Psalm 122:1

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection upon good things. As children of God, we have far more to be thankful for than most. For instance, because of what Jesus did, when He willingly laid down His life for the salvation of all who would believe on Him, we have more blessings than can be numbered. One special blessing we currently have in America is the ability to gather in the house of the Lord where we worship Him, learn from His Word, and fellowship with those of like mind. Sadly, as we see the rapid advancement of the “Great Falling Away,” ^[1] we are beginning to experience the diminishment of this gathering, even in the most faithful churches. Today, in an effort to combat this, we address “Why We Gather More as We See the Day Approaching.”

Very concisely, the Day of the Lord is a period of time in which the Lord fulfills the remainder of the prophetic events foretold in Scripture. Most believe this ‘Day’ begins with the seven-year Tribulation period, which comes upon the earth after the rapture. Our daily experiences validate the approach of the Day of the Lord as we see the fulfillment of the prophetic words spoken to Daniel about the increase of knowledge and travel in the last days:

Daniel 12:4

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Emphasis mine

Because of the increase of knowledge and the many comings and goings we experience on a daily basis, we usually have more to do than we have time, and because of this, we must prioritize everything we do. Sadly, a lack of understanding of “Why we Gather More as We See the Day Approaching” has caused many to place the lowest priority upon gathering with the saints, the very thing we need the most, especially now.

We find the perfect antidote to the problem at hand in the tenth chapter of the book of Hebrews. After the writer speaks about Christ’s perfect sacrifice that was sufficient to replace the annual sacrifice of insufficient animals, he calls for the saints to persevere. One of the chief points he makes about maintaining our enduring faith is the fact that we are to gather more as we see the day approaching,” not less. Sadly, we see in our ever-so-busy society a growing disregard for this call.

Hebrews 10:22-25

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”^[2]

Although our main point is gathering more, not less, this passage provides so much more information than that. In just these three verses, we see the why for meeting. First, we are to draw nigh unto God, which we know from James 4:8 causes Him to draw nigh unto us:

James 4:8

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

In this same passage from James, we see the call for purification that is akin to what we see from the writer of the Hebrews text. Hebrews – We are to have our hearts sprinkled (James – purify our hearts) Hebrews – from an evil conscience and our bodies washed (James – hands cleansed) with pure water. However, James adds plain language about the things that hinder our ability to draw near to God. Whereas, the writer of Hebrews only alludes to the same.

James boldly calls for sinners to cleanse their hands (turn from sin) and the double minded to purify their hearts (focus on Christ); but, whom is he talking to, the lost ones of the world, or is he talking to supposed Christians? The context of the passage explains this clearly:

James 4:8-11

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren…” emphasis mine

James is speaking to brethren; therefore, by extension, he is encouraging the entire body of Christ to purge any obstruction that prohibits the ability to draw nigh unto God. Remember, sin (self) can never inhabit the same place as God. This means that if we want God to inhabit more of our hearts, we must make room for Him by eliminating the things that hinder this. The story of Noah and the children of Israel, when God informed them to purify themselves so He could draw nigh unto them at Mount Sinai, comes to mind here. Sadly, after God arrived, only Moses drew near to God, the rest of the people were too afraid (Ex 20). Perhaps this is because they had not purified themselves. We can assume this is the case, as they convinced Aaron to make the golden calf shortly after this incident (Ex 32).

Next, we are encouraged to “hold fast to our profession of faith without wavering” (v. 23). We must resist the urge to squelch our commentary on Jesus just because many desire that we stop proclaiming our faith in Him. Sadly, we have seen the steady creep of the removal of Jesus from the public square for quite some time. Case in point: as a child, I would never have dreamed that we would live in a country that removed monuments depicting the Ten Commandments while promoting the rainbow flag as sacred and protected. ^[3] We must continue to speak the truth in love.

Finally, when we do come together, we are to consider one another, or, said another way, we are to ponder what we can do to encourage each other to love and good works. The latter part of verse twenty-five bears this out and adds urgency by stating that we should exhort one another even more as the day of the Lord approaches.

The ‘ready remnant’ ^[4] throughout the land is well aware that we are in the closing moments of the age of grace. With our departure at the rapture, the day of the Lord begins as the restrainer, the Holy Spirit within the faithful, ends His mission of restraining and allows the lawless one to rise (2 Thess 2:6). This message is not rapture, restrainer, or lawless one focused; therefore, we will move on with our main purpose, the encouraging of the body of Christ to be even more involved with one another in order to stir each other for the purpose of loving the lost while doing good works as directed by the Holy Spirit of God.

