Edited by

Warren E. Berkley & Jon W. Quinn

 

 

 

Front Page

 

            Well, the 1900's are about over. I have only been around for a little under half this century. My esteemed co-editor has been here much, much, much longer than me. Last year we discussed what kind of special topical series would be good for this year and came to the conclusion that a series dealing with the second coming of Christ would be good with all of the "end of the century" speculation. Warren found the final article of this series which you can find elsewhere in this issue "Are You O.K With Y2K" is certainly an excellent article by Daniel Vess. It is a worthy article to complete the series. For your convenience, I shall list the title of each article in the series by issue. This can serve as a reference which may prove to be helpful.

 

6.1 - Speculation and the Second Coming (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #1)

6.2 - More Speculation and the Second Coming (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #2)

6.3 - The Last Word on the Last Days (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #3)

6.4 - Old Testament Kingdom Prophecies Fulfilled (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #4)

6.5 - The Deleterious Effects Of Date Setting (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #5)

6.6 - The One Hope (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #6)

6.7 - The Kingdom of God's Son (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #7)

6.8 - The Return of Jesus in 1st Thessalonians (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #8)

6.9 - The Earth Shall Cease (The 2nd Coming of Christ Series #9)

6.10 - What Does Revelation Mean to Us? (The Second Coming of Christ Series #10)

6.11 - Battle of Armageddon (The Second Coming of Christ Series #11)

6.12 - "Are You OK With Y2K?" (The Second Coming of Christ Series #12)

 

Putting together Expository Files has been a wonderful experience for me. I appreciate all the kind comments that Warren and I have received from our reraders. We have decided to continue publishing EF, but will take a break until the next millennium. See you in the year 2000,  Lord willing, as we begin our seventh year of publication.

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Before You Were Born

(Jeremiah 1:5-10)

 

 

            Jeremiah was a prophet of God who began his work in 627 B.C. and continued until he was taken to Egypt in about 587 B.C. During his lifetime he saw the Assyrians, once powerful and dreaded enemies of Israel and Judah, crumble and fall. He warned of coming disaster due to the infidelity of the people. He saw his prophecies fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem by the armies of Babylon.

 

During his service as a prophet, as he pled with the people to repent and warned of the consequences for failure. He was branded as a traitor by ungodly kings. He foretold that captivity in Babylon after the defeat of Judah would last for seventy years. It would be long after his death, when the seventy yearn had been fulfilled, that yet unborn foreign kings would allow a remnant return to rebuild Jerusalem, just as Jeremiah had said.

 

Jeremiah did not want to be a prophet. It is interesting that many of God's prophets were not at all eager to become prophets. Moses had objected that he was not eloquent enough. Isaiah had interjected that he was only a man of unclean lips. Jonah ran the opposite direction when God told Him to go preach in Nineveh. Jeremiah, too, is not seeking the office of prophet when the Lord calls him. We shall consider some points about God choosing Jeremiah and relate them to our own lives as disciples today.

 

Appointed By God

"Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I haw appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5). There are several things here that are wonderful and awe-inspiring as we reflect on what this verse says about the omniscience of God. God tells Jeremiah that He "knew" him before he was formed within the womb. He already knew Jeremiah's strengths and weaknesses. He already knew that Jeremiah would possess what God wanted to use during this particularly trying time of Israel's history. And before Jeremiah was born, God had already set him aside for a special task which He would give him years later as a young adult.

 

What does this mean to us? After all, we are not prophets like Jeremiah. No, but we are human beings created in God's image like Jeremiah. God knew each of us; what our strengths and weaknesses; abilities and limitation would be. He knew us in this way even before we were born. He has also appointed us to become like Jesus as we follow in His steps; "For whom He foreknew He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-horn among many brethren." (Romans 8:29). It is up to us as to whether we will accept God's appointment or not, just as it was up to Jeremiah.

 

Excuses Will Not Do

            "Then I said, 'Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak because I am a youth." (Jeremiah 1:6). I suppose that Jeremiah was staggered by the responsibility of God's appointment. He obviously took it very seriously, but he was dealing with the One who knew him better than he knew himself. Jeremiah was saying that he was not sure that he could do the job. But God had already answered that objection. God knew what Jeremiah could do, and had known from even before Jeremiah had been born!

 

Likewise, I am sure that sometimes we may feel the same way. When facing terrible times we wonder if we will make it. Can we maintain our faith? Can we possibly succeed when all seems to be going against us? Will we be able to get back up if we falter? God knows we can and has assured us so. There quite simply is no excuse for failing to become what we ought to be in whatever circumstance we may face.

