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Happy New Year!

Included in this newsletter you will find the following articles:

           Back in November, I promised some dietary information coming for the January newsletter. This has been somewhat reconsidered, and I will explain why. Instead, there is now a Dieting Advice section you may access on our website.

          Heed the Watchman receives visitors from around the world—some of these places know great hunger, and I felt ashamed to speak of our over-eating problems here in the United States.

          As a true follower of Jesus Christ, saved only by His blood and atoning sacrifice, I seek to serve Him faithfully in every aspect of my life. Weight and eating is an issue for me and millions of other true believers here—it does deserve to be addressed. However, not all have that need or are interested in the subject. I was able to do a more complete section by separating it alone; all the while, not forcing those unaffected to be partakers.

          Gluttony and starvation are both tools of Satan. The devil may afflict believers with poverty and malnutrition, while others he may make wealthy; hoping to remove their trust in Christ and that they would place it (trust) in the riches instead. (I Timothy 6:17)

          Many around the world, even true Christians, think America is a great, Godly nation. It has actually become the devil’s playground, and a place to create and further eternal damnation to the human race. It’s manipulated government denies God, and promotes evolution. It kills millions through abortion and illegal wars. In material things we prosper—but are spiritually depraved. Iniquity keeps increasing, though churches are filled! By their fruit, ye shall know them…

          So please, pray for us. Do not consider that we “have it made.” The following passage is an accurate description of where life in America has come to at this point in time…

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. II Timothy 3:1-5

          Finally, I realize that the newsletter itself is a bit thin this month. This has to do with the large section delivered in Dieting Advice, which is not officially part of the newsletter. We also must continue to work our regular jobs, which greatly limits our available time. I hope you will understand, and future newsletters should return to their normal length (Lord willing!).

          America is often referred to as the Bastian of Freedom. The term bastion is synonymous with defense and strength. Over many decades have the peoples of other nations longed to come here for peace, freedom, and opportunity. These may be desirable concepts, but the devil also imitates God by bringing his own peace, freedom, and opportunity. As this website is dedicated to the sleeping church of the last generation, hopefully this article can help point out where we have come to.

          In our country we are not truly free, only free within certain boundaries. Of course I am not speaking of criminal punishments, which in general reflect the Ten Commandments. Romans chapter 13:1-7 tells us that governments exist at God’s directive to punish and bring accountability for sins.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. I Peter 2:13-17

          This passage echoes the previously mentioned one in Romans, and enhances it. We are to submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. The emphasis here is not telling us to deny Christ and disobey the instruction in God’s Word! Our government supports homosexuality—should we? Millions of unborn children are murdered through state sponsored abortion—do we support that? When laws are passed to keep us from witnessing, will we comply? The Federal Government uses our tax dollars to promote evolution; all the while forbidding prayer in public schools. Is this an ordinance of man, or a spiritual law being attacked? Even these very limited mentions should show you the evil, sinful nature of our American Government. It feigns freedom and God-fearing; all the while showing contempt for His righteousness.

          Religious freedom is granted within the privacy of homes, and the choosing of a place to worship. Expressing your faith outside of that privacy is largely illegal. The great commission from Jesus tells us to go into all the world; to the extent that all may know of Him, and receive salvation—praise the Lord!

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. Luke 4:5,6

          These statements made by the devil clearly show him to be the “god of this world” (II Corinthians 4:4) There is no reason to believe that every government is carrying out God’s wishes in all that they do!

          There is much to be learned about God and His involvement with governments through the Word—and especially Babylon. The books of Jeremiah and Daniel give us the detail.

          God used Babylon to punish Israel for turning away from Him; and turning instead to the “Queen of heaven.” See Jeremiah 44:17,18. Today, Catholics worship the Virgin Mary as the queen of heaven, the mediatrix, or mother goddess. This tradition is very old, and passed down through pagan religions dating back to Nimrod (Genesis 10) in the days shortly after the flood.

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem and Judah, which were carried away captive unto Babylon. And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place. Now the LORD hath brought it, and done according as he hath said: because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you. Jeremiah 40:1-3

          These words came not via a Jewish prophet, but through a captain in Babylon’s army! Yes, even in the Old Testament our God had relationships with gentiles (non-Jews). Jeremiah had been warning Jewish leadership of coming judgment for their sins. Yet even a foreigner was not blinded as to what was going on!

