of Future Prophecy:"

[ No. 52 ] - When Will Messiah's Return Be Fulfilled? . . .

[ No. 53 ] - And Upon The Earth Distress Of Nations With Perplexity. . . .

[ No. 54 ] - The Personal Return Of Messiah To Establish His Kingdom On This Earth . . .

[ No. 55 ] - Is It Possible For Humans To Read About Biblical Signs That Concerns Today? . . .

[ No. 56 ] - Therefore: The Question Is: Were There Three Classes Of Humanity In Noah's Day? . . .

[ No. 57 ] - When The Rapture Takes Place, What Then? . . .

[ No. 58 ] - The Prophetic signs Concerning The Days Of Noah. Again, What About All Those People Whom Are To Be Sealed?

[ No. 59 ] - There Isn't Any Excuse For Ignorance In this Last Day . . .

[ No. 60 ] - An Open Bible Must Be Kept Before Bible Students . . .

[ No. 61 ] - The Sins In The City Of Sodom And The Other Cities Of The Plains, Were A Type Of The Sins During Noah's Day, . . . And Are A Type Of The Last Days To Come . . .

[ No. 62 ] - Likewise Also As It Was In The Days 0f Lot. . . .

[ No. 63 ] - Only The Plain Truth Concerning Bible Doctrine Should Be Taught . . .

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1. Commentary . . . { Matthew 24:7 } divides the whole chapter into two parts-the beginning and following this verse, the consummation. What we have studied so far is called "the beginning of sorrows." It included deceptions, false messiahs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes. These conditions are presently before us today and are heralding the approach of the Tribulation Period, which at this present time is getting ready to appear on the scene. 0f these things Jesus said:

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2. Scripture: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption [ deliverance ] is drawing near { Luke 21:28 }."

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3. Commentary . . . Right here we must insert a word of explanation. The things described in { Matthew 24 } must be placed in the Tribulation Period after the Rapture of the Body of Christ. This chapter deals primarily with prophetic events occurring between the translation of the Body of Christ when Jesus shouts from the air, and the Second return of Messiah seven years later when His feet will land upon this earth { Zechariah 14:4 }. The Rapture is a secret to the world, no one will see it take place.

4. But, Messiah's second advent will be a public event and such a display in the heavens, that every person on earth will notice the wonders of it. As a matter of fact, there is nothing in the entire Book of Matthew that represents the Body of Christ unless it is in type or shadow form. The Body of Christ was as yet 'NOT' present on the earth during the time Christ was on the earth in the flesh! These signs in { Ch. 24 } are therefore 'NOT' signs of the Rapture, but signs indicating the Second advent at the end of the Tribulation Period.

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5. { V. 8 } Scripture: "All these are the beginning of sorrows [ the birth pains and the intolerable anguish of the Tribulation Period in Israel ]." We notice next . . .

6. { V. 9 }: "Then shall they [ the Antichrist and his followers ] deliver you [ primarily the Hebrew people ] up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you [ Israel ] shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake { Matthew 24: 8-9 }." [ "They, 'the Jews' are hated by various people right now, in each of the nations of the world." ]

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7. Commentary . . . Christ was a Jew, and this is the reason the Jewish people have always been hated by the world because Satan despises the Israelites and has caused them to be hated since the nation first began. But, during the Tribulation this hatred of the Hebrew people will increase a hundred-fold. Satan will do everything in his power to eradicate every Jew, and every Believer in Christ on this planet! Since the events here fall into the Tribulation, { V. 8 } above begins the 'beginning of sorrows.' We believe the balance of the chapter deals with the last half of the Tribulation, called in Scripture the 'Great Tribulation.'

8. During the first half of this seven year-period the Antichrist, the 'man of sin,' will act the part of a friend of the nation of Israel. He will promise them peace and security in the land which they shall never fully receive. Suddenly after three and one-half years this devilish man will become a 'turn coat' and will reveal his true identity. He will seek to destroy the people of the nation once and for all. This will be the beginning of Jewish murder on a much higher level then even Hitler's regime forced upon the Hebrew race during World War Two!

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9. Scripture: { V. 9 } "Then [ after the beginning of sorrows ] shall they [ the Antichrist and his host of demon possessed followers ] deliver you [ the Hebrews ] up to be afflicted . . ."

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10. Commentary . . . This, we repeat, refers to the nation Israel who will then pass through the time of 'Jacob's [ Israel's ] trouble { Jeremiah 30:7 }. During the Tribulation Period, the only way the Lord's covenant people can be delivered out of the hands of their enemies will be by the SUPERNATURAL intervention of their covenant-keeping God. This will be a last time of testing for the nation of Israel, and the separation of the true from the false. Thus so, immediately after the announcement of the affliction of the nation, Christ adds . . .

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11. Scripture . . . { V. 10 }: "[ 1 ] And then shall many be offended, [ 2 ]: and shall betray one another, [ 3 ]: and shall hate one another.

12. { V. 11 } [ 4 ]: And many false prophets shall rise and deceive many.

13. { V. 12 }: [ 5 ]: And because iniquity shall abound, [ 6 ]: the love of many shall wax cold { Matthew 24:9-12 }."

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14. Commentary . . . In the very beginning of the first half of the Tribulation, God is going to convert a company of 144,000 Hebrews to be His true witnesses during those dark days of that seven year week. They will be SUPERNATURALLY protected, and, many others moved by fear will join themselves with the select company, only to fall by the wayside when the persecution commences. The Lord stated . . .

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15. Scripture: "Many shall be offended [and will rebel and begin to distrust the Lord, they will desert Him Who they ought to trust and obey ], and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another see verse { V. 10 } above."

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16. Commentary . . . Treason and dishonesty will reach an all-time high. This will reach a climax during the Tribulation Period, but we already can trace the trend in the very days in which we are living. Christians will not go into the Tribulation. But, we are living in the shadow of those awful days right now. For world conditions today are a beginning and are a prelude to that dreadful time. The conditions on this earth after the Rapture Of Christ's Body of Saints will not just suddenly arise. But, will be merely an intensification and climaxing of conditions already present at this very time just before Jesus calls us up into paradise. Friends, the Rapture is imminent.

17. When we mention the "Day of the Lord," we are referring to the Tribulation Period and the Millennial Reign of Christ, and naturally as before stated, the Tribulation which begins the 'Day of the Lord' will take place first! Therefore, we repeat, "All these conditions described as heralding the 'Day of the Lord' after we are raptured are already present before we are taken up in the Rapture.

18. Those same conditions are held in check by the presence of [ God ] the Holy Spirit that is dwelling in each Member of the Body of Christ in all its masculinity. This is the way it must remain until He [ the Body of Christ, "masculine!" ] who: must remain on earth until taken out of the way, { 2- Thessalonians 2:6-7 }. This isn't the Holy Spirit that is to be taken out of the way, but the Body of Christ must be removed first before the tribulation can commence. The presence of the Lord's Body, is a deterrent to the fulfillment of tribulation violence and the setting up of the Beast's regime. For the Lord said to Israel . . .

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19. Scripture: "You [ the saved remnant of Israel ] are the salt of the earth, {Matthew 5:13 }."

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20. Commentary . . . We have mentioned this many times: that Israel is God Jehovah's adopted earthly nation, and they are looked upon as the salt of the earth by the Lord. Salt retards corruption, it is an element of purification. We the Body of Christ, are also of this same salty substance for we are God the Father's adopted Children. Remember salt has many granules so consider this: when the Saints of God that make up the Body of Christ, who are also the salt of the earth at this present time, are caught away at the Rapture, the restraints against the world will be lifted.

21. Then will come Israel's final testing period. This will be when treason, hate, and betrayals shall bring to light the true and the false. Concerning Israel, the separation of the wise from the foolish virgins will take place at Messiah's Second Advent, and the Judgment of the nations that will follow {see Matthew Ch. 25 }. [ Salt in one instance, refers to all Saints in all ages as purified Children of God ]. In the next verse which has already been quoted we have the climax of what has gone before, Jesus stated in this next verse . . .

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22. Scripture: "But he [ that is saved, i.e., as Saints of the Lord during the tribulation ] that shall endure unto the end [ of it and are still alive ], the same shall be saved, { Matthew 24:13 }."

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23. Commentary . . . This has been a highly controversial verse, and many have interpreted this as an argument against eternal security, and use this verse to teach the fable of "falling from grace." In answer, we remind you that this applies first of all to Israel in the Tribulation, and also to the Gentiles of the various nations, and not by interpretation to Christians today. We repeat again: "The Body of Christ was not on the earth during the Matthew, Mark, or Luke Kingdom Administration, and the words were only applied to those that would be present in that future tribulation period!"

24. There was no Body of Christ at that time because the Lord's Body was still hid in God until revealed to the Apostle Paul { Ephesians 3:1-11 } by the risen Christ. Plus, Paul was 'NOT' even saved until several more years had passed from view { Acts Ch. 9 }, and this was several years after Pentecost. Since we are members of the Body of Christ, we will not be here on earth during that time of Tribulation, but will be with the Lord!

25. The signs in { Matthew 24 } will only be consummated after the Body of Christ has been Raptured. Many lost people that have been left behind at the Rapture will accept Christ as Messiah during the Tribulation Period. After becoming Christians they will have the seal of the living God placed upon them and will endure the horrible persecutions of the Antichrist's followers to the end of that seven year period.

26. On the other hand, those who bare the mark of the beast will be manifested as being satanically inspired by accepting a false Christ [ Antichrist ] as their God. The salvation of the true Saint in that day will be proof of the fact that they have endured to the end. Their endurance is the proof of genuineness. Their salvation does not depend on their endurance, but their endurance is the proof of their salvation.

27. The above verse has nothing to do with falling from grace. And, we repeat again: the endurance of the Believers will be the proof and evidence of their salvation. Their salvation does not depend on their endurance. As we look about us and see the multiplying signs of the last day, it's very important to realize the truth of our calling and election for what it is. The time of the testing for the world at large to see if mankind will believe in and accept Christ as Saviour is at hand! And, then Israel and the nations whom are left behind, must endure through their testing period.

28. Only the wheat will be gathered at His return to enter into the Lord's Millennial reign, but the tares shall be burned with unquenchable fire, { see Matthew 13:34-43 }. The parable of the wheat and the tares is a synonym of the "Sheep and the Goats" in the parable of { Matthew 25:31-46 }. The Lord Himself stated "As it was so shall it be." As for you the reader, we believe that you have been tested, have you passed the test? Are you ready to meet Christ? You may yet have a short time to prepare yourself before it is too late, by merely believing through faith and asking God for salvation in Christ Jesus, His mercy will save!

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29. Scripture: ". . . Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved . . ., { Acts 16 : 31 }." Will you say yes to Christ?

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30. Commentary: . . In the late 1960's a hit song announced 'the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius.' Calculations of the stars were said to promise a coming age of peace, understanding, and harmony. Thus, the long dormant art of astrology springs again into prominence. Millions began looking to the stars for hope. This revival of Astrology is just one of many of the exciting new reasons Christians begin expecting Jesus to Rapture His Saints and a short time later return back to the earth. The Bible predicted 2,000 years ago that before Christ's Return - Astrology, the ancient religion of Babylon, would flourish. In the book of Revelation, God told us that at the end of time Babylon will be a great power. She is described as a "great city." And while she is . . .

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31. Scripture: "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, [ i.e., People will stand a long way off from the city, in terror of her torment and they will cry: Woe trouble and affliction ]: Alas, alas [ pity, pity, for ] that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one [ single ] hour is your judgment [ doom ] come [ and over taken you ], { Revelation 18:10 }." [ That city Babylon will be made desolate therefore, the Lord says ] . . .

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32. Scripture: "Rejoice [ that is, celebrate ] over her, you heaven [ i.e., 0 Saints, God's holy family and the holy angles ] and you holy apostles and prophets; for God has avenged you on her, { Revelation 18:20 }." See { Isaiah 44:23; - & - Jeremiah 51:48. }

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33. Scripture: "And upon her forehead was a name written [ a name of ], MYSTERY, [ with a secret symbolic meaning: ] BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS [ prostitutes- adulteresses, and of the filth and atrocities ] AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH, { Revelation 17:5 }." See { Mark 7:7, 13, - & - 2- Timothy 3:16 }.

