Newsletter #07 May 1997
Note this has been updated with an article on Civil Disobedience
from the #10 Issue of October 1997
The article is located at the end of this section.

There is also a good review of the Great Joy in Great Tribulation Book.

Blow a trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm on My Holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; surely it is near Joel 2:1


GREETING

This is our seventh attempt at writing a newsletter. I am aware of the significance of the number seven. Although many of you may see little if any difference in this edition, it was however more difficult to write than the previous six. It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit will open the readers' hearts and minds to any truths found in these articles and close their hearts and minds to anything that be false. There seems to be an eerie silence and stillness in the land, much like the stillness and silence before a deadly storm erupts. However not all is quiet - God's Holy Spirit is calling out with an urgency that He has never declared before. In the name of Yeshua(Jesus) hear the Holy Spirit as He thunders out His solemn warning. REPENT! REPENT! JUDGMENT IS AT HAND! THE LORD IS SURELY COMING!


IN THIS ISSUE YOU WILL READ

1. Watch Those Words (My perspective on the Patriot Movement)
2. Dimitri Duduman's Prophecy
3. Those Who Bless Me (Great Joy in Great Tribulation Book Review)
4. The Word
5. The Christian's Number One Enemy
6. A Postscript
7. Civil Disobedience


WATCH THOSE WORDS

In Shakespeare's "Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark" Polonius, the Lord Chamberlain, asked Hamlet "What are you reading my lord?" Hamlet replied "Words, words, words." Words without firing a shot have caused shots to be fired that have changed the course of history. Words can be powerful and convincing. Words can uplift a person or cut them into pieces.

The epistle of James tells us: But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless Our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. James 3:8-10

In the current edition of the oxford English Dictionary there are over 572,000 words. The average man uses four to five thousand words in his normal speech. I have read where Shakespeare used as many as 20,000 words in his vast vocabulary. Over the course of history some words have changed in their archetypal meaning. Their definitions have sometimes mutated to the complete opposite of the original word. One such archetype is the word "gay". This word has drastically mutated from its original definition. When I graduated from high school in 1966 my Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary gave the definition of "gay" as joyful, lively, merry, and lighthearted. Another definition was bright, brilliant colors. Many parents in that era, and before, named their female children Gay. However the word "gay" is used in an entirely different context today. We can thank the liberal media and a well organized plot by homosexual activists for the perversion of this word gay. Homosexuals want to be known as gay, but the Bible calls this practice sin and an abomination. I must add if you are living a homosexual lifestyle, God wants to forgive you and set you free. Yeshua (Jesus), has paid the price for all sin.

There is another word that the liberal press and other socialist groups have totally obliterated, and have caused its mutation from a strong, sound, honorable word to a dangerous, threatening, and frightening word. Brothers and sisters, that word is "patriot". If you describe yourself as a patriot or a member of a militia group you will find people backing off from you. Whether you call them patriots or militia, according to the socialist Clinton - Reno liberal crowd, you are talking about a demented, evil, wild eyed, white supremist, half-crazed terrorist. This has not taken place by accident, but by a well orchestrated plan by the liberal media, using words to change the minds of millions. Brothers and sisters, watch those words and how they are a-changing. I am thankful for the true patriot movement. True Bible believing patriots have a great heritage. People like Everett Hale who said, "I am only one, but I am one, I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do I should do and, with the help of God, I will do!" Everett Hale was the popular American Author who wrote "The Man Without A Country" in 1863, and over 50 other books. Everett Hale was the nephew of Nathan Hale, the revolutionary patriot, who was executed by the British after uttering his famous words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my Country."

I have heard the media using a lot of words criticizing patriots for being against gun control. Suddenly when you have a weapon of any kind, you are stockpiling arms. The Clintons and their crowd want to protect all of us decent people, so they take away our guns. They want to make our streets safer. It reminds me of words spoken in the past:

"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration! Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future." Adolf Hitler. So many people watch the 6:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. news of CNN, and fall victim to the hypnotic words of the talking heads. Brothers and sisters, true patriotism is not wrong. Theodore Roosevelt said "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any public official, save exactly to the degree he himself stands by the country." Mark Twain said "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man and brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."

I readily admit, in this patriot movement, there are probably about 20% who are evil and deranged. They are racist, anti-semitic, and are driven by the spirit of hate, while satan himself fans the flames of their bigotry. However, 80% or so are God fearing, law abiding men and women, who happen to believe in the Bible, the constitution, and who love this country.