          Babylon came into Israel’s history as a divinely appointed nation, for carrying out God’s plan. Our God had an extensive relationship with the King of Babylon who first conquered and ruled Israel. Scripture refers to this man as Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, and the King of Babylon—they are all the same person, with slight differences in his title.

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. Jeremiah 27:6

          See also Jeremiah 25:9 and 43:10. If it stopped there, you might still think Nebuchadnezzar was only an instrument of punishment against Israel. But there ismore…

          Daniel chapter three covers a time before Nebuchadnezzar had acknowledged the God of Israel as the one true God. He believed in a higher power; but like many today, thought that all the various names for God were only different references to the same being. Jesus powerfully revealed the truth to Nebuchadnezzar through the fiery furnace and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

          Chapter four of Daniel reveals God’s chastening of Nebuchadnezzar and his repentance. This again indicates the relationship of God with one of His children; as is confirmed in Hebrews 12:6 and Revelation 3:19.

          In chapter five we find Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son, had succeeded his father as king. It was during this period that Babylon became corrupted in God’s eyes, and He finished it. It is an important principle to grasp; that every nation is not following the Lord, in every way, all the time! When the corruption reaches a certain level, God will bring chastening—and end it, if repentance is not forthcoming.

          Egypt is a great example of this, from the end of Genesis through the book of Exodus. Because of Joseph, Egypt initially embraced Israel (Jacob) warmly. On a national level, they were richly blessed because of that relationship with God’s chosen people. 400 years later, however the Israelites were being greatly oppressed as slaves to the Egyptians. Egypt fell out of favor with God. After one final opportunity for pharaoh, judgment came. Though the Lord mightily used Egypt to help His people, it was not of Him that they were so persecuted. Yes, even that was used to exalt God’s name—as promised in Romans 8:28. So who is behind what, God or Satan?

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

          Even now, there is a world government which is behind the scenes. No President will be elected which they have not promoted. We have watched as our privacy and civil liberties are taken away—all because it is for our “own good.” It will continue to grow and worsen (like cancer) until that world government (with the antichrist) is openly in power. It will claim to be a freely elected government, claim it works in our interests, and claim to value and support our individual rights. The United States is being conditioned for that day, and is in many ways already fully compliant.

          My wife and I are fully aware of the growing danger—though we have no fear in Christ (see John 16:33). In brief newsletter format, it is not possible to cover all the findings we have discovered. Many think the truths we share are far-fetched. To us, they line up fully with the Bible’s view of this time. It is vitally important to watch and pray. The death of our bodies will only convey us to eternal joy with Christ!

          We should indeed thank God for the blessings in our lives. A thankful heart should be at the core of our existence; especially for the cross of Christ. But let us not be blinded or desensitized to the evil around us, either. Many are suffering, and we have the truth (Jesus) that will save them! Seek the Lord as to how He would use you in the lives you touch. Time is so very short. God first, before government!

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:27-29

          In our area, antiques are big business. People love to shop for the old and valuable. For some, it is because of the uniqueness and quality of products made in an earlier time. Others consider it investment—a form of financial gain. It is primarily to the more serious antique “investor” that I write this article. And assuming that this investor is a follower of Christ, of course.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21

          Antiques are obviously a treasure of the earth. As believers, we know that the earth and all in it will be done away with, giving place for a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). We must think in terms of the practical application of God’s wisdom and truth, not from the viewpoints of mankind’s rationalization. I believe there can be a Godly way to use the world of valuable antiques.

          You have heard it said, how a certain antique is worth so much money in a dollar amount. Some might have a unique piece the picked up for $20, and it is now appraised at $1,000. My contention is that it is only worth $1,000 when you sell it. It provides no valuable benefit while aging on your shelf!

          In this way, you could be depriving others or even yourself by holding onto a piece until a later date.

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Mark 10:21

          Do you know of someone in dire need? Could a “valuable” you possess ease their situation by its sale? At least be open to the possibility of such a resource.

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. I John 3:17-18

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? I John 4:20

          Please understand that I am not discouraging all antique investment. Nor am I saying that you should now immediately sell what you have. Simply be open to how the Lord Jesus may lead you.

