Day: October 30, 2009

Preparing for the tribulation

valuesdr

Someone on our facebook group asked me what we should do to prepare if we are indeed going to be here for the tribulation period. Here is my response to her question.

For those who wish to be prepared for the tribulation (or any other disaster/martial law), here are some things to consider. This is not a short/simple thing, since we are speaking about game-changing historical events, with many possibilities. As a result, several contingencies are necessary to prepare for multiple scenarios.

Preparation takes several forms. The most important preparation is SPIRITUALLY! Have you surrendered all to Christ, willing to sacrifice comfort, wealth, possessions, and even your own family and life for the Kingdom? I encourage everyone to read my book, Keys to Kingdom Expansion (FREE in ebook or print at http://www.valuesdrivenfamily.com/Keys_to_Kingdom_Expansion.htm). This will give you an understanding of the times, our clear and actionable role (see Daniel 11:32-33), and help you remain fixed on the positive, not the negative. Also, I strongly recommend the book Standing Firm through the Great Apostasy by Steve Gallagher—I get this book at a discounted price and will happily give it to you for $10—just email me). These two resources are life-changing—this is not an overstatement!

You must be resolved emotionally and spiritually. Scripture says to “not fret over evildoers.” It says to “not worry about tomorrow,” but rather “seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness.” It says to trust in the Lord. Therefore, there is a fine line between being wise and preparing versus trusting in the Lord. Joseph was warned of challenges and prepared accordingly. The Lord has given us ample warning concerning His coming and we are wise to prepare. However, worrying is a sin—we must trust in Him.

Likewise, we have to be resolved to give up everything. In the end, defending our property, stashes, and even families (with violence) will cost us our life and more. We have to be resolved to maintain a non-violent posture. He who tries to preserve his life will lose it and he who gives it will save it. Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, not resist an evil doer, to pray for our enemies, to give to those who ask, and not lay up for ourselves treasures on earth. I recommend The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down by David W. Bercot and The Christian in the World by Isaac D. Martin to unwind years of Augustinian influence and compromised “Christianity.” They are challenging, yet good reads. Read Revelation 13:10. Remember, our enemy is not flesh and blood. Those doing bad things to us will suffer far greater torment than what we will experience in life, if we fail to reach them. Our suffering for the sake of the Gospel will reach many. Be resolved—stand firm. Overcome evil with good.

Read Foxes Book of Martyrs or Martyr’s Mirror as a family. Understand that Jesus meant what He said concerning suffering for the Gospel. Resolve in your heart to stand firm.

Now planning logistically. First, I want you to understand the times we live in. On the negative, recognize that this nation is heading in the wrong direction. We are heading down the tubes economically and on other fronts. Take the “Crash Course” at www.chrismartensen.com. It’s worth your time. It is secular, yet prophetic nonetheless. As a result, I believe wholeheartedly (based on a lot of sources), we will face a systematic collapse. The entire “just-in-time” infrastructure will eventually fail. No food, energy, or services. Immediately we will see chaos. If this was the worst of it, I would not fret. However, the sinister side of this whole scenario is that I (again based on many sources) have come to the conclusion that this is PLANNED! There are powers out there devising to pick up the pieces with a one-world government. This has biblical significance.

Now, recognize that nearly every generation, beginning with the time of the Apostles, thought they were in the end times. However, we are unique in that the world stage is actually set up for these events. Likewise, we are for the first time in history poised to fulfill the Great Commission—a precursor to the end (Matt 24:14). However, no one knows the day or the hour.

On the positive, recognize that God is on the move like no time in history. Read Megashift by James Rutz to see the incredible movement.

In spite of recognizing that there is a minute statistical probability that we are not living close to the end times in Scripture, understand that nations rise and fall, and this one is coming down in our lifetime. World forces are on the move. Changes are coming soon. Therefore, prepare.

So where do we start with preparing? I am an instructor for business process improvement and risk management. I am a bona fide expert at planning and preparing for all eventualities. So, I will present a little of what we are doing as a family.

I have a Plan A, B and C approach.

Plan A is: the world remains stable, yet our goal is still autonomy, self-sufficiency, and deinstitutionalization (energy independence, debt freedom, self employment, home school, home church, community orientation, homesteading…)—total freedom to serve the Kingdom and prepare our families and contemporaries to do the same!

Plan B is a financial collapse and government destabilization. This includes all the things above, but is off-grid. You see how very little time, energy, or money is wasted if Plan A and B are reasonably consistent. Food, water, energy, and medicine need an alternative source. Barter considerations are wise. This is an environment that is not yet hostile to Christians. Therefore, we can plan for self-sufficiency while remaining stationary at our homestead.