Brothers and sisters, the clock is in the process of striking midnight. The patriots are simply endeavoring to protect what freedoms we have left. The bear is not dead, but much alive, but the eagle is fast asleep. Our country has been stricken, blow after blow, by the words of the liberal media. The patriots are trying to keep the crutches from falling from underneath the arms of a crippled America.

In closing, you who are criticizing me for taking a pro patriot stance, and especially those of you who are condemning the movement as a whole, then let me remind you that "evil triumphs when good men do nothing."

Although I totally agree that neither a patriot, or anyone else, can change what Yahweh God has ordained, at the same time remaining silent to the beguiling and the evil schemes of satan is just as evil as the schemes themselves.



DIMITRI DUDUMAN'S PROPHECY


DIMITRI DUDUMAN PASSES (reported by Mark Ensign 5/5/97) Dimitri Duduman has passed on to glory. Before he died he reportedly said that if he died it would be a signal that we are very close to the nuclear destruction of the USA. On this SWR program they discussed current enemy flyovers of Israel to check radar lock-ons and coordinates.

This is brother Duduman's prophecy received April 22, 1996. I prayed, then went to bed. I was still awake, when suddenly I heard a trumpet sound. A voice cried out to me, "Stand!" In my vision, I was in America. I walked out of my home, and began to look for the one who had spoken to me. As I looked, I saw three men dressed alike. Two of the men carried weapons. One of the armed men came to me. "I woke you to show you what is to come," he said. "Come with me." I didn't know where I was being taken, but when we reached a certain place he said "stop here!" A pair of binoculars was handed to me, and I was told to look through them. "Stand there, don't move, and look." he continued. "You will see what they are saying, and what they are preparing for America."

As I was looking, I saw a great light. a dark cloud appeared over it. I saw the president of Russia, a short chubby man, who said he was the president of China, and two others. The last two also said where they were from, but I did not understand. However, I gathered they were part of Russian controlled territory. The men stepped out of the cloud. The Russian president began to speak to the Chinese one. "I will give you the land with all the people, but you must free Taiwan of the Americans. Do not fear, we will attack them from behind."

A voice said to me, "Watch where the Russians penetrate America." I saw these words being written: Alaska; Minnesota; Florida. Then, the man spoke again, "When America goes to war with China, the Russians will strike without warning." The other two presidents spoke, "We, too, will fight for you." Each had a place already planned as a point of attack. All of them shook hands and hugged. Then they all signed a contract. One of them said, "We're sure that Korea and Cuba will be on our side, too. Without a doubt, together, we can destroy America."

The president of Russia began to speak insistently, "Why let ourselves be led by the Americans? Why not rule the world ourselves? They have to be kicked out of Europe, too! Then I could do as I please with Europe!"

The man standing beside me said, "This is what you saw: they act as friends, and say they respect the treaties made together. But everything I've shown you is how it will really happen. You must tell them what is being planned against America. Then, when it comes to pass, the people will remember the words the Lord has spoken. "Who are you?" I asked. "I am the protector of America, America's sin has reached God. He will allow this destruction, for He can no longer stand such wickedness. God however, still has people that worship Him with a clean heart as they do His work. He has prepared a heavenly army to save these people." As I looked, a great army, well armed and dressed in white, appeared before me. "Do you see that?" the man asked? "This army will go to battle to save My chosen ones. Then, the difference between the Godly and the ungodly will be evident."

The above information was obtained from Jim Searcy's Web Page. You can read about Jim Searcy in my article "Those Who Bless Me."



THOSE WHO BLESS ME

Around 1970, I like thousands of people, read "The Late Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey. It was Lindsey's book that helped foster my love for Bible eschatology. Since I read Lindsey's book, Bible prophecy has been a favorite and ongoing study of mine. I no longer agree with Mr. Lindsey on everything he had to say, especially his theory on a pre-trib rapture. However, it was still his book which had a positive impact on my study of eschatology.