          Say you come across an item that you know to be quite valuable. Perhaps you purchase it at a good price, restore it (if appropriate), and then sell it two years later for five times the price you paid. Good investment—good wisdom! God wants us to be wise in our financial dealings, but not to place undue confidence in the world’s goods.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. I Timothy 6:9,10

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. I Timothy 6:17-19

          Therefore, investing in antiques should be seen for the value it has in being “turned over” in a relatively smaller time period. Trying to hold an antique for 30 years, so it can be a retirement provision, is an example of holding earthly treasure for earthly gain.

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:19-21

          Hopefully you can see how antique investment could be used of God in a practical ministry; and why it is important not to let earthly valuables become a source of desire and pride. There may also be some of you who possess an antique, that was passed down to you as a family heirloom. In other words, you do not own it for monetary, but rather sentimental value. Maybe even as a duty to “the family.” To you I say, please remember that you belong to the spiritual body of Christ in priority above any earthly allegiance. Finding a valuable among your possessions could be an answer to prayer for your own needs, or the needs of those around you.

          Only God truly knows each heart, and what is in it. Also, Jesus should be the Lord of every believer’s life. Therefore I cannot judge you by your fondness for antiques. Also, Jesus himself needs to direct you as to your actions. Every situation is uniquely different, but our creator knows them intimately! Present yourself to the Lord, and be open to His unsearchable wisdom and innovative solutions! It is a great way for faith to grow.

Television Vision

          It is a great challenge for each believer to bring all under the Lordship of Christ. Nothing hinders us more than TV; both by its content, and by taking away productive time.

          As my wife and I walk in the evenings, we see that blue glow of the “boob tube” emanating from nearly every home. Most of these watching claim to be Christian, or pray, or believe in God. I believe that TV is a major part of the conditioning (by the devil) for the arrival of the new world order, and the leading of antichrist.

          This has been a great struggle for me, as well. I have been conditioned to relax or “wind down” by watching television. It is a difficult bond to break! After all, isn’t some TV alright to watch? Isn’t some informative and educational? Really, it is liking “straining at a gnat, and swallowing a camel!” (Matthew 23:24) Many of us are so desensitized that we really don’t see it (Matthew 24:12).

          Just think of all the blasphemy you see on television. You see constant lying, adultery, murder, and homosexuality. Animated sitcoms are some of the most evil! They attempt to give you a “cartoon” feel, all the while constantly railing against God and His values!

          Evolution is constantly pushed in shows about aliens, “educational” programs, almost every sitcom and even the news. Evangelical Christians are portrayed as crazy, while Catholicism is promoted and respected.

          Looking back, we can see the subtle indoctrination of evil coming over time. My wife and I had purchased some MASH seasons on dvd, to have some more “innocent” TV viewing alternatives. More innocent? Yes. Innocent? No way! We easily see in them the indoctrination which 30 years ago paved the way for all the blatant evil we see today. Drunkenness; lying; rampant adultery and verbal marriage berating; homosexual leaning and favor; even the bad guy, Frank Burns, was touted to be a “Bible thumper.” Catholic favoritism all throughout the show; and the transvestite Klinger being laughed at as normal and innocent. God said it is an abomination (Deuteronomy 22:5)!

          As I continue to grow in the Lord, my TV watching continues to decline. My heart is heavily convicted as I view murder after murder, homosexuals embraced, tremendous lying to even your spouse, evolution pushed, adultery flaunted. Are we really children of God, who view these things with a smile or laugh? Pray that we may live as children of the Most High God, reflecting Jesus Christ at all times.

          The wasted time is the worst. What could we have done while sitting there? God needs laborers to send out for the harvest—let’s go! At least we could be reading God’s Word and discussing it with family and friends.

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9

          This directive is repeated in Deuteronomy 11:18-20 as well. Why? Our carnal natures make us susceptible to sin; by replacing those inclinations with Godly conversation, the values of our Lord Jesus will more and more replace that sinful nature.

          There could be times of value for TV; such as watching your local news for weather, traffic, school closings. Please pray and think about what you are bringing into your home and life by programs you watch. Time is short, and we must be about our Heavenly Father’s business!

