It is of the utmost importance that the unity of the brotherhood amongst us not be broken for any reason, because the adversary of souls persistently seeks to bring in the spirit of disaffection and strife, for he knows all too well that a kingdom divided against itself will not stand. Hence the reason why we should all seek to maintain the bond of unity at all costs, being willing at every point in our Christian experience, to put aside our petty differences, so that we may focus more intently on the work of soul saving, to which we have been called.
There is a nature video entitled “The battle at Kruger” by Jason Schlosberg, which exemplifies the way in which Christians and all church members should stand united as one, both in doctrine, in practice, and in looking out for the best temporal and eternal interests of each other. The reason why it’s so important for us to cultivate a tightly knit community of believers is because the enemy of all righteousness seeks to isolate and discourage as many of us as he can, for whenever our unity is broken up, the vital power of the Holy Ghost then becomes a scarce commodity, as we will observe in one of the references given later in this study.
Thus, the following observations should be made when reviewing the Battle at Kruger, for the video contains very deep spiritual lessons, which we will do well to apply both personally and collectively, for none knows how soon these lessons may need to be implemented in the most literal sense.
[1] It is never advisable for any Christian to wander aimlessly in life, unmindful of the fact that we are in a serious war against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against wicked spirits in high places. This is the reason why the following text is so very important for us to remember. Let’s read:
1st Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
[2] Evil spirits often hunt for their prey in packs, combining well-coordinated effort and discipline to achieve their goals, very much the way in which a pride of lions, or a pack of hyenas would hunt. It is also to be observed that they often seek to isolate the weakest member of the herd, so as to bring maximum force and terror to bear against the youngest or the weakest. Let’s read:
Mark 5:1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
[Testimonies vol. 1 pp. 301] Those who depart from the right are in serious danger now. They separate themselves from God and from the watchcare of His angels, and Satan, ever upon the watch to destroy souls, begins to present to them his deceptions. Such are in the utmost peril; and if they see and try to resist the powers of darkness and to free themselves from Satan's snare, it is not an easy matter. Satan and his angels are unwilling to lose their prey. They contend and battle with the holy angels, and the conflict is severe.
[3] Whenever the agencies of evil have succeeded in overthrowing a weak member of the faith, then it is our positive duty to muster our forces in a well- coordinated effort through prayer, and through the power of Christ, to rescue the one who is in grave danger. The enemies of Christ focus on uniformity, whereas we should focus on unity, for here is where our strength in Christ lies, since as the saying goes, “United we stand, divided we fall”. Let’s read:
John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Judges 20:1 Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man”…. “unto the Lord in Mizpeh.
11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Thus there are very deep and important spiritual lessons to be learned from the following video, and we may soon have to put them into practice, literally. Let’s watch: … “The battle at Kruger”.
In the Bible is exposed the way in which evil angels work in harmony for the accomplishment of one common purpose. Because of sin, fallen angels are often to be found bickering, and fighting amongst themselves, for this is the natural outworking of sin, but when it comes to their main goal and purpose in life, that of seeking out prey and keeping their victims in bondage, they will immediately put aside their differences, and work together in harmony for the accomplishment of their one common purpose.
The same method of operation is true of the current pontiff, who is studiously seeking to bring the many warring, and often fractured factions of Christianity, secularists, and political leaders to the negotiating table, for the final accomplishment of the long sought dominion over a one world religion, and one world government, under the auspices of Rome, which is referenced several times in the book of Revelation, chapters 13 & 14. Let’s read:
Revelation 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
This is the reason why we see the current leader of the roman church insidiously inserting himself into the political, as well as the religious arena, via such common interests as climate change, ecumenism, global poverty, and the extremely sensitive issue of immigration. There is without a doubt, a concerted, systematic, and deliberate effort now being made to influence all political decisions, and legislations around the globe, in both the secular and spiritual realms, which is what the Bible has so often warned earth’s inhabitants of, especially in the last book of the Bible.
And for those who may not be cognizant of what is now taking place right before our eyes, the next few following examples will give us some insight into those efforts being made by the current pontiff, to consolidate all political and religious forces, being willing to put aside divides and differences for the accomplishment of the universal religio/political new world order.
In other words, just as the lions in the video worked deliberately and in concert for the achievement of their one common goal, just so the current pope is dead set on building on the same principle, towards the very same end. But what is really sad, is that the same unity and oneness of purpose is often lacking in the ranks of the soldiers of the cross, hence the reason why the power of God is not manifested in our midst as it could and should be. Let’s read:
Mother Jones: Pope Francis urges Congress to treat immigrants in “humane and just” way.
In a powerful speech to a joint session of Congress Thursday morning, Pope Francis pushed the United States to confront several political issues that tend to divide Republicans and Democrats, including immigration, climate change, the Iran deal, Cuba, poverty, and the death penalty.