I want to tell you about another book that has had a very powerful impact on my life. The book is called "Great Joy In The Great Tribulation" by Jim Searcy. Now unless the Lord performs a miracle, Mr. Searcy's book may never sell as many copies as Mr. Lindsey's, however I certainly hope it does. This is a very powerful book. I wholeheartedly recommend you obtain a copy. Its more than a "good read" - it's filled with strong words of truth. Jim Searcy takes the view that the church will indeed go through the great tribulation, but like the title proclaims there can be great joy in doing so. Jim believes we must repent, and abide in Yeshua if we are to have and obtain this great joy. Jim, as the Holy Spirit guided him, was able to write a book with great depth, yet with simplicity. You can use this book, not just for Bible study, but for your devotional time as well. Much of the book is from selected Scriptures with Jim's added comments. If you have any kind of interest in last days studies, I can assure you this book is well worth the $12.00 suggested donation.

Jim Searcy also has a tape entitled "Oblation". This tape is free for the asking. Listening to the tape you can hear the urgency in Jim's voice as he describes these last hours of history as we know it. Jim Searcy, like myself, has a love for the Jewish people, and he is more than informed on the current activities in the Middle East and Israel. I hope you will write for the tape. I think you will find yourself listening to it over and over again.

In addition to all this, Jim has a very informative web page that is crammed full of vital information. I obtained Dimitri Duduman's prophecy off of Jim's web page. I believe Jim Searcy to be a man of God, who is doing his best to proclaim the truth.

To order the book or obtain the free copy of the tape write to:

ALEPH TAV Messianic Congregation
2922 Vance Jackson
San Antonio, Texas 78213

or call (210) 342 - 4718
www.moresureword.com/


THE WORD

There is a travesty in our church and in the nation. The Word is not being read as it should be. It is banned from our schools. Many Christians only open their Bibles at church. Even more of a travesty perhaps, is that many preachers only open their Bibles to get a proof text to support their sermon topic. We need to return to the Word. One of the most strategic things the New Testament Church needs to do today as we try to battle the evil forces is to return to the Scriptures as the basis of authority, and not necessarily to one's dream or latest vision. God's Word was, and always will be, the final authority. In many parts of the world people are dying for their faith in Yeshua and their belief in the Bible. But here in our own country so many people seldom open the Bible. It is so tragic, that a nation which calls itself Christian, pays only lip service to a Bible that is not read and to a way of life that is not followed. We as a nation and as the church must return to the Word. If we are to be victorious over the schemes of the evil one, we must arm ourselves with the Word of God. The Word is our sword, and we must use it daily in our lives.

Brothers and sisters, the Bible is God - breathed. It is the very breath of Yahweh God. The Bible was penned over a span of 1,500 to 1,600 years. The Holy Spirit used over 40 different authors to record His Words. The Bible was written in deserts, dungeons, prisons and palaces. The Word was written in three different languages - Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. In the past, like today, the Bible has been attacked, banned and burned. Many saints have been burned with their Bibles. Today Christians are being killed and their Bibles destroyed. However, true Christianity is strong, and the Word lives on.

We must accept the Bible totally on faith. Without faith we cannot please God. However, more and more archeologists and historians are validating the Bible's authenticity. The word testament means covenant, or agreement. Will you make a covenant with God now, that you will get into His Word? Brothers and sisters we need to return to the Word.



THE CHRISTIANS'S NUMBER ONE ENEMY

Too many of us, who like to be known as Christians, are endeavoring to live the Christ-like life in the power of our own flesh. If we are trying to fight the evil world system in our fleshly power, we will come to know that the power we are fighting in is just as evil as the power we are fighting against. We will never experience victory over satan and the world in the power of the flesh. I call the flesh our number one enemy. Today the new Testament church is full of defeated Christians. True, some may look victorious between 10:00 A.M. and 12 noon on Sunday, but the rest of the week they are depressed and defeated. They aspire to great victory, but end up in despair. As a consequence of defeat after defeat, they think it's a way of life. They walk through the day in a maze of illusions, they spend endless nights tormented by bizarre dreams, only to return to waking hours of more illusions. The cycle goes on and on, and they remain in this hideous trance - like condition.

The flesh is our number one enemy. The flesh is deleterious and baneful. The poison of the flesh is lethal to the Christian life. The flesh feeds on its own excrement. Oh, it may smell pleasant, and look inviting, but take off the camouflage and look beyond its covert activities, and you will find a lake of sewage. Whether the flesh manifests itself in sin that can be spotted outright, or it is clothed in church lingo and doctrine, it is still a cesspool. The flesh is our number one enemy. Certainly satan is the enemy of all Christians. As Yeshua describes him in Matthew 13:39, satan is real, and is unleashing his demons as never before at any time in history, because he knows that his time is short. We can have victory over this enemy, but first we must destroy the power of the flesh. It's my belief that once the flesh has been adequately dealt with then victory over the evil world system and satan will become much easier.

