“When All the Workers of Iniquity Flourish”

Tags

end time, Last Days, New World Order, Psalm 2, Psalm 92, Psalm 96, Todd Callender

In case you missed it and since things are going so fast and appear to be under the radar because the news media doesn’t cover it in the nightly news, here are some things that have been transpiring in recent days. I will only give a summary. For more detailed information please refer to the articles listed below.

To begin with, the new world order is advancing via the members of the World Economic Forum which includes most if not all leaders of the nations of the world including, Vladimir Putin (Russia), Justin Trudeau (Canada), Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukraine), Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand), Scott Morrison (Australia), Naftali Bennett (Israel), Emmanuel Macron (France), Prince William and Prince Charles of England, etc. Even the president of the U.S. has recently stated that the United States must lead in this new world order. Truly, they all have their part to play in the grand worldwide stage production.

Though green passes and vaccine passports and mask mandates have been dropped recently, a new digital ID is advancing and will soon be implemented. The first country to implement this World Economic Forum plan is (drum roll please) Ukraine. That’s right. Ukraine. The country that is in the middle of an intense war. The country that is being attacked with its citizen’s fleeing and towns being left in rubble. Ukraine someway, somehow found the time between hiding in bomb shelters to implement a new digital ID.

And it is only the first country to do so. Others are in lockstep behind them such as Ontario, Canada. Though Canada recently got rid of the vaccine passport and unlocked the accounts of the truckers, they have since been feverishly working on utilizing a new digital ID system as laid out by the World Economic Forum. Tech giants are also diligently and tirelessly working on applying a digital ID system around the world.

As the economy is taking a hit with rising prices on gas, food, fertilizer and well, everything, and as talk of WWIII comes to the forefront, the need for a one world ruler is also arising. As Zelenskyy and the news media hype the idea of WWIII and all of the lack and famine that is soon to come, people are desperately looking for someone to lead them into an era of peace and security, someone who will speak comforting words to them, someone who will take charge, who will know what to do, someone charismatic and powerful.

And on top of this, there is the elites’ plan of necessary genocide, depopulation, or whatever term you want to apply to it that is taking place via the vaccines. People are dropping like flies, and in the military alone the mortality and morbidity rate has risen over the last year by 1100% according to Todd Callender who is a “disabled rights activist attorney…who is actively defending US servicemen from being forced to take the operating system jab.” (The TruNews Interview link is found below). After all, the vaccines shut off the immune system of the one who received the jab and in effect create an auto immune deficiency (AIDs). He also explains how the mRNA in both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, is a patented product and that according to patent law, anyone who has been injected with that product is now owned by the patent holder. There is a whole lot more to Mr. Callender’s interview including information about the vaccine being a computer operating system that can be activated by the operator, FEMA camps and AIDS, the 2005 International Health Regulations as part of a WHO response wherein 190+ countries signed away their rights of sovereignty to the WHO in the event of a pandemic, etc. I encourage you to listen to it. It is important to be informed.

But, more importantly, I want to remind us today of God’s plan too as found in Psalm 2. As most world leaders pull together a new world order and new digital ID system and the introduction of antichrist or at least the need for him and the new world order, they are in effect rejecting God. But, this comes after years of the nations themselves rejecting God, and with that rejection comes the consequence of God’s judgment.

Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 give a good picture of what happens when a nation dedicated to God continues to reject Him, and Isaiah 24 shows the consequences of a world that has rejected Him. Though many Christians dismiss the notion that God will continue to allow the world leaders to lead the world into a new world order, they seem to forget the fact that humanity has rejected God and is unrepentant about it. America has rejected God. Israel has rejected God. Britain has rejected God. China has rejected God. India has rejected God. Taiwan has rejected God. Evil is rampant. Immorality is the norm. Lawlessness is the law. Worldwide.

Furthermore, God already has told us in His Word that there is an end of all things coming, a culmination of all things, even the “revelation” of Jesus Christ also called the time of Jacob’s Trouble, which is fearsome to unbelievers who call this earth home. And Jesus gave all the signs of the end of the age, and promised that when we even begin to see all of those signs that believers are to look up – not down, not give furtive glances to the left and right, not duck and cover, not run and hide, not stockpile food because really bad days are coming – but look up! He encourages believers to lift up their heads, to get up, for their redemption is drawing near!

Yes, there is an end to the story here on earth. Yes, that end is swiftly approaching. But it is not swiftly approaching because of the plans of evil leaders, but rather, because God is in control and is bringing this world and all its evil to a swift conclusion. This is not about evil people triumphing in their exploits. This is about evil flourishing for a split second and then being chopped down and thrown into the eternal fire. As Psalm 92:7 states, “When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, It is that they may be destroyed forever.” Indeed, Jesus said in Luke 12:49, ““I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”

Let us not be dismayed by what we are seeing. Instead, let us be excited; let us sing and declare his glory and worship Him in spirit and in truth, for the righteous Judge is coming! In the words of Psalm 96, “9Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.10Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns; The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved;He shall judge the peoples righteously.”11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;12Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice13 before the Lord. For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth.”

So be it!

Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!

So be it!

Looking Up,

Holy Light Ministries

Do Not Be Deceived: Ukraine

Psalm 2: Bible Prophecy Unfolding Now

Isaiah 24: The Shaking of the World

“Todd Callender: Genetic-altering Vaccines Could Nullify Human Rights,” February 18, 2022, https://www.trunews.com/stream/todd-callender-genetic-altering-vaccines-could-nullify-human-rights

News Links

“Biden declares ‘there’s going to be a new world order’ in address to business executives,” March 22, 2022, https://www.theblaze.com/news/biden-declares-there-s-going-to-be-a-new-world-order-in-address-to-business-executives

Quote: “And now is a time when things are shifting,” Biden continued, “We’re going to — there’s going to be a new world order out there, and we’ve got to lead it. And we’ve got to unite the rest of the free world in doing it.”

“Venezuelan President Calls for a World Free from Economic Domination of an Empire,” September 21, 2021, https://mltoday.com/venezuelan-president-calls-for-a-world-free-from-economic-domination-of-an-empire/

Quote: President Moduro of Venezuela says, “It is our spaces that must be strengthened, it is sovereignty. A new world is being reborn, to put an end to the hegemons and the pretension of some to set themselves up as judges of all things. We need a new UN, so that we can all share life and solidarity along the just path of a necessary order”, he said.

