Sleeper, AWAKE!

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=168 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="129a11c3.png"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome to the Heart4God Website!"><U><B><IMG SRC="4b55a500.png" border=0 width="90" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Writings of Joseph Herrin"><U><B>Writings by Date</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id212.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Writings of Joseph Herrin Organized "><U><B>Writings by Topic</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.heart4god.ws/Audio/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.heart4god.ws/Audio/index.htm"><U><B>Audio Files</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id690.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Videos"><U><B>Videos</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id323.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Writings of Others"><U><B>Other Authors</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id324.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U><B>Links</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id339.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Questions and Answers"><U><B>Q&A</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id328.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Heart4God Email List"><U><B>Heart4God E-mail List</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com"><U><B>Parables Blog</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id306.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="File Downloads"><U><B><IMG SRC="2b264140.png" border=0 width="100" height="20" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <bR> <div> <B>Sleeper, AWAKE!</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="c2827160.png" border=0 width="807" height="22" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Joseph Herrin (8-20-06) </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Ecclesiastes 1:18 </div> <div> In much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.</div> <bR> <div> Matthew 10:16 </div> <div> “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”</div> <bR> <div> Ephesians 5:11-14 </div> <div> And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, </div> <div> "Awake, sleeper, </div> <div> And arise from the dead, </div> <div> And Christ will shine on you."</div> <bR> <div> In this writing I would invite those saints who would walk as overcomers to understand the schemes of the enemy that are even now having the groundwork laid, and to walk in the light of what the Spirit is revealing. Increased knowledge does bring increased sorrow, and this is certainly true of what is spoken of here. Yet, it is folly to hide from the truth, and it can be disastrous to fail to prepare for difficulties that will certainly arise. The Spirit brings knowledge and understanding that the children of God might come to a maturity of thought and a readiness to walk as overcomers.</div> <bR> <div> I will speak here of those plans of the enemy that are deeds of darkness, for as a watchman I have been called to expose them. That which the enemy plans in darkness is exposed when it is brought to the light. The saints are not called to innocence or naivete, they are urged to be as wise as serpents, yet harmless as doves. I have pondered why the Spirit has revealed to me what He has, and I am reminded of the Lord’s words to Peter:</div> <bR> <div> John 21:18 </div> <div> "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself, and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go."</div> <bR> <div> The Lord spoke this to signify to Peter that he would one day die a martyr’s death, even a death by crucifixion. Peter had denied the Lord three times as he sought to avoid suffering. Peter watched as Christ was mistreated by men, and confusion and uncertainty brought forth fear, and fear led to his denial of the One he loved. The Lord revealing to Peter that he would one day be martyred was an act of mercy, for knowing that the word of the Lord must surely come to pass, Peter was forced to confront his fears, to rule over them, and to begin walking in a peace that was the fruit of a true faith in God. As long as Peter thought he might somehow escape this end, he could be tormented by fear. When Christ revealed that there was no escape, then Peter was able to arrive at the knowledge that God would provide a way through the trial, and that he could walk in a peace that passes all understanding.</div> <bR> <div> In the same way, there are things that are coming upon this Earth that will be viewed as negative experiences by many saints, and those who are caught unaware will be tempted to respond in a fleshly manner. Fear will rule many hearts, and many will deny Christ when faced with suffering. Yet those who accept the will of the Lord, and have had time to prepare their hearts and minds, will be able to respond with great courage and peace when other’s hearts are failing them for fear.</div> <bR> <div> What then is this thing that the Spirit has brought understanding in? There is recorded in the gospel of Matthew a conversation where the disciples inquired of Yahshua about His return. Yahshua said that there would be signs that would precede His return, and that the following would certainly occur first.