March-April-12

"LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries

March - April, 2012

"There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is 'PRESENT TRUTH' that the flock needs now." Early Writings, p 63.

Elder: robert sessler

Last time we learned that the Babylonians, whose religious beliefs began along with the formation of the tower of Babel just after the flood, believed that when a person died, they did not simply rest in the grave, but their immortal spirit went down to a subterranean retreat called Hell. Hell to them was a place of darkness, shadows, horror; a place which was ruled over by the god of fire and destruction and his brutal wife; and was a place where hideous looking demons could sadistically assault and torture the living dead at any time.

This particular Babylonian and pagan concept of Hell was also adopted by the Roman Catholic church, who then spread it throughout the centuries until most all other churches of Christendom believe this Babylonian and pagan doctrine today.

We further learned that the hell of the Bible does not mean such a fiery place deep beneath the earth where the immortal dead are supposedly tortured. But both the Old Testament and New Testaments clearly teach that hell simply means a place underneath the surface of the earth where those who have experienced death rest in their graves.

Now since there are many different and conflicting beliefs about death and what it is like in the grave being taught today, it can be very difficult to find which of these beliefs are true. Yet God has not left His people to remain ignorant about this important subject without giving them insights into what is the truth about death.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

As all scripture is inspired by God, then these sacred pages are where we can safely find the sure foundation for all correct doctrine, as well as for reproof and correction of our errors, and thus from this Bible – the word of God – we can obtain the pure knowledge of truth. So what does God declare through His word about death?

First of all, what is death? The Bible refers over and over again that death is likened to sleep. In Old Testament times, when someone died it was declared that he "slept with his fathers" (see 1 Kings 2:10, 11:43, 14:20, 31, 15:8, 24). In New Testament times, death was also likened to sleep (see 1 Corinthians 11:30, 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:14). In fact, Jesus plainly stated this same idea when referring to the death of his friend Lazarus:

"Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead." John 11:11-14.

So the Bible states that being dead is just like being asleep (see also Matthew 27:52; 1 Corinthians 15:51; Daniel 12:2). But when we die or fall asleep in death, what happens?

"His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish." Psalms 146:4.

So God stated that when we die, we no longer have any thoughts or mental processes. Thus there is no consciousness in the grave. As this is true, then will God show us any of His wonders, whether past, present or future, after we die and are buried in the grave? The Bible states No.

"Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee?...Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction? Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?" Psalms 88:10-12.

Will we praise the Lord in the grave? The Bible states No.

"The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence." Psalms 115:17.

Will we even remember the Lord in the grave? The Bible answers No.

"For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?" Psalms 6:5.

Will we see anyone else while we are dead? The Bible declares No.

"I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave...I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world." Isaiah 38:10-11.

But don't we see our loved ones and friends coming to our grave to pay us respect? The Bible again states No.

"But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost...His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not..." Job 14:10, 21.

So those who have died really do not know anything! And with this statement the Bible agrees!

"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten." Ecclesiastes 9:5.

Truly, being dead is like being asleep – just as Jesus stated. Yet many have been taught that at death some go straight to heaven. But does the Bible teach that we go to heaven and see the Lord when we die?

"...I shall go to the gates of the grave...I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord, in the land of the living..." Isaiah 38:10-11.

Now others have been taught that their dead relatives are in heaven who are watching over them and working for their good through various means. But is this what the Bible teaches? No.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Ecclesiastes 9:10.

But what about those who believe that they have actually seen or even talked with their dead loved ones apparently alive after having died?

"So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep." Job 14:12.

Since the Bible clearly states that the dead will not arise or awake out of sleep until the heavens be no more, then what about those who believe in, or who have seen, ghosts or the spirits of the dead haunting houses or graveyards or even helping people?

"...the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:5-6.

So God through the Bible declares that the dead have no memory at all of when they were alive. As this is true, then they could not remember anyone or anything that they either loved or hated, cherished or envied during their lifetime. So even if they could come back as a ghost or a spirit, they could not even remember who they were supposed to haunt or who they were supposed to help!

Yet many people have actually seen ghosts or spirits and various apparitions. Others have heard unexplained noises and seen supernatural phenomena. But since the Bible of truth teaches that ghosts cannot be the actual dead person's spirit raised to life, then who are these apparitions?

"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him....For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world..." Revelation 12:7-9, 16:14.

So there are indeed so-called ghosts or spirits seen today, yet not one of these are dead people actually come back from the dead. They are only the evil angels or spirits of devils whom were cast out of heaven. These evil beings are only pretending to be the dead come back to life. And it does not matter whom they impersonate – even the dead Apostle Paul or other dead followers of Christ. In fact, the more widely known the dead individual, the better to impersonate them.

But why do these evil angels impersonate the dead and sometimes even communicate information to those whom they contact? Their whole purpose for doing so is to deceive people and try to get them to believe that the information given them is really the truth. But does the Devil, along with his evil angels, tell the truth?

"He [the devil]...abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." John 8:44.