Plan C is a hostile environment. In this scenario, according to Jesus’s teaching, the only option is to go to captivity or flee. I personally can’t reconcile fighting back with the teachings of Scripture. Likewise, recognize that prior to the paganization of Christianity, no saints resisted with violence. So Plan C is a mobile existence. Therefore, have preparations made to “bug out” and fast. Make provisions for life’s essentials on the move. Have a mapped route off the beaten path. I also recommend Plan C take two forms: in a motor vehicle, and on foot as soon as the gauge reads “E”.

Here are considerations for Plan B. Get out of urban and suburban environments, if possible. Think rural. Now I do not know what will be of greater value, being debt free, or being remote. We opted for selling the remote home with debt for a home with neighbors but debt free. We’ll see how that plays out.

You need information, food, water, energy, and misc supplies. Here are some big things to consider.

Information:
• The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour (MUST own!)
• Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery (Highly recommended)
• We also have books on preserving foods, root cellaring., disaster preparedness (nuclear preparedness important), cooking with the sun, drying foods, making soaps, herbal medicine, home remedies, first aid, storing seeds, gardening, natural pest control, and so on. However, the two books cited above are comprehensive. If I had to “bug out” fast, I would take The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour and my Bible and feel pretty complete. Here is a recommended DVD set on food storage: http://tinyurl.com/StoringFood
• Read www.backlistednews.com. Do not trust the mainstream media. www.drudgereport.com and www.worldnetdaily.com are mostly good. Stay abreast concerning developments in the world.
• Get a hand-crank radio, with shortwave. There will be an information blackout and propaganda machine. The only truth will be pumped out via radio and person to person.

Food:
• A garden/field
• Root cellar
• Tools (think tilling by hand!)
• Properly preserved non-hybrid seeds (we have and are affiliates for this kit http://tinyurl.com/CrisisGardening —high quality)
• Canning supplies
• Firearms and bullets (for hunting)
• Livestock
• Bulk grains
• Hand-operated grain mill
• Oil
• Canned foods
• Cast iron cookware

Water:
• Alternative ways of extracting well water off grid, (check valve and tube, bailer and twine, DC pump with solar, wind mill, or manual pump) or…
• Nearby surface water with filtration/treatment
• Recommend Burkey Lite water filter (we use it now)
• A hand-held filter for “bug-out”
• Containers

Energy:
• Multi-energy cook stove (check this out http://volcano2.com/ —awesome unit that we own)
• Wood cutting equipment
• Gas cans (full)—minimum you store is enough to get your vehicle to your “bug out” destination. Likewise, keep your vehicles full of gas. It costs you nothing.
• Solar setup (we pieced the components together, but we resell a complete unit here for those not adept at engineering a unit: http://tinyurl.com/SolarPowerSolution)
• Batteries
• We have a small cast iron cook-top stove (Plan B only): Volcano II stove is not designed for heating.
• Shake flashlights
• Matches and striker (fire starter), lighters
• Oil/kerosene lamps and fuel (we do not have, but a good option)

Misc:
• Tarps/tent
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Laundering and hygiene arrangements
• Herbal knowledge/supplies
• Rope/twine
• Hardware (screws/nails)
• Hand drill and basic hand tools
• First aid kit
• Duct tape
• Quality knives
• Sharpening stone
• An on-property “hide-out” is recommended if the bad guys come a-knockin

Now nuclear preparedness is a whole can of worms on its own. Shelter and supplies are necessary to survive. I recommend you email me personally if you want more information.

This is a great starting point. I’m sure I’m overlooking a few items. What are your thoughts concerning what is missing?

Just email me using our contact form if you have any questions specific to your situation or want recommended shopping locations/specific items for the supplies cited above.

Glory to the King!

Marc Carrier

The Rapture–when is it?

valuesdr

Here is a response to a discussion topic on our new facebook group here.

Alright. Cindy gets a discussion going on a very controversial subject and then asks me to clean it up:-). Gotta love her. Alright then.

Well, this subject is quite controversial. However, a clear understanding of the end time events is paramount to properly preparing our families both spiritually and logistically for the events that could very well be imminent. Now I am strongly convicted that Scripture is rather clear as to existence and timing of the gathering of the elect (rapture), and all evidence points to us being here to the end. Now I know this position is neither romantic or desirable—it certainly doesn’t sell books—however, the truth is the truth.