</div> <bR> <div> Matthew 24:9-10 </div> <div> “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. And at that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another.”</div> <bR> <div> In this hour there is such a sense of religious freedom in America, and many other nations, that it is hard to imagine such a degree of religious persecution incurred for remaining true to Christ. Yet the schemes of the enemy are already well advanced in bringing forth such a scenario.</div> <bR> <div> There is a glaring lack of discernment among the saints today. When they have been called to be as wise as serpents, for indeed they are surrounded by serpents, and this world is in the grip of the great serpent, even Satan, they have instead chosen to remain naive. The apostle Paul declared, “For we are not unaware of Satan’s schemes,” yet few saints today could make a similar confession.</div> <bR> <div> One very naive mindset that exists among the saints today is to accept that anyone who declares themselves to be a Christian must legitimately be one. The church by and large equates confession with reality, yet God always makes a distinction between those who confess Him with their mouth, and those who honor Him with their obedience. Yahshua urged His disciples to recognize a tree by its fruit. He warned them that there would always be tares sown among the wheat, and the disciples were exhorted to walk as sheep among wolves.</div> <bR> <div> It is therefore extremely naive to accept the confession of men based upon their words alone. Much more can be discerned by looking at the fruit of a person’s life, and delving deeper into their beliefs. The church has embraced, and given their support, to certain individuals who have declared that they are Christians. This is especially seen in political realms. Many Christians have adorned the back of their cars and trucks and SUVs with Christian symbols, and next to it a big “W.” In this way they show that they support George W. Bush. Many see this man as God’s answer to the nation’s moral problems. They have heard him speak the name of Jesus, and declare himself a Christian, and this has been sufficient to convince them that he is one of their own; a sheep among other sheep; a member of Christ’s flock.</div> <bR> <div> There have been some noted prophets and spiritual leaders in the church that have even declared that this President is a “burning Bush,” an instrument of God’s choosing who will listen to the leadership of the church. They have depicted his opponents as evil, and the elections as a contest between good and evil. Are these assumptions correct? Is it enough for a man to say that he is a believer in Christ? The Messiah stated it was not.</div> <bR> <div> Matthew 7:15-21 </div> <div> “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven...”</div> <bR> <div> “Beware of the false prophets.” A false prophet is not merely someone who claims to have a prophetic gift. It is anyone who “professes” to be someone, or something they are not. The President can proclaim the name of the Lord repeatedly, but this will not gain him access to the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of the Father will enter in. Has George W. Bush done the will of the Father?</div> <bR> <div> The first of the ten commandments states, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” More literal translations render this, “You shall have no other gods in my presence.” During the prayer service which President George W. Bush and many other people of prominence in America attended on the Friday after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, an abomination in Yahweh’s eyes took place. This prayer service was held in a great cathedral in Washington D.C.. Among those present to offer their spiritual service at this prayer gathering was a Muslim Cleric. This Muslim cleric was invited to offer a prayer to “god” (the name of his god was not mentioned).</div> <bR> <div> Christian, I ask you to exercise the most basic level of spiritual discernment. The first commandment given by God to Moses was one that directed His people to have no other gods. Yahweh alone was to be named among them, worshiped among them, honored among them. An Israelite who served any other god was to be cut off from among the true followers of Yahweh. Yahweh would not accept those who served Him and served Baal. He would not accept those who served Him and Ashtoreth, or Molech, or any of the gods of Egypt. </div> <bR> <div> Throughout the history of the nations of Israel and Judah, periods of idolatry and apostasy would arise. At times idols were even brought into the temple that was devoted to Yahweh, and detestable sacrifices to Baal and Ashtoreth and other false gods were offered right alongside of offerings to the One true God. Never did Yahweh ever honor the people when they were walking with such a divided heart.