 

Trust In God And His Word

"But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, 'I am a youth' But everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak." (Jeremiah 1:7). Jeremiah contended that he was only a youth. That may well have been, but God is eternal. To put it simply, Jeremiah's duty was to obey God. The power was God's, not Jeremiah's. The word to be delivered would not be the words of a youth, but of God.

 

The Lord commanded that Jeremiah to go where he would be sent and to speak that which the Lord would command him. Likewise with disciples today, we must never set aside God's mission for us. To contend that we lack the ability to live as God commanded is to express doubt in our Creator's wisdom. To set aside His word in favor of the creeds of men is to reject His Lordship. When men begin to direct their own steps, their course leads to failure (Jeremiah 10:23).

 

Fear Has No Place

"Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,' declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 1:8). Our sinful world has never welcomed those who would teach the truth, bowing to no worldly pressure. Jesus said to His disciples, "And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who endures to the end who will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). Later, as Jesus spoke with His apostles shortly before His arrest, He foretold how they would soon be scattered into the night to leave Jesus alone with His captors. He said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

 

The Word Has Been Delivered

"Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, 'Behold I have put My words in your mouth." (Jeremiah 1:9). When we preach and teach and live what the Bible says, then we do not need to be wondering if we are right or not This is because the Scriptures come to us from the mind of God (II Timothy 3:16,17). Truth has already been settled; not in a human court or council, but in heaven.

 

When Jeremiah spoke by inspiration, the words came to him by God's Spirit. This is how God chose to reveal His will to us; through inspiring selected individuals with His Spirit. Today we have the completed Scriptures as our guide containing the words written and spoken by those upon whom the Lord had "stretched out His hand" and touched their mouths. When we teach these things, we are then speaking "as the oracles of God" (I Peter 1:20,21; I Peter 4:11).

 

The Work Which We Must Do

            "See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." (Jeremiah 1:10). This well sums up our mission today as proclaimers of Gods word. Sometimes, when confronting error, we must "pluck up" and "break down." At other times we must speak so as to "build" and to 'plant." Our work is incomplete if it is all "breaking down" because our mission requires building. Also, our work is lacking if we are only "building" because there are things which need to be "plucked up."

 

I've heard of preachers being accused of being "too positive" and of others as being "too negative. "No doubt some of the charges are true. Some might err in judgment in this regard and be too positive or too negative. But the discerning mind knows that there is room for both in the Kingdom today. Our mission is to make known the will of the Lord and His salvation in Jesus. For this we have been appointed. The Lord has said that we are equipped for the task and that He will help us. Let us get on with the work we have been given to do.

 

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"Be Holy, For I Am Holy"

(1 Peter 1:13-16)

By Ed Barnes

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"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:13-16)

 

AS THOSE WHO HAVE experienced the "new birth" (1 Pet 1:3), Christians are expected to live on a higher moral plane than the ungodly citizens of the world. The life style expected of us is called "holy living".

 

According to Vine's Dictionary of New Testament Words, holiness (or sanctification) "signifies separation to God. It is the state predetermined by God for believers, into which in grace He calls them, and in which they begin their Christian course and so pursue it." "Believers are to be 'perfecting holiness in the fear of God' (2 Cor 7:1), i.e., bringing holiness to its predestined end, whereby they may be found 'unblamable in holiness' in the Parousia (second coming) of Christ" (Thess 3:13).

 

The lifestyle of holiness is not one of arrogance or one that should be chosen simply out of a desire to be different. According to the definition is an effort on our part to fit into the plan of God for our lives.

 

The call of Jesus to live a holy life is a call to nobility. But it is also a call to a strenuous life. Christianity is not a leisurely lifestyle designed for wimps, cowards and unmotivated sloths. It is an obstacle course designed for those who are prepared and hardened for the task. In fulfilling this holy calling we will be required to put forth an all inclusive spiritual, mental and even physical effort. Note from our text Peter's list of demands.

 

Prepare Your Minds For Action

The KJV says: ". . . gird up the loins of your mind . . ." The imagery is of the ancient oriental who wore loose, flowing robes, so that, in order to run, fight, or apply themselves to any work, it was necessary to bind the garments close around the waist. If we are to get any serious work done in God's vineyard we must be mentally prepared to get down to business. We must have our minds in constant preparation to discharge the duties, or to endure the trials of life -- like those who were prepared for labor, for a race, or for a conflict. Let us, therefore, set our minds to the task of holiness.