“Ukraine Just Silently Announced It’s the First Country to Implement the WEF’s ‘Great Reset’ by Setting up a Social Credit Application Combining Universal Basic Income (UBI), a Digital Identity and a Vaxxine Passport All Within One App,” March 18, 2022, https://www.australiannationalreview.com/state-of-affairs/ukraine-just-silently-announced-its-the-first-country-to-implement-the-wefs-great-reset-by-setting-up-a-social-credit-application-combining-universal-basic-income/

“Big Tech, World Leaders are Quietly Preparing Digital Ids to Monitor, Crush Freedom Fighters Around the Globe,” March 12, 2022, https://lorphicweb.com/big-tech-world-leaders-are-quietly-preparing-digital-ids-to-monitor-crush-freedom-fighters-around-the-globe/

“World Economic Forum Document Outlines Plan To Push Digital ID, Vaccine Passports,” February 17, 2022, https://yournews.com/2022/02/17/2300926/world-economic-forum-document-outlines-plan-to-push-digital-id/

“Russia to Phase Out Paper Passports by 2022,” July 19, 2019, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/07/19/russia-to-phase-out-paper-passports-by-2022-a66489

“NEWSCanadian Bankers Association and WEF push for Canandian national ID,” March 1, 2022, https://westernstandardonline.com/2022/03/canadian-bankers-association-and-wef-push-for-canadian-national-digital-id/

“Ontario still plans to roll out Digital ID, even after scrapping vaccine passports,” February 15, 2022, https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ontario-still-plans-to-roll-out-digital-id-even-after-scrapping-vaccine-passports/

“Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is Tied to Klaus Schwab, Justin Trudeau, and other global elites,” https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/why-would-the-ukrainian-president-cite-justin-trudeau-as-an-inspiration/

“Klaus Schwab Brags that Trudeau, Merkel, Putin, are Former World Economic Young Global Leaders’ “We Penetrate the Cabinets”,” January 2022, https://theamericanreport.org/2022/01/30/klaus-schwab-brags-that-trudeau-merkel-putin-are-former-world-economic-forum-young-global-leaders-we-penetrate-the-cabinets/

“Putin, Trudeau Both Part of the World Economic Forum’s Leadership Training,” March 2, 2022, https://headlineusa.com/putin-trudeau-both-part-of-world-economic-forums-leadership-training/

Zelensky (Ukraine) is a member of the WEF, https://www.weforum.org/people/volodymyr-zelenskyy

Naftali Bennett (Israel) is a member of the WEF, https://www.weforum.org/people/naftali-bennett

“Israeli Prime Minister Remarks at World Economic Forum,” January 18, 2022, https://www.c-span.org/video/?517301-1/israeli-prime-minister-remarks-world-economic-forum

Emmanuel Macron (France) is a member of the WEF, https://www.weforum.org/people/emmanuel-macron

“Prince William Launches Prestigious ‘Earthshot Prize’,” January 8, 2020, as proudly posted on the WEF website, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/prince-william-earthshot-prize-environmental-challenges/

“‘A Golden Opportunity’: HRH the Prince of Wales and other leaders on the Forum’s Great Reset,” June 3, 2020, as posted on the WEF, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/great-reset-launch-prince-charles-guterres-georgieva-burrow/

Economic Forum trained many leaders including Scott Morrison, Jacinda Ardern and Justin Trudeau,” February 2022, https://cairnsnews.org/2022/02/18/world-economic-forum-trained-many-leaders-including-scott-morrison-jacinda-ardern-and-justin-trudeau/

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Do Not Be Deceived: Christ’s Immanent Return for His Bride

Tags

and then the end will come, Christ coming for His bride, Christ's Immanent return, Christ's Return, End Times, Harpazo, immanent rapture, Last Days, Matthew 24, Matthew 24:14, nations tribes peoples and tongues, return of the Lord, Revelation 7:9, the catching away, the gospel will be preached in all the world, The Rapture

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Matthew 24:14 states, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Regarding this passage there are those who are saying that Jesus cannot come in the rapture yet because the gospel of the kingdom has not yet been preached to all nations. They even add padding to this argument by quoting Revelation 7:9 which says, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands…” Those with this belief then state that not all people groups of the world have been reached, and therefore, Jesus cannot come yet. Maybe in ten years, but not yet.

On that note, there are two things that must be pointed out. Number one, the gospel will continue to be preached throughout the Great Tribulation period, and people will come to Christ. Many of those Tribulation believers will be beheaded for Christ during that time as well. As it says in Revelation 20:4, “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands.”

Furthermore, angels in the heavens will declare the everlasting gospel as Revelation 14 clearly states, “6Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

Secondly, when Jesus in Matthew 24 says “and then the end will come” He is not referring to the rapture of the Church, but rather, the end of the age which happens at His second coming. There is a difference. The rapture is when Jesus takes His Bride UP. The Second Coming is when Jesus and all His saints come DOWN. It is at His Second Coming that He sets His feet down on the Mount of Olives, wipes out those gathered for Armageddon, and sets up the Millennial kingdom (Revelation 19-22; Zechariah 14).

If we want to get a bit more detailed, let’s breakdown what nations, tribes, peoples and tongues actually mean. “Nation” is the word ethnos (1484) meaning a race practicing a common culture, and is used of the Gentile world. “Tribe” is the Greek work phule (5443) meaning a lineage of a common ancestor. It is used thirty-one times in the New Testament, and fifteen of thirty one occurrences are in Revelation. Each one of those fifteen times it is used in Revelation it is referring to the tribes of Israel. “Peoples” is the word laos (2992) meaning people, specifically, God’s chosen people, believers, whether the believing Jews of the Septuagint (the Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament), the first Jewish Christian converts, or Christians in general. The word laos forms the root of the English word for laity. “Tongues” is the word glossa (1100) meaning languages that set apart each nation as separate and distinct. Thus, those before the throne in the scene of Revelation 7 are races sharing a common culture, the tribes of Israel, Jewish and Gentile Christian believers, and the languages of the races.

