Which Are You?

G.O.A.L. - the Vision
God's Order Affirmed in Love

I'd like to share something important enough to risk misunderstanding, in the hope the greater point may be heard. I get frustrated when I see any unnecessary conflict. I don't think there are any significant "differences" that should separate brothers in Christ who share a common love of His Way. The only differences we may share can be overcome through dialogue. All imbalances of specific information, different perspectives and understandings can be worked out through discussion as long as we see the greater agenda as:

"...let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4)

I know most people sincerely believe they seek after the Truth. People will hear and see when they are ready. It is our right to be fully persuaded in our own minds and is a grace we should be willing to extend to our brothers in Christ.

We all love the Word and desire to know God's truth but sometimes differences in understanding tend to blind us to those greater things we share in common. At such times, where differences occur, we should remember the greater things we are in agreement on, and let patience and love help us work toward building bridges of understanding that can only make our fellowship stronger.

I understand everyone is under time demands and obligations, but we need to guard against becoming wrapped up into our own little world. This is why fellowship is so important, because it keeps us cognizant of others needs while making our own known. If someone's work is producing good results it should be praised and supported, and any work that could be improved should be helped.

In the past several years of reading the books, newsletters, and listening to tapes I've seen certain trends within the "Identity" movement I'd like to call attention to and point out some new directions I'd like to see it move toward.

Today we see more of a trend toward "playing church" and away from building a Christian civil body politic. We are building churches instead of communities and nations. Ecclesia is giving way to "church." Perhaps we still haven't had our thinking completely liberated from the "Separation of Church and State" mindset after all? Playing church within the four walls of a church building is easier than organizing local activism. It is easier to be a slave than it is to be a freeman. It costs us less to delegate our responsibilities to a humanist state than to assume them ourselves. A new piousness has brought in a new "Biblically Correct" spiritual retreatism into Christianity. It has replaced the true definition of "repentance" - that which leads to "righteousness" (or right doing).

Right doing requires a repentance that seems "extreme" to today's "softer, kinder, and gentler" world order. But is it really "extreme" in light of the price Christ paid to redeem us? "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin." (Heb. 12:3,4)

Is it really too much to ask to forsake the ways of the world and seek to reform our world after His Way? Most haven't resisted the world order today to the point of shedding blood in striving against sin because most are still living in fear of the state rather than fearing God. The few who have should not be forgotten! Hopefully it will not come to that, but either way blood must be shed for the forgiveness of the sin and if it isn't Christ's it will be ours and those profiting from our sin. This is serious folks, God doesn't play around and His Law is unchanging!

After all, why home-school? Why plan for our children's and grandchildren's future? Why figure out the way things ought to work as if Christ really did rule and His Law really is to be obeyed today? Why try to educate and reform society? Why try to fight to institute God's Law into all areas of life? Why try to work toward making the Bible the understood and accepted "law of the land" above all other "authority" or rule? These things represent the elements of an active and living faith that believes that God's Way is best and WORKS! Is this too much to ask for the sacrifice He made for us?

So where do we start? Where does repentance start? It starts on an individual level, but it doesn't stop there. We are expected to grow in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom which deepens our faith and equips us for more responsibility. The transformation that turned our hearts and minds toward God's Way should grow to touch others in our families and communities.

Accepting this reality should wake most people up to the need for reforming society from top to bottom. If you don't care about others at least think of the inheritance your children and grand-children will be inheriting. Most white nations are ship-wrecked countries sinking on the sins of their forefathers and they are taken on more and more water. If we don't begin equipping the next generation to weather the storm, man the life-boats, and seek better shores all is lost. The white Christian race will go to their grave in their sins unless we care enough today to start laying the foundation to build a better future for the generations to follow!

Many are familiar with the works of the Reconstructionists. R.J. Rushdoony is most noted and recognized since he is considered the "founder" of Christian Reconstructionism. It is pathetic at the cheap libel I have seen from "Identity" Christians who for some reason or another attack these men personally and throw out their ideas wholesale without any, or little, explanation. The best I can say about such actions is they do not represent Christianity and are the epitome of laziness and arrogance.