</div> <bR> <div> The people of Israel loved the temple of Solomon that was dedicated to Yahweh. Even in times of great idolatry they did not wholly abandon the temple. Instead, they did a worse thing. They filled the temple with idols and they performed their offerings to Baal right next to their offerings to Yahweh. There is no doubt that Yahweh was not pleased with this ungodly mixture. Time after time He gave them over to the hand of their enemies to punish them. The people did not discern the difference between the holy and the profane. How insulting for Yahweh to be worshiped beside a god of man’s own invention. How degrading to bring Yahweh down to the level of something that was no god at all.</div> <bR> <div> On one occasion Yahweh sent His prophet Elijah to confront the people concerning their double-minded condition. Elijah said, “How long will you halt between two opinions. If Yahweh is God, then serve Him. If Baal is god, then serve him.” The message was unmistakable. Yahweh would have no other gods before Him. There was only one true God.</div> <bR> <div> You may think, “How could the people of Israel and Judah have been so blind as to not know that Yahweh would not honor them if they brought idols into the temple? Certainly they must have been incredibly blinded.” Yet America has done the same thing, and she has done so even during the prayer service that occurred after the tragedies of 9-11. America, and her political leaders, intentionally invited a Muslim Cleric to begin the prayer service to God. </div> <bR> <div> Islam is a religion that does not recognize Yahweh. Instead they recognize a god that is no god at all, whose name is Allah. Islam teaches that there is a way to god other than through Yahshua. Yahshua, in contrast said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.” By all appearances this Muslim cleric looked like a good and decent man. He seemed very spiritual and very humble. I am sure that many of the prophets and priests of Baal appeared equally wise and spiritual. Did Yahweh honor the false priests of old because they seemed good and decent? Did Yahweh say, “Okay, you can share my temple and offer sacrifices next to those who worship Me?”</div> <bR> <div> What was played out during the national prayer service was a re-enactment of what occurred thousands of years ago when the priests of Baal stood shoulder to shoulder with the priests of Yahweh. It brought judgment then, and it will invite the judgment of God today. Tell me, if I am wrong, “What was different from this prayer service and what happened years ago in Israel? What difference is there in a prophet of Baal and a minister of Allah?”</div> <bR> <div> What I am asking for is the most basic level of discernment. Has Yahweh changed His mind concerning the first commandment? Will He now tolerate other gods being worshiped alongside Him? Is He no longer a jealous God? Are there now many ways to approach Him, outside of His Son, Jesus Christ, Yahshua the Messiah? Or are those who come another way still thieves and robbers?</div> <bR> <div> John 10:1-7 </div> <div> “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber...” Jesus therefore said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.”</div> <bR> <div> John 14:5-6 </div> <div> Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”</div> <bR> <div> Some may believe it was simply a lapse of judgment by the President to have a Muslim Cleric present at the National Prayer Service. However, he has publicly declared that this was not an aberration, for he believes that Christians and Muslims serve the same god. At a press conference held in England, a reporter asked President Bush if he believed that Christians and Muslims worshiped the same god. Bush’s answer was an emphatic “Yes.” The transcript can be viewed on the Internet if any are inclined to look it up.</div> <bR> <div> Much more is revealed in the President’s speeches given at the Muslim Iftaar dinners for the past five years. The seeds of the coming persecution of faithful Christians are observed as the President’s words are examined. President George W. Bush is the first president to have hosted a Muslim Iftaar Dinner in the White House. An Iftaar dinner is eaten in the evening, after sunset, during the Muslim religious month of Ramadan. The Muslims fast during the day, and break their fast in the evening with an Iftaar Dinner.</div> <bR> <div> In reading these speeches given by the President, certain themes can be seen. First, there is the false teaching that the Christians and Muslims serve the same god. Bush speaks of God, and of the Almighty God, but he never gives a name to God. He further supports this argument by suggesting that there is a commonality to the faith of Jews, Christians, and Muslims as they all hearken back to God’s call on Abraham. He made the following two statements at different dinners. “We see in Islam a religion that traces its origins back to God's call on Abraham.” “As we celebrate this special Iftaar, we renew the ties of friendship that bind all those who trace their faith back to God's call on Abraham.” </div> <bR> <div> No one should think that any of the statements made at these dinners, which were carefully scripted, were not made with tremendous forethought, and specific design. There are millions of Americans that rarely attend church, and never read their Bibles, who confess to being Christians. Most of these are not Christians at all, and the majority are unable to make the most basic argument from Scripture relating to the identity