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34. Commentary . . . Babylon the great. Though the famous city of Babylon was on the Euphrates River in Iraq, the name here seems to be a symbolic reference to Rome { see Rev. 17:9 }. Rome sits on seven hills and the hills are each named: [ 1 ]: Aventine, [ 2 ]: Caelian, [ 3 ]: Capitoline, [ 4 ]: Esquiline, [ 5 ]: Palatine, [ 6 ]: Quirinal, and [ 7 ]: Viminal. Evidently the False Prophet of { Revelation 19:20; - & - 20:10 } will be the head of the One World Church system that is headquartered on those seven hills.

35. That great system will obviously have a leader, evidently a Pope who we believe will be the False Prophet mentioned in { Revelation 19:20; - & - 20:10 etc } and will lead scoreees of religious denominations and ride to power on the back of the ten-horned Western Federation of nations. [ "The last Pope who died also said that he also believed that the Pope that comes into power after this present Pope dies will be the False Prophet of the Tribulation". ]

36. In { Ch. 17 } Babylon represents the One World Religious System of the last days that seems to center in Rome during the Tribulation Period. In { Ch. 18 } it represents the political and commercial aspect of the revived Roman Empire that will be headed by Antichrist. Thus, the term stands both for a city and for a system [ religious and commercial ] related to the city [ much like "Wall Street," which is both a place and a system ]. For other references to Babylon see { Isaiah 13:19-20; - Jeremiah Ch. 50, - & - 51 }. "Mother of harlots": the false religious system is unfaithful to the Lord and thus is described as a harlot { Revelation 17:1, 15-16}." Read { Revelation Ch. 17, - & - 18 }.

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37. Scripture: "And the great city [ Jerusalem ] was divided [ and separated ] into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God [ as He thought about it ], to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath [ and indignation ], { Revelation 16:19 }." [ The Bible predicted that the Babylonian kingdom would fall prey to demons and become the center of evil in the last days. ]

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38. Scripture: "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great [ she ] is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation [ dwelling place for and ] of devils [ Demons ], and the hold [ a dungeon haunted by and ] of every foul [ loathsome demon ] spirit, and a cage [ the abode ] of every unclean [ filthy and detestable ] and hateful bird, { Revelation 18:2 }." [ God laid to Babylon's charge the responsibility for the corruption of the whole earth ].

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39. Scripture: "[ she ] With whom the kings [ and rulers ] of the earth have [ joined in prostitution and idolatry and have ] committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine [ of whose immorality, and idolatry that the inhabitants of the earth have become intoxicated and have took part in and ] of her fornication, { Revelation 17:2 }." See { Jeremiah 25:15-16. }

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40. Scripture: "For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath [ and passionate unchastity ] of her fornication, and the kings [ and rulers and leaders ] of the earth have [ joined with her and ] committed fornication [ idolatry 'idol worship' ] with her, and the merchants [ the businessmen ] of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance [ and excessive coveted luxury and wantonness ] of her delicacies, { Revelation 18:3 }." See { Jeremiah 25:15, 27. }

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41. Commentary . . . The Encyclopedia Britannica unmistakably attributes today's astrology to Babylon. "The history of astrology is actually traced back to ancient Babylon and indeed to the earliest phases of Babylon as well as in Assyria as a direct offshoot of Babylonian culture, [ Astrology, Encyclopedia Britannica, p. 796 ]." The following verse points to Babylonian astrology:

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42. Scripture: "You are wearied in the multitude of the counsels [ and many plans ]. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up [ and make known to you ] and save you from these things that shall come upon you [ Babylon ], { Isaiah 47:13 }."

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43. Commentary. . . Astrology flourished in ancient Babylon. Every king built his own tower and hired his own astrologer to advise him. When Babylon's king Belshazzar saw a hand writing words on a wall he couldn't understand what was taking place, Thus . . .

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44. Scripture: "The king cried aloud to bring the astrologers, the Chaldeans [ diviners ], and the soothsayers . . ., { Daniel 5:7 }."

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45. Commentary . . . But, none of these satanic false God worshipers did the king any good! The King should have relied on the true God. It was the Babylonians who uncovered the twelve signs of the zodiac and named the constellations after animals. The word zodiac comes from the Greek word 'zodiakos' meaning 'referring to animals.' Thus, we have the animal signs of the zodiac. America's 'priest-astrologers' in the 'New Age Movement' of today are using the exact same techniques used by Babylonian magic millennia ago.

46. As the book of Revelation predicted, Babylon is coming to life again. Her ancient astrology is the everyday religion of millions of so-called space age men and woman. Today over 70% of more than 1,700 daily newspapers in the United States carry horoscope columns. An estimated 45 million Americans now dabble in astrology, while over ten million are dedicated devotees of the art. One lady says: many parents are planning their children so that they will be born under an attractive sign."

47. Commentary . . . Back in the 1940's Ten-thousand full-time professional astrologers, aided by over 175,000 part-time workers turned the zodiac into a 200 million plus = a year business, imagine the amount of riches the business is bringing in today? Maurice Woodruff's two books on "astrology and clairvoyance, You and Your World and Secrets of Foretelling Your Own Future," have together sold well over 20 million copies during the last century. While she was alive, Jeanne Dixon a prominent prognosticator, gave up her Washington D.C. real-estate business, turned seeress and sold more than three million books on her personal prophecies.

48. Abraham and Straus, a New York department store, hired Lloyd Cope as its official "astrological consultant" back in 1967. McCall's reported: "That to many young people, astrology has taken the place of psychology as the personality decoder of their generation." Astrological books now offer success in sex, horse races, marriage, business, politics, and etc. One man has even written a book entitled, "Your Dog's Astrological Horoscope." Three facts demand that we recognize Bible prophecy regarding astrology as a miracle . . .

49. Commentary . . . First, the revival of astrology constitutes the rise of the most unscientific guidance possible in the midst of history's most scientific age. Horoscopes are supposedly prepared by using ancient knowledge about positions of the stars and planets. However, astrology has never accepted the Copernicus Theory. It still uses the faulty 2,000 year old view that the stars and the sun and planets move around the earth. A man by the name 'Joseph Bayly' pointed out that, "Since 150 B.C., when the astrological system became crystallized, the zodiac has shifted because of a gradual shift in the sun's apparent orbit through the stars."

50. In early October astrologers will tell you that you are in the sign of Libra. Astronomers know better, you are actually under the sign of Scorpio. This is due to the fact that the equinox no longer is the same as it was 2,500 years ago. Instead of the sun rising at 0 degrees of the constellation of Aries, it has moved to 7 degrees of Pisces. The well known American astronomer Harlow Shapley said it plainly, "Stars have as little influence on our daily lives as tea leaves." But remember, the Bible predicted demons would use ancient Babylon to deceive all nations during man's last and most scientific days.

51. Since ancient Babylon is modern Iraq today, we can understand how the prophecy in the Bible has now come to fruition. If there aren't demonic forces presently abiding in Iraq, and also in the revived Roman Empire, what would you call the chaotic conditions presently occurring each and every day in those parts of the world? Our troops in Iraq and some of the other Muslim nations are not only fighting terrorist, but unknowingly are having to contend with evil spiritual entities that they can't even see.

52. Under these conditions, how could it be expected of them to win the conflicts? The answer of course is, without the help of the Lord they will never win! It was stated that the Encyclopedia Britannica had bet against the Bible and lost, therefore, it was also said that, "Astrology is dead." Should it be asked "what dethroned astrology? The answer lies in the general progress of science and scholarship. . ." [ See Encyclopedia Britannica, "Astrology" p. 642 ]. Remember what Christ said, "As it was so shall it be!"

53. Commentary . . . The second astonishing thing about the signs of Christ's return is the increase of lies that are expected to be accepted as truth by earth's population in this day when mankind has a huge desire for truth. There is truth-in-lending, exposure of government secrets, and shouts of, "tell it like it is." And, then we come to the horoscope. Astrologers profit greatly by their interesting manipulating of their own "big lie."

54. At one time Life magazine unveiled the Astrologers deception in these words: "Break a leg when an astrologer told you the sign was good, and he can congratulate you on escaping what might have happened had the sign been bad. Conversely, if you go against the signs and nothing happens, the astrologer can insist that you were too subconsciously careful because of the fact that you had been warned."

55. At one time this writer was told that because of the date of my birth, I would always be a hateful person, and I was told that my life would be determined as an upside down future with no guaranteed happiness. There is a question that must be asked: "If the time of our birth determines our character, then why do many twins born at the same time under the same star display opposite traits of character and personality? What about Cain and Abel? Why did Esau and Jacob, though born together, walk such opposite paths?"

56. Astrologers, making the exact moment of birth the determining factor in a persons destiny, have had difficulty dealing with a doctor's ability to control that moment by delaying or forcing labor. Some have tried to escape the problem by linking birth to conception and establishing conception as the "fixed" moment that determines destiny. This question has been asked to doctors, and here even doctors run into a problem when trying to answer the question. Baby doctors will tell you that the precise time of conception can only be supposition.

57. Conception can take place anytime within a 24 hour period, but even the precise day cannot always be adequately determined. A good question to ask is, "how would an astrologer help a poor Eskimo born during the week when no planets are visible? Is the child to be left without a destiny? How do astrologers explain Hiroshima?" Thousands born under every conceivable sign, good and bad, met the exact same fate on the exact same day.

58. Also, how about the destruction of the twin towers World Trade Center in New York City when thousands lost their lives in so short a time? Another question, "what about the recent tidal waves that took the lives of around three hundred thousand people on the coast of India that are at this very time still in the news? And then, what about the hundreds and even thousands who are killed in one day in battle during a war?"

59. Naturally thousands of other chaotic apocalyptic type catastrophes could be mentioned that have taken hundreds and thousands of lives in one days time. How will your Astrologer answer concerning this problem? Maurice Woodruff, who was said to be the best known astrologer, predicted an end to the Vietnam war in April, 1969, the marriage of Linda Bird Johnson to actor George Hamilton and the birth of a male child to Frank and Mia Sinatra-a year before they were divorced "without any children," was this astrologer right or wrong?

60. Commentary: "Mrs. Jeanne Dixon came no closer to the truth then you would have, had you guessed about the future! She predicted Lyndon Johnson would be re-nominated and that peace would come to Vietnam in 1965. Newspapers went scampering to withdraw her column of October 20th 1968, the date of Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding to Onassis." The article said, "I still stand on my new year's prediction and see no marriage for Jackie in the near future."

61. Woodruff and Dixon were fortunate to have lived in modern times instead of in past eras when prophets were executed for misinterpreting a prophecy. What more miraculous sign could God have given us of the return of Christ? Just stop and think how amazing it is that millions should believe a chunk of rock millions of miles from the earth could control the destinies of nations and tell a man whether he should be a doctor or play a harp?

62. Commentary . . . However, there is one thing even more interesting about the revival of astrology. That our generation would turn to the stars for hope is strange enough, but that America which is called a "so-called" Christian nation would mother such an anti-Christian religion is deplorable, and for sure, astrology is a religion. The wise men of old abandoned their star to adore Jesus Christ. Today millions are abandoning Christ to adore the stars. Rudolph Steiner, a follower of Theosophy, and his student Max Heindel, who founded the Rosiarucian Order, both men renounced Christ. Astrology is an ancient enemy of Christian worship.

63. William Petersen, who was the executive editor of Eternity magazine said, "The first reference [ to astrology in the Bible ] is in { Genesis Ch. 11 }, the story of the tower of Babel. Archaeology has revealed that the ziggurats erected by the early Chaldeans were towers from which to survey the sky. On the tops of some of these ancient towers, zodiacs have been found. It is quite possible the tower of babel fitted this category. Because men chose to communicate with the heaven rather than with God, God then dispersed the people and confounded their speech so that they could not even communicate with each other."

64. Millions inside the Christian Body read their horoscopes and even belong to some "false Christian lodge," never realizing they are studying the "dictates and interpretation of a false religion." Encyclopedia Britannica is not so blind. It says, "The reception of astrology by Christianity is a most curious page in its history." As against the omnipotence of the stars, Christianity taught the omnipotence of their [ the stars ] Creator, [ Encyclopedia Britannica "Astrology p. 642." ] A huge number of Christian Assembly Members not only fail to see the many lodges such as the Masonic lodge, Skull and Bones, the Odd Fellows etc., and yes astrology as religions in opposition to Christianity, and mistakenly fail to recognize them as religions at all. Satan is really having a wonderful field day in our age as a true counterfeiter, and he has a huge following.