 

Be Self- controlled

The need for Christians to exercise self-control or to be of sober mind is often mentioned in the New Testament ( 1 Thess 5:6; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:2,6; 1 Pet 4:7; 5:8). The word means to be free from intoxicants, but is used metaphorically in the New Testament to refer to self control, thinking soberly, and is often used in connection with watchfulness. There are many things that can intoxicate our minds and render us useless in serving God. Such things as pride, self-will, arrogance, greed, revenge, hate, slothfulness, lust, etc. We must constantly be on guard against those things which would weaken our resolve to be faithful, take our minds off the goal or convince us that there is some better or easier way. The way of spiritual self-discipline is not the way of the world, but it is the only way to make it to heaven. When Jesus said; "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matt 7:14), I believe the few he had in mind are those who exercise enough self-control to attain holiness in God's sight.

 

Set Your Hope Fully On The Grace to be Given You When Jesus Christ is Revealed

Another requirement of holiness is a strong, complete and never failing hope. Our hope for heaven is secure and well grounded because it is based on the unchangeable nature of God. In speaking of this foundation, the writer of Hebrews says: "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Heb 6:19). The hope is available, but not everyone has taken hold of it. Even some Christians are not firm in their hope for heaven. Thus, they are weak and susceptible to temptation. Just as the writer of the book of Hebrews appeals to God's history of keeping promises with Abraham and others as the basis for their faith, we must also be familiar with the history of God's dealings with mankind and that awareness will work toward bolstering our own hope. If it is your hope (desire, plus expectation) to live with God in heaven when this life is over, it will then be much easier for you to live holy.

 

As Obedient Children, Do Not Conform to the Evil Desires

Holiness requires that we obey God's commands, recognizing a need to pull away from ignorance and evil (two constant companions). Romans 12:1,2 states; " . . . offer yourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." What patterns of living did you have to break in order to become a Christian? What patterns of living should you now break in order to attain the level of holiness that God requires of you?

 

Be Holy, Because I Am Holy

Finally, God both challenges and encourages us with the reminder that he is holy, and becoming so ourselves makes us more like him. In the very beginning God created us in His image. Part of that image, I believe, is the ability to attain holiness. Even though our holiness is attained though the shed blood of Jesus, we must still live a lifestyle which reflects that holiness. And this we can do if the ultimate goal of holiness (i.e. heaven) means more to us than anything else this life has to offer.

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THE FIRST BEATITUDE IN PSALMS

Psalm 1:1

Warren E. Berkley

 

The book of Psalms opens with a beatitude. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful,” (Psa. 1:1).

 

This is a description of a God-centered life. Those who live this way are “blessed.” That frequent biblical word contains more than what we call “happiness” in contemporary use. Our word “happy” has to do with “happenings.” Something happens that makes us happy. The biblical concept of “blessedness” goes much deeper; it signifies a deep sense of joy based on your God-centered way of life. “Happiness” in modern use depends upon events or happenings; “blessedness” in biblical use is not influenced by events, it is based on one’s good relationship with God. An illustration of this is – Jesus spoke to His disciples about the joy or blessedness they would have; in the same conversation He told them they would be hated and persecuted. “Blessed are you when men persecute you.” The “man” or person of Psalms 1:1 possesses blessedness because his life is God-centered. There is a depth of comfort, satisfaction and contentment he enjoys regardless of the events of life because His life doesn’t depend upon events but upon His relationship with God.

 

HE WALKS NOT IN THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY. Think about a child of God, staying close to his Father; walking with God, joining with others who walk with God. This child of God does not seek the counsel of the ungodly! This person gains motivation and guidance from his father, and good influence and association from his brothers and sisters. The God-centered person does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. (Can you imagine attempting to gain self-improvement and spiritual stimulation by watching the Jerry Springer Show?)

 

HE DOES NOT STAND IN THE PATH OF SINNERS. Apparently, the God-centered person is very careful about companionship. And, if you are walking in the pathway of righteousness (with God, toward heaven, following Christ) – why would you stand in the path of sinners? The path of sinners moves in the opposite direction from your destination!

 

HE DOES NOT SIT IN THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL. It is possible that the Holy Spirit is picturing for us a steady digression away from God and into sin. Walking, standing and then sitting may replicate that digression away from God. The point is, the God-centered person doesn’t do this. The godly person avoids sin, stays on the right pathway, shuns the counsel of the ungodly, etc. In other words, this kind of person stays far away from sin and close to God. The result is – this person is blessed; biblical blessedness, not worldly happiness.

 

Is your life God-centered? Are your thoughts, decisions, attitudes and actions ordered by the Word of God, or do you take the advice of deceitful, wicked men? The person who lives a God-centered life “shall be like a tree planted” in fertile, well-watered soil that brings forth fruit in it’s season!

