January 16, 2012 marks the tenth year anniversary of Dr. Martin’s passing. Mr. David Sielaff, mentions the anniversary in his January, 2012, Commentary.

Some of you, like myself, had the privilege to meet, converse, correspond, attend pot-luck socials, listen to lectures and talked by phone with Dr. Martin over the years. We, along with his most lovely and supporting wife, Ramona, were all deeply saddened by his passing.

I will never forget the first time I met “Doc”, as we used to call him. I had been in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) for almost ten years, the latter half somewhat disillusioned. And, during that disillusioned half, I was actively reading Ernest’s Foundation for Biblical Research (FBR) material. I was totally impressed with his writings, as they were straightforward, honest and most importantly, 100% biblically based. I had heard of Doc while in the WCG, but had never actually seen or met him in all of my years in the Pasadena headquarter area churches. Ernest had left the WCG years earlier than I. Intellectually, I knew from his writings that he was right ― and that I needed to part ways with the WCG. But like so many others, I still had an emotional attachment to the WCG. I was still very much involved in WCG headquarters activities and had friends and family in the WCG. I had ironically become good friends with Local Elder Joseph Tkach, who would later go on to become head of the church on Herbert W. Armstrong's passing (and long after my departure from the WCG.)

Finally, the day of reckoning arrived. I had had enough of the WCG. I wrote Joe Tkach my letter of resignation. And then, I went to see Ernest. At the time, he was conducting a Saturday morning FBR (Foundation for Biblical Knowledge) lecture series at the Pasadena Hilton. While there were only a dozen or so in attendance, I knew after listening to him that I had arrived. This is where I belonged. Ernest came up to me after the lecture and introduced himself. Our friendship would blossom over the years and endure until his death.

Attending every function he ever held in the Pasadena area, I soon began to sense that not everyone in the FBR community was as enthralled with Doc as I was. And, I wasn’t seeing any fruits of the spirit, or any kind of “growing in grace and knowledge”, from the FBR supporters.  In fact, I was seeing just the opposite, including disparaging remarks about Ernest. I finally mentioned this to him. I’ll never forget his reply, “Ken, people will be people.” Much to my disappointment, history has proven him right. And with the subsequent formation of Associates for Scriptural Knowledge (ASK), not much has changed.

As Mr. Sielaff pointed out in an ASK publication published shortly after Doc’s passing, what Dr. Martin gave to us (and to the world) was a foundation of biblical knowledge on which to build. Had Dr. Martin continued on through the present time, I feel certain (knowing his mindset and more importantly, his attitude) that he would have progressed into many new areas of truth. He would have continued in his “growing in grace and knowledge”, so clearly encouraged in the Bible and which so clearly defined his life’s work.

Apparently God saw fit to allow his passing at a relatively early age (there is a lesson for us all to learn there, but that is a subject for another time). And with his passing began the daunting task of editing and maintaining his lifetime of works to share with the world. While ASK has done a splendid job in that regard, it is has become apparent to me that “growing in grace and knowledge” has, as before in the FBR, taken a back seat. The amount of “new” or “expanded” knowledge that has come forth over the last ten years from the ASK community is exceedingly small. Disappointingly, the amount of personal growth is even harder to document or witness.

Credit should be given to David Sielaff, who has done an excellent job in taking over for Dr. Martin. His most significant work is the David’s Tomb Project, which he and a few others initiated, but which apparently he alone, through ASK, continues to promote. This information, of course, goes hand in hand with Dr. Martin’s greatest discovery of the correct location of the Temple Mount. Mr. Sielaff continues, in ways that he is not always at liberty to discuss, to promote these discoveries to the world. Whether God will allow any verification and excavation of the site to occur in our lifetime is anyone’s guess. Both of these discoveries dovetail into end-time prophecy ― and we clearly are not in the end-times yet.