Perhaps the most beneficial way to love the lost is to share the gospel with them while doing good works for them. This is certainly what Soldiers of the Way do. ^[5] However, we must not embark on this mission without understanding the gospel of Christ. It is also very important to know why we have a gospel in the first place. Here is God’s reason:

John 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

The Apostle Paul describes the gospel this way:

1 Corinthians 15:1-6

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

The Word of God has clearly defined why we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and exactly what it entails. In its basic essence, the gospel proclaims the need of a Savior; that Christ (the sinless one) died for the remission of sin; that He rose again; and now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Our belief in the sufficiency of what Jesus did is all that is required of us for salvation. Accordingly, good works stem from salvation; they do not cause it (Eph 2:8-10).

Conclusion

What a privilege to be able meet freely and converse openly about Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is to have the freedom to read our Bibles whenever we wish. Our blessings are abundant. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity we have to gather and stir one another up by encouraging each other with your Word. Thank you for showing us that we need to do this even more now that we see the day of the Lord rapidly approaching. Grant unto us great boldness to proclaim your gospel to the lost and dying so they, too, come to know you.

I have chosen to end all of my future articles with this ***Special Message***

It is vital that we persevere in our mission to share the gospel of Christ to anyone the Lord places in front of us. Above all, remember, we must not engage the enemy or attempt to engage in evangelism in our own power, for it is only in the Lord that we can succeed in these endeavors. After all, the Scripture tells us that we can do all things through Christ, which strengthens us (Phil 4:13). With this knowledge, after dawning the full armor of God, go forth and “Be – Salt and Light,”^[6]as good “Soldiers of the Way.”^[7]

Website: In His Commission

View this week’s sermon, which features this article on our Facebook page.

[1] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Falling Away.”

[2] “Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the King James Version.”

[3] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Coming False Flag of Pride.”

[4] For greater understanding, see the web page, “Ready Remnant.”

[5] For greater understanding, see the web page, “Soldiers of the Way.”

[6] For greater understanding, see the article, “Be – Salt and Light.”

[7] For greater understanding, see the article, “Soldiers of the Way.”

 

(There is a special message at the end of this article for those who might happen to read this and do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the present-day insanity and confusion.)

There is an almost frenetic emphasis being placed on “peace” at the present time. It is primarily focused on the ongoing war that is raging (in this current iteration) between Israel and the many adversaries that are united in their hatred of “the Jews.” Those who shriek and scream for it do so, it seems, as though it is the only case of violence and open conflict in the world.

It even eclipses the present building panic related to Ukraine, Russia, the “West” and the looming threat of WWIII.

This is just as God’s Word has prophesied.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling to all the surrounding peoples” (Zechariah 12:2).

And indeed, it is.

While there is no shortage of “wars and rumors of wars” at the moment, this article is written as it relates to Israel, to most of the rest of the world relative to this current conflict, and those who cry out for “peace and security.”

It is written as well to people who need but don’t have Jesus in their lives. He is where the rubber meets the road, so I hope you will continue to read to the end.

This clamoring by the world is for peace at any cost, and the world is willing for that cost to be paid by the State of Israel and the Jews in particular. Peace at the expense of their safety.

Meanwhile, its enemies will, as they always have, re-arm, re-group, re-strategize, and then execute their plan to try again. No amount of paper soiled by insincerity will change the hatred that has and continues to fester over millennia.

Why do I say this? Because if Israel does make a peace “agreement” with the plethora of the enemies it is now fighting, they will not achieve any kind of peace at all but a temporary reprieve that will be filled with anxiety waiting for the next attack which will surely come, and that with more advanced and deadly weapons. It is what it is.

Israel has no legitimate “peace partners” to make “peace” with. There are only enemies who continue to swear to “push the Jews into the sea.”

It should be noted if one is willing to acknowledge reality, Israel did not start this conflict on October 7 of 2023.

Eventually, Israel will finally make that critical error, the covenant with death and hell, and it will bring on the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, also called the Tribulation and Daniel’s Seventieth Week, and it will bring about God’s promised judgment.

That time will be preceded by the removal of God’s True Church, the Bride of Christ, as he has promised. The revealing of antichrist and the acceptance of him as the “solution” to the world’s ills in place of the True Christ will be directly dealt with by El Shaddai, God Almighty.

“Your covenant with death will be annulled, And your agreement with Sheol will not stand; When the overflowing scourge passes through, Then you will be trampled down by it” (Isaiah 28:18).

Truth: God’s prophetic Words will be fulfilled in perfect detail.

