Dr. C. S. Lovett's
MARANATHA FAMILY NEWSLETTER
August 2023
THE COMING TRIBULATION!
Rev. Richard Wurmbrand, author of “Tortured for Christ,” tells of the many believers suffering in Communist countries who feel the tribulation has arrived for them. Yet their suffering is nothing compared to the misery soon to be poured out on this unbelieving world. With the swift approach of that evil day, many ask, “Will the church go through the tribulation, or will we be raptured out to escape the ordeal?”
The Apostle John doesn’t see any escape from tribulation until the Lord returns in power and glory. That will surely put an end to all tribulation for God’s people.
HOW APOSTLE JOHN VIEWS THE SITUATION:
“He (the antichrist/beast) was given the power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world” (Rev. 13:7).
What about the believers who refuse to worship the beast? John speaks of them too. “He who has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed” (Rev. 13:10).
“This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus” (Rev. 14:12).
As we approach the end of this age, it is very clear every person on earth will be involved with the antichrist/beast in some way. The saints will either be killed or pressed into slavery.
SHOULD I TEACH BELIEVERS THEY WON’T FACE REAL TRIBULATION?
If I teach God’s people that they will NOT have to go through the tribulation (not God’s wrath) and I turn out to be wrong, not only will their faith be shaken, but they will be wholly unprepared for the ordeal. What’s worse, they will wonder what other convictions based on God’s Word could be wrong! The faith of many could be shattered. Woe to me in that case, and all who followed my teaching.
On the other hand, if I PREPARE God’s people for tribulation and I turn out to be wrong—they lose nothing. The fact is, they stand to GAIN. How? If they get ready to die for Jesus, have they not advanced in the faith? We should be ready to forsake everything for Christ.
BESIDES, WHAT’S WRONG WITH TRIBULATION?
The Word of God says remarkable things about suffering and tribulation. “For to you, it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him but to suffer for His sake” (Phil. 1:29). Suffering for Jesus is a privilege, a GIFT. Again, we read: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him” (2 Tim. 2:12). Wonder how that can be? Listen to this: “…we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Suffering, you see, is normal for the Christian. But you hear little about it today. Rather, we hear plenty about healing and prosperity.
A shallow Christianity is moving across our land. Those who do not have deep roots in Christ, shrink from the idea that God would test His people with tribulation, or that He would use suffering to help the church make itself ready as a bride (Rev. 19:7). Very clearly though, suffering is the pathway to glory. We are called to it. Why? “Because Christ also suffered, leaving us an example that we should follow in His steps!” (1 Peter 2:21).
Consequently, I dare not teach Christians they will not have to go through the tribulation. Maybe they won’t. But I can do more for them by preparing them for testing in His name, than by teaching them that the Lord is going to rapture them out of the “hour of trial.” There is tremendous growth in the person who puts on the “whole armor” that he might be able to withstand the evil day (Eph. 6:13). I can no longer bring myself to tell people to forget the tribulation because Jesus is going to take us out of it. We lose too much if we don’t prepare ourselves to suffer in His name.
All through history God has refined His people with suffering. It would be wrong for me to try and please those who “have no root in themselves but are offended when tribulation or persecution arises” (Matt. 13:21). These people joyously embrace the doctrine of escape. When has God ever failed those who trust in Him? And what situation could arise where His grace would not be sufficient? If we are called upon to face the ultimate test for His sake, let’s do it with confidence in His promise, “The Lord is my Helper, I shall not fear what man will do to me” (Heb. 13:6).
THE HOUR IS APPROACHING
Signs are mounting that the tribulation is rushing toward us. It is obvious that if the Lord delays much longer, we’re in for rough going. We ought to cease our debating Bible passages and focus on what is coming. We need to get ready for it. It will be too late once the hour strikes. It’s at a point now, if Jesus doesn’t come quickly, we’re in for some kind of tribulation anyway.
Did you know the bottomless pit is going to be opened? Out of it demons will swarm forth in a vicious assault on mankind (Rev. 9:2,3). So great will be their number, they will darken the air like smoke, hiding even the sun. That’s symbolic language of course, but can you imagine what it will be like on the earth then? The senseless killings occurring daily won’t even be a taste of what’s coming. Think what such a thing could mean to those not ready for it. Those prepared to handle satanic assaults will NOT be overcome. Don't you think we should be prepared just in case?
Should you and your friends be called upon to endure that awful hour, you will not be caught off guard. When you find that antichrist is cooming after your personally, you will be prepared to . . .
STAND FIRM IN CHRIST!
C. S. Lovett
Copyright © 2023 Personal Christianity. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:11 KJV).
The day is fast approaching when we will find our Bibles taken from us and destroyed. They will surely be outlawed when Satan’s man appears on the scene. He will be anti-Christian and do his best to stamp out everything that encourages people to trust the true God.
Today, the Bible is the most sold, but least read book in our land. Why? There is no violent threat to our faith and few find any reason to seriously consider it. As a result, it is often carried to church but left undisturbed during the week. And that’s dangerous.
The antichrist’s man will be able to deceive you and turn you away from your walk with Jesus. Even today such powerful influences can crash through your spiritual defenses and you end up sinning against the Lord.
The only thing that can save you from such a heart-breaking tragedy is the Word of God. If it is roaring in your spirit, no power of Satan can make you shift your affection from Jesus. Without argument, God’s Word must be alive and active in your heart—so that when you need it—it is there!
TESTIMONIES
GREAT BIBLE STUDY: “Brother Lovett, thank you for your ‘Lights’ books. We are using them in our ladies' Bible study. The help and explanations of verses are so good. We studied LOVETT’S LIGHTS ON ACTS and feel as though we were a part or a partner with Paul on his various travels and sea voyages. Now I want to order LOVETT’S LIGHTS ON JOHN for our next study. Thank you and God bless you!” (E.H.—WA)
AMAZING INSIGHTS: Without this book, the study of Acts is interesting, but with the amazing insights Lovett adds, Acts becomes a book that comes alive. Lovett has the ability, through historic information, to give depth to Acts that opens the book wide. (online review by D. Dryden)
GRASP ON TRUTHS: “I want to express my appreciation for your ministry. You have taken me by the hand and have led me from being an idle Christian to an active Christian. I have your LIGHTS on JOHN and ACTS. You have given me a grasp on truths in the Bible that it doesn’t seem to me I could have achieved in a month of Sundays. Praise God and thank you!” (N.K.—CA)
RESOURCES
NEW BOOK--LOVETT’S LIGHTS ON ACTS (2023 edition):407 pages. Available on Amazon.com and sells for $15.99 HERE.
LOVETT’S LIGHTS ON THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (2022 edition): 372 pages. Available on Amazon.com and sells for $15.99 HERE.
LOVETT’S LIGHTS ON JOHN (2021 edition): 381 pages. Available on Amazon.com sells for $15.99 HERE.
WITNESSING MADE EASY (2019 edition): 213 pages. Purchase on Amazon.com for $14.99 HERE.
DEALING WITH THE DEVIL (2018 edition): 241 pages. Available on Amazon.com and sells for $14.99 HERE.
THE PREPARED LIFE (2017): 159 pages. This book is available on Amazon.com and sells for $13.99 and is also available in Kindle form for $7.99 HERE.
CONTACT US:
Please keep in touch and send us your prayer requests. You may contact us for more information regarding our ministry at:
Personal Christianity, PO Box 918, Middleton, ID 83644
626.338.7333
www.cslovettbooks.com
info@cslovettbooks.com
“Preparing for His Appearing”
Since 1951