The Guardian: Flying back to Rome from a trip to Mexico, the pope said: “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.”
It’s almost certain that pope Francis has scripture to back up this proposal, for the Bible has lots to say about the treatment of strangers, and the very suggestion seems on the surface to be pregnant with mercy and compassion, but beware, be very aware. Let’s read:
Exodus 22:21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
The Guardian: It is Pope Francis’s penultimate day in Cuba before heading to the US for his first ever visit to the country. Francis is credited with playing a key role in the easing of relations between the two countries”…
(CNN)The leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the President of Iran met Tuesday at the Vatican, a face-to-face encounter that speaks to a changing geopolitical landscape and both men's significant role in it. Cameras captured Pope Francis and Iran President Hassan Rouhani shaking hands and sitting down across from each other. The Vatican later offered a glimpse into what it called" cordial discussions" touching on the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear accord and "problems afflicting the Middle East."
"The parties highlighted the importance of inter-religious dialogue and the responsibility of religious communities in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and peace," the Vatican said.
(CNN) Pope Francis, who has repeatedly called for an end to the death penalty, on Sunday proposed that Catholic leaders suspend the practice for a year to mark the Holy Year of Mercy. "I make an appeal to the conscience of all rulers, so that we can achieve an international consensus for the abolition of the death penalty," the Pope said in his Sunday address in St. Peter's Square. "And I propose to those among them who are Catholic to make a courageous and exemplary gesture: that no sentence is executed in this Holy Year of Mercy."
Pope: "Thou shalt not kill' has absolute value and applies to both the innocent and the guilty"
It sounds pretty good on the surface, but the only problem is that it is diabolically opposed to what the scriptures teach on the same point. It means that if Hitler and Bin Laden were living today, they would go scotch free after murdering millions of Jews, and thousands of Americans respectively. Hence the reason why the scriptures warn us of a deadly spiritual foe who will surface in the last days of earth’s history, resembling an angel of light in character, but beneath a veneer of supposed piety, will seek to muster and consolidate world powers and agencies thus bringing the people of earth to his knees.
For anyone to call for the universal abolition of the death penalty under the pretense of mercy, with no regards to the innocent or the guilty, is to destroy the basic principles of justice, as it pertains to the deliberate shedding of innocent blood, and thus the person who makes this suggestion is one who seeks to take the place of God as the ultimate arbitrator of wrongs between earth’s inhabitants. In other words, what is being suggested is that God is unfair in the instructions He has given us on the very same issue, and thus the very authority of Jehovah is now being brought into question. Let’s read:
2nd Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Genesis 9:5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require”… “at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.
6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Numbers 35:15 These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.
16 And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Question: What is an example of “An instrument of iron” in our day? Let’s read: Kalamazoo, Michigan (CNN)
The man accused of killing six people and injuring two more in a Saturday evening shooting rampage in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was an Uber driver who picked up and dropped off passengers between shootings, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN. The source, who is not authorized to speak to media, said investigators believe Jason Dalton was even looking for fares after the final shooting of a nearly seven-hour killing rampage.
Thus according to the pope’s counsel, a person such as this, who manifested no regard for the sanctity of human life, and who had no previous grudges with any of his victims, must be permitted to live, with tax payers footing the bill for his food, clothing, and shelter, for as long as he lives. And all this is being suggested in an effort to coalesce the world around one common purpose, that of the one world form of religion and government embodied in concept of the new world order. Let’s read:
(CNN) Delicately dancing around centuries of theological tensions, Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill met in Cuba on Friday and pleaded for world leaders to protect persecuted Christians. In their joint declaration, the Pope and patriarch touted their historic conclave as an "indispensable" example of civility for a world riven by violence, poverty and sectarian strife. "We are not competitors but brothers, and this concept must guide all our mutual actions as well as those directed to the outside world."
Since his election in 2013, Francis has made concerted efforts to heal the breach between Catholics and Russian Orthodox Christians, telling Kirill in 2014: "I'll go wherever you want. You call me and I'll go." The meeting is a diplomatic victory for Francis, who has made door-opening dialogue a prominent feature of his foreign policy.