Now many conclude that God could not possibly leave the saints here for the time of His wrath, because it goes against His nature. Well, the early church suffered persecution (they weren’t taken away during the fall of Jerusalem), nor were the Saints taken away for the communist revolutions last century). Consider for a second that the Hebrews were contempories in time, yet not in space during the plagues of Egypt. Revelation does have reference of folks being singled out (based on seals and marks) during the great trib. We may be here and protected—or maybe not. However, there is hope.

Likewise, I wish I was in ere on this one, and gladly will take the free ride out of here; but if you folks clinging to the ride out are wrong, you will be very ill-prepared and quite disappointed if you are wrong. Therefore, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst!

Now for the biblical evidence. The key passages are Matthew 24, 1Thes 4:13-18, 2 Thes 2, Revelation 6, 7, and 10, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58, Daniel 11:31-35 and Chapter 12, and Luke 21:8-11. Matthew 24 has parallels in Mark 13 and Luke 21:10-36.

Here I will deal with the timing issue. I have a great little Bible study on the subject I have taught in our church if you are interested. It’s in Word—email me if you want it. It is rough because it is just my notes, but has all the verses and some good questions to consider.

For starters, simply read Jesus’ treatment of the end times in Matthew 24:1-29 and list the eight key events that occur:
1. antichrist
2. war
3. famine
4. earthquake
5. martyrdom
6. sun dark
7. moon dark
8. stars fall from sky
9. heavenly bodies shaken

Now compare to the first six seals in Revelation 6:
1. antichrist
2. war
3. inflation and famine
4. earthquake
5. pestilence (or plague)
6. wild beasts
7. martyrs mentioned
8. sun dark
9. moon as blood
10. stars fall from sky
11. sky receded, rolling up, and mountains and islands removed

The Luke 21:8-11 parallel covers the missing items: pestilence and wild beasts=fearful things. No coincidence here.

Then note that Jesus refers to these events as the “great tribulation:” the worst we have ever seen or will ever see—EVER! Jesus relates the subject to Daniel, and Daniel 12:1 uses the same imagery. Jesus clearly says the time will be shortened because of the elect in verse 24:22, and Daniel says why we are to remain in verses 11:32 and 12:10.

Now, to debunk the pre-trib rapture: read verse 24:29. When? Immediately AFTER the “TRIBULATION” we will see the following occuring:
1. Son of Man (Jesus)
2. angels
3. elect gathered
4. trumpet
5. four winds—one end of the heavens to the other

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. What elements do we see in this passage?
1. Jesus from heaven
2. trumpet
3. loud command
4. voice of archangel
5. elect gathered

Read the parallel in Mark 13:27. Elect gathered from the four corners of earth and heavens. These refer to one event!

Now, as far as the timing. Read 2 Thes 2. Paul encouraged the saints to tell them that the rapture had NOT occurred yet, since the man of lawlessness had not yet been revealed. Therefore, the return of Christ and gathering of the elect (which Paul alludes to as being one event) would occur AFTER anti-Christ is revealed.

Lastly, the Bible gives us an EXACT, specific timing of the rapture in 1 Cor 15:51-52: AT THE LAST TRUMPET! Revelation 6 has 7 seals, the last one being 7 trumpets. Revelation 10:7 is “at the last trumpet.” In that verse, it says the “mystery” (referred to in 1 Cor 15:51) is ACCOMPLISHED, as foretold by the prophets (Paul).

Now let’s stop with the hermeneutical gymnastics and take the Scripture at face value. It’s actually pretty straightforward. I would be glad to deal with the more subtle aspects of the rapture, but wanted to keep it simple, and to the point.

Read, study, pray, and allow the Spirit to reveal these things.

Much agape,

Marc Carrier

Ps. a follow up message on preparation is coming

Tips on Family Devotional Time

valuesdr

Bible reading

There are many ways to go about having family devotional times. I believe that it’s best to let the Scriptures speak for themselves, so I personally do not use commercially-written devotional guides. I simply read the Bible to the children. If I’m concentrating on a values-related topic, I will just read from a binder of verses (the “Values-Driven Discipleship” manual).

My approach is simple. I want our children to grow in God’s Word and become accustomed to hearing and understanding the Word of God at an adult level, so I always read from an adult Bible during our devotional time. The children do also have their personal Bible reading times later during the day. At those times the younger children will read beginner’s Bibles, Bible picture books, and the like, but as a family we read aloud from a consistent translation. Some people prefer KJV, while others like the readability of NIV, NKJV, or NASB. You should choose whatever is most comfortable for you.