I'm not saying I accept or endorse ALL of the ideas of the Reconstructionists, but I can say the same thing about "Identity" as well with equal conviction. Just like with all works of men there will be errors since none of us are perfect. There are problems and misunderstandings with some of their conclusions that discriminating, thinking individuals can see beyond or screen out as they read for the greater concepts. This ability to think critically and discriminate is a characteristic of intelligence that sets us apart from the animals. It is an ability that all Christians would do well to develop.

"Identity" lacks the comprehensive world & life view of the Reformed Faith, but the Reconstructionists are handicapped by their fear of "race" and the fruit of that fear resulting in their "spiritualization" of Israel as the "church." I think both of these limitations can be harmonized in such a way that these flaws in doctrine can be overcome and merged into a stronger whole. This is my "agenda," if seeking the greater truth is an "agenda."

These are some of the issues as I see them - not in any particular order:

1. The Sovereignty of God and the manner of the manifestation of that reality in the world and our lives under the New Covenant.

2. The usage of prophecy & history in the Identity movement needs to be reformed badly. There are still some bad hang-overs from much pre-mill British Israelism propaganda that needs a new "spin" if not dumped altogether. Some examples being, Jacob's pillar, the 1000 years of Rev. 20, America (British) centrism, the "remnant" (ghetto) mentality, the subtle references to some sort of futuristic final "Armageddon" type final conflict that proceeds "utopia" on earth.

3. The WHEN of the resurrection - is it only a future hope or an assured reality as a past victory? Or both?

4. The nature and present reality of the New Covenant in all its glory TODAY as pictured in the Old and realized in the New Testaments. How is it a present reality and an assurance we can have hope in now instead of only at some future time? How can we see its reality today? How has the flesh blinded us from seeing it?

5. The purpose of prophecy, its nature, and when it was fulfilled. Is Prophecy our guide for today or the Word (John 1:1,14) and the Way He trail-blazed for us? Why is prophecy a "childish" thing that was replaced by faith, hope and Love (I Cor. 13).

6. The importance of Truth wherever it may lie. For example, "preterism" is as important and foundational as the "identity" message is. They are complimentary and equally essential keys to properly interpreting and understanding the Bible.

I've discussed our need for goals with several like-minded people and have received a lot of counsel on the matter. The fruit of those discussions produced: "G.O.A.L." = God's Order Affirmed (in) Love. We have enough Ezras and John the Baptists today calling for repentance and prayer but where are the Nehemiahs and Pauls who will rebuild the foundations and work out the applications of God's Law under the New Covenant? I see them as both essential and complimentary necessities. Many do an excellent job teaching these things, but lately it seems most have focused more heavily on personal repentance, prayer, and never seem to get beyond these elementary things. Could it be because we have no idea of where we should be going? Do we really have no G.O.A.L. that we are working toward?

Where is the Christian's goal presented in practical, workable plans that can be applied in the world today? This, to me, is a driving interest - to provide duplicable models, systems, constitutions, creeds, blueprints and a vision of how God's Kingdom could and should work and function in the world today. Is this not the Christian's goal? Is there a better or more accurate job description for the servants of Christ than to see "God's Order Affirmed (in) Love"?

We need workable alternatives to the solutions the "patriots," "constitutionalists," and the "nationalists" offer which are based upon Christian principals of biblical law. Some have called for this, but there hasn't been much of a response. Maybe it has taken the preaching on repentance to finally get us to this point where we see the need for an aggressive and offensive agenda?

I was again inspired for this need after finding the document How to Defeat the Radical Right in Your Community. It motivated me to write A Call for Christian Action and Life, Liberty, Property. (All 3 documents available from Melchizedek Vigilance for $20.00) It appears few are thinking this way except the Reconstructionists, but even they seem to be getting distracted in arguments concerning every jot and tittle. They have put out some good foundational instruction from which we and future generations can build on toward the ultimate goal of seeing this world transformed by the Way of the Word.

As I see it now, we need to work on changing the old "solutions" and fleshly responses to today's problems to Scripturally Correct ones. This is the beginning but it is only the grease that lubricates the engine. We still need a car to drive down the road. Maybe people get side-tracked into political parties because these efforts have a practical platform. Some have even called for running "Christ" for president and forming a platform to accomplish this. Wouldn't that be "radical"? But it is another one of those things that has been shoved onto the back burner.