of the God of Abraham. Largely due to the traditions of men, the name of Yahweh has been removed in all of its 6,828 occurrences in the most popular English Bibles of the day, including the KJV. </div> <bR> <div> This name, which was Spirit breathed, and written in the original texts, has been replaced with titular substitutes that are generic in nature. The titles “God” and “Lord” are not names at all. It is similar to the title “Dad.” There are myriads of dads, but all have specific names that identify which dad is being referenced. A large segment of Christianity has no familiarity with the name of the God they profess. They have heard only titular substitutes. This leads to confusion, especially when people of other religions refer to the deity they serve by the same titular substitute. It is to be noted that the Muslim Cleric at the National Prayer Service never mentioned the name of Allah, but spoke only of “god.” When Billy Graham followed using the same word to reference “God,” the people listening could discern no difference. It gave the appearance that all were praying to the same god.</div> <bR> <div> The second theme evident in Bush’s speeches is that of religious tolerance. This is made much of, and Bush speaks of honoring the Muslim faith. No true follower of Jesus Christ can give such honor to a religion that is false, which serves a pagan god, and which declares that there is another way to God than through Jesus Christ. The Muslim religion states that Jesus was a prophet, while adamantly denying that He is the Son of God. The Muslim religion teaches that Mohammed was a greater prophet than Jesus. In what way can a true Christian believer, one who is born of the Spirit of Christ, and who walks in the Spirit, give any honor to that which denies the deity of Christ? Such teaching is antichrist.</div> <bR> <div> In his speeches Bush also condemns religious bigotry, and lays the evil of the terrorists as the fruit of religious bigotry. In doing so, Bush is laying the groundwork for persecution for those Christians who insist that Jesus Christ alone is the way, the truth, and the life, and that all others are false, deceivers, and thieves and robbers. Such Christians will themselves be labeled as bigots, and as extremists, and will be lumped together with the terrorists of Islam.</div> <bR> <div> What the Spirit has shown me is that there will come great pressure both from the political arena, and the civilian arena, to compromise the truth regarding the person of Christ, His deity, and His uniqueness as the Savior of all men. This pressure is already being applied, as the President repeatedly asserts that the Muslims and Christians serve the same God. Fear will be used as a great tool of the enemy, for multitudes of nominal Christians will fear being labeled as bigots and extremists. They will compromise the truth, accepting lies and deception in order to avoid persecution, whether in the form of public opinion for being “haters” or “narrow-minded,” or in more overt forms.</div> <bR> <div> There is a grand design behind the speeches of the President, and only the naive would believe otherwise. He is the lead spokesman for the most powerful nation on Earth. He has tremendous power to shape public opinion, and from the start of his tenure as president he has consistently used his influence to declare to the world that the Muslim religion is a religion to be honored. The impact on the thinking of Americans has been profound. Over and over the message is heard that Muslims are not the enemy, but that religious extremists are the enemy. Religious extremists can be members of any religion, and the definition of an extremist is repeatedly given as someone who does not exhibit tolerance, and even honor, for the false beliefs of other religions.</div> <bR> <div> By this standard, Jesus Christ was the biggest bigot of all, and definitely an extremist. He gave no honor to other gods, and proclaimed Himself to be the only way to the Father. As you read the excerpts I have copied from the President’s speeches, I ask you to exercise discernment, to be wise as serpents, and to recognize that a day is coming soon when those who stand fast in their confession of Christ as the only way to the Father, and who declare all others to be impostors, and deceivers, will incur the wrath of the world. Jesus declared that this must occur before He returns. The true disciples of Christ will be hated by all nations. Yet be encouraged, for when you see these things happening, know that your redemption draws nigh.</div> <bR> <div> The President hosted a Muslim Iftaar dinner at the White House on November 19, 2001, in which he made the following comments.