Isaiah 32 Part 4

Comment

Comment by Cindy Skillman on May 5, 2009 at 11:51am

Thanks for dropping by, Frankie

Yeah--stagnant water--nasty! A friend of mine had a swimming pool (in FL) and she and her family went away for a summer once without hiring a pool guy to take care of it. After only three months, you would not believe the state of that pool. Absolutely amazing. The thing that comes to my mind is that, in order to keep stagnant water clean, it has to be kept sterile. Hmm. If you just leave it alone, the creature from the black lagoon moves in pretty quickly.

Your point about carrying on with programs and traditions is well-taken. People weren't expecting God to show up and direct the show, but they might give Him an honorary seat on the podium. They don't truly want Him interfering with the management of their "pond," so He keeps His hands off. Since He doesn't do anything, it's pretty easy to not notice when, one week, He just doesn't show up.

Comment by Cindy Skillman on May 5, 2009 at 11:35am

Hi, Pen

You could be right--I've always thought of the abomination of desolation as standing in the actual Holy of Holies in a rebuilt temple, but that will occur in context with the new world-wide religion, which would necessarily include the "Christian" church. If the pre-trib/mid-trib rapture people are right, this seems even more likely, as all genuine Christ followers would then be gone, whether they wanted to be or not, and the true church would have to be rebuilt from the foundation (Christ) up, and presumably this would have to take place in secret locations, such as people's homes, etc. because of persecution.

Of course, there's this group of believers now who don't follow the rapture/tribulation eschatology. I'm not sure exactly what it is they do believe, as it always seems a bit nebulous and difficult to understand when I read their descriptions. I'm not sure they're wrong, exactly, but I think a lot of the dispensationalist stuff is too specific in scripture to dismiss off-handedly as they seem to do. Could be we're all of us seeing only a part of the picture, like the blind men and the elephant.

Anyway, yes--the tribulation ic won't be like the ic today--and will be in league with the world religion of the man of sin along with all the other world religions he allows to continue operating openly. So in that sense, the present-day ic, in the throes of the current hemorrhage of believers who are abandoning it, is possibly in the process of becoming the tribulation ic.

Or perhaps, even without the rapture, true believers will be forced to abandon any ic allowed to continue operating, because the only ic's allowed to continue will be those that take the 30 pieces of silver and sell out to the man of sin.

Anyway, lots of musing here--hope it's coherent. ;)

Comment by Frankie Joubert on May 5, 2009 at 3:03am

First thing that came to mind as I was reading this was that water that is stagnant becomes stale and infected. It is amazing that when the analogy of water is used in the bible it is always with the notion of moving water. It will become a spring that flows living water from inside. From the throne of God the river flows (Revelation).

It is just funny how people will defend their buildings and institutions. This week my wife and I met up with a young guy again from one of the ic's we went to. It is just amazing the different viewpoints from people in such churches. This young guy has really had a rough deal there, but chose to stay and have a good attitude. When I was still there they finished building their second building, which was a 3000 seater. Just recently they renovated the whole place. Don't know why, because nothing was wrong with it, but the son is taking over, so I assume he is making his mark there. But guess what guys? They are in the process of starting a new building on another piece of ground. When I said something to the effect of it is such a waste of money, this young man's comment to me was that no, the renovations won't be a waste, because they will use that for maybe drug rehab or counseling or whatever. My question is just why the heck did they need to renovate in the first place then? I wonder if a nicer looking building will help a druggie to kick the habit?

I think my point is kinda to the effect of this. Even if Jesus has left the building, people can still carry on with their traditions. The mindsets have been ingrained so much, lots of people will not even notice. I do believe of course lots of people will leave, because there are amazing people that love God that are still in the IC. God will not leave His sheep, but what about the goats?

I suppose time will tell how this is going to play out. But I think the bottom line is to be where God is, to get to the source of where the water is flowing from His throne, pure and holy.

Comment by Cindy Skillman on May 4, 2009 at 10:17pm

You're right, Pen. The best thing that could happen would be that it would collapse (which is inevitable whenever a cistern sits empty long enough). No, what I really believe will happen is the alternative you mention God impressing on you. He hasn't said as much to me, but yes, that was my thought as well. It's happened before, and of course, it's been foretold.

Comment by Cindy Skillman on May 4, 2009 at 9:49pm

Thanks for reading, Pen. Yes, that's pretty much it. Mind, this was not my thought--I believed the ic would carry on, though most of the power would be elsewhere. If this word is a true word from God (and I honestly think it is), then He intends to move completely out, and anyone who insists on staying will be inhabiting an empty shell.

Yes, I really like what He said at the last: "Drink! Drink joy. Drink pure joy into your spirit and become one with your Lord, your Betrothed." I am so ready (she said, hopping up and down like a little girl eagerly anticipating some long desired treat.) ;)