 

"To Die Is Gain"

Paul Smithson

"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain...having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better" (Philip. 1:21-23). In these words we see the entire substance of the apostle's life and what he looked to beyond this life. Everything that Paul did revolved around his Lord whom he served. He knew that his Lord promises salvation that cannot be hindered by death, but is only brought closer by it. Thus, death was viewed as a valuable thing.

It is so hard for many to look at death in this way-- to see death as a gain and not a loss. No one is able to view death in this way unless they live for Christ. Without Christ, death is an enemy of man. Those of the world fear death. Most people don't like to even talk about death and dying. Most shun the subject or make jokes about it as if it isn't real. But death is real. We can't hide from it or avoid it. No one escapes death. For those who are without the Lord, having never rendered obedience to His gospel and thus not striving to live for Him, death is a terrifying thought. For these there is nothing but a terrifying expectation of judgment to look forward to after death (see 2Thess. 1:7-ff).

However, we do not have to view death in this manner. We must come to view death as God views it and not as the world. How does God view death? "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones" (Ps. 116:15). The world may view death as a terrible enemy, but God views death as a precious thing for those who are righteous. The only way to be righteous before God is through Jesus-- living for Him. Without Christ, death is a terrible, fearful, thing. To live with the constant fear of death is a pitiful slavery. Yet Jesus came, suffered, and died that He might set men free from the fear of death. "Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives" (Heb. 2:14-15). The only way we can view death as God views it, is through Jesus. For the Christian, death is gain not loss, because through the blood of Christ we are made righteous, free from sin (Ac. 2:38; 22:16).

Some men, because they are so overwhelmed with trials, heartaches, and pain that come from living an aimless life, desire to die. Many even commit suicide. But these have a perverted view of death. These view death as an empty escape. But this is wrong. Death is not an empty escape, it is a new beginning. For the unrighteous it is the beginning of a eternity of torment. But what a wonderful new beginning for those right with God (cf. Lk. 16:19-26; Jn. 5:28-29). "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on! Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them" (Rev. 14:13).

For the Christian, "to die is gain." They can be assured of this fact through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Having lived for His Father, He died, was raised from the dead, and glorified. This is the very thing God promises us if we live for Him. Jesus is proof in that He has already received it and tells us, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades" (Rev. 1:17-18). Just as Jesus was raised, in the last day we will be raised. "Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting" (1Cor. 15:50-55). Death has no sting for the child of God, for it is simply the ticket home. It is the means to great gain beyond this realm. All of the saints whose bodies were once subject to disease and deformities, burdened with pain, will be given a glorious spiritual body that only heaven can give. For in that day we will be made like Jesus. "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is" (1Jn. 3:2).

The only way we can say that to die is gain is if we are living for Christ. Are you?

Paul Smithson

 

 

Final Article In

Special Topic

Series for 1999…

 

 

Are You Okay

With Y2K?

 

 

by Daniel R. Vess

 

 

 

 

It’s New Year’s Eve December  31, 1999.  The clock strikes midnight and...your electricity goes off. The telephones stop working.  You try calling 911, but the police and emergency services are nowhere to be found. The computer at your local bank crashes. ATMs shut down.  Computer malfunctions cause breakdowns in nuclear  reactors and strategic missile systems as well as disruptions in world trade and oil  shipments.  Government payroll checks and Social Security  checks may not be delivered.  Crime begins to run rampant.  This “Domino Effect” causes gold and silver coin premiums to rise.  All because of a well-known computer bug called, “Y2K.”  “Y2K” is an abbreviation for “Year 2000.”

 

The computer industry insiders are predicting everything from mass  transit shutdowns, to power outages, to banking failures, to defense system crashes. Even institutions which are  ready for the changeover will not be willing to connect with other computer systems unless they can be proven to be Y2K compliant.  Think of what would happen if the following facilities went  down and  stayed down for months or even years: banks, railroads,  public utilities, telephone lines, military  communications and financial markets. What about Social Security and Medicare?  The doomsayers are calling this  "The End of The World As We Know  It.” Depending on the writer or speaker, this has ranged from the  Biblical end of the world, to the economic, ecological, nuclear or moral end of the world.

 

What would Jesus have you do in the face of this supposed millennium time bomb? Is the Y2K computer bug part of God’s overall scheme prophesied about in  books like  Daniel and Revelation?

 

Before looking for the answers to these questions, let us first consider just what this Y2K computer bug really represents.