When I was a pastor of a church in Oklahoma, there was an occasion when a group of the pastors were traveling together, returning from a conference we had attended. Like the conversation usually ran, we were attempting to dissect and exegesize passages of Scripture. You probably know the script - who can give their best slant on a verse - who knows the most $50.00 words. We were discussing Galatians 5 and works of the flesh. Several of us took our turn to give our assessment of what Paul was writing about. One of the older pastors spoke up and said, "Brothers I have very few fruits of the Spirit, but almost all the works of the flesh." He spoke this in a quiet and somber voice. Few, if any of us, made a reply. We stopped talking and started thinking. A few of us may have even prayed silently. I wondered how many of us could have agreed with him. How many of you reading this article can agree with what the old pastor had to confess.

Let's be honest with ourselves. You who claim to be Christians, how many works of the flesh are there in you life? 1. immorality, 2. impurity, 3. sensuality, 4. idolatry, 5. sorcery, 6. enmities, 7. strife, 8. jealousy, 9. outbursts of anger, 10. disputes, 11. dissensions, 12. factions, 13. envying, 14. drunkenness, 15. carousing

Galatians 5:21 says .... those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Let me hasten to point out that warfare with the flesh is a lifetime battle as Paul describes in Romans 7 and 8. However, you're either overcoming the flesh or you're being overcome by it. You can't have it both ways. Either the flesh is dying or it is eating you alive. Which is it? Are you an overcomer or are you being overcome? Ask the Holy Spirit to shine His penetrating light into the darkest corners of your heart and search out all the living filth that has you bound. If we are going to overcome the flesh, we must first confess we are bound by it. Confess it. Agree with God that the works of the flesh are being manifested in your life. Repent!

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
Galatains 2;20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.
Romans 6:11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Does the Bible mean what it says? We can either analyze these Scriptures , or simply believe them. Does Romans 6:11 say consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to Christ Jesus? Brothers and sisters, we don't always have to feel something. We must walk by faith, not by sight. Martin Luther said:
Feelings come and feelings go
And feelings are deceiving;
My warrant is the Word of God
Naught else is worth believing

Brothers and sisters, we must stop feeling a feeling and believe God's Word by faith. We must appropriate Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20 and Romans 6:11. Dealing with the flesh is something like pulling weeds. When I was a young boy, I used to help my parents in the garden. One of my jobs was pulling weeds. Many times I got in a hurry and would pull at the weeds, but would leave the roots. This seemed to actually strengthen them and make them spread. You must get the root. The blood of Yeshua cleanses us from all, all, all unrighteousness, but the cross deals with the root of the sin. The blood deals with our sins, but the cross deals with who we really are. While the blood of Yeshua washes away our sins, the cross strikes at the very root. By the way crucifixion is one of the most painful ways of execution. It's agonizing and painful, but death must occur, the flesh must be executed. Brothers and sisters, all your knowledge of the new world order, and end time study will be of no value to you if you are in the flesh. All you will accomplish is defeat, with some head knowledge. Brothers and sisters, our flesh must die. Allow Yeshua to use whatever method of crucifixion he chooses to destroy your flesh, so you can live with Him. Brothers and sisters, we must die, because Yeshua came as the last Adam. We must live in Yeshua to be freed from the first Adam.

May this be our prayer: Lord, in the name of Yeshua, put an end to this miserable fleshly life that I live. Strike the blows needed at the root of my sin. Lord I believe I have been crucified with you. Now may that be manifest in the way I live. Destroy all the works of the flesh. Lord, as you rid me of my flesh, fill me with your Holy Spirit. I accept your precious infilling by faith. I now ask you to control my whole life, as I continue to die to myself and live for you and in you. I trust my victory over the flesh totally to you. I pray in the name of your Son, Yeshua. Amen!

Brothers and sisters, now you are ready to battle the evil world system and the devil. I leave you with one more scripture Romans 8:37 Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.