Interestingly enough, all nations and languages and dialects were represented on the day of Pentecost as seen in Acts 2. “5And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” Additionally, Colossians 1:5-6a, 23b says, “because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6which has come to you, as it has also in all the world…the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven…”

When we look back to Matthew 24:14, Jesus clearly stated that the gospel will be preached in all the world. The Greek word for “world” is oikoumene (3625) which means, “the inhabited earth.” HELPS Word-studies reveals that this word is very specific when it says, “3625 (oikouménē) literally means “the inhabited (land).” It was “originally used by the Greeks to denote the land inhabited by themselves, in contrast with barbarian countries; afterward, when the Greeks became subject to the Romans, ‘the entire Roman world;’ still later, for ‘the whole inhabited world‘”.” For the sake of context, in the days of the writing of Matthew 24, the word for world was taken to mean the civilized Roman empire.

Thus, God fulfilled His word on the Day of Pentecost, has been fulfilling it throughout Church history, is fulfilling it right now, and will continue to fulfill it during the Great Tribulation – His promise of spreading the gospel to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue. And then the end of the age – the second coming of Christ – will come. And this in no way conflicts with Christ coming for His Bride in what is referred to as the rapture/harpazo/the snatching away/catching away. It does not conflict because they are two entirely different things.

Thus, in response to those who use Matthew 24 and Revelation 7 to support their belief that Christ cannot come yet, have misunderstood what Jesus means by “the end” and have forgotten that the gospel will continue to be preached throughout the Tribulation period. Not only this, but even in the time of Peter and Paul, the gospel had already been preached to all nations and languages and creatures, even the whole world. This therefore, is not a valid argument.

Jesus’ rapture of His Bride is immanent. Nothing has to happen before He comes for His Church. When one looks at Matthew 24, Luke 17 and 21, and Mark 13 and sees in the news the very things that are written therein exploding on the world stage and before our very eyes, things that are heralds of the second coming, then one can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the rapture could happen at any second. We are that close. We are breathlessly close. He is near, even at the door. Let’s be ready!

Looking up,

Holy Light Ministries

References:

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, by Spiros Zodhiates

Bible Hub Interlinear Online

HELPS Word-study from Bible Hub Online

Do Not Be Deceived: Ukraine

Tags

2 Thessalonians 2, antichrist, End Times, God's plan, How to pray for russia, How to pray for Ukraine, Last Days, Matthew 24

To begin with, this website is not political. I do not play games nor do I take sides. I hate politics. I hate lying. And I hate deception even more. But, when I see Bible prophecy unfolding, I have to address it. When I see a deception in action, I have to at least point it out to whomever will look and listen and consider.

So, what is really going on in Ukraine? Has anyone else been wondering how a major world power like Russia has not easily and quickly smashed little Ukraine? I mean, come on. Really? Russia is that weak?

That which is unfolding in this Ukrainian crisis is the planned economic collapse of Russia and the world, the implementation of a new WEF digital ID system (a precursor to the Mark of the Beast), and the introduction of antichrist onto the world scene (not just an antichrist, but the antichrist of Daniel, Revelation and 2 Thessalonians 2). That is it in a nutshell. That is as succinct as I can be.

All in all, Jesus’ words from Matthew 24 are playing out in living color right in front of us: wars and rumors of wars (first in Armenia and Azerbaijan https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/16/europe/armenia-azerbaijan-ceasefire-intl-hnk/index.html, and now in Ukraine, and talk of China attacking Taiwan https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3170649/taiwan-live-fire-drills-islet-closest-mainland-china-underscore, and talk of China and India amassing troops on their shared border https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/2022/03/13/china-india-border-negotiations-inconclusive-but-further-talks-confirmed/, and North Korea and Iran getting trigger happy https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iran-claims-missile-barrage-us-consulate-iraq-83428598; https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/north-korea-fires-suspected-missile-sea-off-east-83135202, and India “mistakenly” firing a nuclear missile into Pakistan https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/11/asia/india-pakistan-missile-intl-hnk/index.html). Furthermore, famine and scarcity are just around the corner, and are being attributed to COVID and the war in Ukraine. Ethnicity rising against ethnicity (like BLM); earthquakes are in diverse places (which has to do with all natural disasters, like all the flooding around the world and the recent earthquake of March 16^th in Japan); deception is abounding (in movies and series like “the Chosen”, in churches like the NAR with lying signs and wonder and false prophesies; ecumenism, and “wokeness” etc.), and “lo here is christ, lo there” is coming to pass via “christ-consciousness” even in the church where Christians are taught that we all are becoming christ and/or must get the earth cleaned up before Christ can return (http://www.letusreason.org/Latrain114.htm; http://letusreason.org/Latrain82.htm; https://www.apologeticsindex.org/c06.html). Furthermore, let’s not forget that Israel is back in the land and has been for a generation, and the generation that sees all this unfolding is to stand up and lift up their heads for their redemption is drawing near.

Now, back to Ukraine. What is happening there is not about Ukraine. It is not about Russia. Russia is a pawn. Ukraine is a pawn. No, the common people of these nations do not know this. Rather, this “war” is a means by which the elite of the world will crash all economies and cause a great deal of inflation and scarcity. This “war” is also about stirring up the hearts of people worldwide with the need for a new world order and the introduction of a charismatic world leader known to the Jews as the messiah, by Muslims as the mahdi, and in Christian circles as the antichrist.

Have any of you noticed how suddenly a certain person was ushered onto the world stage, a person not known before, a person who has been in leadership only a short time? Have you noticed that his nation though bombarded by bombing found the time to be the first nation to implement a the World Economic Forum’s digital ID? Have you noticed that this world leader is in league with Klaus Schwab and other elites and is a member of the WEF along with Putin of Russia and Trudeau of Canada? Have any of you noticed how applauded that person has been so far by the Parliament of Canada, the Parliament of Britain, the European Parliament, Germany’s Parliament (even though he chided them) and the U.S. Congress? Have you listened to his inspiring words about world freedom and peace? Have you noticed the standing ovations? Have you noticed that his speeches are stirring, that he is charismatic, that his stature is short, that he appeared out of nowhere and is now being listened to and seen by all? And he is Jewish. Is this not at least a little bit suspicious????

I’m going to leave it at that for now. Just be aware. Do not be deceived.