In one sense the Reconstructionists are correct that we need the intellectual and philosophical foundations laid before we can begin to make any practical applications. They have done much of this work for us. Now we have a lot of material to draw from to begin constructing such practical applications. I first thought that this was an excuse to continue writing and not put forth any concerted effort in the real world, but now I see it as essential. Ideas DO have consequences. One case in point is how Rushdoony's book "The Messianic Character of Public Education" was instrumental in much of the beginnings and growth of the home-school movement. His book had consequences and affected a change that led to action.

So I see the "G.O.A.L" as having a multi-phase implementation. First it needs to lay down the theological / philosophical ground work by tying together the many existing works that have explored these questions. Next would be the beginning of the theorization of how some of these ideas can be put into practical use toward solving modern problems. And the final phases would end up producing practical "guides" and schools for reforming, reconstructing, and/or building new realities in today's social institutions that affect our every day lives.

There is a book we have on the Internet by Ivor Benson called "The Technology of Illegitimate Power." I'd like to see G.O.A.L. work on the Technology of LEGITIMATE Power. It needs to address all areas of life because God is Sovereign over all of life. There is no escaping God on the Earth.

There are many books on the Kingdom and God's Law but they are mainly "bible study" commentaries. They rarely give any practical guides on how to implement these in the world today. There is the 10 Volume Biblical Blueprints series & many Journals of Christian Reconstruction. They focus mainly on discussion of the theological and philosophical justifications for applying God's Law-Word to life today with some examples of application. There are a few volumes on "Christian Resistance" but they are very basic in scope and outdated in many ways. There is no such publication, that I am aware of, that is dedicated to building a Christian world and life view within the Identity movement. Everyone seems to be stuck in a rut without very many new ideas.

The Identity movement seems to have become a denomination in that their only focus seems to be on defending the "Identity" message. They don't seem to be interested in going on the offensive by moving their ideas into the realm of practical application in the world today. To inspire this we need something similar to that document "How to Defeat the Radical Right in Your Community" but from a Christian perspective. This is the motive that grew into the idea for "G.O.A.L." and inspired the need for a more offensive and aggressive agenda - to build on a positive and powerful vision - God's Order Affirmed in Love.

We need to be the ones who set the agenda and put the anti-Christs on the defensive. We aren't moving forward until we have the enemy on the run and REACTING to the agenda we put forth. Right now we are the ones reacting to their barrage of new legislation - such as, the Crime Bill, NAFTA, GATT, and now the Omnibus Counter terrorism Act. The only way to turn this around is with a barrage of counter proposals. Even if they are not heard immediately we continue to reach the people with these proposals and demand they be heard. Ideas have consequences and the only ideas that matter are those that put forth positive solutions for change based upon God's Law.

"Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he." (Proverbs 29:18)

Without faith, hope and love we are disarmed from making any effort to change the world. Without leadership and duplicable examples people can emulate in their own lives and communities they are weaponless to wage the "spiritual" battle against the tyrannical central governments of the world. Without prayer, preaching, instruction, and song they are without motivation, power, and guidance. Without a God centered faith and conviction of His total Sovereignty over all of life there is no hope that He is capable of empowering His people. Having faith in these facts, coupled with an active faith, we can overcome.

Much of the "Identity" movement today doesn't really express a comprehensive over-all agenda and focuses too much on America. This limits its applicable uses and scope. It focuses too much on Americanism and many worn out hang-overs from British Israelism. It should have more of a God-centered focus and be broadened to appeal to the international white nation-race instead of merely white Americans.

One glaring fact alone is shouldn't so-called "CHRISTIAN identity" be primarily focused on the identity of Christians rather than Israelites? The focus on Israel has kept many in the Old Testament leaving them ignorant of what CHANGED from the Old to the New Testaments. Sure the identity of Israel is important to know but isn't it more important to know our identity in Christ and our job as Christians? The power of the Bible rests in the New Covenant, not the old, else the "Jews" would still be God's "chosen people."

The Christian Reconstructionists have shown us the way, now we just need to reform the "Reformed Faith" (Reconstructionism) with the best of the nationalistic Identity message. Rushdoony has done a few LONG tape series/lectures on World History and the History of Modern Philosophy from a Christian perspective. Much of this background has given me an appreciation for the need to see the "big picture" in formulating a vision of Christian dominion. Such knowledge is not more important over things such as "faith, hope, and love," but with such knowledge we can avoid many of the mistakes of the past.