There is a song that we often sing which goes like this, “Blessed be the tie that binds”, and for many years we may have sung that hymn without ever realizing the full meaning of the words. The “Tie that binds” refers to much more than potluck on Sabbaths, or the occasional social activities which many churches involve themselves in. It means looking out for the best temporal and eternal interests of each other, with each one willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary, whether it be in time, money, or prayers, so that the one who is hurting may be restored, or souls who are in danger within and outside of the community of believers may be delivered. The apostle Paul puts it this way. Let’s read:
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in he spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
The Bible gives us several literal examples of how the unity of the brotherhood should be cultivated and strengthened in real time, for it is not a mere theory, to be held aloof, or separately from our everyday experiences, but should be applied in very practical ways. Let’s read:
Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also”…
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon
him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
This is a perfect example of the doctrine of the unity of the brotherhood which is being spoken of today, because the believers were willing to put aside their differences, they laid aside their secular work, just to address a common threat and emergency, which had resulted in one of their number being taken prisoner by Rome. The united states army has special forces who will penetrate deep into enemy territory to rescue one of their own. This is not labeled retaliation, but is rather a code of conduct that is based on the sacred principle of no soldier being left behind. Now isn’t it important then that as Christians we have our own special forces, those who are willing to go deep into enemy territory to retrieve one of our own, when one of us have fallen and “Can’t get up”?
Thus The Lord would have us to understand that if one of our number should be taken in a similar manner, the whole body of believers should go after the perpetrators under the direction of Jesus Christ, praying with all supplication in The Spirit, and with a two edged sword in our hands, until the one who is in danger is rescued. This is not called retaliation, it is just the nature of battle. As was stated before, whenever a soldier or marine in the U.S army is captured by our enemies, the military sends in special forces to rescue the captured soldier, and in like manner, we should have special forces in the spiritual realm, who through the power of Christ will do the same according to His will. It all has to do with strengthening and maintaining the unity of the brotherhood. Let’s read:
2nd Samuel 1:1 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
4 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
6 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
12 And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
13 And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?
15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
16 And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord's anointed.
Mark 9:14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
[The Desire Of Ages pp. 427] As the people on the plain caught sight of Jesus, they ran to meet Him, greeting Him with expressions of reverence and joy. Yet His quick eye discerned that they were in great perplexity. The disciples appeared troubled. A circumstance had just occurred that had caused them bitter disappointment and humiliation. While they were waiting at the foot of the mountain, a father had brought to them his son, to be delivered from a dumb spirit that tormented him.
Authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, had been conferred on the disciples when Jesus sent out the twelve to preach through Galilee. As they went forth strong in faith, the evil spirits had obeyed their word. Now in the name of Christ they commanded the torturing spirit to leave his victim; but the demon only mocked them by a fresh display of his power. The disciples, unable to account for their defeat, felt that they were bringing dishonor upon themselves and their Master. And in the crowd there were scribes who made the most of this opportunity to humiliate them.
Pressing around the disciples, they plied them with questions, seeking to prove that they and their Master were deceivers. Here, the rabbis triumphantly declared, was an evil spirit that neither the disciples nor Christ Himself could conquer. The people were inclined to side with the scribes, and a feeling of contempt and scorn pervaded the crowd. But suddenly the accusations ceased. Jesus and the three disciples were seen approaching, and with a quick revulsion of feeling the people turned to meet them.
The night of communion with the heavenly glory had left its trace upon the Savior and His companions. Upon their countenances was a light that awed the beholders. The scribes drew back in fear, while the people welcomed Jesus. As if He had been a witness of all that had occurred, the Savior came to the scene of conflict, and fixing His gaze upon the scribes inquired, “What question ye with them?” But the voices so bold and defiant before were now silent.
Some may be wondering what’s the meaning and purpose behind the study for this afternoon, and how does the issue of the unity of the brotherhood figure prominently into the current issues of the day. The Lord will have us to understand that our salvation is now much nearer than most Christians believe, and thus, because the time is short, Christ is preparing for a massive, final invasion of the kingdom of darkness, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord, and to set the captives free.
Therefore, He is now calling all soldiers of the cross to be girded with the whole armor God, from the crown of our heads, to the soles of our feet, and to become a tightly knit community of believers, who would preach the unadulterated word, in season and out of season, so that the last message of God’s salvation can be taken to a dying world. He is now looking for online and offline soldiers, special forces who would pray without ceasing, and true Christian workers who will use the sword of the Spirit both defensively and offensively, and the sure promise is given us, the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
This is absolutely not the time for us to be found bickering amongst ourselves, or tearing one another down, but just like the current pontiff is mustering his forces, putting aside all differences for the soon accomplishment of one common goal, we too must not be coming up short on our side of the fence, in finishing what God has given us to do. We therefore end with both a promise and a caution coming from The Captain of our salvation, even from Jesus Christ, to press the battle relentlessly against the kingdom of darkness, on each and every front, leaving the results of our labors with Him, and being careful to maintain the unity of the brotherhood, in the bond of peace. Let’s read:
Ezekiel 3:8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.
9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
10 Moreover he said unto me”… “all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.
11 And go”… “tell them, Thus saith the Lord God; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.
18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
24 Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go!
May God add His blessing to then study, and doing of His every word. God bless!