So those who do not want to be deceived are not to believe any of the information relayed by these apparitions or so-called spirits of the dead, because it is nothing but lies! The biggest lie which the Devil and his evil spirits have tried to pawn off as being true is the belief that when we die our soul continues to live on. This Babylonian falsehood is also known as the immortality of the soul, and multitudes have been duped into really believing it is true.

But is humanity immortal? The Bible teaches that all human beings are "mortal", not immortal (see Job 4:17; Romans 6:12). In fact, it is God alone “who only hath immortality" (1 Timothy 6:16).

So the holy Scriptures declare that at death, we do not go on living for eternity. We do not go to heaven or to hell at death, but we simply sleep or rest in the grave. This then means that we do not reincarnate into some other creature as in the pagan belief of the endless circle of life – or a continual rebirth only to die again. This is because God mercifully declares in His word that human beings die once – not many times.

"...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement..." Hebrews 9:27.

Yet the big question which still needs to be asked is: What causes humanity to die in the first place?

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die....And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat....And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him...In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Genesis 2:16-17, 3:6, 9, 19.

This means that death began when God's command or law was disobeyed and broken. And what actually occurs when we disobey or transgress the law of God?

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4.

So by breaking God's law, we commit sin, and what happens because of our choice to sin? "For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23.

Who is the author and originator of all sin and death?

"Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was created, till iniquity was found in thee." "He (the Devil) was a murderer from the beginning..." Ezekiel 28:15; John 8:44.

This means that God cannot be blamed for either sin or death, because it was the Devil or Satan or Lucifer who was the originator and creator of all sin and death, and thus is alone responsible for all the horror, pain, and suffering caused because of it. And since sin entered the world with its penalty of death by Adam and Eve choosing to break God’s commandment, then humanity has ever since tried to find a way to circumvent death and continue to live on. And the Devil has been only too willing to help foster such a deceptive belief through his many and varied lies, and he has been very successful with getting the majority of humanity duped into believing them.

Multitudes today sincerely believe that sin only causes the penalty of death to our fleshly body, but our soul continues to live on forever. But does the Bible teach this? No.

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel 18:20.

So the soul that sins does not continue to live on forever, but it dies! And since "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), then the soul of no dead human being has ever continued to live on after death!

This particular belief, that we are made up of a body and a separate soul, is just another lie directly from the Devil and his evil spirits. God instead tells us the truth about how we were created.

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Genesis 2:7.

So God first formed a body, then give it the breath of life, and then man became a living soul. If we put this sequence into a mathematical formula for life, it would be as follows: a body, plus the breath of life, equals a living soul (see also Job 33:4; Ezekiel 37:6). Now the opposite equation of this formula would be: a body, minus breath, cannot equal a living soul – but equals a dead one! So there is no truth to the doctrine of our soul continuing to live on after we die. Neither does humanity have a spirit which goes on living after death.

Our breath, which comes from God and allows us to have life, can also be translated in the scriptures as "spirit" (see also Job 27:3). So a body, plus the breath or spirit of life, equals a living soul. But a body, without spirit, cannot equal a living soul. So again there is no truth to the belief that at death, our spirit continues to go on living. When we die, our breath or spirit of life goes back to God who gave it to us at birth (see Ecclesiastes 12:7; Psalms 31:5), but there is no separate life or consciousness in this breath – no more than there would be every time we exhale.

But as this is all true, then is the lot of humanity to always face death without any hope of ever escaping from it's eternal grasp? Are we always to rest and sleep in the grave for ever? Or has someone found a way to deliver us from such a hopeless destiny as this?

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man...Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:9, 14-15.

So then Jesus Christ has found just such a way of deliverance, and has mercifully provided this to all of humanity so that any who will can be delivered from this hopeless destiny of eternal death in order to have life again!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 John 5:11-12.

This means that every human being can now have hope that there is indeed life after death – but only in Jesus Christ. No other human being: be he president or pope, evangelist or guru, shaman or priest, can offer anyone eternal life in truth. Life after death is only found in Jesus Christ because it is only Jesus that has been given "power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many" as are His (see John 17:2). And Jesus Christ is available to all humanity – even those considered to be in the lowest scale of human worth or in the deepest pit of sin.

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15.

So all humanity can now rest in the hope that there is indeed life after death – but only in Christ Jesus. No longer need anyone be afraid of death – unless you have not accepted Jesus as your Saviour and are not connected with Him.

Please do not allow another moment to go by without getting on your knees, repenting of your sins, and asking Jesus to forgive you and then plead for Him to take control of your life. We are told that "Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2) – not tomorrow, because tomorrow may be too late. So do it today, and don’t wait, because your chance for eternal life is at stake!

Now this truth of there being a chance for life after death through Christ is a great comfort and blessing for those who are still alive, but what about those who have already died? Will those who have already passed away or fallen asleep and are now resting in their graves ever be brought back to life again – including those who had rejected Christ? This is what we will be looking into in the third and last part of this series entitled “Afterlife”.

TRUE CHURCH WEBSITE: The Lord is continuing to bless our TrueChurchofGod.info website. In the month of January we had 13,730 hits, which were generated by 2,440 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, 5,363 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 629 million bytes of information were downloaded.

In the month of February we had 12,464 hits, which were generated by 2,065 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, 4,452 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 501 million bytes of information were downloaded.