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; II Corinthians 10:3-5

          One of the most misunderstood Bible doctrines is the teaching of observing the Sabbath. Where does God stand on the issue? True followers of Christ realize that salvation does not rest upon the observance of any particular day. Yet this issue has led to a great many heresies, with even entire sects emerging because of their own slant on the subject. It deserves to be clarified, so that God’s people can enjoy all the benefits intended by our Heavenly Father.

          God gave us the Sabbath initially through example—by creating the world and universe in six days, and resting from His labors on the seventh day (see Genesis 2:1,2). The Jews were then instructed to follow this example in the fourth of the Ten Commandments…

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11

          The actual Sabbath is on Saturday; observed from Friday evening at 6 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday evening.

          The fact that keeping the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments, and that four entire verses are devoted to it, shows it’s importance in God’s eyes. Consider this following example;

And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 15:32-36

          You don’t get more serious than this!

          During His earthly ministry, Jesus went a long way to repeal the keeping of the Sabbath as a commandment. The giving a repealing of a commandment should be taken very seriously; studied diligently to see exactly why it came about, and how the Lord intends us to regard it today.

          The Jewish Laws concerning the Sabbath had become utterly corrupt. God gives us instructions that are ultimately for our own best welfare. He does not intend them to be a hurtful yoke of religious tradition. Jesus sums it up in Mark 2:27;

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Mark 2:27

          Remember also:

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31,32

          In the gospels, consider these examples given in Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:23-3:6; Luke 6:1-11, 13:10-16, 14:1-5; John 5:5-16, 9:6-16. These are large sections addressing the subject, not an isolated verse or two. It is very important to Jesus that we understand His meaning and intent in regard to keeping the Sabbath.

And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. Mark 3:1-6

          The Pharisees (religious leaders) had made the fourth commandment a grievous yoke upon God’s people. So much so, that they would not even allow a healing to take place! Look what they said about Jesus after such a healing:

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. John 9:24

          Later on in the New Testament, we are given more in the way of instruction regarding the subject.

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. Romans 14:5,6

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Colossians 2:16,17

          Unfortunately for most believers, they do not take a day of rest. Being freed from keeping the Sabbath as a rule, they miss the earnest intent God has for it in our lives. Satan has created a 24/7/365 society, so that there is always something to keep busy with. This serves to greatly diminish any relationship with Jesus Christ; our sinful natures always want to pull away from holiness, and the Lord God almighty. We are so busy along life’s journey, we never notice that the route we are taking will bring us straight into the lake of fire. Yes, we can be pulled back into sin in a way that will eternally separate us from God. Please refer to our section on Eternal Security for more information.

          Times of rest are not watching football, surfing the internet, shopping, playing video games, or reading fictional novels. Our minds and bodies need to rest in the Lord, and be stayed in Him.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

          Even keeping busy “in the Lord” is not acceptable, when God has told you to rest! You cannot honor Him with your own self-determined values. We must serve our God as He directs; for our greatest sincerity will not win His approval, or cause Him to reverse prior directives given! (See I Samuel 15) In short, a self-determined godly lifestyle is not the same as being led by the Holy Spirit.

          Please understand this clearly—I am not telling you that you must observe the Sabbath (literally or generally) to be saved. What I am saying is that keeping too busy keeps Jesus out of the leadership role in our lives. Doing what we think or feel to be right by itself is a trap. Taking time to seek the Lord and submit to His leading is to be certain we are walking in Christ.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31,32

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:23

          Do you love Jesus Christ? Have you been washed in His blood, cleansed from sin through it? Make time to be with the Lord alone. Use the principle of the Sabbath that God gave to us. Seek Him, serve Him—be delivered from the sinful grasp of your busy world.

          See also: Exodus 16:23-29, 31:13; Leviticus 19:3,30; Deuteronomy 5:12-14; Nehemiah 9:14; Isaiah 56:2-6, 58:13,14; Jeremiah 17:21,22; Ezekiel 20:12-24, 22:26, 44:24; Romans 14:5,6; Colossians 2:16

WARNING:  To avoid falling away, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.

            Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.

            Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Bible Version section and the section on Eternal Security.

                                                                        With Charity from Christ,

                                                                        Andy