65. The fact is astrological interpretations are derived from the Chaldean belief that the planets have divine personalities and that these divinities determine the destinies of men. Their charts replace the Bible. Fate is substituted for faith. The stars are worshipped, instead of the One Who hung them up in space. Our horoscopes are nothing more than guilded pagan idolatry! How ridiculous that Christians should flirt with this pagan practice. If the stars are supreme and the destinies of men fixed, we have no need for God and no hope for man. The Bible condemns it as the idolatry it is. God's prophet describes God's judgment of Babylon's astrology as follows:

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66. { V. 1 } Scripture: "Come down, and sit in the dust, O Virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground [ in abject humiliation ]: there is no throne [ for you ], 0 daughter of the Chaldeans: for you shall no more be called tender and delicate,"

67. { V. 13 }: "You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from these things that shall come up on you,

68. { V. 14 }: Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn [ and consume ] them; they shall not [ even ] deliver themselves from the 'power of the flame' [ much less deliver the nation. This is no coal for warming, or fire before which to sit! ], { Isaiah 47:1, 13-14 }." God forbids us to observe astrology, read on:

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69. Scripture: "neither shall you use enchantment, nor [ you shall not ] observe times, { Leviticus 19:26 }." [ Which refers to witchcraft, divination, soothsaying, and the like that were always punished by death ].

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70. Scripture, { V. 15 }: "Take you therefore good heed [ be careful ] unto yourselves . . .

71. { V. 19 }: And lest [ because if you are not very careful ] you [ perhaps may become careless and ] lift up your eyes unto heaven, and when you see the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, should [ that is, you might ] be driven to worship them, and serve them [ in idol worship, things ], which the Lord your God has divided [ allotted ] unto all nations under the whole heavens, { Deuteronomy 4:15, 19 }."

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72. Commentary . . . The above verses were naturally given to the nation Israel, but as far as idle worship is concerned, a warning of judgment for idol worshippers can bring devastation to those who are guilty of this practice in any age. Israel had received the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone. Here Moses reminds them that they did not see God. This became the basis for warning them about idols. Since they did not know what God looked like, they could not fashion a likeness to Him [ literally from a sculpture ]. The terrible rebellion of idolatry is twofold . . .

73. First God makes man in His image, and man rejects God and makes an idol in his own image. Second, man assumes that since God makes a creature to look like Himself, man can pretend to be God and make idols in His Own likeness. Israel was also prohibited from worshipping the sun, moon, stars, or anything else except the true God { V. 19 }, and of course the same thing applies to those who live in the future!" As for Astrology itself, it leads to despair. Astrologers failed to give King Belshazzar the answers he sought.

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74. Scripture: "They left the 'king [ Belshazzar' ] 'greatly troubled [ perplexed and alarmed ],' and his countenance [ color of his face ] was changed, { Daniel 5:9 }."

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75. Commentary . . . "Astrology" comes from the Greek words: [ 'Astro' ] meaning 'star' and 'logos' meaning 'word.' It means 'the word of the stars.' And, the stars are speaking to us. However, certain people are misreading their message. They do not tell us of the destinies of men, but of the glory of God.

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76. Scripture: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows [ and proclaims ] His handiwork, { Psalms 19:1 }."

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77. These next verses "paraphrased" explains a little more about the people in King David's day, and goes along quite well with the above verse . . .

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78. { V. 20 } Scripture: "For ever since the creation of the world [ 'cosmos,' ] Jehovah's invisible nature and attributes, [ that is, ] His eternal power and Divinity have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made: His handy-works. So [ men ] are without excuse . . . altogether without any defense or justification; { see Psalms 19:1-4. }

79. { V. 21 }: Because when the people knew and recognized Jehovah as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God, or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking . . . with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning and ignorant speculations . . . and their senseless minds were darkened, { Romans 1:20-21 }." [ The word 'cosmos,' meaning the system, the world order of things. The student should read the above text in his own King James Bible! ]

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80. Commentary . . . The Bible declares astrology 'vain,' a waste of time which we should not indulge in. [ Jehovah told the Israelites in Jeremiah's day when He commanded them by saying: . . .

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81. { V. 2 } Scripture: "Thus says the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen [ nations ], and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. { V. 3 }: For the customs [ and man made ordinances ] of the people are vain [ false, empty and futile ] . . . { Jeremiah 10:2-3 }." [ People who follow horoscopes are an abomination to the Lord. ] . . .

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82. { V. 10 } Scripture: "There shall not be found among you any one who makes his son or daughter pass through the fire, or that uses divination, [ or is a soothsayer, ] or an observer of times, or an enchanter, [ or one who observes and tries to interpret omens, or a sorcerer ] or a witch { V. 12 }: For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord . . ., { Deuteronomy 18:10, 12 }."

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83. Commentary . . . A witch is a person who is overwhelmingly controlled by satanic spirits, which means that they are no doubt possessed by demons as are others who are mentioned in these verses. One thing we must reckon with, many astrologers do predict the future with amazing accuracy. The most accurate one in history was probably Michael Nostradamus. The celebrated Frenchman was born near Avignon in 1503. . . .

84. His success at predicting the future won him a position in the court of King Henry the 11th. His accurate prediction included details of Napoleon's life and rule over 200 years before he was born. He pinpointed references to world war 1, including the use of submarines and the peace talks at Geneva. Such knowledge as Nostradamus and some other astrologers have displayed can only be derived from one of three sources: the human mind, God, or the devil.

85. It couldn't be human wisdom in all cases because astrologers are right too much of the time with their prognostications. It couldn't be from God because they are wrong sometimes and God never makes mistakes. It leaves only one possible source. { Revelation 18:2 } plainly labels Babylon's power as demonic. In 343-381 A.D. at the Synod of Laodicea, it was declared that, "Astrologers are they who divine by the stars through the agency of demons . . ." Daniel is the Bible's pattern for a Christian surrounded by such demonic astrology. He resisted the temptation to join the Babylon star-gazers, choosing rather to trust in God.

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86. { V. 27 } Scripture: "Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, the [ mysterious ] secrets which the king has demanded [ interpreted ] cannot be explained by your [ so-called ] wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, [ to ] show unto the king; { V. 28 }: But there is a God in Heaven that reveals secrets, and makes known [ through His prophets ] to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the "latter days" . . ., { Daniel 2: 27-28 }."

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87. Commentary . . . Think of it, 'A God in Heaven that . . . makes known what shall be in the last days.' Isn't it wonderful that the Lord would be so considerate that He would assure us by revealing exactly what the future holds? The Bible told us that Babylon would live again and influence all nations. Isn't Iraq today influencing all nations today ? But thus far, not for good, but for war. The Bible told Israel that soon, after Babylon served its purpose future-wise, Jesus Christ would return to earth. He will. But not before the Rapture takes place. Therefore, keep Looking up. Look beyond the stars. He is coming back very soon!

"The Literal Fulfillment Of Future Prophecy" . . .

88. Commentary . . . Life became chaotic during in those first 1600 years before the Great flood, a good picture of those types of years can be easily seen in our own present age. For instance when we look at the present political scenario we can visualize the greed and half truths that are brain washing the public on every hand.

89. Take this past election between President Bush and the other man who tried everything in his power to defeat and end the Bush administration. The question is: "How was it that Bush was elected the second time?" And, why was President Bush re-elected? It is believed that it was prayer that won the day. It is this writer's opinion that it wasn't Christians who won the day. It wasn't political action committees based upon moral principles that won the day.

90. These were but follow up matters, "The day was won by God, "be sure and read { Daniel - 4:17 }," in consideration of the prayers of the Saints!!! This is the way, the only way, we can keep the republic our founding fathers gave to us in tact. They, too, for the most part, won liberty for us all by first going on their knees. We as Christians must take care to stay on our knees in prayer, even while we go about our daily jobs, family activities, or whatever. God honors prayers of His Saints. In this last Presidential election - we have lived through a dramatic demonstration of { 2- Chronicles 7:14 }! Active Clergymen must be careful not to unwittingly lull the Saints of God into a false sense - that political action won this particular battle for Christian values.

91. There will be many battles in our future because the enemy of all mankind, Satan, is surely riled, and insane with vengeance in mind. The only government that will be of lasting moral value upon this earth is yet to come. Neither Christians nor any other group will bring it to pass. It will "NOT" be interjected with the supernatural cataclysmic intervention into the affairs of rebellious man by someone other then Jesus Christ Who is the King of Kings, and Lord of lords! We must be sure and pray for the lost of this world, for the Bible states emphatically concerning the unsaved . . .

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92. Scripture: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient, { Romans 1::28 }."

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93. The above verse { 28 } paraphrased: "And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him in considering Him as an all knowing 'omniscient God' the Lord gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do those things that were not proper or decent but loathsome." God's Word also states . . .

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94. { V. 10 } Scripture: "And with all deceivableness of [ unlimited seduction to evil and with all wicked deception to ] unrighteousness in them that perish [ and are going to perdition, perishing ]; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." [ They refused to believe the truth of God's Word ].

95. { V. 11 }: "And for this cause God shall send them [ a working error of ] strong delusion [ a misleading influence, of some type of idol worship ], that they should believe a lie [ of what is false ],

96. { V. 12 }: That they all might [ be judged and ] be damned [ condemned ] who believed not [ and refused to adhere to trust and rely on ] the truth, but [ instead ] had pleasure in unrighteousness, { 2 - Thessalonians 2:10-12 }."

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97. Scripture: "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be, { Matthew 24:37 }."

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98. Commentary . . . The surest most certain event in all the world is the personal, literal Return of Christ at the end of the Hebrew age in fulfillment of the hundreds of prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments. The same infallible Holy Spirit Who inspired the various prophets to foretell Christ's birth, death, resurrection, and ascension, also has promised that this same Jesus is coming back again.

99. They spoke of His first and Second Coming long before He came the first time, all of these prophecies were still future. Since these prophets wrote centuries ago, part of their prophecies were fulfilled, while part of them still await fulfillment. The things they prophesied concerning His first coming are now history, and were literally fulfilled. By familiarizing ourselves with the fulfillment of the prophecies of His first advent, we shall know how to interpret the ones relating to His second advent.

100. Christ came, the first time as a literal male Infant, born according to the Scripture. His mother was a literal virgin. The Christ child grew up as a literal man. He gave Himself as a sacrificial offering on a Cross. He was buried in a borrowed tomb. He arose literally and bodily from the tomb. And, He ascended literally into Heaven where He remains today. Yet, strange as it may seem, while we all admit the literalness of His first coming which is history, men will deny that He is coming back as has been prophesied. They accept that which is history as literal, but, they reject the future promises as being equally literal, and spiritualizes them away.

101. The average human can understand that even though many of God's predictions were spoken at the same time, and we are talking about people who call themselves Christians, they still disbelieve that part of God's Word. So we repeat, all the prophecies when first given were futuristic. But, such is the folly of man when they accept fiction instead of Bible doctrine. They accept church and denominational doctrine instead of God's Word.

102. These folks do not realize that much of the doctrine that is taught in an assembly is just what ever the minister believes to be true, therefore, he teaches what he thinks is true instead of taking time to research the Scriptures to make sure of the Biblical truth. If we do not believe God's promises literally, then what can we believe? We repeat the angels words again of the first promise sent back from Heaven:

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103. Scripture: "[ The two angels said to these men ]: You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into Heaven? this same Jesus [ Christ ], which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come [ back to this same place ] in like manner [ that is, in that same identical way ] as you have seen Him go [ up ] into Heaven, { Acts 1:11 }." { See Zechariah 14:4. }

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104. Commentary: "If there were no other passage in Scripture concerning the Lord's Second advent, it seems to us that anyone with an open mind, could not possibly miss the message of these words that were prophesied by two of God's literal angelic messengers. They stated that this same Jesus is coming again just as He went away. If this prophecy doesn't mean what it implies what does it mean?"

105. This is naturally a question many people obviously asked just before the Lord went to the cross. I would have asked Him questions, and you would have been curious also! They asked . . .

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106. Scripture: "... what shall be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the [ this particular ] world [ age ]? . . ., { Matthew 24:3 }."

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107. Commentary . . . The Lord didn't rebuke them for their inquisitiveness, but gave instead a long list of things which would indicate the nearness of the event. They were not left in darkness. We have already listed a number of these signs in response to the question. By turning to other Gospel records we have a repetition of the account of these signs of the times with some additional details. We were told that in the last days certain disturbances in nature will herald His return." And, we repeat . . .

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108. Scripture: "And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from Heaven, { Luke 21:11 }."