As hinted at before, nationalism needs to be extended beyond the concept of "America" and include all white nations. In this I believe Aryan Nations is at least on the right track, as far as I know, on this specific concept. Western Civilization is not going to be saved by "America" but through the working of God in the concertive effort of the white Christian "nation" worldwide. With the advances in global commerce, communications, and transportation we can't afford to speak only to America if we hope to stay competitive in the marketplace of ideas. We need to speak instead to the international "nation" of white people throughout the world.

Reconstruction has to be built on the concept of nation equals race within the life-preserving (non- mongrelized, de-judaized) Christian law-ethic. "The Racial Compact" by Richard McCulloch does a good job in presenting model legislation, good arguments, and justification for such an ethic. Unfortunately, he is an evolutionist but after editing out this slant and giving his writing a Christian foundation (spin) this could be a very productive idea to both diffuse the "racism" charge while presenting a positive racial preservationist ethic.

The dominion mandate given to Adam and the Great Commission commands us to disciple the nations after Christ which requires us to focus on a worldview level. This has to become our foundation if we hope to remain competitive in establishing a governing Christian law-ethic in future generations. Our ideas and actions have consequences and we need to make sure they will be applicable in the generations to come. This is our job description as servants of the Most High God and ultimately it is our responsibility to provide for a better world for future generations - for our children, our people, and the rest of the world.

We cannot be a light unto the other nations and people of the earth until we first heal ourselves. So everything we propose today must not only be good for us, but also good for all peoples of the earth if we ever hope to once again become the trend setters, leaders, and "light" of the globe.

God's Law equals God's Character

God is Holy (Psalms 145:17);
His law is Holy (Romans 7:12)

God is Love (I John 4:8):
His Law is Love (Romans 13:10)

God is Perfect (Matt. 5:48);
His Law is Perfect (Psalms 19:7)

God is Spiritual (John 4:24);
His Law is Spiritual (Romans 7:14)

God is Righteous (Psalms 145:17);
His Law is Righteous (Psalsm 119:172)

God is Truth (Deut. 32:4);
His Law is Truth (Psalms 119:142)

God is Good (Psalms 25:8);
His Law is Good (Romans 7:12)

God is Everlasting (Gen. 21:33);
His Law is Everlasting (Ps. 111:7,8)

God is Just (Deut. 32:4);
His Law is Just (Romans 7:12)

God is Light (I John 1:5);
His Law is Light (Proverbs 8:23).

Anyone who attacks God's Holy, Spiritual and Righteous Law is attacking God's Person and Character, since God's Law is His Character.

When we are renewed by God's Spirit, God's Character (Law) is written on our hearts (Jer. 31:33, Hebrews 8:8-10).

"Coming in the Clouds"

The following two verses give us a very important understanding for interpreting God's Word.

"For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were MOVED by the Holy Spirit." (II Peter 1:21)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

We may never have looked at these two verses as rules for interpreting the Bible, but they give us the knowledge and understanding we need to accurately understand God's Word. When we force our own interpretations upon the language of the Bible, misunderstandings of the text are usually inevitable. The Bible is the only rule and standard that instructs us in the knowledge of God because it is the sole source of inspired revelation of God. This tells us that the first rule of intepreting the Bible, correctly, is to understand that we must let the Bible define the use of its own language.

The pictuesque phrase of God "coming in the clouds" has been used many times in God's Word to metaphorically picture God "coming" and intercessing in the affairs of men in either blessing or judgement. Much of the language employed to picture the workings of God is figurative. Simile, metaphor, hyperbole, and other language tools are used in exageration to describe the immensity and glory of God in finite human terms.

When we read of "clouds" in the Scriptures in relation to God's actions it shouldn't be understood literally. This becomes obvious as we look at some examples of how this symbolic language is used throughout the Bible to describe the spiritual workings of God in the world.

In short, God's business with men is described as His "descending," and His glory, power and majesty are pictured as clouds, wind, thunder, etc. in the sky ("heavens") above man on the earth. This should become clear as we look at some examples.

Old Testament Examples:

God's presence was represented symbolically as seen in the pillar of cloud or fire.

"And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them by the way; and by night on a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night." (Exodus 13:21)

Expression used to describe the glory of God.