POSTSCRIPT

I was one of thousands of Christians who participated in the March for Jesus rally, May 17, 1997. It was not a particularly stressful or demanding task, in fact it was quite pleasant. We had a police escort, good paved streets to walk on, and the weather was great. I had great fellowship with my wife, one of my daughters, two good friends, and a very little friend, who accompanied us in his stroller. After walking for about half an hour, we all gathered in a shaded park. We heard a lady share her vision. We heard men and women from different races, and various denominations lead us in prayer. We stood under the trees in the breeze and listened to numerous individuals read their parts from the program. It was certainly a spiritual time, and an event worth remembering. However, as I stood listening and worshiping with others, my thoughts quickly raced, for some reason, to the suffering church. To those persecuted saints, who are being tortured, maimed, and even killed, in countries like China, Sudan and many others. Then my mind returned back to the event at hand. Later that evening I was attempting to finish this newsletter. Again, thoughts of the suffering church came to my mind, but they were not fleeting. They pitched their tents there. They painted vivid pictures of Christians in prison, maimed and killed for their faith. I saw feet severed from bodies, and knees knocked out of joint.

It is well documented that more Christians have been martyred for their faith in the 20th century than in the other 19 centuries combined. As you read this postscript there are Christians that are imprisoned, tortured and dying in countries like: China, Sudan, Pakistan, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Egypt, Nigeria, Cuba, Laos, Uzbekistan. Thousands of believers are currently suffering at the hands of the communists and militant muslims. I believe rallies, such as I took part in will soon be passe in America.

Does anyone really believe persecution won't happen to us? During the regime of Hitler, the Nazis were notorious for their cruelty. On one occasion they crowded all the Jews they could find from Warsaw, Poland, into a ghetto, and then bombed it. Thousands were massacred. In the rubble was found a petition of a child: "God, I do not ask you to make my life easy; I do ask you to make me strong." Perhaps we should start praying this prayer now.

In my opening remarks of this newsletter, I said there seems to be an eerie stillness and silence in America, much like the silence and stillness before a deadly storm erupts. My dear brothers and sisters, please hear me. Do not let my elementary and feeble attempt of persuasion deter you from the warning. The storm clouds of judgment and persecution have already gathered. Yahweh's Holy Spirit is thundering out a warning that has never been heard with this magnitude since Noah's flood. Before the storm clouds of persecution erupt in America, won't you get right with God now! Won't you get your house in order! Won't you repent! THE TIME IS NOW! Much awaits us! Persecution will soon rain upon this country. Won't you come to the ark of safety? That ark is Christ. Whether you die for Him or are delivered by Him, you must be in Him.

Now may the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob bless you through His Son Yeshua.

In His Service

Jack Hunter


Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
(When Is It Right For A Christian To Fight)

Editor's Note: Given the gravity of this subject and its far reaching consequences I implore you to use discernment as you read this article and allow God's Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths found within, and to nullify/render out anything that be false or misleading. I readily admit I am in no way satisfied with the style in which this article was penned - there is a lot lacking. However, I am somewhat satisfied with the conclusions themselves. Yet allow me to reiterate so that the Holy Spirit may guide you as you read this article.

Let us immediately jump to the question at hand of civil disobedience - (When is it right for a Christian to fight?). Many have found themselves wrapped in the garment of confusion, groping for answers to this vital and crucial question.

In this article you will read:

1. Two Diametrically Opposed Groups
2. Gleaning From History
3. The Battle At Hand

Two Diametrically Opposed Groups

Over the span of three or four weeks I have had the opportunity to discuss this topic with several individuals. I have discovered that there are two extremely opposing sides to this question. You have two personalities - two different temperaments heading up each group. On one side of the issue you have Mr. Malevolent Heartless, while on the other side you have Mr. Passive Pigeon- Hearted.

Mr. Malevolent Heartless is a "jack booted", "Hitler minded", "Atilla The Hun", who will pick up his sword (gun, etc.) at any cost and for just about any reason to defend what his own demented view of liberty, freedom, and honor is, all in the name of Yeshua, while uplifting the cross. However, those in his group pervert Yeshua's Holy Name and they use the cross as a symbolic sword to slash the throats of their victims. They stockpile food, weapons, etc. for themselves only. Their motto is the three G's: God, guns, and guts, not necessarily in that order. They believe God has chosen them to use anything in their means to destroy anything they deem as evil. If the Mr. Malevolent Heartless group depicts your attitude then I have a word for you: You will die in your own violent folly and sin.