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109. The above { V. 11 } paraphrased: "There will be mighty and violent earthquakes in various places all at the same time, plus famines and pestilences [ plagues, malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases, deadly and devastating ]. And there will be sights of terror and great signs from Heaven."

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110. Commentary . . . The words 'fearful sights,' refers to the strange things which are happening in the Heavens about us. Surely there are strange 'goings on' in space today. People laughed at flying saucers as if it was all a joke. It was suggested by some in an unbelieving manner, that these sightings might be visitors from outer space. Today, man are geared full speed in mammoth programs of interplanetary travel with ambitious programs to conquer the farthest reaches of the universe.

111. We have mentioned that scientist have unlocked the secret of the atom, and have sent satellites orbiting the earth, and is bouncing signals off the moon and back to earth. We have sent men up to orbit the earth in space stations, and have launched rockets to inspect the planet Venus, Mars, and other planets. And, we have sent men up in space ships to land on the moon whereby men have actually walked upon the Moons surface.

112. Men whirl in space at the speed of 18,000 miles an hour and the heavens are being filled with mechanical satellites and artificial stars. Surely these are fearful sights in the heavens. The question is how far will man be permitted to go before God puts a stop in his wild imagination? We cannot tell, but Jesus predicted that not only these signs that man has placed in our own atmosphere, but also many of God's signs of, "fearful sights and visualized sightings would be observed in the heavens, and these would herald His Second Coming." - "As it was in the days before the Flood when mans imaginations toward evil knew no bounds, so shall it also be in the days of the coming of the Son of man."

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113. { V. 25 } Scripture: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring,

114. { V. 26 }: Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken [ future tense ],

115. { V. 27 }: And then shall they see the Son of man [ Christ Himself ] coming in a cloud with power and great glory [ In His Second coming to this earth ], { Luke 21:25-27 }."

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The above three verse paraphrased . . .

117. { 25 }: "And there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and upon the earth distress [ trouble and anguish ] of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [ that is, without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn ] at [ the echo ] the roaring of the tossing of the seas; { see Isaiah 13:10; - Joel 2:10; - & - Zephaniah 1:15 }."

118. { 26 }: Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation because of the things that are to pass on this earth; for the very powers of the heavens will be shaken.

119. { 27 }: And then they shall see the Son of man Jesus Christ Himself literally returning in a cloud with great transcendent and overwhelming power and in all His Kingly glory, "Majesty and splendor." { See Daniel 7:13-14. }

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120. Commentary . . . Three additional signs are mentioned here, [ 1 ]: Distress of nations, [ 2 ]: Perplexity of nations, and [ 3 ]: Unprecedented storms. First notice the expression "distress of nations." It is amazing that these predictions should be prophesied 2,000 years ago and be literally present today. During the Tribulation Period they will become devastating in their climax. For millenniums, men have dreamed of a golden age of peace, an age of prosperity and plenty without the ravages of war. We talked of all this in part one, two, and other parts of our message, but slogans of these wars were ironically stated as "wars to make the world safe for democracy, and the war to end all wars." What irony!

121. Today the world is an armed camp, with the threat of atomic destruction, man made plaques, and other forces of nature hanging over our heads. And yet, after millenniums of "dreams" of peace, the nations have never been in such distress as today. The United Nations was hailed as the solution to the problem of war, but today instead of uniting the world for peace, the nations are more divided than ever, and determined to destroy each other. We ask again: "When will men learn there can be no peace without the return of the Prince of Peace?"

122. Then the Apostle Luke adds "with perplexity." To be perplexed is to be at a loss for a solution to a problem. There is no better word in the English language which describes the state of mind of our diplomats, statesmen and rulers. They are facing an insoluble dilemma. Endless discussions and conferences are being held in an effort to meet all the many threats to our peace and security, but all to no avail. One suggests this solution, another that, but all of it leads only to increasing perplexity. And then, Jesus mentioned "the sea and the waves roaring."

123. Presently this very year, we ourselves have visualized TV pictures of the sea and waves roaring with the great hurricanes that have devastated peoples homes, and these things have taken place at the time of the writing of this message. The flooding waters are still roaring through the streets of various cities in the US, and the islands in the gulf of Mexico. These catastrophes aren't always just mere happenstance because the Scriptures make clear that God controls the weather conditions on this planet.

124. If all these chaotic conditions cannot be seen as signs, then what can you call them? These things are indications of Christ's return, however, while distressing and disturbing to unbelievers, these world conditions are a source of encouragement to Saints of God, for Jesus said: And we repeat this verse,

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125. Scripture: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads: for your redemption [ deliverance is ] drawing near, { Luke 21:28 }."

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126. Commentary . . . We must again remind you and keep before you the fact that all these signs refer to the personal return of Jesus to this earth to set up His Kingdom of Righteousness. This will occur at the close of the Tribulation Period, and it therefore cannot happen for at least seven years after the Rapture. At the time the Body of Christ is caught up to meet the Lord in the air, Jesus will 'NOT' come all the way down to the earth, but will stop in the atmosphere just above the earth to accept His Body of Believing Saints as they arise to meet Him.

127. This resurrection will naturally consist of the resurrected bodies of dead Saints that have died in this past age. These dead bodies will have been changed into eternal spiritual bodies in all perfection. The souls of Christians whom have died since the Body of Christ first began will be brought back with Jesus to enter into those new Spiritual bodies. Plus, the living Saints who have not as yet died at that time will have their bodies of flesh changed into spiritual bodies at the very moment they are called up from off the earth.

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128. Scripture: ". . . And so shall we forever be with the Lord, { 1- Thessalonians 4:17 }."

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129. Commentary . . . Then will follow the time of Tribulation lasting seven years to its end, and then Christ's personal return to this earth with the Old Testament Saints and with Angels. We must carefully distinguish, therefore, between Christ coming in the air to receive His Body before the tribulation, and His Second advent to the earth in order to claim "His Bride: Saved Israel." This is the key to the proper understanding of future events. Unless you understand the difference in the two events, you will remain in an impenetrable fog of confusion and perplexity concerning the Scriptural revelation dealing with the return of Christ. [ Read our message concerning "The Bride Of Christ." ]

130. We emphasize this distinction because we are convinced that no one can properly interpret Christ's words concerning His coming again unless these two events are kept clearly in mind:

[ 1 ]: The any-moment invisible Translation of His Body of Saints from the earth at the time of the Rapture, and . . .

[ 2 ]: His public Second advent to this earth at the close of the Tribulation Period. It absolutely must be understood that the signs portrayed in { Matthew, Mark, - & - Luke } are "NOT" signs of the Rapture! These are signs of Messiah's Second advent. It should be clear to the Bible student that no signs are given in God's Word as to the precise time, hour, day, or year of the Rapture!

131. There will be countless signs given to Israel and the nations after the Rapture of Christ's Body. And, all of them will be signs of His earthly advent. But since the Lord's Body is Raptured before the Second advent and that many signs of the Second Coming are presently rearing their heads for our observance, we can only surmise as to how near the Rapture must be, since it takes place before the Tribulation. And, since all the signs that have come on the scene in recent years indicate the nearness of our Lord's second advent, it only makes our blessed hope of the Rapture seem as being even more imminent.

132. Commentary . . . Although many signs are for Israel and refer to Messiah's return at the end of the Tribulation, this doesn't mean that these signs cannot be interpreted. A sign along the road may not be for me at all, but if it's in my own language I certainly can read it. If I travel along the highway and I see a sign which reads: "Turn here for the Christian Assemblies' picnic," does this mean that I should do as the sign states? Now I am not a member of that particular denomination and I had no intention of going to that picnic, but this does not prevent me from reading the sign and knowing where and when this get-together is to take place.

133. Therefore, students of the Scriptures can eventually read the Biblical signs of Christ's return and comprehend them. Although you may insist that these signs are primarily for the Tribulation, and that they will climax only after Christ's Body is Raptured. You may also point out that several of these signs only point to the Second advent of Messiah. That is true in many cases, but I still thank God that I can read these signs and know that we are near to that day. There is therefore no excuse for anyone to be ignorant of the meaning of these signs of the times. May God help us to be on the alert and to be like a wise householder who is a strong man and will not be taken by surprise by a thief. { See Matthew 12:29 }.

134. In the light of all this revelation of the Word of God, and the events which today are pointing to the soon return of our precious Saviour, how solemn we should be. And, it is advisable that we ought to make the most of every opportunity to witness for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Certainly the Lord could not have made His Word any plainer than He has. In these messages we have pointed out a large number of signs given by Jesus Himself, by which we might know how late it is on God's time table. There are many other indications besides these which are mentioned in the word of God. One of the most profitable exercises for the Child of God is to search the Scriptures to see how near the coming of the Lord truly must be.

135. We cannot take these things lightly. We must think deeply and take all the signs seriously. One of these days we as Christians will get to meet that Saviour Who gave His all for us that we might have eternal life. Therefore, we shall have to give an accounting to Him not only of how we have lived, but also of how we have used the opportunities and talents entrusted to our care. May the Lord grant us to heed the words of Scripture. And, may we continually keep in our minds the fact that when Christ shall come, we should be ready for His coming . . .

136. Whether it be at noon, supper time or at midnight, let none of us be ashamed of His appearing that we may have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of light and of His eternal peace. In this world that is divided with war and other calamities, we look for Christ as the "Prince of Peace," see { Titus 2:13 }. When Jesus returns, justice, judgment and righteousness will fill the earth. Read { Isaiah 9:6 } again.

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137. { V. 1 } Scripture: "And there shall come forth a rod [ Shoot ] out of the stem [ stock ] of Jesse [ David's father ], and a Branch shall grow out of his roots [ and bear fruit. ] See { Revelation 5:5; - & - 22:16. } . . .

138. { V. 2 }: And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the [ reverential and obedient ] fear of the Lord;

139. { V. 3 }: And [ God the Father ] shall make Him [ Christ the son ] of quick understanding [ and His delight shall be ] in the [ reverential and obedient ] fear of the Lord: and He shall NOT judge [ by or ] after the sight of His eyes, neither [ decide by or ] reprove after the hearing of His ears,

140. { V. 4 }: But with righteousness [ and justice ] shall He judge the poor, and [ He shall ] reprove the equity [ that which is fair and just ] for the meek [ the poor and the downtrodden ] of the earth: and He shall smite the earth [ and the oppressor ] with the rod [ voice, commandments ] of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked,

141. { V. 5 }: And righteousness shall be the girdle [ such as a belt or sash ] of His loins [ waist ], and faithfulness the girdle of His reins, { Isaiah 11:1-5 }." . . .

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142. Commentary . . . The verses in { Isaiah 11:1- through -12:6 } concerns Messiah's millennial reiiign. { Vs. 1-5 }, The time of Messiah's coming was undoubtedly a great puzzle in Old Testament times. Isaiah's prophecies in { Ch. 7-9 } indicated that Immanuel [ meaning God with us ], the vigin-born, "Divine God Child" was soon to appear. However, in this chapter we are given clear indication that the Second coming of Christ will be in the yet distant future. Isaiah predicted that the "tree" of the line of David would be cut down and that a shoot must grow out of the 'root stock' of Jesse before the olive tree [ Israel as a nation ] could flourish again.

143. Isaiah's point was given to show that the kingdom at that time had been sinking so low that the Davidic line would apparently be cut down, and yet somehow will spring forth again in the person of the Messiah. The prophet predicted that the rod . . . [ Hebrew "shoter, shoot or sprout " ] would in the near future come forth out of the stem [ Hebrew 'geza', root stock or stump ] of Jesse [ David's father and the forefather of the Davidic line ]. The imagery of the prophet is that of a felled tree out of whose stump a twig would sprout and from whose root a Branch [ Hebrew 'netser, shoot' ] would again flourish.

144. In verse 2 this shoot is personalized as an individual ruler . . . the Messiah Himself! "The spirit of the Lord" apparently refers to the sevenfold Holy Spirit of God { see Revelation 4:5 }. The spirit [ Hebrew 'ruach' ] is described in a sevenfold personification of wisdom . . . understanding . . . counsel . . . might . . . knowledge and . . . fear of the Lord. Therefore, the reference is not to seven separate spirits. The words for counsel and might are the same as were used in chapter { 9:6 } to describe the divine Child. Certainly the parallel of the statement to that of chapter 9 is amazingly similar.