 

HISTORY OF THE Y2K

COMPUTER BUG

 

Back in the 1950s when computers were the size of office cubicles and  the most advanced data‑storage system came on  strips of punched card stock, storing data was expensive...very  expensive! Every effort was made to minimize the amount of space needed to store data. Several scientists, including a Navy officer named Grace Murray Hopper, developed a standard programming language called “COBOL” (the acronym for “common business‑oriented language”). To save precious space on the  80‑column punch cards, COBOL programmers used just six digits to render the day's date: two for the day, two for the month, and two for the year. It was the middle of the century, and nobody cared much about what would happen at the next click of the cosmic odometer.  For example, the year 1995 became just 95 when stored. The “Y” in Y2K stands for “year.”  “K” stands for a thousand. Thus, Y2K means “Year 2 thousand.” Therefore, the millennium bug, or Y2K, is the widespread computer glitch in which dates are read as six‑digit numbers, with the year indicated by the last two digits. At midnight on December 31, 1999, the numbers "00" will pop up in the date fields. Computers which are not “Y2K compliant” may assume that it is the year 1900, causing systems to spew out inaccurate or incomplete data when they interpret the date to be the year 1900. 

 

Recently I was riding in a friend’s brand-new pick-up.  When I asked him what year it was, he promptly informed me that it was a 1900 model according to the paperwork.  Needless to say the car dealership where he purchased the truck was not “Y2K compliant”. That is, their computers do not recognize the year 2000.  This is not a big problem in purchasing a truck.  However, let's say you opened a savings account at your  bank in 1980. When the year 2000 arrives the  bank's computers  may interpret the year to be 1900 instead of the year 2000. The bank’s computers will conclude that your personal savings won't exist for another 80 years.  Some experts fear that certain electronic appliances such as VCRs, microwaves and fax  machines may include built-in date-sensitive microprocessors which, if not Y2K compliant, could cause essential functions to break down.

 

BUNDLES OF BOOKS ON Y2K

 

Conspiracy theorists of every religion, occupation and hue have flooded the book shelves.

 

Ø                  “K2KAOS” by Andrew Gause warns of the possibility of the U.S. falling under Martial Law due to the anticipated chaos that will result.

 

Ø                  MILLENNIUM BUG & THE YEAR 2000 a video by Ken Klein. He believes Y2K will be the disaster many are predicting, and more.  This video will awaken you to the seriousness of the problem and help you prepare.

 

Ø                  SPIRITUAL SURVIVAL DURING THE Y2K CRISIS by Steve Farrar. He believes Y2K may be a divine judgment upon our nation.

 

Ø                  THE MILLENNIUM BUG by Michael S. Hyatt.  On January 1, 2000, the world could erupt in complete chaos as banking systems break down, businesses collapse, municipal services cease.

 

Ø                  Y2K: THE MILLENNIUM BUG A BALANCED CHRISTIAN RESPONSE by Shaunti Christine Feldhahn

 

Ø                  2000 A.D. - ARE YOU READY?  By Peter and Paul Lalonde.

 

Ø                  PLANET EARTH: 2000 A.D. by Hal Lindsey author of THE LATE GREAT PLANET EARTH.

 

Ø                  2001: ON THE EDGE OF ETERNITY by Jack Van Impe.

 

Ø                  THE MILLENNIUM MELTDOWN: YEAR 2000 COMPUTER CRISIS by Grant R. Jeffrey.  This author predicts that on January 1, 2000, your entire life will change because of the “Year 2000 Computer Crisis.”  He explains how this crisis may usher in the Antichrist’s coming world government and a cashless society

 

Ø                  THE YK2 PROBLEM: A GIANT STEP FORWARD FOR ANTICHRIST by Dr. N.W. Hutchings & Dr. Larry Spargimno, 1998. Dr. N. W. Hutchings is president of the Southwest Radio Church, one  of the foremost prophetic ministries in the world. Y2K is shown to equal 666.

 

Ø                  TIME BOMB 2000: WHAT THE YEAR 2000 COMPUTER CRISIS MEANS TO YOU  by Edward Yourdon and  Jennifer Yourdon. Gives a programmer's point of view on the issue.

 

Let’s not forget the Bible when considering the Y2K Millennium Bug.  As we will see later, God has some pertinent information regarding Y2K.

 

 

MILLENNIUM CULTS

 

Not only is there a broad spectrum of doomsday scenarios found among these books, but there are some old and new cults which have been focusing their attention on the year 2000.  Understandably these cults may pose a greater threat to mankind than the Millennium Bug.