</div> <bR> <div> THE PRESIDENT: Good evening, and welcome to the White House. I'm so honored to welcome such distinguished guests and ambassadors during the holy month of Ramadan. </div> <bR> <div> America is made better by millions of Muslim citizens. America has close and important relations with many Islamic nations. So it is fitting for America to honor your friendship and the traditions of a great faith by hosting this Iftaar at the White House... </div> <bR> <div> Ramadan is a time of fasting and prayer for the Muslim faithful. So tonight we are reminded of God's greatness and His commandments to live in peace and to help neighbors in need. According to Muslim teachings, God first revealed His word in the holy Qur'an to the prophet, Muhammad, during the month of Ramadan. That word has guided billions of believers across the centuries, and those believers built a culture of learning and literature and science. </div> <bR> <div> All the world continues to benefit from this faith and its achievements. Ramadan and the upcoming holiday season are a good time for people of different faiths to learn more about each other. </div> <bR> <div> -------------------------- </div> <div> The President hosted a Muslim Iftaar dinner at the White House on November 7, 2002, in which he made the following comments. </div> <bR> <div> In hosting tonight's Iftaar, I send a message to all the nations represented by their ambassadors here tonight: America treasures your friendship. America honors your faith. </div> <bR> <div> We see in Islam a religion that traces its origins back to God's call on Abraham. We share your belief in God's justice, and your insistence on man's moral responsibility... </div> <bR> <div> One of the deepest commitments of America is tolerance. No one should be treated unkindly because of the color of their skin or the content of their creed. No one should be unfairly judged by appearance or ethnic background, or religious faith. We must uphold these values of progress and pluralism and tolerance. </div> <bR> <div> George Washington said that America gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance. This was our policy at our nation's founding; this is our policy today. America rejects all forms of religious intolerance. America grieves with all the victims of religious bigotry. And America opposes all who commit evil in God's name. </div> <bR> <div> ------------------- </div> <div> The President hosted a Muslim Iftaar dinner at the White House on October 28, 2003, in which he made the following comments.</div> <bR> <div> THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Ramadan Kareem. Welcome to the White House. I'm pleased to host all of you, our distinguished guests, during this blessed month of Ramadan. </div> <bR> <div> For Muslims in America, and around the world, this holy time is set aside for prayer and fasting. It is also a good time for people of all faiths to reflect on the values we hold common -- love of family, gratitude to God, and a commitment to religious freedom. America is a land of many faiths -- and we honor and welcome and value the Muslim faith... </div> <bR> <div> I want to thank the American Muslim leaders who are here with us today. I appreciate my friends coming. I particularly want to thank Imam Faizul Khan, who will lead us in prayer. </div> <bR> <div> According to the teachings of Islam, Ramadan commemorates the revelation of God's word in the Holy Koran to the prophet Mohammed. In this season, Muslims come together to remember their dependence on God, and to show charity to their neighbors. Fasting during Ramadan helps Muslims focus on God's greatness, to grow in virtue, and cultivate compassion toward those who live in poverty and hunger... </div> <div> As we defend liberty and justice abroad, we must always honor those values here at home. America rejects all forms of ethnic and religious bigotry... </div> <bR> <div> Islam is a religion that brings hope and comfort to good people across America and around the world. Tonight we honor the contributions of Muslims and the tradition of Islam by hosting this Iftaar at the White House. </div> <bR> <div> I wish you all a very blessed Ramadan, and may God bless. </div> <bR> <div> --------------- </div> <div> The President hosted a Muslim Iftaar dinner at the White House on November 10, 2004, in which he made the following comments. </div> <bR> <div> For Muslims in America and around the world, Ramadan is a special time of reflection, fasting, and charity. It is a time to think of the less fortunate, and to share God's gifts with those in need. It is a time of spiritual growth and prayer -- and the heartfelt prayers offered by Muslims across America are a blessing for our whole nation... </div> <bR> <div> Freedom is not America's gift to the world; freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. </div> <bR> <div> -------------------- </div> <div> The President hosted a Muslim Iftaar dinner at the White House on October 17, 2005, in which he made the following comments.</div> <bR> <div> To promote greater understanding between our cultures, I have encouraged American families to travel abroad, to visit with Muslim families. And I have encouraged American families to host exchange students from the Muslim world. I have asked young Americans to study the language and customs of the broader Middle East. And for the first time in our nation's history, we have added a Koran to the White House Library. (Applause.)<I>...</I> </div> <bR> <div> As we celebrate this special Iftaar, we renew the ties of friendship that bind all those who trace their faith back to God's call on Abraham. </div> <bR> <div> (All quotes taken from the internet site <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Georgia" ><U>www.whitehouse.gov</U></FONT>)</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>