False Perception: That man can bring about real peace and solve the “Middle East crisis” on his own.

“They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14 / Jeremiah 8:11).

Jesus, in the Olivet Discourse, as it is commonly referenced, said this:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

This is the only place in God’s Word where this word is used. What does Jesus mean when He uses that term?

According to Strong’s concordance, in the Greek – #1518 (pacificatory/peaceable), but it references it to #1515 as implying: (prosperity – (one, peace, quietness, rest – set at one again). Emphasis added by me.

“Set at one” implies that all are in agreement and that they are sincere about the objective they seek and that this will result in “quietness and rest.”

“All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD” (Proverbs 16:2).

Who are these current “peacemakers,” and do they truly seek a “peaceful resolution” to the ongoing warfare between Israel and their enemies? Or:

• Are they only seeking their own glorification in the eyes of the world?
• Are they surreptitiously seeking the destruction of Israel and the Jews, and think they know that a “cease fire” will bring about that result, having no awareness of God’s clear statement in (Jeremiah 31:35-37) that this will never happen?
• Are they simply ignorant and without knowledge of human history (yet still accountable for their actions)?
• Do they delude themselves just for the sake of a false sense of what they perceive as “peace and safety?

We can’t know the innermost thoughts of others unless they explain them. However, in this world of purposeful deceit and strategic lies, we must be very skeptical.

Such is not the case with God.

“The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity” (Psalm 94:11).

“Such a person feeds on ashes; a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” (Isaiah 44:20).

This precedent that has been set in past history (1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, 2006, and now Oct 7, 2023) is beginning (if these reports contain any truth) to manifest once again.

https://allisrael.com/israel-set-to-accept-lebanon-ceasefire-to-be-declared-on-tuesday-despite-protests-from-northern-mayors

What will be the end result of this attempt to circumvent God?

“For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Note: As of this writing (November 27), it is being reported that a cease-fire “agreement” will be in place by sometime today.

I am NOT saying the report in the above article, if it results in a ceasefire, would fulfill the prophecy of (Isaiah 28:18). That will be fulfilled when beleaguered and weary Israel accepts a 7-year “peace guarantee” from the “man of perdition”: antichrist.

“And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him” (Daniel 9:27).

I am NOT saying that all the efforts to restore peace between Israel and its adversaries should be abandoned, but it must be soberly understood that they will eventually fail.

Reality is not optional.

Now to the crux of this article.

During these days of strife, grief, uncertainty, wars and rumors of wars, the Lord of Glory is bringing many unsaved people to repentance. But they must open the door of their hearts and spirits to Jesus Christ and Him alone, and they must do so in their living years. In His own Words:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

If you have thus far rejected Jesus for whatever reason, experience no inner peace and are anxious about the future, I hope you will read the (Special Message) at the end of this article.

If you know the joy and security of our Savior, pray without ceasing for those who don’t. Be bold in proclaiming Him. We only get one life in this world to plant the seeds of eternal life. Time is getting short.

The special message I promised you:

For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore has no hope or peace in your life.

You can have hope. You can have the peace that Jesus has promised to all who have made Him their Lord and Savior. The peace that passes understanding.

It requires that you come before God on His terms and that you do so in your living years.

And, what are His terms according to His Word?

• Genuine repentance (turning to God instead of continuing to reject or ignore Him).
• Confession of sins (that you are a sinner and acknowledge that to God).
• That you understand that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
• To acknowledge to God that you are unable to pay that debt.
• Belief that Jesus Christ paid your death sentence for you on the cross and rose from the grave three days later, conquering death, just as He promised.
• To believe that Jesus is the Way, the only Way, that God has established by which humans may be saved from the consequences of their sin and rebellion.

God has made it absolutely clear that there is no one who comes before Him, under His terms, that will be refused.

• No one: no race, no color, no country of origin, regardless of any previous belief system: no one.
• No matter what your past sins have been, God can and WILL forgive you because He says He will.
• Salvation is available to everyone without any exceptions.

If you put all your trust for salvation in Jesus, and Him only, you can follow that prayer up by simply saying, “Thank you, Father God, for hearing my prayer and saving me,” because we can trust Him to keep His Word. He always has. He always will.

“Truly, Truly, I say to you that he who hears My words and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed from death to life” (John 5:24).

There are no answers and there is no hope in the world by governments, organizations, politics or politicians. There are only lies and deception. But you can have the Truth and the peace you seek.

The answers are in the Word of God—The Bible. If you ask God, with all your heart, He will hear you.

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Pro Salvator Vigilans                      

To contact me: canoeman96@gmail.com