145. The phrase "And shall make him of quick understanding" in verse 3 should literally be translated "delights to smell," indicating His extreme sensitivity to the fear of God. The picture is that Messiah rejoices in the fear of the Lord just as an offering has been brought to Him. The form is not a finite verb but an infinite construct [ lit., His smelling with delight ]. Because the Spirit of God is upon Him, the Messiah will not "judge after the sight of His eyes;" for He shall have true spiritual vision.

146. He shall "neither reprove" [ settle ] matters after the "hearing of His ears." Rather, the basis of His judgment and His vindication of the poor shall be "with righteousness" [ Hebrew 'tsedeg' ]. It is this righteousness that is the basis of His future millennial reign as Messiah. Thus, He shall rule the earth with 'the rod [ shebet, scepter ] 'of His mouth,' indicating that the rule of the Messiah shall be by the power of His spoken Word, even to the extent that He shall slay the wicked with His 'breath' { see Revelation 19:15 }. It is His righteousness that shall be the girdle [ belt ] that holds together the spiritual greatness of His kingdom on earth.

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147. Scripture: "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain [ Zion, i.e., Jerusalem, the seat of Messiah's throne and millennial government ]: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea, { Isaiah 11:9 }."

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148. { V. 7 } Scripture: "In His [ Christ's ] days shall the [ uncompromisingly ] righteous flourish; and abundance of peace [ shall abound ] so long as the moon endures. { See Isaiah 11:3, 9. }

149. { V. 8 }: He [ Christ ] shall have dominion [ also ] from sea to sea [ and ocean to ocean ], and from the river [ Euphrates ] to the ends of the earth. { see Zechariah 14:9 }.

150. { V. 11 }: Yes, All kings shall fall down before Him: all nations shall serve Him [ During His Millennial reign ]. { See Psalm 138:4. }

151. { V. 17 }: His name shall endure forever: His name shall continue as long as the sun: [ indeed, His name continues before the sun ]. And men shall be blessed [ and bless themselves by and ] in Him: all nations shall call Him Blessed,

152. { V. 19 }: "And blessed be His glorious name forever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen, { Psalm 72:7-8, 11, 17, 19." . . . Read all verses from 7-19 }."

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153. Commentary . . . The Lord told His disciples that He must die, and be nailed to a Cross. Their hopes were shattered. Their minds were troubled because He had told them that one of them would deny Him [ Peter ], and that another [ Judas ] would betray Him. Then He spoke to them with these words.

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154. { V. 1 } Scripture: "Let not your heart [ minds ] be troubled [ or be distressed, or agitated ]: you believe in God, believe also in Me.

155. { V. 2 }: In My Father's house are many mansions [ dwelling places ]: If it were not so I would have told you. [And now ] I go to prepare a place for you.

156. { V. 3 }: And if [ when ] I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also, { John 14:1-3 }."

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157. Commentary . . . "This writer hasn't counted them, but it is said that there are over 1, 800 references to the Second Coming in the Old Testament, and over three hundred in the New Testament. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to re-read the entire Bible just to see how many times it is mentioned, but I am well aware that it is mentioned hundreds of times! I would strongly suggest that you read { Matthew 24:27-31 }. One thing I know, if the resurrection of the Body of Christ and the Second Coming of Christ was only predicted one time in all the Bible I would believe it and teach it!"

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158. { V. 10 } Scripture: "But the day of the Lord [ beginning with the Tribulation Period ] will come as a thief in the night; in the which the [ first and second ] heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the [ material ] elements [ in both of them ] shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the work therein shall be burned up [ that is, cleansed, purged, because of the sins of various kinds that have occurred upon the earth and in the first and second heavens. Remember, the third heaven is where God sets upon His throne and the place where Paradise is ]!

159. { V. 11 }: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought [ each of ] you to be [ in the meanwhile ] in all holy conversation, [ in consecrated and holy behavior and devout and godly qualities ] and godliness, { 2- Peter 3:10-11 }." [ This earth is in the first Heaven and its atmosphere. ]

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160. Commentary . . . We have already given our commentary concerning { Vs. 12-14 } in a previous part of our message, therefore, we will now discus the above two verses. { 10 }: These facts make it clear that "the day of the Lord will come." Peter uses the same figure as Paul in { 1- Thessalonians 5: 2 } to express the imminency of Christ's coming, "as a thief in the night." The description of the judgment of that day is given in the most vivid apocalyptic terms: weird "noise" [ Greek. 'hroizedon,' meaning a "rushing" and "sizzling" sound; the Greek, like the English word is 'onomatopoetic' ], destruction of all the elements by means of burning, and the leveling of all earthly constructions.

161. The last of these descriptions, "the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." This is difficult to understand, but evidently means that everything that has been constructed upon the earth is razed [ demolished ] or pushed away so that the earth itself is exposed and cleansed with fire and nothing that had been on the earth remains. After the noise and the burning, the bulldozer of God's wrath will level everything at the end of His millennial reign in preparation for the city of New Jerusalem to come down upon the new earth, after it is cleansed and reconstructed for eternity.

162. { V. 11 }: Peter now, having reminded his readers of the certainty of that coming day, encourages them to speak in all "holy conversation which [ always means conduct in the Bible ] and godliness." The beginning of { V. 11 } in this version is a bit misleading because of some textual variations and peculiarities of translation. First, note that Peter is not talking about the desolation of 'things' per 'se, but about the judgment and destruction of ungodly people, described in chapter two of his epistle. He speaks about the coming of Christ as a "day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men { 3: 7 }." Although { V. 10 } mentions 'works' being burned up, it is for the punishment of the ungodly false teachers.

163. Peter begins in { V. 11 }, "In the light of the fact that all these ungodly men are to be destroyed [ present tense to make it vivid ] in this way, shouldn't you live your lives in holiness and godliness as you eagerly anticipate the coming of the day of God?" Note the contrast "these" ungodly false teachers, and the emphatic "you" in { V. 11 }. These ungodly false teachers have been trying to lure the Christians into immorality. It should be plain now that, since they will be judged and destroyed, their way is not the way to live. Please re-read { Vs. 10-14 } over again.

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Were There Three Classes Of Humanity In Noah's Day?. . .

164. Commentary . . . It may be wise to gleam some of the evidence concerning the dispensational aspect of religion and industry, during the time before the flood of Noah took place. Plus, there are certain things that we should look at more closely in { Genesis Ch. 5 } that brings out the dispensational and a prophetic picture which is typical to the days just prior to Messiah's return. Before the Flood there were three groups of people, as far as relationship to the flood was concerned . . .

[ 1 ]: There was the prophet Enoch who was [ Raptured ] before the Flood judgment took place.

[ 2 ]: There were also eight people in Noah's family, his wife, three sons, and their wives who passed safely through the waters of the Flood.

[ 3 ]: There was a huge population of people which included a great host of Giants that existed upon this earth, and every one of these people perished in the flood waters poured out by God. [ Read our larger message concerning the Giants. ]

165. Remember these three groups when thinking of the Lord's words, "As it was before the Flood, so shall it be at the coming of Christ." Just fix these three words in your mind: "Before, Through, and In." Enoch was translated up from the earth 'before;' the Flood. Noah's family passed 'through;' the Flood. And . . . the rest of humanity perished 'in' the Flood. In our present dispensational age of grace, there are likewise only three classes of humanity on this earth . . .

[ 1 ]: The lost Hebrew, who will go into the Tribulation Period.

[ 2 ]: The unsaved Gentile, whom will likewise go into the tribulation Period. And . . .

[ 3 ]: The Body of Christ that will be Raptured before the Tribulation Period begins. It will be just as Noah and his family was saved from going into the Flood and being destroyed. This is naturally in relation to the coming judgments of the great Tribulation of which the Flood was a type.

166. The Bible tells us this age will end and a time of terrible chaotic trouble will commence on this earth like nothing that has ever taken place before or will ever take place afterwards. It will be world wide distress and tribulation such as the world has never seen. It will be without precedent or recurrence in history. It is described many times throughout the Bible, and is called the day of the Lord, the day of vengeance of our God, the time of Jacob's trouble, and the Great Tribulation, etc. The Lord spoke of all this in His Olivet discourse and said it would occur in the last days:

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167. { V. 21 } Scripture: "For then shall be great tribulation [ affliction, distress and oppression ], such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. { See Daniel 12:1; - & - Joel 2:2 }. { V. 22 }: And except those days shall [ future tense ] be shortened, there should no flesh be saved [ because no human being could endure and survive till the end of that period ]: but for the elect's sake [ God's chosen tribulation Saints ] those days shall be shortened, { Matthew 24:21-22 }."

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168. Commentary . . . The elect mentioned in the verse refer to those who will be saved during the seven year Tribulation and also to the O.T. Saints who have been promised an earthly Kingdom in the future on this earth. This present age will close and then a time of peril and war and destruction will take place. It will be so great, what with our atomic weapons and supersonic missiles, that God must halt the holocaust, or man would utterly destroy himself. Of this awful day, referred to in Scripture in hundreds of passages, the Flood of Noah was a type and a shadow. As in the days before the flood, there were these three classes of people, so it is today. The Apostle Paul stated:

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169. Scripture: "Give none offense [ that is, do not let yourselves be hindrances by giving offense ], neither to [ No - 1 ]: the Jews, nor to [ No - 2 ]: the Gentiles, nor to [ No - 3 ]: the "Church of God [ in this instance a better translation would be: 'Body of Christ,' which is a much better interpretation from the Greek text" ], { 1- Corinthians 10:32 }."

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170. Commentary . . . The words 'give none offense' means that we must never lead others into sin by our own sinful mode of life. Notice the three classes of people mentioned in this verse: Jews, Gentiles, and the Body of Christ. This includes every single human being in the world today. Every man, woman, and child belong to one of these three groups, according to the Bible. You are ether a Jew, a Gentile, or a Christian. "The fact that you are a Jew, does not mean you are not a Christian." If you are a Gentile you are not a Saint of God. And if you have been born again as a child of God, then no matter what race you were before being "born again into the family of God," no longer are you a Gentile or a Jew except by race.

171. But , you are one of God's Saints and are not of this world but are a member of the eternal Heavenly Host. A Jew is a natural descendant of father Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons who were called, with their descendants, Israelites or children of Israel. The above verse also proves that Israel was not replaced by the New Testament 'Body of Christ' but remains distinct in this age of grace. This also proves that those who teach replacement theology are false teachers who teach Satan's doctrine in our midst.

172. These descendants of Jacob are represented today by the Jewish people, by direct descent from father Jacob. The second group are Gentiles. Every person on the earth before Abraham became the first Hebrew, even though their forefathers were descendants of Shim, Ham or Japheth were classified as Gentiles. But as we have stated in other messages, Abraham according the Scripture became the first Hebrew even before God changed his name from Abram the Caldean to Abraham the first Hebrew. See { Genesis 17:1-5 }. Thirteen years had past since the birth of Ishmael.

173. The words "Almighty God" in verse one of { Ch. 17 } in the Hebrew tongue means "El Shaddai." Shaddai is derived from a related word that means "mountain," thus picturing God as the overpowering, Almighty One, standing on a mountain [ such as he placed Himself while on the mountain handing out the ten commandments! ] The Bible states . . .

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174. Scripture: "And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram "the Hebrew [ meaning, the one who came from beyond ], for he dwelt [ by the oaks or terebinths trees ] in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of A'ner: and these were confederate [ allies ] with Abram, { Genesis 14:13 }."

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175. Commentary . . . This is the first mention of the word "Hebrew" in the Scriptures. Abraham was the first person to be referred to as a Hebrew, an ethnic designation that his descendants derived from him. The word comes from the name of his ancestor, Eber, { Genesis 11:10-14 }. It also had a wider use as a general designation for nomadic people like Abraham, who would have been considered a migrant by the Canaanites, since he came from Ur and Haran. The word "Jew" was mentioned the first time in the tiny book of { Esther 2:5 }. Concerning the Body of Christ, if you are not a Christian, since your birth you have been either a Jew or a Gentile.

176. The third group of people as we have stated are called the Body of Christ. This is a called out company of born-again Children of God who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. They consist of people who were beforehand, both Jews and Gentiles. But, are now united together into the one Body of Christ's Saints. We are one organism, being members of Christ's "One New Man," with Christ Himself as the Head of that Body, { Ephesians 2:15, - & - 4:13 }. We are a mystical Body of Believing Saints. Christians are found among all nations and peoples of every race or color, and are independent of denominational ties or affiliation. All earthly Saints of God are fellow members of the great Body of born again Believers scattered throughout the world.