So for these past 2 months, over 1.13 billion bytes of information were downloaded from our Gospel Truth website by over 4,500 visitors!

LTBL MINISTRIES WEBSITE: The Lord is also abundantly blessing our LightMinistries.com website! In the month of January we had 145,285 hits, which were generated by 22,198 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, 41,780 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 16.34 billion bytes of information were downloaded.

In the month of February we had 123,490 hits, which were generated by 20,367 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, 34,283 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 15.35 billion bytes of information were downloaded.

So for these past 2 months, over 31.69 billion bytes of information were downloaded from our Gospel Truth website by over 42,500 visitors! MAY GOD'S HOLY NAME BE INDEED PRAISED!!

SPANISH BIBLE STUDIES: We have our Bible Study Lessons translated into Spanish and available on-line for any Spanish speaking people who are interested in learning more of what the Bible teaches. The actual link to these important studies is: http://www.lightministries.com/id1875.htm

NEW BOOKLET: Our newest booklet titled “And Michael Spoke These Words” is available in print, as well as being on-line for free reading and download. The actual link is: http://www.lightministries.com/id1876.htm This booklet brings before the reader the glorious subject of Michael being the one God who was directly involved with the children of Israel. It was Michael, and not God the Father, who led and guided the Israelites in all of their experiences, including being the God who gave them the 10 commandments at Sinai. And this God Michael eventually was born into humanity as Jesus Christ. This booklet is all written strictly from the Bible, and thus would be an excellent evangelistic tool in reaching out to the world with this truth about the pre-existence of Jesus Christ and the law He gave for the benefit of mankind. If you would still like to have a complementary copy of this booklet, please write us.

TO OUR SUPPORTERS: Please know that "Let There Be Light" Ministries is not using your support to build itself up into a kingdom, nor are we trying to acquire expensive video, TV or shortwave facilities. But we are trying to spread the truth as quickly and economically as possible. Please also know that you have played an important part in helping spread the Present Truth into various parts of this world, including through the printed page, through the living full-time workers and ministers we sponsor, and also through our Web Sites on the internet. This is how the Loud Cry of the third angel will be spread, and is now being spread! If the Lord impresses you to help in these endeavors, your donations and prayers will be greatly appreciated, and not just by this Ministry. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!

"Let There Be Light" Ministries is committed to the spreading of the full present truth gospel message worldwide, and has been doing so since 1986. This Ministry has operating expenses covering the areas of: printing, publishing, and writing of present truth books, booklets, tracts, and other literature; DVD, video and audio taping, production, and distribution; supporting several ministers and workers in foreign Countries; mail order – both domestic and foreign; traveling to hold meetings – both locally, nationally, and internationally; answering correspondence and questions regarding the message of truth; offering National and International Bible studies; sending free present truth literature to contacts in many poor Countries; etc.

Your gracious prayers and support is greatly appreciated and needed. Without the Lord's guidance, blessings, and your support, this Ministry could not continue to reach out worldwide with the precious message of Revelation 14:6-12 & 18:1-5.

May our God and Saviour continue to lead and guide all those who have helped us reach souls who sit in darkness with the precious light of gospel truth. May our supporters remember that they share in each and every soul who has been reached by this Ministry and converted to the Lord and His present truth!

GENERAL FOREIGN MISSION WORK NEEDS

We are currently supporting several workers in many different Countries on a monthly basis. We check into the economy of each area and supply a base support which is adequate depending on their situation, but not extravagant. This base support is to ensure that the monthly needs of each worker and family is met for that month so that the worker may devote full time to the ministry work. In addition to this, we are sending extra materials for evangelism, and money for printing, publishing, holding meetings, traveling, and other necessary areas in spreading the Present Truth in their Country. And as the work extends, especially will the expenses for evangelism expand. Whatever you can send to help in this necessary and vital area is greatly appreciated.

The work of spreading God's present truth is not to be limited, but must extend world-wide to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before our Saviour can come (Matthew 24:14). What better way of spreading the Present Truth Gospel than by having workers who speak the native language, who reside in that particular Country, who can live and preach the truth, visit the interests in their homes, and spread the printed truth translated into their native language!

"Our publications should be printed in other languages, that foreign nations may be reached. Much can be done through the medium of the press, but still more can be accomplished if the influence of the living preacher goes with our publications....The Lord has moved upon men of other tongues and has brought them under the influence of the truth, that they might be qualified to labor in His cause." Testimonies, vol 3, p 204-205.

Please financially help us to continue supporting our current ministers and workers on a consistent basis, so that the spreading of the truth will not be interrupted but can quickly lighten this dark world with the glory of God.

"Every opportunity should be improved to extend the truth to other nations. This will be attended with considerable expense, but expense should in no case hinder the performance of this work. Means are of value only as they are used to advance the interest of the kingdom of God. The Lord has lent men means for this very purpose, to use in sending the truth to their fellow men." Testimonies, vol 3, p 208.

SPECIFIC MONTHLY FOREIGN MISSION WORK NEEDS

M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Fiji.

M Printing of booklets and tracts in Fiji.