I am a firm believer in reading for “depth, not distance.” In other words, I don’t feel it’s necessary to cover a whole chapter in one sitting. I may begin with that intention but the Holy Spirit often leads us into discussion on a particular verse or prompts us to look up other verses that help us understand a particular point in greater detail. At other times, however, I may read more than a chapter. It usually depends on our time constraints and how well I feel the children are attending to the reading.

Love for the Word, not a legalistic approach

Even if you choose the “just read the Bible” approach, you probably are aware that there are many methods for this, as well: reading straight through the Bible, going from one book to another, or doing a topical study and digging through the many relevant Scriptures. And of course, there’s what one friend of ours called the “pray and point” method of simply asking God for an applicable Word and reading whatever passage you open up to. I’ve done all of the above at one time or another, depending on time constraints, interest level, family happenings, and the like.

For us, what has been most important is that we not allow ourselves to be bound to a legalistic view of what “family devotions” should be. We let the Holy Spirit lead us and we always focus on the Bible alone. These are our only guidelines. We want to encourage in our children a love and respect for God’s Word, and we want them to know that they can and should turn to it for encouragement, guidance, and conviction—at all times! By being flexible in our family devotional time, I believe that our children will learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and trust in God for daily guidance through personal reading and application of the Word.

Edification, not entertainment

The family devotional time should be an adult-led time. This helps children develop a reverence for God’s Word and understand its importance in their lives. While it should not go on so long as to be boring for the children (they do have short attention spans!), this is a good time to encourage them to be self-controlled and put their best effort into hearing and understanding the Word. Brief discussions, occasional questions directed at the children, and the like, will make the time interactive and interesting for the whole family.

Of course, I do try to read with inflection, occasionally take turns in the reading, or even act out different verses or stories (storms are lots of fun, and there are many opportunities for drama with the parables of Jesus and the well-known Old Testament stories of Noah’s Ark, Abraham’s almost-sacrifice of Isaac, Joshua and the battle of Jericho…the possibilities are endless!) Again, however, I do believe that the focus should be on the Word itself, and not on the entertainment value it can impart. There are plenty of other opportunities to integrate this element if you so desire, but nothing compares with teaching our children to hear, obey, and revere God’s Word as the foundation for our lives. The family devotional time is a great starting point to engender a lifelong love of the Bible.

EXCERPTED FROM “VALUES-DRIVEN DISCIPLESHIP BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION AND CHARACTER TRAINING MANUAL” by Marc and Cindy Carrier, available at http://www.valuesdrivenfamily.com

Tips on Family Devotional Time

valuesdr

Bible reading

There are many ways to go about having family devotional times. I believe that it’s best to let the Scriptures speak for themselves, so I personally do not use commercially-written devotional guides. I simply read the Bible to the children. If I’m concentrating on a values-related topic, I will just read from a binder of verses (the “Values-Driven Discipleship” manual).

My approach is simple. I want our children to grow in God’s Word and become accustomed to hearing and understanding the Word of God at an adult level, so I always read from an adult Bible during our devotional time. The children do also have their personal Bible reading times later during the day. At those times the younger children will read beginner’s Bibles, Bible picture books, and the like, but as a family we read aloud from a consistent translation. Some people prefer KJV, while others like the readability of NIV, NKJV, or NASB. You should choose whatever is most comfortable for you.

I am a firm believer in reading for “depth, not distance.” In other words, I don’t feel it’s necessary to cover a whole chapter in one sitting. I may begin with that intention but the Holy Spirit often leads us into discussion on a particular verse or prompts us to look up other verses that help us understand a particular point in greater detail. At other times, however, I may read more than a chapter. It usually depends on our time constraints and how well I feel the children are attending to the reading.

Love for the Word, not a legalistic approach

Even if you choose the “just read the Bible” approach, you probably are aware that there are many methods for this, as well: reading straight through the Bible, going from one book to another, or doing a topical study and digging through the many relevant Scriptures. And of course, there’s what one friend of ours called the “pray and point” method of simply asking God for an applicable Word and reading whatever passage you open up to. I’ve done all of the above at one time or another, depending on time constraints, interest level, family happenings, and the like.

For us, what has been most important is that we not allow ourselves to be bound to a legalistic view of what “family devotions” should be. We let the Holy Spirit lead us and we always focus on the Bible alone. These are our only guidelines. We want to encourage in our children a love and respect for God’s Word, and we want them to know that they can and should turn to it for encouragement, guidance, and conviction—at all times! By being flexible in our family devotional time, I believe that our children will learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and trust in God for daily guidance through personal reading and application of the Word.