177. And, all belong to various organizations and denominations, and even though differing in form and mode of worship, after becoming Saints of God are united by one common tie in, through, and of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore should you be asked "what denomination do you belong to," and if you do not want to argue different doctrines, just say: "I belong to the Body of Christ!" By this true statement you are answering truthfully since all true Saints today regardless of assembly association are members of the Body of Christ!

178. With these above three groups in mind - Jews, Gentiles, and 'Saints or born-again Christians,' keep in mind the Lord's words when He said: "As it was in Noah's day, so it will be in the days of Christ's coming." As we have already brought out that in the days before the Flood there was a man called Enoch who was caught up into the air without dying before the Flood took place. Then there was Noah's family that passed through the judgment of the Flood . . .

179. Plus of course, as we have already mentioned those whom were unsaved that were destroyed by being drowned in the waters of the Flood. "As it was so shall it be again," first the Rapture, and then the judgment of the Tribulation Period. Remember that the Flood of Noah was a picture of the coming day of God's judgment upon the earth. This is clear from the record of Enoch when he preached and prophesied hundreds of years before the Flood happened. And again we repeat this verse:

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180. { V. 14 } Scripture: "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord [ will ] come with ten thousands of His Saints,

181. { V. 15 }: To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him [ Christ ], { Jude 14-15 }."

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182. Commentary . . . Enoch's preaching before the Flood looked forward several millenniums in the future after the Flood judgment to that future day when the Lord would come with many thousands of His Saints to execute judgment upon the wicked. After Enoch's preaching was ended, the Lord transferred him from the earth into paradise where all the souls of Saints went at the time of their deaths, before the judgment of the Flood fell. The second group represented by Noah went through the judgment on the Ark and came out safely upon a renovated earth. But, the wicked perished in the Deluge. Surely one cannot fail to see in this the picture today as suggested by the words of Jesus, "As it was . . . so shall it be. . . ."

183. Enoch is an unmistakable type of the Body of Jesus Christ in the world today. He was commissioned just like Christians today to preach the message of coming judgment and the coming of the Lord with tens of thousands of His Saints. Plus, the 144,000 Hebrew ministers during the Tribulation will also be commissioned to teach the Kingdom Gospel to the world throughout the 7 year Tribulation Period, and they will teach the same thing concerning the Second Advent of Messiah.

184. There likely were many godly men and woman who had believed Enoch and Noah and died as Believers before the flood took place. Also, as the Scriptures teach especially in the New Testament, "NO' little children who had not as yet reached the age of accountability, but who had died before the flood, would have gone to the place of the damned because of their innocence.

185. Enoch, alone was Raptured from off the earth before the Flood. He was one person out of the multitude, and he was the type of the "One New Man," the "Body of Christ of today." The Lord's Body of believers today should be looked upon as being one person, one entity, or organism, a Body with Jesus Christ as its Head and its Lord. Like Enoch - we which are Christ's Body, will be Raptured to be with the Lord in the paradise of Heaven "before" the Tribulation Period, which consists of that great and terrible day of the Lord. How wonderful and precious is the promise in { Revelation 3:10 }:

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186. { V. 10 } Scripture: "Because you have [ guarded and ] kept the word of My patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation [ trial ], which shall come upon the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. { V. 11 }: Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have [ so ], that no man [ may rob you and deprive you of or ] take your crown [ of an eternal reward ], { Revelation 3:10-11 }." [ Though salvation cannot be lost, a reward such as a 'crown' can be ], see {1- Corinthians 3:15; - & - 2- John 8 }.

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187. The above { V. 10 } paraphrased: "Because you have guarded and kept My word of patient endurance . . . have held fast the lesson of My patience with the expectant endurance that I give you . . . I also will keep you safe from the hour of trial [ testing of the Tribulation Period ] which is coming on the whole world, to try [ in that time of testing ] those who dwell upon the earth]." [ This proves that, Christians in the Body of Christ won't be on the earth during that 7 year period! { Revelation 3:10. }

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188. Commentary . . . Christ will return quickly! { V. 11 } Above. To the Lord, where time is eternity, this shows that since the Apostle John wrote the words in the Book of Revelation two thousand years ago, time on earth when compared to eternity means very little. But the coming of Christ is the glorious event of which Paul exultantly speaks when he states:

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189. { V. 16 } Scripture: "For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of [ Michael ] the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

190. { V. 17 }: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

191. { V. 18 }: Therefore comfort one another with these words, { 1- Thessalonians 4:16-18 }."

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192. Commentary . . . This is our comforting blessed hope to which we are to look forward, and expectantly and joyfully await. Surely, if we would not be caught away like Enoch before that awful day breaks, there is no comfort in looking ahead. How can we be comforted and rejoice if we have only the prospect of having to suffer and perish in the Great Tribulation? But if we believe the Lord's words, 'as it was . . . so shall it be' . . . "then we have the assurance that the Body of Christ will be Raptured into Paradise before the Tribulation Period takes place. We would be very foolish if we allow some false teacher to use doctrine that would mislead us, and keep us from believing in - and looking forward to our blessed Hope."

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193. Commentary . . . After the Rapture there will be a lull, that is, a time of false security, because the people will believe the lies of the Antichrist and the False Prophet who had promised them peace. And then, suddenly an aftershock of judgment will fall which will be the traumatic events of the Tribulation. The same thing took place after Enoch's resurrection. There was a lapse of time before the rains came and the Flood began. All of this while Jehovah was preparing to bring Noah and his family into the Ark to live on through the actual Flood. So you see the Flood did not follow instantaneously when Enoch was Raptured. So, too, after the body of Christ is Raptured there will be a very short period for the unsaved on earth to proceed into the period of tribulation.

194. This will be followed by the Antichrist making a seven year peace treaty with Israel and then, leading earth's people through a judgment so horrendous that it can never be believed by people that are living during this grace period. Before the terrible Tribulations take place, the cry will go forth that now, since those awful Christians have disappeared, there will be peace and security everywhere. But, it will only be a false peace. As the Jewish people are being blamed for most of the trouble taking place today, Christians have been added to the lists of offenders along with the Jews and are blamed for much of the world's suffering, and are cursed especially by many of the liberals, and wholeheartedly by the Muslims. Notice again how Jesus describes that time:

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195. Scripture: "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be, { Matthew 24:38-39 }."

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196. Commentary . . . Noah's family, therefore, are a clear type of those that will be saved today. They were saved by being rescued on the Ark from death in the flood waters of judgment. And, we Christians today will be rescued in the Rapture before the Great Tribulation judgment is displayed upon this earth. Those that perished in the Flood were a type of the unsaved today.

197. Many unbelievers in the world's nations at large, who like the unbelievers before the Flood will have to pass through the time of tribulation judgment upon this earth during the 7 year Tribulation Period, and the largest part of them will 'NOT' pass the test. But, a host of people, both Hebrews and many of those of the world's nations will be tested, and pass the test, and will be delivered by being protected by Israel's covenant-keeping God. Naturally it will be their souls that will be protected, but their hearts [ minds ] will still have to be tested.

198. People who accept Christ as Saviour and Messiah during the Tribulation will never accept the mark of the beast. Their souls will be eternally saved, from the clutches of Satan and his demon possessed Antichrist. But, they will still have to go through the time of horrible persecution and testing. All the Children of God will have their souls supernaturally protected and sheltered against destruction meted out by Satan and his Antichrist, and also protected from the Lord's wrath upon the world.

199. It is of interest to notice that the Ark of Noah, in which his family was preserved, was sealed and made absolutely watertight to protect those within." That seal was a type of the seal of protection that the Tribulation Saints will receive upon themselves. They will be sealed from eternal judgment with the Holy Spirit Himself Whom will indwell each child of God, their souls will be protected, but still, many of them will be martyred by this false Christ and his followers. See { Revelation 6:9-11. } It has been stated many times that ones body can be harmed but the soul cannot be taken from the person. Jehovah said to Noah concerning the Ark . . .

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200. Scripture: ". . . and . . . shall pitch it within and without with pitch, { Genesis 6:14 }." Commentary . . . Perfect safety was provided, no matter how violently the Ark might be buffeted by the waves. In the same way God will keep a faithful remnant of Israel and also a remnant of the redeemed of the other nations safe in the Tribulation by sealing them against destruction. John says in Revelation:

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201. { V. 1 } Scripture: ". . . I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding [ back ] the four winds of the earth, [ so ] that the wind should not blow on the earth nor on the sea nor on any tree. See { Zechariah 6:5; - Psalm 104:4; - & - Matthew 24:31. }

202. { V. 2 }: And I saw another angel ascending from the east [ from the rising of the sun ], having the seal of the living God: and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given [ granted ] to harm the earth and the sea.

203. { V. 3 }: Saying, "Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." { See Ezekiel 9:4 }.

204. { V. 4 }: And [ then ] I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribe of the children of Israel, { Revelation 7:2-4 }."

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205. Commentary . . . This group of Israelis were sealed for protection, that they might preach throughout the world through the duration of the Tribulation, and proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom, teaching about the salvation offered by Jehovah to those who wished to accept it. Some folks in the past have taught that this hundred and forty four thousand Israelis would be the only Jews on the earth that would be saved during the Tribulation Period. But, this is absolutely not so. It is taught in the O.T. that one third of the Hebrews will be brought through that period of tribulation, see { Zechariah 13:7-9 } mentioned below . . .

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206. { V. 7 } Scripture: "Awake, 0 sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow [ associate ], says the Lord of Hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered: and I will turn [ back ] My hand [ and stretch it out again ] upon the little ones [ of the flock ]. { See Matthew 16:31-32 }.

207. { V. 8 }: And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, says the Lord, two parts [ thirds of the Hebrews ] therein shall be cut off and die; but the [ one ] third shall be left therein [ alive ]. { See Hosea 2:23; - & - Romans 11:5 }.

208. { V. 9 }: And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try [ test ] them as gold is tried [ tested ]: They shall call on My name, and I will hear [ and answer ] them: I will say, it is My people: and they shall say, the Lord is my God, { Zechariah 13:7-9 }."

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209. Commentary . . . We have spoken of these verses in other messages but I believe that we should approach the text in this place with further explanation because it belongs here for further knowledge of the subject. { V. 7 }: The words of this verse are spoken by the Lord of Hosts. He states, "Awake, 0 sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow." The 'sword' is the symbol of judicial power, see { Romans 13:4 } and indicates the power that God has entrusted to human government, in this case Rome.

210. The words "My shepherd" is a reference to Jesus, the Messiah, the second Person of the Godhead. He is the true Shepherd unlike the false shepherds upon whom God's wrath fell, see { Zechariah 11:8 }. The dual nature of Jesus, the Messiah, is clearly set forth: "the man" indicates that He is 100 percent man; "My fellow" [ Hebrew 'amit,' i.e., fellow, friend, companion, associate and ] indicates that He is 100 percent God.

211. There is no stronger way that "the Lord of Hosts" is His intrinsic equal. . .God of very God! The God-man was embodied in human form; and in the accomplishment of His eternal counsel, "the Lord of Hosts" commands the 'sword' to "smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." Jesus applied this statement to Himself, see { Matthew 26:31 }. All the disciples would "take offense" or "fall away" before the night was over { V. 56 }, not only Peter. See again { Zechariah 13:7 }.

212. The scattering of the people should not be limited only to the disciples following the crucifixion of our Lord. It should be understood as applying to the dispersion of Israel as a nation as the context in the prophecy makes plain. Though the "sheep shall be scattered," they will not be forgotten; for Jehovah promises, "I will turn My hand upon the little ones." The Lord promises that He will intervene in behalf of the remnant of Israel, described as "little ones," an expression of His tender affection for them.

213. { V. 8 }: "And it shall come to pass" indicates that there is a great time lapse between the events of verse 7 and verses 8 and:

214. The events of verse 7 took place with the death of our Lord and in the days immediately following, [ A.D. 30 ]. The events of { Vs. 8-9 } take place in the great Tribulation, approximately 2,000 years later. "In all the land," i.e., "in Israel . . . two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein." Two-thirds of Israel's population will die as the result of the wrath vented against them by the Antichrist. One third of Israel's population, the remnant, will survive to go into the Millennial Kingdom.

215. { V. 9 }: describes the purifying process through which the Lord will bring the remnant. God says, "I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried." The great Tribulation has two purposes from God's vantage point . . . to destroy the unbelieving part of Israel and to purify the believing part of Israel and cause them to come to saving faith in Him. This is precisely what shall happen; for "they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is My people: and they shall say, the Lord is my God." This, once again is a reference to national regeneration and salvation in fulfillment of Israel's New Covenant, see { Jeremiah 32:31-34 }.