 

Some who consider themselves Christians are expecting the Second Coming of Christ and/or the Antichrist. Monte Kim Miller of the Concerned Christians cult believes he is the last prophet on earth  before Armageddon. Miller, who reportedly believed he  talked to God each morning before he went to work, was  said to claim that America was Satan and the government was evil. Miller has predicted he will die on the streets of  Jerusalem in December 1999 but will rise from the dead   three days later. Several members of that group were arrested recently in Jerusalem.  They were planning a shootout with police ahead of the millennium in the hope of   bringing about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. A source said cult members believed that being killed by police  "would lead them to heaven." 

 

Some Jews are anticipating the coming of the Messiah. A cult called “The House of Yahweh” warns of impending doom if the temple is not rebuilt soon.  Islamic fundamentalists, e.g., the Intifada, anticipate the rise of the Muslim faith.  Hindus expect the coming of the Kalki Avatar in the years 1999‑2003. 

 

Several paramilitary militias with apocalyptic and/or racist undertones exist.  A white supremacist group resides in  eastern Oklahoma’s fortified town, Elohim City.  Their leader, Robert Millar, believes that Christ has been revealing himself for the last 2,000 years and that a series of disasters is about to strike, during which the unworthy will be cleansed from the Earth.

 

Believers in Native American prophecies such as the Hopi prophecy claim to see the fulfillment of these “prophecies.”   

 

The Sukyo Makikari cult of Japan has been passing out leaflets warning that mankind may be annihilated by the “baptism of fire” in the year 2000.

 

Even in Russia there is concern about a cult based in Siberia called, the Church of the Final Testament.  Russian officials fear a mass suicide attempt by this cult as the year 2000 approaches.

 

 Which of these groups, if any, has the truth about Y2K?  Surely, they are not all correct!

 

     SECOND COMING PREDICTED IN Y2K

 

Scores of so-called end time prophets are tying Y2K hysteria in with poor religious teaching about the significance of the year 2000 and are predicting worldwide tribulation.  Some believe that Y2K‑related disruptions could represent the "signs of  the times" Jesus spoke about in Matthew chapter 24..  Some even predict that computer and infrastructure failures will clear the way  for the rise of the Antichrist and the Tribulation period.  According to Irvin Baxter, Jr. of END TIME Magazine, Y2K  is just the sort of thing that God could use to create a financial catastrophe ‑ worldwide.     This is where the Antichrist could step in.  Men like Baxter are going so far as to set up a calendar of events showing the time table by which these prophecies will unfold.

 

 

Let us now consider some reasoned arguments about what the year 2000 will not be.

 

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT

THE YEAR 2000

 

The Bible Doesn’t say that THE YEAR 2000 WILL BE THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

 

History suggests that predictions of the Second Coming have often accompanied the end of each century. As the year 1000 approached, a similar phenomenon regarding widespread “millennium prophecies”  occurred. In 1899, the “experts” predicted that by the year 2000 several letters from the alphabet would be dropped as no longer necessary, strawberries would be as big as oranges and kissing would be outlawed as bad hygiene.

 

Now, in the middle of 1999 many wanna‑be Christian commentators and scholars are pushing their sensational predictions.  They simply dig out this or that Bible verse, call it a Last Day's prophecy and then find some current event to fulfill it. Every fact seems to begin to fit  and every event becomes an apparent proof of the “truth” that the end is at hand. 

 

The Bible does not teach that Jesus Christ is about to return or that these events are prophetic fulfillments heralding that return.   Jesus clearly stated, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the  angels in heaven" (Matthew 24:36).  Paul prophesied, "The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the  night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2).  Now who are you going to believe: Jesus and Paul or myriads of preachers who cannot even begin to agree among themselves much less harmonize with the Bible?  No matter what happens with the computers, on January 1^st our future will be determined not by  the Year 2000 computer bug, but by the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

            THE YEAR 2000 WILL NOT MEAN A COMPUTER CATASTROPHE

 

Two extreme viewpoints exist ranging from "Alarmist" to  "Denial." That is, some believe Y2K will have a world‑changing impact while  others believe it will be a non‑event.  Some tell their audiences to  “Prepare to hunt for food.”  In Christian Computing, Steve Hewitt states that Y2K is no more than a "bump  in the road."  John Bollinger, CNBC Commentator, said he would be flying on New Year’s Eve to prove that planes will not be falling from the sky.

 

None of the extremes which the so-called experts have claimed will occur before the dawn of 2000 have happened.  One such prediction was that months before January 1, 2000, the world's stock markets  will have crashed. Another is that a worldwide run on the banks will create havoc  in the investment markets. On April 1, 1999, the United States, Canada, New York State and Japan rolled into their fiscal year 2000.  This was supposed to have created chaos as budget computers refused to operate.

