Called Christians First
06/05/2019

Greetings, Friends. The Timeline has been updated to reflect that the new moon was not sighted, as expected, on June 4th. That makes the 1st of the 4th month on June 5th. The 1st of the 4th month also marks the colloquial, average-joe-understanding start of the Hebrew summer (4th, 5th, & 6th month; similar to how many northern latitude areas consider June, July, and August 'summer').

Of course, this reminds us of Matthew 24:32-33, where Jesus - after He answered their three questions - told His disciples what they really needed to focus on: His return during the days of Noah and Lot. "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."

Christ told us that His coming will be LIKEWISE - in similitude to the example that He gave about the fig tree and summer. The fig tree putting forth leaves was a signal (You Are Here), that pointed to a Destination (Summer). There was going to be a period between the signal location and the destination location. LIKEWISE, we see that we are now at the threshold of summer: the picture of arriving at the destination. Of course, it is not described to the day, but the arrival of summer is pretty much considered at the starting few days. So, here we are... right at the door, practically looking through the peephole - expecting Him!

We also see that the cultural and moral climate is also as it was in the days of Noah and Lot - especially in this month of June typically used to celebrate pride, worldwide. We also see - here at this first week and days of 'summer' - both Gregorian and Hebrew - that Jupiter is shining bright, next to the right foot of Ophiuchus - treading on the scorpion. A powerful celestial reminder that our Bridegroom - the Lion of the Tribe of Judah - is also the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. He calls us to rise up (STAND UP) and shine bright - so that the world can see Him in us.

With Jupiter's looping path, we've been watching it draw attention to the right foot - literally circling the area - for several months now. It will now shine it's brightest, as a celestial marker, in just a few days. What have we learned and applied about the feet, our feet, our steps, our ways, our rising up, which direction we are going... during this highlighted time?

Here on this channel, it sobers me to think that we have been given several months to examine how we - as Christians - are walking. As you know, our last video was in January. The Lord led us to post the longtime-coming exhortation that we were no longer going to be making videos. You will remember this verse, Mark 6:8-11:

"And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

We pointed out Christ's instruction: "...when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your FEET for a testimony against them."

This is also repeated in Luke 9:5: "...when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your FEET for a testimony against them."

FOR a testimony against them. A legal filing. To be brought before the Judge. The matter of discussion, from the past few months, is already filed on the bench.

Friend, as sad as it is for me to cover this, we are instructed to provoke and exhort unto love and to good works - and so much the more (Heb 10:24).

Since our last video and posting on this Community tab, the Lord has taken me elsewhere to focus most of my energies and time on the Brook Cherith. It is amazing and wonderful to see His hand at work, especially at this late hour. As I have gotten time, here and there, I've sent these text messages. Unfortunately, the reaction has been about the same: far less than half of 1% of our average viewership (not even subscribers) has even reacted to requests for cups of cold water, and to receive this minister and late hour ministry work.

I have been thinking, lately, of the New Testament account of the Pentecost believers, and the early Church - and the vast difference between what is seen today. In the same book as the record of the Pentecost believers, we find a glimpse at why the early believers were first called Christians - Christlike. Acts 11:26-30 -

"...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."

The early Pentecost believers loved in deed not word. They put action to their faith, understanding of prophecy, and to their love. Their good works shone in their life - to the world around them - and because of it, they rightly deserved the title: Christian. Like-Christ.

Friend, that was the early Church. Imagine, if in our day and time, a prophet/teacher got up and foretold - based on Scripture and Christ's instructions - that sudden destruction was coming (a great dearth throughout all the world) - and that we should (beforehand) take up relief, considering those that would be affected by what was coming. And let's imagine that the request was according to every man's ability, even down to cups of cold water. And, finally, let us imagine that there was a call for not just talk, but also a doing; deeds and action, not words. Would there would be any difference between those called Christians THEN versus those called Christians NOW...?

Unfortunately, and very sadly, when confronted with the exact same parallels in our prophetic time, less than half of 1% even care - and I dare say that there are more in our average viewership than were at the church in Antioch. Is there responsibility that comes to those that know prophecy, and have heard directly from prophetic teachers about the needs that will result from said prophecy?

When the Pentecost believers (Acts 2:44-47) saw a need, they sold stuff and lands, entrusting the apostles and elders to best direct the application - on their behalf. Notice that this Pentecost account specifically enumerates that they "sold their possessions and goods". They did not limit to just 'discretionary funds' or extra... They saw a need, and sold something at the pawnshop if that is what it took - to help meet a need. They considered all of their inventory as "according to his ability."

It is hard to ignore the parallels in Christ's warning of how He will call onto the carpet the 'Christians' who did not even do what was in their ability to do: Luke 19:23-24 - "Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds."

It is also hard to ignore how Christ emphasized absolutely do not get caught up by your stuff, when He returns (Luke 17:30-32):

"Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
Remember Lot's wife."

Friend, as a prophet/teacher, I must lead by example (Titus 2:7). I do not ask of you anything that I have not made my life a pattern in doing already. Many sacrifices have been made for this ministry, and the Brook Cherith; it is part of counting the cost. But now, we find ourselves with time extremely short. We are at a destination time, where we are expecting the very One Who has warned us of what He expects when He comes.

Will Christ call us Christ-like? Will He find evidence of our faith? Will He find fruit? Will He find us with our lights burning? We are at the days of Noah and Lot, full of pride awaiting sudden destruction. There are celestial reminders that our King and Judge will be evaluating His servants - and rewarding accordingly - very soon.

Malachi 3:16-18 - "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."

What shall He discern me to be? Wicked and foolish, or wise and faithful? Let us apply ourselves - actively STANDING UP - to be found Wise. Faithful. Zealous. On Fire. Hot. Serving... Loving... CHRIST-LIKE. And so much the more, as we see the day approaching!

Let us love Him fervently, and serve Him fervently - FIRST - and highest, above all else!

Maranatha!! Brother Daniel

 

 

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