So, what are we as Christians to do? Pray. How? Many Ukrainians and Russians are truly suffering, and many more people worldwide will suffer when inflation rises exponentially. To begin with, the Christian Crimeans (the southern tip of Ukraine) have been actively persecuted by Russia since they succeeded from Ukraine in 2014 (https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/february/crimea-russia-protestant-christians-religious-freedom.html). In 2016 anti evangelism laws took effect (https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/may/russian-evangelicals-anti-missionary-fined-yarovaya-law.html), and many have since been fined and even imprisoned. Though some question the legality of Russia taking over Crimea and whether or not it did so legitimately, this topic will not be debated here. And it appears that as of October 2021, Russian Christians in Russia are entering a new phase of persecution as well (https://www.persecution.org/2021/06/01/russia-tightens-restrictions-churches-missionary-activity/).

And now, the Christians of both Russia and Ukraine are persevering a trial by fire. Thus, remember those Christians who may have physical limitations, who need medications such as insulin, who need their warm bed for their bad backs and are in terrible pain right now, who need a certain diet, who can’t walk without a walker, who are separated from their families, who cannot communicate with their loved ones, etc. Pray for them to be empowered, emboldened, and to live and proclaim the Gospel wherever they go. That no matter what they are enduring, that they will shine for Jesus. And this prayer goes for those in Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Taiwan, India, North Korea, and every other nation in the world.

And remember too that though the enemy’s plan is the collapse of the economies of the world in order that a new world economy might arise, and that the unveiling of antichrist might commence, God in His sovereignty is through these painful trials opening the eyes and hearts of many desperate Russians and Ukrainians and others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is God’s plan. This is God’s mercy. This is Jesus preparing His Bride for her ‘snatching away”. Let’s be ready!

Looking up,

Holy Light Ministries

For more on world leadership, the World Economic Forum, etc., please refer to the article below.

https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2022/03/25/when-all-the-workers-of-iniquity-flourish/

Sources

Ukraine Just Silently Announced It’s the First Country To Implement the WEF’s ‘Great Reset’ by Setting Up a Social Credit Application Combining Universal Basic Income (UBI), a Digital Identity and a Vaxxine Passport All Within One App

“Ukraine Just Silently Announced It’s the First Country to Implement the WEF’s ‘Great Reset’ by Setting up a Social Credit Application Combining Universal Basic Income (UBI), a Digital Identity and a Vaxxine Passport All Within One App,” March 18, 2022, https://www.australiannationalreview.com/state-of-affairs/ukraine-just-silently-announced-its-the-first-country-to-implement-the-wefs-great-reset-by-setting-up-a-social-credit-application-combining-universal-basic-income/

“Big Tech, World Leaders are Quietly Preparing Digital Ids to Monitor, Crush Freedom Fighters Around the Globe,” March 12, 2022, https://lorphicweb.com/big-tech-world-leaders-are-quietly-preparing-digital-ids-to-monitor-crush-freedom-fighters-around-the-globe/

“Russia to Phase Out Paper Passports by 2022,” July 19, 2019, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/07/19/russia-to-phase-out-paper-passports-by-2022-a66489

“NEWSCanadian Bankers Association and WEF push for Canandian national ID,” March 1, 2022, https://westernstandardonline.com/2022/03/canadian-bankers-association-and-wef-push-for-canadian-national-digital-id/

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is Tied to Klaus Schwab, Justin Trudeau, and other global elites,” https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/why-would-the-ukrainian-president-cite-justin-trudeau-as-an-inspiration/

“Putin, Trudeau Both Part of the World Economic Forum’s Leadership Training,” March 2, 2022, https://headlineusa.com/putin-trudeau-both-part-of-world-economic-forums-leadership-training/

Zelensky is a member of the WEF, https://www.weforum.org/people/volodymyr-zelenskyy

“War in Ukraine: Zelenskyy Tells German Bundestag ‘help came too late’ – DW News,” March 17, 2022, (standing ovation at the end even though he chided them harshly), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CnA5tEOkeY

“Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s full virtual address to United States Congress ABC News,” March 16, 2022, (the speech begins at about the 33 ½ minute mark – standing ovation at the end of his speech), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLJGVJrprs0

“The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Addresses Canadian Parliament,” March 15, 2022, (standing ovation with shouts at end of speech), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWJkNvZmoB8

“Thirteen Days of Struggle: Zelenskyy’s Address to U.K. Parliament in full,” March 8, 2022, (standing ovation at the end), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GavaV2cQEjw

“‘Nobody is Going to Break Us’: Zelenskyy Receives Standing Ovation at European Parliament,” March 1, 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7TyVYH-ZzE

“TBT: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Inaugural Speech,” posted March 4, 2022 but the inauguration was May 20, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrpFr-X6D5E

“Ukraine President Zelenskyy Dissolves Parliament after being sworn in – ITV News,” May 20, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5XI_7JLzbs

“First Jewish President of Ukraine Holds ‘Historic’ Meeting With Rabbis,” May 7, 2019, https://www.chabad.org/news/article_cdo/aid/4377198/jewish/First-Jewish-President-of-Ukraine-Holds-Historic-Meeting-with-Rabbis.htm

“Exposing the Darkness as Children of Light,” July 2021, https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2021/07/02/exposing-the-darkness-as-children-of-light/

Do Not Be Deceived: “Turning Red”

Tags

a pastor's warning, being vigilant as christians, Deception, Deception in the Church, Disney movie turning red, do not be deceived, End Times, faithwire.com, Last Days, pastor mike signorelli, the days are evil

In the video below, Billy Hallowell of Faithwire.com interviews Pastor Mike Signorelli senior pastor of V1 Church that is based in New York City (https://mikesignorelli.com/). Though at this point I have not found out much about Pastor Mike, it is clear to me from this interview that number one he cares for his family because he is actively protecting them — which cannot be said for most fathers (or mothers for that matter) today. And number two, he cares about obeying God’s word. And number three, he cares enough for the body of Christ to warn them.