Mr. Passive-Pigeon Hearted heads up the other side. His group never gets involved in anything that remotely resembles controversy. They dare not think of taking a stand for anything , let alone civil disobedience. If Russia or Red China were to attack us and land on our shores, this group would probably greet them with flowers, flags, and flamboyant faces while holding little signs that say, "We love you". Their act of involvement is to shake their quiescent heads at tyranny or evil and then go about their own apathetic agenda. The Mr. Pigeon Hearted group enjoys what freedoms we still have left, but they will criticize those individuals who paid with their blood in war to make those freedoms possible. They would never use the cross as a symbolic weapon. Instead they hide behind it in an attempt to hide their own lackadaisical attitude or their own cowardice.

If you find that the Mr. Pigeon Hearted group depicts your attitude, then you have followed the Pied Piper into the enemy's camp and you have either been captured by the enemy or worse you have by your own noninvolvement become their comrades. Your end will also be destruction as you wallow in your shame.

Mr. Malevolent Heartless and Mr. Passive-Pigeon Hearted represent a larger number than one might think. This frightens me. However many find themselves somewhere in between these opposing views. The balance isn't always in the middle. Only the Holy Spirit of Yahweh knows where to place the fulcrum.

Today more than anytime in history, Christians need to take a decisive stand against evil - but do it in love. While we are taking this decisive stand, in love, we must be "a clear and present danger" to all forms of tyranny , evil, and anti-Messiah spirit. The status quo can no longer be the tent you sleep in. The time is now to make some marked and crucial decisions.

Gleaning From History

The earliest account of active resistance (civil disobedience) to a tyrannical state is found in Exodus 1:15-27. Pharaoh had declared an order, and Pharaoh was law . "Rex Lex" means king is law. The law applied to the Hebrew midwives. The midwives were told to murder each newborn male Hebrew baby. The midwives feared God. They feared God so they broke the King's law. They were guilty of civil disobedience. Thank God for these brave God- fearing women.

You can tell much about the milieu of a country by how it treats the very old and the very young, including the unborn. Any country that embraces abortion and euthanasia for any reason is evil. And laws that protect those who murder are not moral laws, but are heinous. The immoral laws should be resisted. Thank God for women, and men too, who get involved in the pro-life movement.

In the book of Daniel - Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, better known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, stood up in King Nebuchadnezzar's face and said, "we will not bow". They were in all actuality law breakers, but obedient to Yahweh. In Acts 5, Peter and the apostles were put in prison. They had been given strict orders not to teach in the Name of Yeshua. However, that night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison and instructed them to continue teaching the message of Yeshua. When later questioned regarding their disobedience of violating the order of teaching about Yeshua, Peter and the apostles said, "We must obey God rather than man." Acts 5:29.

Brothers and sisters, righteousness is not necessarily wrapped up in the law of the land, the flag or even the beloved constitution, but in obeying God and Him alone. Constitutions can be amended, but God never changes - His Word will abide forever.

Joshua is an example of a man (governing authority) skilled in both military and spiritual matters as conveyed in Deuteronomy 34:9. Joshua led his people to victory and conquered the enemies of God and Israel. Peace was accomplished and maintained, not with the non-involvement, but with a sword! Keep in mind that the wise use of force must only be ordained by God. There were warriors in the Bible. Judges is just one of the many books that speaks of these warriors. These "freedom fighters" are applauded and held in high- esteem in the hall of fame chapter of Hebrews 11.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, and shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:32-40

Brothers and sisters, if we do not take a staunch and courageous stand, if we are not tenacious in our thinking, if we continue riding that fence, if we refuse to make some crucial decisions for the Messiah and against evil today, then tomorrow it may be impossible to make just and courageous decisions.

Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Romans 13:1-4

The government is to punish evil and reward good. However, any government that punishes good and rewards evil violates God's Holy Law and enters into an area in which it has no divine authority. It is null and void of any blessing from Yahweh as far as "good government" is concerned. And we are to resist it with not only a clear conscience but with the approval of Yahweh Himself, for that government has become a tyranny and it is not true government.

There are many voices in history expounding the same sentiments. One such voice was Zwingli (1489-1531). He was a man of God and a leading participant in the Swiss Reformation who was known as the "fighting priest". He was killed in the midst of battle, defending his family, church and nation. As a true pastor with a shepherd's heart, he fought gallantly to protect his sheep from the raging wolves, though it cost him his life.

Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) was a strong follower of Jesus Christ. Rutherford was known as the patriarch of both the Scottish and American Revolutions. The following are quotes from Lex Rex written by Samuel Rutherford in 1644. "Tyranny being a work of Satan is not from God, because sin, whether habitual or actual, is not from God .... A power ethical, politic, or moral to oppress (people) is not of God, and is not a (valid) power; and is no more from God, but from sinful nature and the old serpent, than a license to sin." (p. 32) "God hath given no absolute and unlimited power to a king above the Law. " (p.101) "Absolute power to tyrannize over the people and to destroy them is not a power from God." (p.102)

John Lilburne (1618-1657), another of God's great servants, who was also a furious opponent of tyranny and evil. This beloved Quaker Preacher earned the title "Freedom John". The following is a quote from "Legitimate defense" that he wrote in 1653. "The most authentic servants of Christ have always been the worst enemies of tyranny and the oppressor."

One recent voice from modern history is Frances Schaeffer. He is still recognized as one of today's most influential Christians thinkers of today. He has had a positive and profound effect on my life as well as on the lives of thousands of others. The following is a quote from his book "Christian Manifesto".

There does come a time when force, even physical force, is appropriate. The Christian is not to take the law into his own hands and become a law unto himself. But when all avenues to flight and protest have closed, force in the defensive posture is appropriate. This was the situation of the American Revolution. The colonists used force in defending themselves. Great Britain, because of its policy toward the colonies, was seen as a foreign power invading America. The colonists defended their homeland. As such, the American Revolution was a conservative counter-revolution. The colonists saw the British as the revolutionaries trying to overthrow the legitimate colonial governments.

A true Christian in Hitler's Germany and in the occupied countries should have defied the false and counterfeit state and hidden his Jewish neighbors from the German SS Troops. The government had abrogated its authority, and it had no right to make any demands,
( PP. 117-118).

Yeshua Himself was not passive as revealed in The Gospel of John.

And the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money-changers, and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, Take these things away; stop making My Father's house a house of merchandise. John 2:13-16

Yeshua apparently believed in self defense.

And he said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it along, likewise also a bag, and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one. For I tell you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, And He was numbered with transgressors; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment." And they said, Lord, look, here are two swords. And He said to them, "It is enough." Luke 22:36-38

In Luke 22:36-38, the sword was not used to kill, maim or destroy , but it certainly was used for protection. We are to protect ourselves and those in our care. To be passive when it comes to protecting our families and those in our care is blatant sin!

The voices of history ring out a clear sound that must be heard today. Perhaps it's time to overturn some tables. All throughout history thousands have stood against evil at all cost. How many decent men and women lost their lives during the demented Hitler Regime when they refused to obey man's immoral laws but instead chose to obey God's moral laws? Many hid Jews and other groups who were sought by the state. Movies such as the "Hiding Place" depict the courage of those who stood in the face of tyranny even though it meant imprisonment, torture and/or death.

In writing this article I sought the advice of several men with whom I correspond. One of these men is Gary Hahn. Below is a letter he wrote me conveying his views on this topic. My inclusion of his comments does not necessarily imply that he concurs with my conclusions, but rather it simply means that he was kind enough to oblige me as I sought his advice.

Dear Jack
Greetings in the name of Father Yahweh and our Redeemer, Lord Yeshua.
Regarding the question of "Civil Disobedience", I would suggest that this
is truly an issue of "Citizenship". While some would seek to be at odds with government solely to do so, God's word instructs us to obey Godly Law and as much as possible to live in peace with all men. The issue revolves around whether we obey government or Godly Law, and of course, we are clearly told to obey God rather than men. Like those before us, we must clearly count the cost, put our hand to the plow; without looking back, seek first the Kingdom of God, resist the devil and as the redeemed of the Lord say so.
Lifting up Yeshua, so as to position Him to draw all men, we will find ourselves at odds with anything, government or otherwise, that positions itself in direct conflict with God and his Laws. Lawless rebellion cannot be measured against man's law, but rather only by the true Lawgiver, Yahweh, and our Fellowship relationship with Him. Often, to follow Yeshua will bring forth the scorn of many; family, government, the courts and so on, and we must choose whom we shall serve and trust, delight and commit to that one.