Aside from Mr. Sielaff's above mentioned activities and many other fine articles on various subjects that he has produced over the years, there has been a very noticeable lack of “growing in grace and knowledge” observed online within the ASK community as a whole. Living in the “Information Age” that we do and utilizing our instant communications at little or no cost, it is indeed amazing that we as a community (or ekklesia) have progressed so little. Taking on a “Laodicean” attitude, it would appear that many still have not even mastered Dr. Martin’s many fine research papers. Few have produced anything themselves that is truly new or edifying, though a few have been promoted on the ASSOCIATES ONLINE website. 

Worse, there is no evidence of people actually making significant changes in their lives. Where are the fruits of the spirit? 

How can I be bold enough to make such a judgment call on our community? How do I know the mindset of the ASK community?

First, I occasionally drop in on Dan Julien’s Forum to see what is going on there. Though I haven’t made any posts on that forum in the last ten years, I was quite active on it at its inception, as were many other people. It has been very interesting to observe how many dozens of (alleged) ASK supporters there were initially, only to see that number diminish into a small handful of people today who seem hard pressed to come up with anything meaningful or relevant to discuss. Most topics discussed range from today’s weather to pseudo intellectual discussions on obscure verses and concepts in the Bible (again, never acknowledging the Biblical Research page provided for their edification). Rarely is there any discussion of the latest ASK articles. Only once was there ever a discussion on Matthew 25 (that I initiated, on what we as Christians should be doing to help others). That discussion turned out to be a total embarrassment, as it became painfully obvious that no one in the ekklesia was or is doing anything (in complete defiance of Jesus' instruction).

For non-biblical discussions, most participants still seem sold on the fantasy versions of history and world events provided by our controlled news sources and educational institutions. Hundreds of educational websites of enlightenment are available on the Internet, and many are listed on the ASSOCIATES ONLINE (actually, over 10,000). Obviously, judging by the comments made on the forum, few have ever visited them.

Worse, many posts on the forum indicate that many are suffering from serious health issues. Some have even died as a consequence. Few, if any, are drug free and in good health. The concept of you are what you eat seems to have gone right over the top of everyone's paradigm. Any suggestions of good health are met with complete skepticism (even by the de facto leaders of the group).

The irony is that the ASSOCIATES ONLINE website, complimented by Dr. Martin (and originally designed solely for ASK supporters), provides all of the biblically based information one needs to live a healthy and productive life. Strangely, forum participants seem to avoid this site like the plague. Several people have mentioned the ASSOCIATES ONLINE site on the forum over the years ― and their posts have been met with abject silence by the forum’s participants. It is apparent that “growing in grace and knowledge”, even if it means needlessly suffering from easily preventable and curable health problems, is still taking a back seat.

The second way to gauge the mindset of the community is from the correspondence I receive (or, more accurately, the correspondence I don't receive.) Over the last ten years, I could count on one hand the number of people who have written to me, expressing their gratitude for my website. While the site continues to attract at least one person every hour, 24 hours a day,  few have said that they are spending any regular amount of time on the site. Maybe they are too busy studying the ASK material on the ASK site? Or maybe they are just studying the Bible? Somehow, I just don’t think so. 

Consequently, with the attitude that I have seen displayed by the online ASK community, I have to say that I feel totally embarrassed to be associated with most ASK people and to have shared the same lineage of Dr. Martin's teachings with them. I've seen more Christianity displayed by those who have none of the knowledge that we have. As the wise saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words."

Why is it, then, that so few have an interest in “growing in grace and knowledge”? The answer is quite simple. It is an “attitude problem”. An attitude towards God. And an attitude towards God’s Word, as revealed in the Bible. It is not unique to our ASK community. It is not even unique to Christians in general. In fact, all of mankind has an “attitude problem”. Hence the state of world affairs today ― and why God allows evil (Satan and his minions) to rule over us.

Why would we, who have been graced with some precious biblical understandings on which to build, have such an attitude problem?  Are we still burned out from our previous Worldwide Church of God experience? Is our, “No man is going to tell me what to believe”, self-righteous attitude, a result of our feelings towards the late Herbert W. Armstrong and his erroneous teachings? Therefore, we immediately reject all new information ever presented to us (no matter who it is from) ― without testing it to see if it is true. Or, are we just too complacent? Or, too lazy? Is our collective attitude the real reason why we fail to attract any significant following of new people ― or of a younger generation to continue this work long after we are gone? Where are our goals and long term planning clearly defined online? We seem to be a rudderless ship adrift in a sea of confusion.

