Here
we are at the end of another calendar year, and we Christians are still
buying time, as it were. The Devil is gnashing his teeth (guess what—it
won’t be the last time he does so; think Lake of Fire) at the fact that his one-world government agenda is still not a reality. Why? Because you and I are standing in his way! Is that cool, or what? The Body of Christ
is blocking Satan from running roughshod over those who will be left on
earth after the Lord Jesus yanks us out of here in the twinkling of an
eye. Is that what the Bible says? Yep.
2 Thessalonians 2:1–7 (NKJ)
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the fallingaway[apostasia=“departure”] comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he [he=the “one new man”—Eph. 2:15] who now restrains will do so until He [he] is taken out of the way.
The mystery of lawlessness is already at work. You can say that again! Satan’s minions are at work all over the world on a scale that has to break the heart of our heavenly Father, given what He intended for mankind to be and do. Here in the good old USA, the wicked powers-that-be continue to push our economy to the brink of calamity, something our present government policies guarantee will eventually happen, simply because, mathematically speaking, things cannot go on and on as they are. I firmly believe that because our God has found “7000” who have not bowed the knee to Baal, He has been able to stay the hand of the enemy to at least some degree, preserving our freedom and prosperity so we can spread the Gospel and “pull people out of the fire” (Jude 23).
Remember that God does not have carte blanche to intervene at will. How do we know that? Because, being ALL LOVE, if He could, He would! And one day He will! Until then, our Father needs our cooperation to accomplish His will in the lives of those who decide to turn to Him. And prayer is perhaps the most important way we cooperate as “fellow laborers” with Him.
1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NKJ)
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Here’s a similar exhortation for us to pray so that those who are hungry for Truth can hear it:
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (ASV)
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also it is with you; 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith [Duh].
The KJV reads, “have free course,” the NASB and NIV say “spread rapidly,” and the ESV reads, “speed ahead,” but the Greek word is “run.” As things get worse and worse, which is what Scripture says will happen until the Lord comes for us, we may have to supernaturally “run” like Elijah (ahead of Ahab’s chariot for 20 miles) and David, who ran “through a troop” (2 Sam. 22:30). What part of the Word of God is most important for us today to “run” with? It’s gotta be the red letter words of Jesus. Nope.
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the [SECRET] of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Like every Christian, YOU are a full time minister (servant) of the Gospel. Our calling is to so “re-present” the life of Christ via the power of his holy spirit within us that not only do people get saved and come to an experiential knowledge of the truth, but also that the Devil and his henchmen are reminded how sorry they are that they crucified the Lord of glory. Look at these golden verses that proclaim this tremendous truth:
Ephesians 3:8-11 (NIV)
8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this [SECRET], which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose [purpose of the ages] that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The darker the world becomes, the brighter our light can shine as a beacon to those fed up with hopelessness, despair, and confusion. What a joy to know that we are working together with God and Christ to help them accomplish their glorious purposes. And that we will be richly rewarded for so doing.
As you know, in today’s world it takes money for any ministry to spread the Gospel, and the biblical principle is that believers are to “give in response to a blessing.” If you have taken advantage of the many biblical teaching materials that TLTF has, and it has done nothing for you, why would you give us money for others to hear what you heard? The same goes for any ministry, too many of which have a shoddy product but extort money from people by twisting the Scriptures. On the other hand, if our work touches your heart and benefits you, we would greatly appreciate it if you would invest part of your life in what we are doing.
In the 1996 film, Jerry Maguire, Cuba Gooding’s character uttered the now-famous line: “SHOW ME THE MONEY!” Actually, the Apostle Paul was the first to say that, in so many words. Writing to the Corinthian church about financial giving, he told them: “Therefore show these men the proof of your love…” (2 Cor. 8:24). In other words, love is evidenced by giving, and in this context, material giving. Putting your money where your mouth is, so to speak, shows that you mean what you say about being a follower of the Lord Jesus. And you can give knowing that what you give it will be replenished over and above:
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Would you please help us with a year-end gift? Whether or not giving TLTF a year-end gift will enhance your tax position for 2014, we hope you will prayerfully consider sharing with us as much as you can this month. By the grace and mercy of our God, this unique ministry has flourished for another year despite some significant attacks of the enemy, and virtually everyone who takes advantage of what we have to offer LOVES it! At this juncture, we ask you to stretch out in faith and give as the first-century brethren did:
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NIV)
1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
If you do benefit from our work, and regularly contribute to us, THANK YOU! Would you consider increasing your gift, even $5 a week or $10 a month? If you are blessed by our work but do not support us on a regular basis, please consider doing so in 2015. Don’t think that a small amount doesn’t matter—it does. Of course, all gifts to TLTF, including stock certificates, are tax deductible.
The TLTF Finance Committee is made up of Bob Keck, Rosanne Martino, and Greg Rogers. Here’s the link to the Finance Committee Mission Statement, so you can see how diligently we steward the gifts you give us.
Some time ago, I sent a thank-you note to a TLTF supporter (as I do to each person for each gift they give) and I mentioned that I’m looking forward to seeing him rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ for his giving. He immediately wrote back and said that blew his mind—he had never considered that he will earn rewards for contributing to the outreach of the Word. Hey, you and I will be rewarded for every godly word and deed, each of which the Lord Jesus is chalking up on your “RAP (Rewards at Parousia) Sheet.” How cool will that be when we applaud wildly for one another?
