By Kathy L McFarland
Survivalists prepare, isolate and are ready for the difficult things to come when End Times unfolds. In America, they often hide out in the wilderness areas of many of the western states, especially the Pacific Northwest forests; however, they can be found in pockets in the midst of trees to hide from Appalachian Mountains, to bayous of southern swampland, to hillbilly territory in the Ozarks, to desolate places in isolated corners of Montana and Colorado, and even in the treeless places of stretching deserts in the Southeast corner of America.
They usually build self-sufficient, crude shelters away from other people. Typically, they stockpile food, water, gasoline, generators, animals, guns, ammo, and wood so they can survive the disruption of a world gone mad. It seems that many connect to the spiritual prophecies of End Times events as an excuse to separate themselves from society and protect their families before trouble comes. However, it has been my experience that most survivalists do NOT center their faith and attention to Christ and His Teachings. Rather, they generalize the coming times to support their worldly needs to keep them and their family protected.
Luke 8:16–18 (KJV 1900)
16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. 18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
The Lord Jesus Christ is very clear in the Sermon on the Mountain on when He teaches His Disciples the new things required to follow Him. DO NOT HIDE YOUR LIGHT! Those that hide their lights of Christ are hiding Christ from being known in the world!
The primary goal of all Survivalists preparing for difficult times is SEPERATION from other people. If they are Christian, they are disobeying the teachings of Christ, by hiding their light of Christ from others.
Remember, our primary goal is to escape the violence and persecution that will come upon us in specific moments in time. During these times where Christians are targeted, Jesus would NOT want us to stand amid horrible persecutions if we are able to walk away with our survival bags and come back when the violence is lessened. Of course, if He has chosen you specifically to martyr yourself for a specific purpose, you will stand strong with the Lord Jesus Christ upon your lips and your light shining brightly as you face your physical death. (We will study the rare cases of directed martyrdom vs. the false “voluntary” martyrdom at the end of this study).
During the violent periods of rageful vengeance controlled by the devil and his minions, no one will be able to view the light of Christ within you, as their rage will have control of their wicked lives. But as things calm, and become safer, and the devil moves on to other targets, pockets of people will marvel as Christians return, with their lights of Christ shining brightly. These lights will confess to power and rescue of the Lord Jesus Christ and His faithful followers.
Luke 11:33–36 (KJV 1900)
33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. 34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. 35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
Our faithful following of our Lord Jesus Christ is NOT a secret and never should be! We do NOT hide our faith in Him as our Savior and our Lord. Our entire body, our soul, is filled with the Holy Spirit exhibiting the power and might of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will NOT be ashamed. Our testimony is filled with the light of Christ, without fear or timidity!
During these tough times, evil will be all around, and their dark eyes will reveal who they are, even before the attacks come. It will be easily discerned between those of Christ and those of the Devil. We must NEVER hide Christ inside us! And I know with certainty that the Devil will not hide his presence within his people either. It will be easy to discern the differences.
It will be a tougher life than what you are living now. Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ wants you to remain FULL of His light, regardless of your struggles. That is His teaching. Even though the worldly people will find safety in the darkness of the devils, Christians must maintain their bright lights at all costs! And if not directed to martyrdom, they must stay safe so their lights can shine bright when they can return to some sort of normalcy.
1 Peter 3:13–17 (KJV 1900)
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
During these terrible times, always answer every man that asks you why you still have hope! Declare Christ often and at every opportunity. Fear speaking out of emotion, because that goes against the teaching of Christ. Fear speaking evil, because Christ wants you to maintain and righteous, good conversation about Him. It is the Lord Jesus Christ’s will, and it is the LORD God’s will. Suffer for doing well, rather than suffer for doing evil!
1 Peter 4:7–11 (KJV 1900)
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Pray! Pray! Pray! WATCH! WATCH! WATCH! Love each other and use all the gifts and preparations God has given you to prepare right now for the terrible days to come!
Your Senior Pastor Jimmy Chirambo is your shepherd with Christ leading. He is preparing for you now so when difficult times arise, you are clear to your response and fully prepared to assume his direction. He has a heavy burden to guide his church to safety and return them when the Lord leads him to shine your lights brightly once again. You must have confidence that Pastor Chirambo is being led by the Lord to protect and obey Christ according to his preparations and teachings.
But you each have a responsibility to prepare for these days and be watchful with each other. You are a Church, you are a congregation, gathered in the Name and Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. DO NOT FEAR! Prepare as He guides and praise His Holiness as His powers are amplified during these times. Watch! Worship Him! Be Courageous! Have HOPE! And look after each other to ensure Christ’s will be done even in the darkest of eras.
Come Lord Jesus Quickly!
Kathy L. McFarland is a Becker Bible Studies teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University and the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School. She is Founder and President of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc., the curriculum developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy, and a teaching faculty member. She also performs duties as Chaplain, and is an endorser for Chaplains at Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. Her favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
Kathy L McFarland, MDiv
postal mail: PO Box 891, Kamiah, ID 83536
email: [email protected]
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