To clearly understand Romans 13 we must come to terms with verses 3 and 4 as further defined by Isaiah 9:6-7 and we also need to understand Romans 13:12-14 as defined by Isaiah 10:1-3 I trust that the thoughts shared will be of blessing to you as you try the spirit thru The Word and Prayer.

Bro.Gary L. Hahn, Rev., Pastor

I would personally like to thank three other brothers who I have learned to love and respect, who also took time to correspond with me as I struggled with writing this article. They are Ed from California, Bill from Arkansas, and Jim from Texas. Thank you my brothers!

The Things At Hand

There is a dense fog slowly descending over America. This is no ordinary fog. It's a type of smog that reeks with the smell of filth, putrefication and dung. This pungent effluvium carries in its vapors a poison that has the potential to be lethal to us all. This cloud of toxicity is engulfing us even as we read this article. What is this cloud of toxic sewage? It is the new age of sin, which isn't new at all - it's the polluted breath of satan attempting to intoxicate and then asphyxiate us all. Our sins are rampant and our repentance is nil.

There seem to be factions that are currently promoting their evil agenda. Two of these groups are given more and more specialized status by our government. These two groups are the radical homosexuals and abortionists and their supporters. God stands ready to forgive these individuals, but not only will they not repent, but they flaunt their sins in God's face.

Any violence directed against the individuals who commit these sins is just as corrupt and damnable as the sins they themselves are committing. However, turning our heads from these abominations is just as evil in its own right.

Today we take in stride what we would have fought tooth and toenail against 25 years ago. "So they want to build another abortion mill - go ahead, what do we care." So what if the "gay" lifestyle is depicted as normal on the networks. Nothing shocks us any more. We condone millions of babies being slaughtered and wink at perversion.

Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down, says the Lord. Jeremiah 6:15

Today when Christians speak out against these two sins they are labeled as mean-spirited and bigots. The Christians have suddenly become the evil ones. Its decision making time. To be a real blood-bought, sold out Christian and be accepted by the pagan world will soon be passe, in fact it already is. Following Yeshua wholeheartedly may someday cost you your life. No matter what the cost we need to decide today if we are going to spend eternity with Him rejoicing in the light, or bow to the false god of acceptance and spend eternity without Him screaming in outer darkness. Any government that changes God's truth into a lie should be resisted by the believer. Any country that embraces tyranny should not be obeyed but stood against.

Churches your 501C3 tax shield, which you have hidden behind to protect you from the infamous and illegal IRS, will soon become an albatross around your neck. You either will become a puppet for the politically correct, New World Order crowd, or face the consequences you have been trying so hard to avoid.

There is a New World Order beast government coming which will be ruled by the
Anti -Messiah. Persecution awaits all Christians. Satan has always wanted to be like God. He tries to counterfeit what Yahweh is doing, so he will try all the more in these last days. Can we change anything that God has ordered?? A thousand times, no! However, we are never to sit by while the world is led to its grave by satan's hypnotic song of death.

We must be willing to take an unyielding stand against tyranny, sin, and anything satan is orchestrating. HOW DARE WE wallow in our prosperity, refuse to be committed to anything except our own blessing, while our fellow Christians are in some cases paying with their very lives in some 60 countries which are ruled by tyrannical and draconian regimes.

Brothers and sisters, let me make something emphatically clear - I am in no way advocating the overthrow of anything with violence (guns, bombs, etc.). This is sheer folly and sin. What I am advocating is that we must obey God rather than man! We must be watchmen on the wall. We must never compromise with wickedness. We must stand staunch and ready for battle in the face of evil and tyranny and never give up. We must uplift Yeshua as the One and only hope for the human race. We must have our eyes set like flint on the King of Kings ( He is Rex Lex) under the banner of the cross. We must in the Power of God's Holy Spirit, stand against satan at all costs, even if it means our lives. We must never back down, never back down, never back down. Amen.

"If there is no final place for civil disobedience, then the government has been made autonomous, and as such, it has been put in the place of the Living God. If there is no final place for civil disobedience, then the government has been put in the place of the Living God, because then you are to obey it even when it tells you in its own way at that time to worship Caesar. And that point is exactly where the early Christians performed their acts of civil disobedience even when it cost them their lives." Frances Schaeffer