What is this about? A new Disney coming of age movie about a 13 year old girl who is experiencing her monthly cycle for the first time. Not only is that part inappropriate for young people, but the Occult overtones and undertones are present throughout. It makes me think of Marina Abramovic and “spirit-cooking” and the bodily fluids (sorry to be so graphic — such as semen, menses, urine, feces, breast milk and the like) that are used to paint as well as to ingest during the ceremony (it is too disturbing to even post a link to explain it further). According to Pastor Mike, the young lady in this is tormented in her dreams by demons, and everything culminates in the end in a scene with an encircled pentagram (used in witchcraft to conjure demons — the demons rise through the middle) and demons being released as the youth dances about inappropriately.

Evil is becoming more and more blatant, and we as Christians must be vigilant on behalf of our families, other Christians, and ourselves. Jesus is coming back soon for a pure, spotless Bride, not one who has been sullied because she was careless. This movie is in your face with Occultism and Witchcraft, but there are others like the so-called Christian program “the Chosen” that is not so overt (https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2022/03/17/do-not-be-deceived-the-chosen/). Thus, it is imperative to be discerning at all times. Christians have NO EXCUSE to not be discerning! The days are evil (Ephesians 5), and Jesus warned us of deception just before His return (Matthew 24). I know it takes a lot of energy, a lot of time, a lot of selflessness, a lot of backbone, a lot of love to be discerning, but it is absolutely imperative (1 John 4; Hebrews 5:14).

Please, take a listen to this interview and be blessed by Pastor Mike’s boldness and discernment and love as a father who cares for his family, as a pastor who cares for the body of Christ, and as a Christian who loves God and His word more than anything else in this world. Feel free to share it with every parent that you know!

Sincerely,

Holy Light Ministries

Do Not Be Deceived: “The Chosen”

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children of light, Dallas Jenkins, dan haseltine jars of clay, dave hunt, David Guffey, Deception, Deception in the Church, do not be deceived, do not be unequally yoked, ecumenism and the chosen, End Times Deception, Ephesians 5, johanna michaelson, john ankerberg show, Matthew 24, mormonism and the chosen, redeeming the time, seducing spirits in the church, the chosen, the days are evil

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13

Before I get to the reason for this article, I want to make sure we are all on the same page. Succinctly, Mormonism is not Christian, but is a cult that serves another Jesus (who is the brother of Lucifer), holds the Book of Mormon equally with the Bible, and teaches that Jesus was conceived when God had sex with Mary. Mormonism also teaches that Jesus is a created being, and as such he became God, and we can do the same. Buddhism is also not Christian, and any enlightenment (bright lights or visions) achieved during a meditative trance and/or spirits that appear during such is demonic and demonically inspired. Along with this, former New Ager Caryl Matrisciana has so adeptly explained that yoga is not Christian nor can it be redeemed nor should it be practiced in any form by Christians, for it is Hinduism at its core, and its many poses are that of the many Hindu gods. And Catholicism is not Christian either, for it teaches a works-based salvation as well as the concept of praying to saints and to Mary who they are taught is a co-redemptrix with Jesus. All of this is imperative to know as we go forward in uncovering a particular deception unfolding in the Church today. (I do have sources listed below regarding this information).

Many have already written about what I am broaching in this article, so I will be brief and list sources below.

Since Jesus warned us that the major sign of the end of the age just before His return would be deception, why do we think that we will not be deceived? Jesus said that to believers, not unbelievers. So, think about that a minute. That’s you and me. But, Jesus said, deception would be everywhere, and would be aimed at believers with lying signs and wonders accompanying. “24For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:24-25)

One of these deceptions today is an enormously popular program about the life of Jesus and the lives of those who surrounded Him. One of the three writers has become the spokesperson and frontman for the series, and calls himself an evangelical, which stirs up trust in many Christian viewers. But with whom is this evangelical “yoked”? To name a few, he is working with

* Mormons,

* a Jewish Buddhist calling himself a Messianic,

* a supporter of homosexual marriage,

* and a Catholic who believes strongly in the Rosary and praying to Mary and who supports a work of fiction that powerfully depicts a New Age/Hindu gospel.

* And to add insult to injury, the evangelical writer calls Mormons his brothers and sisters and states that Christians and Mormons believe in the same Jesus.

To what am I referring: The Chosen.

Dallas Jenkins considers himself an evangelical Christian, when in fact he is ecumenical to his core. He is ecumenical for he sees Mormons as brother and sisters, and as lovers of the same Jesus as Christians, and I heard him say that he will sink or swim on that statement. He not only views them in this light, but works right alongside them as producers, marketers, financiers, and in other capacities. And he has not merely worked with them on the Chosen in this manner, but also on a short film called “The Shift” which was written and directed by a Mormon and presents Mormon beliefs about various Bible topics including Satan.

Dallas Jenkins also easily works alongside ecumenical Biblical advisers. One of them David Guffey is a strong proponent of the praying the Rosery, praying to Mary, and loved the blasphemous book the Shack. Another of the Biblical advisers is a Jewish rabbi, Jason Sobel, who while attending rabbinic school also practices yoga and Buddhism. It was while actively practicing Buddhist meditation he left his body and came before “a king” on “a throne” in heaven, and that king said he was to follow him. Sobel was never called to repent, nor ever says that he repented, but merely that he came to believe in “Jesus”, and assumed Jesus was the one on the throne. However, this experience is more akin to what Johanna Michaelson tells about in her book, The Beautiful Side of Evil. Johanna had come to faith in Jesus as a freshmen in college, and considered herself a Christian, but was captivated by the supernatural. Because of this, she actively pursued Occultism, and while in training to be a medium, she also learned the art of going into a deep meditative state. While in that state she came into contact with her spirit guides, one of which was Jesus. She explained that there was such a feeling of holiness about him and a great deal of light. But, this spirit guide was not the real Jesus, and later this was revealed to Johanna in a startling scene where the demonic creature parading as Jesus was unmasked. She was dumbfounded to find that Satan really does appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

And then there are the lead composers of the music, one of which is the former frontman for Jars of Clay, Dan Haseltine who openly spoke up for homosexual marriage on a social media platform and stated that the Bible is not clear regarding the issue. This is one of the two men behind the music of the Chosen.

Now it has been said that there are those who have come to faith in Christ through the series. After all, even the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1, “15Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” Thus, in this I also rejoice if people are indeed coming to Christ.

I am writing this warning to Christians. I am not telling anyone to discontinue viewing the Chosen. But, I am compelled to reveal the truth behind it, the spirit of ecumenism behind it (ecumenism is the view that all religions are equal, have the same Jesus and can work together), but it is up to you what you do with it.