Edification, not entertainment

The family devotional time should be an adult-led time. This helps children develop a reverence for God’s Word and understand its importance in their lives. While it should not go on so long as to be boring for the children (they do have short attention spans!), this is a good time to encourage them to be self-controlled and put their best effort into hearing and understanding the Word. Brief discussions, occasional questions directed at the children, and the like, will make the time interactive and interesting for the whole family.

Of course, I do try to read with inflection, occasionally take turns in the reading, or even act out different verses or stories (storms are lots of fun, and there are many opportunities for drama with the parables of Jesus and the well-known Old Testament stories of Noah’s Ark, Abraham’s almost-sacrifice of Isaac, Joshua and the battle of Jericho…the possibilities are endless!) Again, however, I do believe that the focus should be on the Word itself, and not on the entertainment value it can impart. There are plenty of other opportunities to integrate this element if you so desire, but nothing compares with teaching our children to hear, obey, and revere God’s Word as the foundation for our lives. The family devotional time is a great starting point to engender a lifelong love of the Bible.

EXCERPTED FROM “VALUES-DRIVEN DISCIPLESHIP BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION AND CHARACTER TRAINING MANUAL” by Marc and Cindy Carrier, available at http://www.valuesdrivenfamily.com

Tips on Family Devotional Time

valuesdr

Bible reading

There are many ways to go about having family devotional times. I believe that it’s best to let the Scriptures speak for themselves, so I personally do not use commercially-written devotional guides. I simply read the Bible to the children. If I’m concentrating on a values-related topic, I will just read from a binder of verses (the “Values-Driven Discipleship” manual).

My approach is simple. I want our children to grow in God’s Word and become accustomed to hearing and understanding the Word of God at an adult level, so I always read from an adult Bible during our devotional time. The children do also have their personal Bible reading times later during the day. At those times the younger children will read beginner’s Bibles, Bible picture books, and the like, but as a family we read aloud from a consistent translation. Some people prefer KJV, while others like the readability of NIV, NKJV, or NASB. You should choose whatever is most comfortable for you.

I am a firm believer in reading for “depth, not distance.” In other words, I don’t feel it’s necessary to cover a whole chapter in one sitting. I may begin with that intention but the Holy Spirit often leads us into discussion on a particular verse or prompts us to look up other verses that help us understand a particular point in greater detail. At other times, however, I may read more than a chapter. It usually depends on our time constraints and how well I feel the children are attending to the reading.

Love for the Word, not a legalistic approach

Even if you choose the “just read the Bible” approach, you probably are aware that there are many methods for this, as well: reading straight through the Bible, going from one book to another, or doing a topical study and digging through the many relevant Scriptures. And of course, there’s what one friend of ours called the “pray and point” method of simply asking God for an applicable Word and reading whatever passage you open up to. I’ve done all of the above at one time or another, depending on time constraints, interest level, family happenings, and the like.

For us, what has been most important is that we not allow ourselves to be bound to a legalistic view of what “family devotions” should be. We let the Holy Spirit lead us and we always focus on the Bible alone. These are our only guidelines. We want to encourage in our children a love and respect for God’s Word, and we want them to know that they can and should turn to it for encouragement, guidance, and conviction—at all times! By being flexible in our family devotional time, I believe that our children will learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and trust in God for daily guidance through personal reading and application of the Word.

Edification, not entertainment

The family devotional time should be an adult-led time. This helps children develop a reverence for God’s Word and understand its importance in their lives. While it should not go on so long as to be boring for the children (they do have short attention spans!), this is a good time to encourage them to be self-controlled and put their best effort into hearing and understanding the Word. Brief discussions, occasional questions directed at the children, and the like, will make the time interactive and interesting for the whole family.

Of course, I do try to read with inflection, occasionally take turns in the reading, or even act out different verses or stories (storms are lots of fun, and there are many opportunities for drama with the parables of Jesus and the well-known Old Testament stories of Noah’s Ark, Abraham’s almost-sacrifice of Isaac, Joshua and the battle of Jericho…the possibilities are endless!) Again, however, I do believe that the focus should be on the Word itself, and not on the entertainment value it can impart. There are plenty of other opportunities to integrate this element if you so desire, but nothing compares with teaching our children to hear, obey, and revere God’s Word as the foundation for our lives. The family devotional time is a great starting point to engender a lifelong love of the Bible.

EXCERPTED FROM “VALUES-DRIVEN DISCIPLESHIP BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION AND CHARACTER TRAINING MANUAL” by Marc and Cindy Carrier, available at http://www.valuesdrivenfamily.com