"The glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud." (Exodus 16:10)

God "came" in a cloud with a loud trumpet sound. He couldn't be seen by the mortal eye but could be seen in the clouds, smoke, thunder and lightning which were symbolic representations of God's Majesty and Glory.

"Lo, I came unto thee in a thick cloud." (and) vs. 16, "So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and thick cloud upont he mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the campe trembled." (Exodus 19:9)
(and) vs. 18,
"Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently."

An anthropomorphism - attributing of human shape or character to God. God is pictured as descending down to earth in a cloud standing on His "feet" talking to Moses.

"And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there." (Exodus 34:5)

God again appearing in a cloud.

"I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." (Leviticus 16:2)

Another appearance of God coming down in a cloud.

"And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him." (Numbers 11:25)

Symbolic language describing a "coming" of God in Judgement into Egypt "riding upon a swift cloud."

"Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt." (Isaiah 19:1)

Descriptive language picturing the power of God. More of thiis type of symbolic language describing God's nature is found in Psalms 18:7-15.

"...and the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet." (Nahum 1:3)

Figure of speech describing the greatness of God in symbolic language.

"Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind." (Psa. 104:3)

We see Christ pictured with "clouds" at the time of His ascension.

"I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him." (Dan. 7:3)

New Testament Examples:

We just saw from the previous Old Testament examples of how "clouds" are used to describe God's "comings" and "descendings" in the affairs of men. Why should we apply it any differently in the New Testament Scriptures?

Let's see how this understanding carries on into the New Testament Scriptures. We see this same picturesque language used of Christ as we saw it used in the Old Testamet to symbolicly describe the workings and actions of God in the affairs of men.

This is Jesus predicting His coming in judgment on Israel with power and glory in that generation.

"they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30)

(The "they" were the "tribes" and Christ makes clear that these events were to happen within the apostle's lifetime when He stated in vs. 33, "even so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, at the door." The apostles were obviously going to witness the fulfilment of Matt 24 come to pass in their lifetime.)

The following verses are refering to the same event above while picturing Christ sitting on the right hand of God with power and authority. The Israelites of Christ's day understood this picturesque language since they were used to reading it in the Old Testament Scriptures. Just as God came in judgment upon Israel of old "in the clouds," in like manner so did Christ in 67-70 A.D. when He fulfilled His prophecy concerning the judgment of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in Matt. 24.

"Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (Matthew 26:24)

"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." (Mark 13:26)

"and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:62)

Again in the Revelation we see this same language used again of Christ. This cannot be taken any more literally than any of the other many passages we have seen so far from both the Old and New Testament Scriptures. The context of these events that God was showing John were "things which must shortly come to pass" and were indeed imminent to THAT generation - (1:3) "the time is at hand."

"Behold, he comething with clouds." (Rev.1:7)

Chirst is here being pictured with power, greatness, glory and majesty.

"And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man." (Rev. 14:14) When the disciples saw Jesus disappear into the clouds they were told, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come IN LIKE MANNER as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11). He went up to Heaven in the clouds and He came in the clouds in judgment upon Jerusalem.

Conclusion

Revelation uses the same picturesque language used throughout the Old Testament in the attempt to describe the spiritual nature of God. For example, Rev. 1:13-18 pictures Jesus the Christ in all His glory, majesty, power, and authority. All throughout the book of Revelation we see other descriptions picturing the glorified King of kings and Lord of lords. These descriptions were not intended to be interpreted any more literally in a physical sense than they were in the Old Testament. How else can such glory be explained to the finite and carnal mind of man except in exagerated hyperbole, similie, and metaphor?

1 Cor. 2:11-12,14, Eph. 2:4,5; 4:18, Jude 19

The discerning mind that is taught to understand the Biblical style of the Scriptures can see then begin to imagine and see the glory of God to the limit of our ability. We can't take this language literally, but we can understand it as defined by its usage throughout the rest of the Bible and see the picture intended for us to see.

APPEALING TO OUR CARNAL NATURE
by John Spencer

There are many theologies which appeal to the carnal nature of God's people and are opposed to the will of our Holy God. These religious concepts relieve us of our duty to obey the laws, statutes and judgments as outlined in His word. This short study on two of these false theologies is designed to illustrate our reaction to these concepts.