God has chosen to ultimately deal with mankind’s “attitude problem” by providing two resurrection periods:

1. One for those with a good attitude (the first resurrection and the Kingdom of God).

2. One for those who still need an attitude adjustment (the second resurrection).

Ironically, it appears that most in the ASK community think they will be in the first resurrection, sitting right next to King David and the twelve Apostles in the Kingdom of God. They feel that whether by lottery or by the fact that they haven’t committed any of the grievous sins listed in the Bible (and also listed in Dr. Martin’s two fine articles that I quote in my Kingdom of God article), they are automatically assured acceptance into the KOG. 

In my understanding of the Bible, nothing could be further from the truth. Acceptance into the Kingdom of God is actually a “reward”. A reward for having the right attitude ― and becoming teachable in this lifetime. While my above mentioned article is certainly not the final word on the subject of the Kingdom of God (much more research certainly needs to be done), a study of the scriptures reveals what type of individual will be accepted into the Kingdom of God. Based on who the Bible says will be awarded a place in the Kingdom of God (like King David and the twelve Apostles) ― and on what the mission of the Kingdom of God will be (to teach and to rule) ― it is apparent that they are all leaders (in their own way)…with a good (teachable) attitude. 

Now, in this lifetime, is when we have the opportunity to qualify for the Kingdom of God. Not after the resurrection. 

Will you be accepted? Is your present attitude one of “growing in grace and knowledge”? Are you a leader? Are you teachable? If not, there is still time for you to change. The choice is yours. It is not predestined. It is not a lottery. It is a choice.

Of course, your salvation is assured either way. 

Let us honor, obey and glorify God by putting into practice what He has given us through the Bible and the wonderful teachings delivered by Dr. Martin…and make that attitude adjustment today!

Ken Nagele
elegan3@aol.com

Read Will You Be In the Kingdom of God?

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2012 Election Results and Life Until the Second Coming

The results of the U.S. 2012 election have left most conservative Christians reeling in despair. It has become painfully obvious what direction the country will be going in for at least the next four years, if not much, much longer. 

Not that life would be any different had the the other guy won. You see, both guys work for the same boss, the government-behind-the-government, AKA the Illuminati (AKA the New World Order or NWO). This is why the other guy so graciously and expeditiously conceded the election. His (planned) defeat (just like in the previous election), ignored the fact that this election (like most other elections) was totally fraudulent and worthy of a major investigation. Both Congress and the Electoral College both rubber stamped the results.

For those who have read my book, I HAVE GOOD NEWS...AND I HAVE BETTER NEWS, this event comes as no surprise. There really is only one major difference between life today in late 2012 ... and life under previous administrations in former years. That difference is that our rulers have become progressively more open, blatant and aggressive than in the past. They no longer have a fear of "exposure" for who they really are and what they really represent. 

How can this conspiracy continue, generation after generation in a supposedly free and open society? Wouldn't media and Internet exposure destroy it? One would think so. But there is another component to this equation.

You see, it is God who has selected and permitted the Illuminati (and all previous variations thereof) to rule mankind since almost the beginning of time. Their centuries long goals and tactics still remain the same; slavery and major world population reduction. And most importantly, the installation of a biblically prophesied One World Government. The Illuminati knows that most people will never figure this out until it is too late.

It could be reasonably argued that they have already achieved their One World Government right now, as they control all nations of the earth surreptitiously. The only difference is that its present operation is dependent upon secrecy and subterfuge. What the Illuminati really wants is a more efficient and open dictatorship, as revealed in Revelation, via the satanically inspired Antichrist.

Why has God allowed this evil state of affairs to exist down through the ages? The answer is not simple; God's mind is not our mind. He has His reasons that we don't always comprehend. But if I had to take a guess, I would say God is trying to get our attention. He is trying to get us to see who we really are and what our future destiny really is. He is trying to get us to see that He is the creator of all things; He is the sustainer of all life. And, He is the one we need to be looking to for our daily safety and protection; not this or that political party or ideology.