As Christians I adamantly appeal to you, beware of what is being presented in this series. Notice that most of the story is not even found in the Bible, but is creatively written by the three writers of the Chosen. It is fiction mixed with a small amount of Biblical fact, 95% fiction to be exact according to an interview of the frontman and writer Dallas Jenkins. And what is he doing working closely, intimately with those who do not know the true Jesus of the Bible? And for that matter, why would we as Christians want to be taught by such a presentation? Why would we want to be entertained with lies about Jesus?

“14Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”17Therefore “Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)

As those who have been given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2) let’s be vigilant about what goes into our minds, what we allow to color our view of Jesus, especially when deception is rampant and deceivers are waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Now is not the time to let our guard down, not that there was ever a time for that, but especially now when the days are evil and the time must be redeemed (Ephesians 5). We are children of light, and as such must not let our lights grow dim with untrimmed wicks that cause our lights to be smokey and unclear. Let’s be in the Bible, not watching a movie with only 5% of the word in it. As the return of Christ is drawing nearer by the second, let’s allow the true, unadulterated word of God to cleanse us, to wash us, to transform us, to make us without spot or wrinkle, to prepare us for our coming holy King.

I want to end with the remainder of 2 Timothy 3. Please, heed what it says.“13But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

For more information, please refer to the sources below.

Vigilantly,

Holy Light Ministries

References:

“MG-22 – Do Mormons Believe Jesus and Lucifer are brothers?” May 2018, https://www.4witness.org/mg-22-do-mormons-believe-jesus-and-lucifer-are-brothers/

“What Do Mormons Believe About God,” July 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfN0MInEl0

“The Mormon Cult,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljzVkt-I4Co

“Contrasting Buddhism to Christianity,” https://www.termpaperwarehouse.com/essay-on/Contrasting-Buddhism-To-Christianity/134411

Out of India by Caryl Matrisciana

“Mary Co-Redemptrix,” Feb 2006, https://catholicism.org/mary-co-redemptrix.html

“The Blessed Virgin Mary: Co-Redemptrix,” March 2021, https://fatima.org/news-views/catholic-apologetics-106/

“A Phenomenology of Meditation-induced Light Experiences: Traditional Buddhist and Neurobiological Perspectives,” Jan 2014 publication, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3879457/

“Letter to the Editor: Former Mormon Distressed About Promotion of The Chosen by Prominent Figures Jack Hibbs and Kirk Cameron,” January 2022, https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=34418

“The Chosen Dilemma,” January 2022, https://midwestoutreach.org/2022/01/06/the-chosen-dilemma/

“The Chosen – Why Doesn’t It Matter?” https://bcooper.wordpress.com/2022/01/10/the-chosen-why-doesnt-it-matter/?fbclid=IwAR0VklL5ziYYh_-sjWc5lxbRrhjAN52aEwFCSy2vf8K7BGI3boutk5sEmDc

“The [Counterfeit] Chosen -The Chosen Exposed. A Biblical Review,” November 30, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsLmMTKxmD8

“Jars of Clay frontman faces backlash for comments on homosexuality: ‘Conservative argument doesn’t hold up to scrutiny’,” April 2014, https://www.christiantoday.com/article/jars-of-clay-frontman-faces-backlash-for-comments-on-homosexuality-conservative-argument-doesnt-hold-up-to-scrutiny/37127.htm

“Jars of Clay frontman faces backlash for comments on homosexuality: ‘Conservative argument doesn’t hold up to scrutiny’,” April 2014, https://www.christiantoday.com/article/jars-of-clay-frontman-faces-backlash-for-comments-on-homosexuality-conservative-argument-doesnt-hold-up-to-scrutiny/37127.htm

“The Shack – Leader – David Guffey,” https://vimeo.com/200260779

“Guest: Rabbi Jason Sobel,” May 2021, https://sidroth.org/television/tv-archives/rabbi-jason-sobel/

The Time of the Reserves

Tags

christian basketball story, Christian encouragement, David and Goliath, End Times, Gideon, Goliath, Jesus Is Coming, Jesus' Return, King David, Last Days, last of the last days, Spiritual Warfare, the return of Christ, word of exhortation

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The crowd fell silent. Incessant cheers ceased in an instant. All laughter and applause hushed in a moment. No one spoke. No one moved. Shock enveloped the stadium while the scoreboard of the championship game glowed large and ominous above with a grim foreboding.

The coach was already on the court, standing protectively over the injured player lying on the hard, glossy floor. The young player shook his head in disagreement with the doctor and coach’s assessment, and attempted to stand but winced in pain and fell back into a heap. The youth kept apologizing over and over that he’d gotten injured with two minutes left in the game. It was then that the coach reassuringly placed his hand upon the youth’s shoulder, and intently held his gaze. Though no one could hear the words, it was as if the coach were telling the young man it was okay to leave the game. In fact, it was time.

The crowd remained motionless as the last of the five star players was lifted from the floor and escorted from the basketball court. Two others had fouled out. Another had been injured. One was out with a technical foul. Not only this, but several other players besides them who could have replaced some of them were out with the flu. The game was tied. Two minutes remained. A strange hush had fallen, and even the fans of the opposing team remained silent, wondering what would happen next.

The coach, strong and tall, turned silently unfazed toward the bench, his eyes surveying the five players still seated there. Though many thought of them as the “B” team or junior varsity players, a short group of scrappy misfits, he smiled as he approached them. Stopping directly in front of them he said four words.

“It’s your turn now.”

Each of the five players froze, then slowly turned to look at one another, blinking in disbelief. Had they heard him correctly? This was no ordinary game. This was the championship. Who were they to enter this game? What could they do? The other team compared to them was tall, well-built and had played in game after game after game thus preparing them for this moment. But, the reserves were stocky and some spindly, and though they had never missed a practice, had no real game experience. In shock that they were being called upon in this strategic, massively important moment in time, they remained motionless.

But the coach did not allow for such timidity to restrain them longer than a second, but called to them to join him in the huddle beside the bench.

“Get up!” The coach said firmly.