216. And God will put a seal upon His people that are saved during the Tribulation Period. What this seal of God will consist of we are not definitely told, but it will do for Israel and also for the Gentiles whom will be saved at that time what the Ark did for Noah, therefore, remember Jesus' words, "As it was then, so shall it be again." Just a word concerning the third class who perished in the Flood, all the unbelievers who were left outside the Ark perished.

217. The reason these people perished was because they disregarded the warnings which they all received. The days before the Flood were days of powerful preaching. When we think of those days - we think of violence and wickedness and godlessness, but we must not overlook the fact that it was also an unprecedented age of Gospel preaching which warned men of coming judgment. Enoch and Noah, two of the greatest and most powerful preachers of all history lived and preached in those days, and there may have been many others.

218. Noah was called a preacher of righteousness, and Enoch, the greatest preacher of coming judgment, { Jude Vs. 14-15 }. Remember that all the unsaved perished except Noah and his saved family. The same thing will take place after the Tribulation has ended, the righteous who will have received a seal of safety placed upon them during the 7 years of Tribulation will be saved to enter into the Millennial reign of Christ.

219. But, the unrighteous who had accepted the mark of the beast during that period of tribulation will be cast into outer darkness, because they disbelieved in the Lord and had refused His warning from the ministers that taught them throughout that seven year period. Therefore, as you can see, the same thing that happened during the time of the Flood will again happen at Christ's Second Coming! Remember what we have taught concerning parables of the "Sheep and the Goats" and the "Wheat and the Tares" in { Matthew Ch. 13 and 25 }!

220. The people who perished in the Flood should have known what was coming. They had ample opportunity during the 120 years while the Ark was being prepared to house Noah and his family. They could not have failed to hear about, and even see the labor being put forth in the building of the large ship called "The Ark!" They had heard the preaching of Noah and Enoch, but they blinded themselves to the truth concerning God's warning of the catastrophe that was soon to occur.

221. Naturally the same thing applies to people on this earth in our own age. Jesus made it clear that "as it was in Noah's time, the same thing would take place in the last days." There is a tremendous surge of Gospel doctrine taught concerning the last days of this age of grace, and further more the Lord's Gospel is being sent all around the world by satellite, to be heard in every nation under the sun!

222. Never before have there been more Bibles in the hands of the people in all languages. But, comparatively, few men, believe God's prophetic Word, such as the Ah-millennialist and many others whom have been brain washed by denominationalist, or have failed to receive Christ as Saviour. And, in spite of all the dissemination of the truth, the world is becoming more and more violent and wicked. Yes, the words of Jesus are proven true, "As it was . . . so shall it be . . ." To what class do you belong? It will make the difference in eternity for you.

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223. Scripture: " . . . Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved . . ., { Acts 16:31 }." And again that warning:

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

225. { V. 27 }: They [ the people before the Flood ] did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage [ right up ], until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. { Read Genesis 6:5-8; - & - 7:6-24. }

226. { V. 28 }: Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot [ people in the 5 cities that were close at hand ]; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built [ in construction ];

227. { V. 29 }: But [ on ] the [ very ] same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

228. { V. 30 }. "Even thus [ that is the way ] shall it be in the days when the Son of man is revealed [ at His Second Coming ], { Luke 17:26-30 }." { Read Genesis 18:20-33; - & - 19:24-25. }

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229. Commentary . . . You will notice the very close similarity between the days of Noah and the days of Lot, a similarity so striking that it demands careful study. Jesus gave His disciples the signs of the times, which referred to three different periods, two periods in history, and the third period was to be in the future. [ 1 ]: The "days of Noah," [ 2 ]: the "days of the destruction of the five cities of the plains." [ 1 ]: Sodom, [ 2 ]: Gomorrah, [ 3 ]: Zeboim, [ 4 ]: Admah, and [ 5 ]: Zoar, { Genesis 14:2 }. So you see, there wasn't just one or two cities destroyed but "FIVE" altogether, and at the same time!

230. And, then we have the third period that Jesus was referring to, which consisted of that period of the 70th week of Daniel, the time of Jacob's trouble, otherwise known as the 7 year Tribulation Period yet to take place. Study carefully the conditions which preceded these first two events. And then, Jesus seems to say, and when these conditions are repeated in the world in the latter days, then know that My return is near-even at the very door. Haven't you observed various types of these signs appearing in this present age? This proves that we are in the last days just before Jacob's Tribulation Period "of trouble" is to take place! Signs then will be even much more notable!

231. Commentary . . . Therefore, we repeat, there isn't any excuse for ignorance concerning the signs of Christ's Second Coming with the Rapture preceding it. It has been stated by many ministers that all prophecy in the Bible only concerned the Jewish people, and yes this writer has been guilty of making this statement himself. But, when we think a little deeper we should notice that the Rapture in itself is an event that was foretold by the Apostle Paul in our New Testament, and "if " this isn't prophetic, then what is? Paul prophesied and said, and we repeat this next text . . .

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232. { V. 16 } Scripture: "And the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of [ Michael ] the [ the only ] archangel [ mentioned in the Bible ], and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in [ that is, those whom are deceased members of the Body of ] Christ shall rise first,

233. { V. 17 }: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

234. { V. 18 }: Therefore comfort one another with these words [ future tense ], { 1- Thessalonians 4:16-18 }."

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235. Commentary . . . The dead in Christ shall rise first, when the Lord comes for His people { V. 17 }. Then living Believers will be caught up. From the Latin for "caught up" comes the word Rapture as we have mentioned before. This described both those who have died and those who are living that make up the Body of Christ from its beginning to it conclusion.

236. Notice His coming will be in the air, meaning atmosphere to Rapture His Body of Saints, not to the earth because this has nothing the do with the second return of Christ to fulfill the prophecy of the battle of Armageddon. Naturally this particular Rapture will occur just prior to the beginning of the Tribulation Period. There is no way for the Body of Christ to enter into that period of trouble. See {Revelation 3:10-11 }. This next text was also prophesied by the Apostle Paul when he said . . .

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237. Scripture: "{ V. 51 }: "Behold [ take notice ]! I show [ tell ] you a mystery [ a secret truth ]; we [ who belong to Christ's Body ] shall not all sleep [ in death ], but we shall be changed [ transformed ],

238. { V. 52 }: In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [ sound of the ] last trumpet [ call during this age of grace ]: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed, { 1- Corinthians 15:51- 52 }." [ Read the next few Bible verses in your King James Bible that follow these above two verses ].

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239. Commentary . . . There are many more future N.T. prophetic events that we could show concerning the Body of Christ that are going to transpire yet in the future. Such as the Judgment seat of Christ , and the receiving of our crowns, but for lack of space we won't get into those other things, they will have to await other messages. Now, concerning the times of Noah:

240. Commentary . . . With an open Bible before us we can read the first entire five chapters of Genesis in as little as 30 minutes. Noah and Lot had much in common. Their days were of great abundance. The implication is that eating and drinking were matters of chief concern. People did not eat and drink only to stay alive, but they lived to eat and drink. They were interested only in physical, material things, but had no appetite for spiritual matters and gave no heed to the preaching of what the words of the Lord signified.

241. The meaning of the words "eating and drinking" concerned the abuse of food and drink which implies gluttony and drunkenness. A repetition of those days are present right now in our present age and obviously in your own community. Today it seems that many people live only to appease their appetite. The bars, taverns, night clubs, fast food establishments, and restaurants are every where, not only in large cities but in small municipalities, while many Christian places of worship are closing their doors.

242. The consumption of intoxicating liquors and beer, plus the drug craze in every city and county large and small, are at an all-time high. So-called social drinking has become almost universal with alcoholism increasing at an unprecedented rate. And, many Christians even in their homes in the presence of their own children are unashamedly participants, unknowingly teaching their family members that all this is suitable and fitting.

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And Are A Type Of The Last Days To Come . . .

243. Commentary . . . And what was true in the days of Noah was equally true in the days of Abraham's nephew Lot many centuries later. It was, according to { Genesis Ch. 19 }, an age of the grossest and the most disgusting immorality. We have the sordid record. Two men, [ 'Angels' ] came to visit Lot and warn him of the coming destruction of the city and to assist him in fleeing before fire fell on the city. Lot entertained the two visitors, fed and lodged them that night, and then we read this record of base homosexuality.

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244. { V. 4 } Scripture: "But before they [ i.e., Lot, his family, and the two angels ] lay down [ to sleep ], the men of the city , even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter [ of the city surrounded the house ], { V. 5 }: And they called unto Lot, and said to him, Where are the men which came to you this night? Bring them out to us, that we may know [ that is, be intimate with ] them, { Genesis 19:4-5 }."

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245. Commentary . . . This is the first mention of the sin of "sodomy," just as Lamech and his two wives were the first mention of polygamy previously before the flood. This mention of 'sodomy ' was also the first mention after the flood and just before the doom of Sodom. It was not an isolated occurrence but was the general practice. What a shocking record to read here, that not only the men of Sodom were guilty of this vile practice but even the young boys were among them "old and young."

246. This sin of general immorality was the occasion for God's judgment upon the city and the other four cities close by. The causes for the destruction were many: the occasion seems to have been this final act, and the last straw, just as the illicit cohabitation of the "sons of God: [ wicked angels ]" and the "daughters of man [ in general ]" was the last straw in the days before the Flood. We repeat this next text:

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247. { V. 29 } Scripture: "But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from Heaven, and destroyed them all.

248. { V. 30 }: Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man [ Christ the Messiah ] is revealed [ at, His Second Coming ], { Luke 17:29, 30 }." { See Genesis 18:20-33; - & - 19:24-25. }

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249. Commentary . . . We cannot escape the impact of these words when we look about us, read the papers, and listen and watch the reports on radio and TV. The crime reports in the records are definitely signs of our Lord's return, "as it was . . . so shall it be . . ." These things indeed would be disturbing and discouraging if it were not for the fact that the Bible has predicted through prophecy all these things, and reminded us that they are signs of a latter days when Christ will put an end to humanity's wickedness and godlessness. One of these days Jesus will come to call out His Body of Saints before the Tribulation judgments commence.

250. Right here it is important that we remember that the Flood did not come until "Noah was safe in the Ark," and "Lot and his daughters were brought safely out of Sodom." Noah and his family, first had to be in a secure position to be protected from the flood judgment, so also Lot and his family must be out of the doomed city first before judgment fell. Likewise, the same applies today, the Body of Christ will have to be taken out of this world before the Tribulation Period commences on this earth!

251. What a difference there was between these two men. Both were Saints of Jehovah, but there all similarity seems to stop. Noah is a type of the spiritual Saint, and Lot is representative of carnal Saints. Noah and family were ready to go into the Ark and went voluntarily, while Lot and his family were unprepared and had to be practically dragged out of the city. One would never suspect that Lot was a Child of God at all, if it were not for the testimony of Peter, who informs us about it.

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252. Scripture, { V. 7 } [ That God ]: ". . . delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked, { V. 8 }: [ For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous sole from day to day with their unlawful deeds; ] { 2- Peter 2:7-8 }." { See Genesis 19:7-8. }

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253. Commentary . . . "Just Lot." Literally 'righteous Lot.' He was a righteous man in that he believed Jehovah God and was vexed at the licentiousness of the wicked people about him, though his life was lived for himself. Before the judgment of God in the Tribulation comes, of which both the Flood and the destruction of Sodom are types, Jesus will call out His own Body of Christian Saints to a place of safety from the Tribulation. Both the spiritual and the carnal Christians are taken out. However, the escape of Lot and the safe provision for Noah are quite different. Noah was able to take his whole family along. What a testimony it was to the effectiveness of his life and example.

254. But, with Lot it was very different, he himself was saved so as by fire, while his wife and some of his family perished in Sodom's judgment. Thus, Lot and his family that were saved from the judgment had to be literally snatched out of the flames by the Angels, Read { Genesis 19:16 }. Then consider that Lot went out in shame and disgrace, but he was saved and caught away before the judgment. So to, when Jesus comes before the "day of the Lord [ Tribulation Period ]," all Christians will be Raptured and caught away. There is no partial Rapture portrayed in the Scriptures.