Perhaps now we can acknowledge our personal and collective deficiencies, and start living a righteous life with Jesus living through us; a life reliant on Him for our daily bread and the very air we breath. Then perhaps the need for this type of satanically inspired evil government could be lifted from our lives. The Bible does say that God's will can be changed. It in fact has been changed several times in history. But unless that happens, the prophecies of Revelation are destined to be played out. We can expect a continuation of despondent, tyrannical rule, except for a brief period before the second coming, as I describe in my book.

What are you doing to make a difference in this lifetime? Are you studying the scriptures daily? Are you educating yourself on this website and others? Are you making real changes to your life ... and influencing the lives of others? 

Or, will you continue to live the self-indulgent, illusionary "American Dream", hoping that everyone will "wake up" in time for the next election? The choice is yours.

Ken Nagele

11/10/2012

Study the Illuminati here.

  List of End-Time Events Yet to Occur

• Christ's Return

• The rise and fall of physical Babylon

• The rise and fall of Mystery Babylon

• The rise of the Beast, the Antichrist

• The work of the Two Witnesses

• The building and destruction of the next Temple in Jerusalem

• The rise of Damascus to God’s favor

• The rise to power of the 10 kings

• The restoration of Egypt to power and wealth

• The conflicts between the kings of the south and the kings of the north

• The creation of a Palestinian state along the coast of present-day Israel

• The peace and prosperity between Israel and her neighbors

• The decline of the churches

• Acceptance of Christ in Jerusalem

• A new Diaspora of the Jews/Israelites

• The restoration of the Jews/Israelites back to the land by Iran

End-Time Events List

The following list was composed by Henry D. and is based on the works of Ernest L. Martin and David Sielaff. This list is not in any sequential or prophetic order. Use the search engine above for further studies from the ASK site.

1. Antichrist/Beast:
a. The 8th King of Daniel and Revelation is the Antichrist.
b. Antichrist (8th King) becomes king of the region north of Jerusalem (Tyre).
c. Satan setups his angelic headquarters in Pergamus (Temporarily).
d. Antichrist conquers Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia and areas north and east of Jerusalem.
e. Antichrist will conquer North and East of his HQ.
f. Antichrist moves to Jerusalem and proclaims himself “God”.
g. Antichrist sets himself up in Jerusalem at the Temple.
h. Satan exalts the Antichrist to supreme power over the Earth.
i. The Antichrist will also help construct (or to refurbish) the end-time Temple just before the Second Advent.
j. The Antichrist and the False Prophet will perform Miracles, signs, and wonders to fool the people.
k. False Prophet does great miracles.
l. The Antichrist and False Prophet with bring in Peace and Safety.
m. The Antichrist deifies himself with a new name (the god of the fortress of the sea).
n. Antichrist sets up his image in the temple (Abomination of Desolation).
o. The Antichrist (Beast power) will put into force Sabbath observance, along with the biblical holy days, and he will make his final capital at Jerusalem.
p. The Antichrist will allow all people to legally enter the “Third” Temple.
q. Antichrist builds his palace in Jerusalem.
r. A vast horde is marshaled east of the Euphrates and gathers at the Plains of Jezreel.
s. Angelic powers called the Antichrist and the False Prophet are placed in the lake of fire. Satan is placed in the abyss for now.

2. Babylon:
a. A King of Babylon comes to power.
b. Babylon rebuild as great city of the world.
c. False Prophet (King of Babylon) joins forces with the Antichrist and then Satan unites with the "Beast". Antichrist becomes "Christ" and False Prophet becomes "Elijah".
d. Great drought affects the waters around Babylon.
e. Babylon destroyed by Iran and the ten kings.