Without further hesitation all rose quickly and gathered around him, but as they did so, the fans of the other team realizing that only the reserves were left, sprang to life and began to jeer. Even the other team’s cheerleaders started a chant about how much better their team was compared to the reserves on the other side.

But the reserves were deaf to the jeers and chants, and all the cheering of the fans energized them and stirred their souls to action not withdrawal. All they could hear was their coach’s steady, confident voice, and they listened intently to his words. They knew how high the stakes were. They knew the entire game rested on their shoulders now. They knew this was it, and that all those practices would mean something now. Their coach needed them, and they would answer that call.

“Go Team!” was shouted by them at the top of their lungs, and they spilled onto the floor, ready for action. They would play for all they were worth. They would not let their coach or team down. Indeed, it was their time – the time of the reserves! And in one accord as if fueled by the very hope that arose in the souls of those five misfits, the crowd began to roar.

***********

This is where we are right now in history, in the last of the last days. It appears that many spiritual leaders have died or are dying or ill, leaders that really knew how to lead, how to expose evil and how to do battle with the enemy, men and women like Dave Hunt, Carole Matriciana, and Chuck Missler died in the last few years; Russ and Shelly Dizdar, Marcus Lamb, Bill Randles, Doug Riggs, and Carman (and I’m sure you could name others) all recently passed in the course of a year’s time (from February 2021-February 2022).

Like in the days of Gideon and David, there appeared to be no one to carry the team on to victory. But, God who looks on the heart and not the outward appearance, saw Gideon who was the least in his family and was apart of the weakest tribe in Israel who was threshing wheat in a wine press, and sent His angel to call him from the bench into the game. God also saw David, the youngest of his family, who though inexperienced in war, had done battle with the bear and the lion and whose faith in God was greater than his fear, and called him from the bench to face Goliath on the battlefield – such as no other battle hardened man in Israel would do at the time. These were scrappy misfits, unlikely choices to carry team Israel to victory – But God! God was with them. God chose them. God anointed them. God empowered them. God emboldened them. God was not put off by their family lineage nor their outward appearance, because he saw their hearts that were soft toward Him. He saw their faith.

Even so, today, though many have been lost to us here recently, such as many pastors and spiritual leaders, even our mothers and fathers or spouse, God is calling us to “Get Up” off of the bench and get in the game. The others have done their part. They played their game. They ran their race. They crossed their finish line. But, we are still here. We are the reserves. Indeed, we have been reserved for such a time as this.

So, quit questioning God, and get up off the bench. It’s time to quit giving in to the enemy’s tactics whatever they may be (depression, anxiety, despair, anger, negativity, fear, excuses, running from responsibility, listening to lies, etc). You are being called into the game NOW. You are needed in the battle NOW. What is happening in the world will not simply pass. The deception in the Church will not simply go away. Great evil is on the rise, and the darkness is growing. Every second counts.

Come on, my fellow misfits!!! Get up, reserves!!! Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!

Looking up,

Holy Light Ministries

1 Corinthians 6: Judging and Christians Taking Christians to Court

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1 Corinthians 6, christian judgment, christians judging other christians, lawsuits among christians, lawsuits between christians, right and wrong judgment, should christians judge, should christians take christians to court, the law of love, turning the other cheek

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So far we have learned about wrong ways to judge and right ways to judge. In I Corinthians 1-4 we learned how we are not to judge another’s stewardship of their ministry of the Word of God (so long as it is doctrinally sound). In other words, we are not to pass judgment on a minister’s presentation or communication style, but rather, are to leave that to God alone who is their Master. We are also not to pass judgment on each other’s way of communicating the Bible to each other. We all have a different style and are answerable to God alone.

But I must also remind everyone that this judgment does not apply to ministers teaching false doctrine, nor does it have to do with judging different Bible translations. We must be alert to the rampant deception riddling the Church, and we must be quick to shine the light of truth into these dark corners of Christendom. Furthermore, correct judgment and discernment concerning Bible translations is also essential in this day and age of great deception.

Then in 1 Corinthians 5 we learned that we are not to judge those sinning outside of the church. But, we as Christians are instructed to deal with habitual sins of every kindinside the church because sin spreads like yeast through dough, and God through Christ our “leaven-less” Passover sacrifice has made us sin-free, new creations in Christ. We are to live as imitators of Christ who are lights in this world, and thus are to through the word of God expose the deeds of darkness within the body of Christ in order that we might be pure and holy and undefiled.

1 Corinthians 6

Today we are going to explore one more area of right and wrong judgment as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:1-11. So, let’s take a look at that passage.

“Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 8 No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

Setting the Scene

So, what is going on here? Well, one of the Corinthian Christians had been wronged, even cheated, by one of the other Corinthian Christians, and he had drug his fellow Christian to a secular court over the matter. This is not about a non-Christian versus a Christian. Paul does not address this dynamic at all. Let’s keep things very clear. A Christian brother had cheated a fellow Christian brother, and the cheated brother dragged the cheating brother to court.

This sounds completely normal in America today, for we are a very litigious society. Even in Paul’s day, this is what people could do when robbed or cheated or wronged in whatever way. They would take the offender, whether real or imaginary, to court and have a judge decide the matter. Even among the Jews of Jesus’ day, when one of them was even merely offended they could drag their brother before the Jewish authorities (the Sanhedrin) for judgment.

But instead of Paul commenting to the Corinthian Christians that this is completely normal, and oh how sad that brother so-and-so was wronged, and the wronged man has his rights, he blasts them with a sharp rebuke which he presents through “statements of horror… rhetorical questions…sarcasm…and [a] threat” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament, by Spiros Zodhiates, page 229). Paul perceives the depth of what really is taking place, for truly the “failure of the two men” involved in the lawsuit “is primarily a failure of the church to be the church” (The First Epistle to the Corinthians, by Gordon D. Fee, 230). Indeed, Paul is so aghast that he starts off with a “How DARE you!” statement. Really, it is difficult to translate these words accurately into English. But they are strong, and they are emotionally charged. And they express great horror, and could be translated as “the gall of such a man to do such a thing!”

We Are Called to Judge

Why is Paul so upset by this occurrence? To begin with, the Church was not to judge those outside the Church. The world was going to act like the world; their time of judgment has not yet come. Even the Jewish people, though ruled over by various empires, had judged their own people based on God’s laws (aside from being able to exact the death penalty when under Roman occupation). And now, as God’s people, Paul informs the Corinthians that Christians are not to drag one another before non-Christian courts with non-Christian judges. Why? Verses 2-3 answers this, “2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?”