255. Some teachers teach that the spiritual "Noah's" will be Raptured while the "carnal Lots" are left to go through the Tribulation. But, God will never split His Body of Saints. You can be assured that the Body of Christ in all its completeness will be Raptured all at the same moment! Many ministers believe that Lot's two daughters that came out of Sodom had husbands that were left in Sodom and that they were destroyed therein. Personally I do not believe this way. It seems to me, according to { Genesis 19:8, 15, } that Lots two daughters that were in his home were unmarred girls that were virgins, and dwelt with him and his wife. According to this he must have had other daughters that were married to the sons in laws that were left in the city to perish.

256. Nevertheless, as we have stated, there will be no partial Rapture, and neither will there be a mid-tribulation Rapture. Since Noah and Lot's episodes are types of the last days, we must understand that Noah did not go through part of the Flood, nor did Lot get scorched in part of Sodom's conflagration. Both were saved from every bit of the catastrophes. The rest is a different story. For after the Rapture of Christ's Body of Saints, the Judgment Seat of Christ will take place.

257. Here the way separates for the spiritual and the carnal believer. The one will receive rewards; the other will suffer loss. Noah was safe in the shelter of the Ark; Lot fled to dwell in a cave, stripped of everything but his life, with the smell of brimstone in his clothing. So, too, there will be two classes of Christians at the Rapture, to stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Paul says:

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258. { V. 10 } Scripture: "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.

259. { V. 11 }: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

260. { V. 12 }: Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

261. { V. 13 }: Every man's work shall be made manifest : for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

262. { V. 14 }: If any man's work abide which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward,

263. { V. 15 }: If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire, { 1- Corinthians 3:10-15 }."

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264. The above verses paraphrased . . . :

265. "{ 10 }: According to the grace . . . the special endowment for my task that God bestowed on me, like a skillful architect and master builder I laid the foundation, and now another man is building upon it . But, let each man be careful how he builds upon it,

266. { 11 }: For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ, the Anointed Son of God the Father.

267. { 12 }: But if any one builds upon the foundation, whether it should be with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

268. { 13 }: The work of each one will become plainly, and openly known, and shown for what it is; for the day of Christ will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.

269. { 14 }: If the work which any person has built on this foundation and product of his efforts whatsoever survives this test, he will receive his reward.

270. { 15 }: But, if any Christian's work is burned up under the test, he will suffer the loss of it all, losing his reward, though he himself will be saved, but only as one who has passed through fire of testing." { Read Job 23:10. }

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271. Commentary . . . There will be those who, upon passing through the fire of the Judgment Seat of Christ, that will see everything go up in smoke and be saved only by the skin of their teeth. The Apostle Paul states: First a reminder. "I have laid the foundation." The foundation is always the least noticed and the most important part of any building. It was Paul who laid the foundation of the Body of Christ which practically 99 and 9 percent of people call the Church. Concerning the Members with a capital M, Paul had led them to salvation through and with the Gospel of the mystery { see 1 Corinthians 4:15; - & - 3:1-11 }.

272. Paul said: "another builds thereon." This corresponds to { 1 Corinthians 3:6 } where it states that "Paul had planted and Apollos watered: but God gave the increase." Paul went on to say: "Let every man take heed how he builds thereupon." Christian ministers, teachers and all other Children of God are urged to examine and be careful how we all help build up the Body of Christ. Remember: Christ is the builder, and we are to be His helpers!

274. A second kind of material is temporal. "Wood, hay, and stubble." In contrast to the above, these will not withstand the trial by fire. This writer cannot keep from thinking about the homes that were built on the sand at the time of the earthquake in the Indian Ocean where hundreds of thousands were drowned by the sea waves. The foundation of most of those homes were built on sandy beaches which were washed away by the water. Whereas, all the foundations should have been constructed on bedrock no matter how deep the builder had to go to reach bedrock.

275. Concerning the Body of Christ, Paul said: "Every mans works shall be made manifest." While it is possible to hide the true quality of one's service for Christ in this life, there is coming a time when everything will be openly displayed for what it is. The time is given in the words "the day." What day? It will be the day of the judgment seat of Christ. See {1- Corinthians 4:5; - & - 2- Corinthians 5:10 }.

276. "Fire." This word is figurative for judgment. More specifically, it speaks of the absolutely righteous judgment of God. Fire is used here, not for its enlightening power, but its consuming power. Of the six types of material mentioned, three are combustible and three are incombustible. { See also Deuteronomy 4:24; - Malachi 3:2; - 2- Thessalonians 1:8; - & - Hebrews 12:29 }.

277. In { 1- Corinthians 3:14-15 }: of the above text, you will notice the words "Abide . . . Reward . . . Burned . . . and, Loss."

278. This message is primarily about judgment even though at times the reader will think that we are way off key concerning that subject. But, you will notice that what we bring out always leads back to the subject. The results of the judgment are broken into two categories. If a man's work remains undamaged by the fire, accordingly, he receives rewards { Greek , 'misthos,' 'wages,' see Ch. 3:8 }.

279. Of course, it goes without saying that even the "wages" mentioned here are entirely a gift of grace { see Daniel 12:3; - 1- Corinthians 9:17; - 2- John 8; - & - Revelation 4:4; 11-18 }. If a man's work does not endure, and is consumed in the fire, then he shall "suffer loss." Everything he has devoted himself to in this life shall be suddenly swept away. "But he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." It Is important to notice that a Christian whether man or woman does not suffer the loss of salvation, but the loss of rewards. The stress in this entire passage is not upon the Saints relationship to Christ, but upon their service to Christ. The Apostle Paul states:

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281. Commentary . . . The judgment seat of Christ is called the "bema" meaning "judgment seat," and was well known to the Corinthians { see Acts 18:12 }. And, this particular judgment will be made up of Christians only, no lost folks will be in this group. Also, the individual Christian will not be judged in themselves but it will be their works from the time they became Saints till their death, or until the Rapture, that will be judged and tested. And, this judgment will make clear as to whether they will receive rewards or not, and what type of rewards if any.

282. We now approach the above two verses in this way, { 10 }: "For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one of us Christians may receive what is coming to us and according to what our status as good honest God fearing Saints or carnal wayward Saints are. All of this will reveal which category we are in - in the Judge's sight. This will also show what we have done in our physical lives while we were still on the earth, whether it was good or evil. This all is in consideration of what our motives have been, and what we have achieved, and what we gave our attention to whether for good works or luke-warmness.

283. In other words, all will be made clear as to what we have accomplished for the cause of Christ. { 11 }: Therefore, being conscious of fearing the Lord with respect and reverence, we now before our death, seek to win and persuade the lost of humanity over to the Lord that they also will become Children of God. We also hope and pray that what has been stated is plainly recognized thoroughly, understood precisely, and automatically submerged into your conscience . . . that is, by your inborn discernment, and, that you might meditate upon all of it and its rewards for your achievements."

284. Do you belong to the family of Noah which was of the family of God, or the family of Lot which lived in the shadow of gross sin even though, Lot himself was a carnal Believer? As we have said: "At the coming of Christ there will be two classes of Believers. There will be those who will have an "abundant entrance" into Paradise { 2- Peter 1:11 }, and the other will get in by the skin of his teeth. Pay strict attention to the statement the Apostle John gives:

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285. Scripture: "And now, little children, abide [ i.e., live, and remain permanently ] in Him; that when He shall appear [ that is, be made visible to us ], we may have [and enjoy perfect ] confidence [ boldness, assurance ], and not be ashamed [ and thus shrink ] before Him at His coming, { 1- John 2:28 }." [ "John refers here to the Second Coming, but we in the Body of Christ must be ready and unashamed when Jesus comes for us in the Rapture for His Body of Believing Saints ]." Again, John states:

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286. Scripture: "Look to yourselves that we lose not those things which we have wrought but that we receive a full reward, { 2- John V. 8 }."

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287. The above verse paraphrased: "Take care; Look to yourselves that we may not lose throw away, or destroy all that we have labored for, but that all of us may persevere until we win and receive back a perfect reward . . . in full."

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288. Commentary . . . To which class do you belong? Will you have an abundant entrance, or will you be ashamed at Christ's coming? Will you receive a reward, or will you be saved as by fire? One of these days He Who proposed to return will come and then shall began the day of reckoning. How important was the words of the Lord when He said:

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289. Scripture: "Be you therefore ready also; for [ when ] the Son of man returns [ it will be undoubtedly ] at an hour [ and a moment ] when you think not [ that is, when you will not be anticipating His return ], { Luke 12:40 }."

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290. Commentary . . . God has a program for this world and a definite plan for man's sojourn upon the earth. This plan was designed back in the counsels of eternity. There was a time when there was no time, when God was all alone by Himself from a "beginningless." He planed a universe, and when the moment came to create and increase the worlds . . . "He spoke the words, and His creation was established; He commanded, and it stood fast, { Psalm 33:9 }."

291. Among the countless heavenly host of stars [ suns ], planets, moons, constellations and galaxies, the Creator chose at least one tiny speck of matter that we know about. This earth: as the stage in which to reveal one of the greatest demonstrations of His power and wisdom and love as an exhibit.

292. Understand me now, I am not saying that there are no other beings in the universe, for astronomers say there are at least 50 billion worlds out there that are similar to our own. Therefore it would be unwise to state that there are no other humans on other planets, but if there are, naturally we are unaware of it at the present time. Nevertheless, even if there are populated planets throughout the universe, we have to remember that the universe is endless.

293. The Children of God, wherever they may be, will be the showcase for the revelation of His greatness, power, majesty and love. One thing we are aware of is this, that the Lord has purposed to place on this particular little planet, a group of created beings who would reflect His own image. These beings are men, woman and children, and these people known as humanity were to dwell and exist upon this tiny planet. Concerning the existence of creatures on other planets:

294. Whether there is life on other planets is still a matter of speculations, and man is frantically trying to find out by his interplanetary travel, but we do have the revelation of God concerning this planet. In planning the course of the ages of man's sojourning upon it, the Lord, Who is omniscient, foreknew every aspect of man's existence on this and any other earth, even to the smallest detail.

295. Not . . . even a sparrow can fall without God's knowledge and will, and even the very hairs of our head are numbered. God also foreknew and foresaw that man, created in His 0wn image, would become a rebel, disobey God, and bring himself under the curse of God. God also foreknew and planned that after man had fallen and was dead and helpless in trespasses and sin, He would make a way of redemption by sending His Own Son to die for the salvation of these guilty sinners.

296. The Lord was not taken by surprise when man became disobedient. He was not taken unaware when man rejected the gift of His love, and nailed the Son of God to the cross. He knew all about it ahead of time; He planned it all. He permitted man to fall from grace, and then permitted man to reject the Saviour. This indeed poses a great mystery and raises a thousand questions which are difficult to answer.

297. We shall never know all the answers until we reach the end of the road and see God's plan from the viewpoint of Heaven, and even then, there will be countless questions that no answer will be given. At that time we shall be able to look back and see that the Lord has a reason for all He did and permitted to be done, and that He had a plan which would reveal His mystery, love and wisdom, a revelation which only this Divine plan could demonstrate.

298. While evil, and resulting death are hard to explain in the light of a loving, sovereign Creator, we must accept by faith the perfection of His eternal plan. We cannot escape the fact that God is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and sovereign. He could have created humans who could not sin, but instead He created Adam, and then Eve, as free moral agents who could sin. The Lord was well aware beforehand that our first parents would sin. After the Lord created man who could sin, He certainly had the power to keep him from sinning; yet He obviously decided not to stop him, but permitted man to disobey His commandments.

299. Who is it that is able to comprehend the Lord's actions and future plans? Certainly not this writer! But, every human being must accept everything the Lord does and believe that He has a Divine reason for everything, and that God will make no mistakes. As the Lord fulfills His future plans, we shall see the outcome of many of them, and as time goes on we should realize that our Maker will eventually explain what He wants us to comprehend!

[ Heading No. 63 ]. Only The Plain Truth Concerning Bible Doctrine Should Be Taught . . .

300. In spite of many things which are unrevealed, the Lord has made enough known for us to see His Divine hand in His plans for this old earth. We know that God's dealings with man are moving toward a definite unchangeable goal. His program is to reveal a tremendous part of His wisdom, love, majesty and power to all the world. He has demonstrated that love and majesty in the sending of His Son to one of the tinniest of the planets.

301. The Lord has blessed the most unworthy of His creatures, and is making of them the recipients of salvation, His greatest blessing. All events of history are moving toward that one goal. This will be the final demonstration of the victory of the Son of God. Everything which is happening in the world today has a necessary part in that achievement.

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