 

However, as mentioned above there have been some problems. Take, for example, the case of a 104‑year‑old woman who was sent an advance‑registration notice for Kindergarten because the computer thought she was four years old.  On the other hand, Air Combat Command's year 2000 project turned up only two isolated examples of Millennium Bug glitches in their whole system: a timed security vault and a navigation system on a fire truck. People don't seem to realize there are very few electronic items that are  aware of the current date, and there are even fewer items that depend on  dates to function.  I hate to rain on their doomsday parade, but the biggest problem with Y2K many only be a few bigger-than-normal utility bills and some inconveniences.  Furthermore, computers have always had bugs in their programming.  Y2K is just one among many.

 

 

THE YEAR 2000 IS NOT 2000 A.D.

 

A.D. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “anno Domini” meaning “the year of the Lord”. 

 

Who formulated the current method of counting the years, and how accurate were they? When will the third millennium actually begin? In 525 A.D. a Sythian monk in Rome, Dionysius Exiguus (Dionysius the Little), was preparing new tables for determining the date of  Easter, and he decided to abandon the pagan calendar in use at the time, that was based on the first year of the reign of Emperor Diocletian (29 August, 284). Instead, he began a calender based on his calculated year of the birth of Jesus Christ.  To determine this he relied upon two Bible passages.

 

t                  Luke 3:1 ‑ Jesus was baptized in the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius

t                  Luke 3:22,23 shows that Jesus began His ministry immediately after His baptism at about age 30.

 

Scholars today refer to the Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus who stated that Herod died shortly after an eclipse of the moon and that this sets the date of the birth of Jesus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book XVII, Chapter  VI, end of 4th paragraph). Dionysius concluded that it had been at about 4 or 5 B.C. instead of 1 A.D.  Droves of pilgrims plan to travel to the Holy Land to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of Christ's birth, some of them expecting to see His Second Coming.  However, according to the current calendar, 1996 would more accurately be the 2000^th year since the birth of Christ.  Thus, we are already in the third millennium!

 

 

THE YEAR 2000 IS NOT THE END OF THE MILLENNIUM

 

Even if the calendar of today were measured along millennial lines, the true third millennium would not occur until January 1st, 2001, due to the fact that there was no year 0 A.D.

 

Ø                  1 - 1000 A.D. would have been the first millennium.

Ø                  1001‑2000 A.D. would have spanned the second millennium

Ø                  2001‑3000 A.D. will be the third millennium

 

Therefore, January 1, 1997, may have actually marked the end of the 2000th year since the birth of Jesus Christ as well as commenced the third  millennium!

 

 

HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS

RESPOND TO THE Y2K PROBLEM?

 

            DON’T FRET ABOUT Y2K- FEAR GOD

 

Fear mongers who feed on the fears of others have capitalized on the Millennium Bug.  True Christians, on the other hand, are commanded to share their faith with those whose hearts are fearful about the future and with the words of the Bible to comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18).  In these  hours when the world is filled with uncertainty, we have a message  of hope.  Rather than fearing the collapse of computers or society as a result of Y2K problems, the Scriptures call upon us to fear God. Jesus said nothing is to be feared but God.  "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot  kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who  is able  to destroy  both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).

 

 

            DON’T WORRY ABOUT Y2K-TRUST GOD

 

Only  those whose lives and hearts are in continual fellowship with God have reason enough not to worry.

 

"Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown  into the oven,  will  He not much more clothe  you,  O you of little faith?  Therefore  do not  worry,  saying, `What shall we eat?'  or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'  For after  all  these  things  the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first  the kingdom of God and  His righteousness,  and all  these things shall be added to you.  Therefore  do   not  worry  about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:30-34).

 

Those who so trust in God don't need to worry about what will happen if the banks fail and they lose all their money. They do not need to worry about food shortages or the Stock Market crashing or even  rioting in the streets. Christians have something better than a self‑contained fortress in the country. They have a God in heaven who cares and watches over them.

 

If you want to be ready to face the Millennium Bug head‑on, the first thing to do is to get your heart and life right with God,  When we face big problems, we may not know how to solve them; but we can know God. It has been well said, "We don't know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future." It is certain that, God is Y2K compliant and so is the Bible and the Book of Life by which we will all be judged at the end of time.