1. "THIS IS SATAN'S WORLD."

The idea behind this false theology is to show God's people that Satan rules this world for a period of time according to God's plan. He, Satan, is supposed to be a fallen angel who before his fall ruled in the throne room of God. He is described by theologians as the most beautiful of all angels, the most powerful and today is responsible for all of the problems in the world. This false theology is similar to the "you can't fight city hall" concept. How can a mere mortal do anything to stop the most powerful being ever created by God? The word says, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you," but this is basically ignored in the theology of Satan. How convenient for Christians. Until God removes this creature, we can't be obedient. "It's impossible. It's God's plan! Our responsibility for obedience is relieved by the plan of God! Thus our carnal nature is nurtured and our sin continues.

2. "THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S."

This true, but misapplied statement is taught by ministers to show God's people that only the divine intervention of God can stop the evil in our world. It provides God's people with an easy out to obedience. This mistaught statement makes pacifists out of God's people "who can do all things throught Christ who strengthens us." Where do we find these words in scripture? Young David made this statement, just before he killed Goliath! I Samuel 17:47, "And all this assembly shall know that he Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands." David then slew Goliath with a sling and a stone, "but there was no sword in David's hand." (verse50) Then David drew Goliath's sword and cut his head off! (verse 51) Thus David fought the battle, just as God's people should be doing today, but the battle is for God.

"The battle is the Lord's."

John Spencer is a veteran of the Christian Patriot Movement. He has studied Man's and God's Law extensively for many years and has much to share. We are proud to offer one of his discussions before an audience in Colorado entitled, "Who Do You Trust"? It will open your eyes to how we have put our faith into false "gods" and been enslaved as a result of our misplaced "trust." The truths John shares in this video presentation will change the way you look at the Bible and how we interact with the world and give you the insight into how we can trust and live God's Way today. We don't have to take on the system to be live righteously. We merely need to "get out of the way" and put our trust in God. He will save us.

Who Do You Trust? by John Spencer, is available in VHS format for $25.00 from Melchizedek Vigilance.

"I am with you always..."

In what manner do we expect Christ to return? Where in Scripture does the idea come from that Christ will return again in the flesh? What happened in 70 A.D.? Did He not "come" in judgment on the old world order of physical Jerusalem or was that just coincidence? Was it not the fulfillment of Matt 24 where Jesus predicted this destruction? This leaves us with just God again and His perfect Kingdom. It is perfect and it is a reality as described in Rev. 20-22. This is the New Covenant into which all believers are translated into upon redemption. This Kingdom exists in reality and is seen by those who have the faith described in Hebrews 11. It manifests in this world to the degree His soldiers reconcil the world to the Way of Jesus the Christ. His Kingdom has "come" wherever His will is done on Earth.

Does that mean He is phsically walking around in the world now?

This is the crucial question. Are we looking with eyes of faith or with eyes of the flesh? Do we have the faith described in Hebrews 11 or the faith of the Pharisees who desired Christ to be a physical conquering King to lead physical armies with fleshly weapons? Or was He leading a spiritual army that is engaged in a different and SUPERIOR type of warfare:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

"We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

"And we are ready to punish all disobedience whenver your obedience is complete." (2 Cor. 10:3-6)

The simple answer to this question is that He never left us. He is with us in Word (John 1:1,14) and Spirit, "wherever two or more are gathered in His Name." Our battle is for total mind control. What do you think is meant by "every thought captive?" Our warfare is total and uncompromising. We must love enough to want nothing but absolute and complete uncondtional surrender of the world to Christ's Dominion and Soveriegnty. All the heroes of faith as described in Hebrews 11 won victories without God's physical presence because they had the faith to see God's presence without the "sight" of worldly eyes. They had the ability to see God as He is - The comforter, the Spirit. Isn't that what Jesus said would come in His steed - the "Comforter" (i.e. The Holy Spirit)? He promised us that, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matt 28:20).

Flattery --

The friend who holds up before me the mirror, conceals not my smallest faults, warns me kindly, reproves me affectionately, when I have not performed my duty, he is my friend, however little he may appear so.

Again, if a man flattering praises and lauds me, never reproves me, overlooks my faults, and forgives them before I repented, he is my enemy, however much he may appear my friend.
- Herder