Did you read what I just read? We will one day judge the world and the angels! We will. Seriously. So, if we are going to do all that soon and very soon, Paul is asking if they as Christians could not handle the smallest of earthly issues. Sarcastically, Paul points out that the Corinthian church thought of themselves as so wise and yet they were not able to judge even in the minutest matters of church business. For indeed, even the ones esteemed “least wise” in the church can do a better job to judge than a non-Christian judge in a non-Christian court!

Not only is this an absolute “shame” but Paul goes on to say in verse 7 that this equals “utter failure”. In the Greek this means that they have lost in every way; it is failure to the depth and breadth and height; it is failure through and through. And it is to their utter shame.

“7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?”

On the One Hand

On the one hand, they have failed because they have not turned the other cheek. When Jesus talks about turning the other cheek he is referring to offense. And Jesus taught that when we are offended, we are not to retaliate, but rather, are to quickly forgive and make amends as is within our power to do. Even so, Paul states through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it is better to be wronged and cheated by a fellow Christian than to go to court among the non-Christians. It is far better to forgive and let go, than to defend one’s worldly “rights” against a fellow-Christian before a non-Christian court that will one day be judged by Christians.

On the Other Hand

On the other hand, the Christians of Corinth had failed in that there was still habitual sin among them in the form of cheating and wronging their fellow Christians. And the Church too had suffered utter defeat through this because they had appeared powerless and petty before a watching, sin-filled world. “In a church full of pride and arrogance, where “wisdom,”…was a watchword, “is it so with you that there is nobody among you who is sophos (“wise”), so that he/she might render a decision between the brothers?” (The First Epistle to the Corinthians, by Gordon D. Fee, 237). Why would anyone in the world want to become apart of such Christianity that was not walking in peace and wisdom and love, that was not any better than those in the world who were fighting and disagreeing and jockeying for power?

Thus, Paul goes on to remind them that they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb; they are spotless; they are now sinless. However, as God said to Cain in Genesis 4:7, “sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” All of them (and the Greek is clear that it was “all” of them) had once been immersed in sins that Paul goes on to list, but he reminds them that they what they were they are no longer. They are redeemed. They are sanctified. It was imperative that they start living like it.

Application

American Christians are so into “things” and our rights. We are raised with this mindset. We are brought up with the American dream of financial success which includes lots and lots of stuff and lots and lots of vacations and lots and lots of fun. Hedonism and materialism are even treated as virtues in our society. We are a lot like Maureen O’Hara’s character in the movie, “The Quiet Man,” who is so consumed with needing her materialistic “things about her” that she nearly drives away the man she loves (played by John Wayne). And although the movie really is about a man overcoming his past and showing his wife the love that she needs, another message can be gleaned from it by Christians. For indeed, American Christians are too consumed by consumerism, and that is not a virtue. Rather, it is a failure of the Church to be the Church.

For, truly, it is better to be wronged by a fellow Christian than to go before secular courts in a lawsuit against a fellow Christian. But this truth is hard to swallow. But, it goes along the line of all that Jesus taught and lived by example. For was He not wronged? Was Jesus not unjustly tried and condemned? Was not Jesus unfairly crucified? Indeed, did not Jesus have more rights more than anyone else in all of time, and yet He did not defend those rights (Isaiah 53). Instead, He laid down His life, and lived and died with eternity in mind.

Incredibly, it is all about a change of perspective. For though we are raised with a worldly mindset, we are to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2). We are called to have the same mind in us as that of Christ Jesus who though equal with God became a humble servant (Philippians 2). Amazingly, as Christians we have been given the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2). However, our modern, westernized Christian mentality tends “to be warped toward the values of this age rather than the age to come,” and we are in “great need of reformation” (The First Epistle to the Corinthians, by Gordon D. Fee, 238).

Again, this is a call for reformation in the Church, not the world. The world is going to act like the world. But, those in the Church have been made brand new, have been made sinless, and Christians are to act differently. And indeed, part of that difference is to be seen in how Christians are not taking fellow Christians to court, but instead, are evaluating each other, being held accountable by each other, and living out transformation and forgiveness in very real ways.

Sometimes this may mean that someone remains wronged, but the Holy Spirit through the inspiration of this passage says that this is better than dragging a fellow Christian before a worldly, secular, non-Christian court. For, one day, all Christians will stand in judgment of this world and of the fallen angels. Because of this, we are not to go to the world for judgment, but to one another.

Oddly enough, most Christians would not want their local church judging their legal issues against a brother or sister in Christ. They would rather trust a non-Christian judge to arbitrate than trust the members of their church. Yet, it ought to be the other way around. Why? Because we as Christians are not of this world. We are from a heavenly kingdom with a heavenly monarch. As such, we live under kingdom rules that are based in the Bible and the law of love that Christ said we are to live by in all matters. When we are wronged by a fellow Christian, the law of love has been broken, and this cannot be repaired by a secular ruling or through laws that are not kingdom laws. We must break out of the mindset that flawed worldly laws are an answer for disputes between Christians. We must get a revelation that only God’s laws – specifically of love – can actually resolve a dispute and even bring healing to those in disagreement. Often it is not even about being right. It’s about being loving.

All in all, Christians are called on to live in love with one another, for the world will know us by our love for each other (John 13:35). This is the law that we live under, and this is the law by which we must judge each other in all matters. We are not to drag one another to court over anything, but are to address these matters before the body of Christ that our case may be judged based on the Bible and love and not on man-made laws and worldly wisdom. After all, we will one day judge the world and the angels. It is time to practice and prepare for that day. If not now, when?

Jesus is coming soon. Let’s be ready.

In Christ,

Holy Light Ministries

Sources and Helpful Links

The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament, by Spiros Zodhiates

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Bible Hub Commentaries and Interlinear Online

Paul: His Life and Teaching, by John McRay

The First Epistle to the Corinthians, by Gordon D. Fee

“Judging Without Being Judgmental,” by Wave Nunnally, https://www.jubileeministries.org/judging-without-being-judgmental-2/