 

 

DON’T BE FIXATED ON Y2K-BE COMPLIANT TO GOD’S WILL

 

Some people are already heading for the hills, literally.  One man has built what he hopes is a self‑sufficient home in the country, complete with power generators,  water supply, and food sources as well as  guns and ammunition to fight off potential armed mobs.  Websites advertise everything a person needs to know in order to survive Y2K.  So-called experts claim everyone must have plenty of toilet paper, flour, and sugar stockpiled.  Upstart Y2K entrepreneurs are selling  books on everything from milking your cow to building a barn. One minister  recommends from the pulpit that his flock buy Coleman cookers and bottled water, and he even gave them pointers on  what types of guns to buy.

 

This kind of fixation on Y2K is driving some people to the extreme, causing them to cut themselves off from the world. People are going to northern and western states and hiding out  with gold bars.

 

Either the computers will work or they will not work.   Whether or not you are year 2000 compliant during this Millennium madness may be of little concern.  It is far more important to consider whether or not you are compliant with the Will of God.  Are you saved?  Have you obeyed the simple Gospel of Christ?

 

•                     Hear the Gospel of Christ

So then faith comes by hearing, and  hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

 

•                     Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God

"For God so loved the world that He gave  His  only  begotten   Son,   that whoever  believes  in  Him  should  not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

 

•                     Repent of your sins.

“Then  Peter said to them,  "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the  name  of   Jesus  Christ  for  the remission  of  sins;   and  you   shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38).

 

•                     Confess that Jesus is the Christ.

 

 “that if you confess with your mouth the  Lord  Jesus  and  believe in  your  heart that God has raised Him from  the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto  righteousness,   and  with   the  mouth  confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10).

 

•                     Be baptized (immersed, i.e. buried in water, Romans 6:3-5) to wash away sins.

"He  who believes  and  is baptized will be  saved;  but he  who  does  not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

“`And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized,  and  wash  away  your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'” (Acts 22:16).

 

If you have not taken all five of these steps, then your soul is not in compliance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

 

Throughout the New Testament book of Acts of the Apostles, there are many examples of how people became simply Christians by taking these very same steps.  We would be honored to study these examples with you.  Other scriptures also teach these facts, such as Romans 6:3-18 and Galatians 3:26-29.  The way to become a Christian is the same today as it was 2,000 years ago.  Please let us assist you in becoming so today by contacting the author at 972.254.1295  or 972.641.4351.  Or e-mail drvess@juno.com.

 

Remember, “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2), not December 31, 1999.

 

Editorial Footnote

Bro. Vess preaches for the Forum Terrace Church of Christ in

Grand Prairie, Texas. They published this tract in the fall for

 

 

Final Page

Warren E. Berkley

 

A Premise For Fellowship

 

When I preach on the subject of fellowship I lay down a premise that keeps me on the right track: Jesus has said something about what we participate in and who we associate with! I’ll cite the passages below. But I think readers of this journal will immediately recognize the truth of this premise. Jesus, in His own words and through His apostles, spoke on this subject. If we are followers of Christ, we will apply what He has said. He has spoken clearly about participation and association.

 

Instead of acting on what Jesus said, many behave on impulse, whim, emotion and without prayer, study or care. All some folks do when they travel or move is, find a building with a sign out front that says “Church of Christ.” On that basis and with high regard for their personal convenience, those who re-locate may “place membership,” contribute and participate to some extent – with little regard to what kind of work they are participating in; what teaching they are supporting or what agenda they may help advance. There is an indifference about these matters that shuns any informed decision of faith.

 

One way to address this apathy is to preach and give some urgency to this simple premise of fellowship: Jesus has said something about participation and association. “…have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them,” (Eph. 5:11). Those who received this epistle tried those who said they were apostles and found them to be liars (Rev. 2:2). Paul wrote to an individual Christian and – after describing men who were “destitute of the truth” – told Timothy: “From such withdraw yourself,” (1 Tim. 6:4,5). Isn’t it clear, there are some we must not associate with or help; there are others who ought to be received, because they are fellow workers for the truth (see Rom. 16:17,18; 3 Jno. 8).

 

John wrote by the inspiration of the Spirit and the authority of Christ when he said, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds,” (2 Jno. 9-11). This encompasses people (whoever), teaching (does not bring this doctrine), association (do not receive him) and participation (shares in his evil deeds).

 

We ought to help, receive, support and join with those who are teaching the truth and walking in the light. But when one “does not bring this doctrine” DO NOT RECEIVE HIM. This is prohibitive, just like Eph. 5:11 – “have no fellowship.”

 

Jesus has said something about fellowship! He has spoken about what we participate in and who we associate with. Either we will respect and follow His Word, or we will just do whatever we feel like doing.

 

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful,” (Psa. 1:1).

 

 

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