3. Christ-After Return:
a. 1st Resurrection Happens and Christ is seen returning.
b. Christ judges Edom and the nations of the world at the battle south of Jerusalem in the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
c. Battle of the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
d. Resurrected Saints meet Christ over Mount Nebo.
e. Mount of Olives Split into two parts.
f. Christ defeats the Antichrist, etc.
g. Christ has final conflict with the northern army of the Assyrian.
h. First 70 years of the Millennium will have the earth in a very devastated state.

4. Disturbances in the Earth and Heavens:
a. Tsunami destroys the Levant.
b. Dead Sea starts to show fire and smoke.
c. Astronomers see Millstone Asteroid coming toward the Earth.
d. Millstone Asteroid hits the Earth in the sea.
e. Heavens depart as a scroll.
f. Great Earthquake.
g. Sun turned dark; moon as blood.
h. Other Disturbances in the Earth and Heavens.
i. God will give signs in the heavens and on the Earth at the End Time. But the vast majority of the people will misinterpret the signs.

5. Israel:
a. The Nations will come against Jerusalem before the restitution of all things. i.e., they will put pressure on Israel to force them to do what the world wants. God will step in and rescue Jerusalem.
b. Economic problems; US pulls aid.
c. God will bring forth out of the north in a miraculous way a swarm of locusts, caterpillars, cankerworms and the palmerworms that will devastate the land of Israel.
d. The very next year after the locusts swarm devastates Israel God will bestow blessings on Israel because they will repent and turn to Christ.
e. God pours out grace and supplications on the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
f. Israel will remember the Law of Moses and Elijah (a type of) will be sent.
g. The true Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world starting with the people in Israel.
h. Jews and inhabitants of Jerusalem recognize Jesus as the messiah.
i. New water spring in Jerusalem.
j. Idols removed from the land and evil spirits removed from the land by God.
k. False prophets/false teachers will be removed from authority.
l. Israel will become powerful in the world/middle east.
m. Israel will annex and occupy the area east of the Jordan River known anciently as Gilead and the West Bank.
n. Jews take and settle Lebanon and Gilead (Jordan).
o. Ephraim (Ten Tribes of Israel) return to the Holy Land.
p. Civil War in Israel.
q. Leader of Iran comes to the rescue of Israel and helps build the “third” temple.
r. Improvement in the climate of Israel--more rain fall. Land to be more like Eden.
s. The people of Jerusalem will call Christ "blessed" because he came in the name of God.
t. When the people of Jerusalem accept Christ as the Messiah there will also be great opposition from some.
u. Israel (Jews) will be scattered again

6. Kings of the End Time:
a. King of the North Attacks Egypt.
b. Major power develops in southern Europe and confronts Turkey, Iraq, and Iran.
c. King of the South (angelic power) becomes angry with the Antichrist and attacks but he fails
d. Egypt Rises to Power.
e. Confederation of Nations in North Africa Arise (King of the South) lead by Egypt.
f. First Persian End time King appears (1st King).
g. Second Persian End time King appears (2nd King).
h. Third Persian End time King appears (3rd King).
i. Fourth Persian End time King appears (4th King).
j. Greek (Javan-the Mediterranean area) End time King (5th King).
k. First King of the North (6th King).
l. Second King of the North (7th King-short life).
m. Antichrist type of King appears (8th King-maybe resurrected 7th King).
n. Some of these Kings may be only in heaven.
o. Ten Kings of small nations around Israel come on the scene.
p. Ten Kings Destroy Jerusalem.
q. The Ten Kings who aided Babylon will revolt against Babylon when they see the Millstone Asteroid coming.

7. Nations:
a. A renewal of monarchies will occur.
b. Creation of many new nations in the world.
c. Ten Kings rebel against the Antichrist.
d. People of all religious persuasions and ethnic identities will find that they can cooperate better with others in the world when these various peoples are separate from one another in a geographic sense.
e. Confederacy of Ten small nations develops around Israel.
f. Palestinian (Philistines) becomes an independent state.
g. Failed states in the Middle East; new nations appear.

8. Religion:
a. One false teaching will be that Jesus was an angel come to earth and did not really come in the flesh.
b. After the Millstone hits the Earth the remaining people will rise up in anger against Christ when he returns.
c. God takes up domicile in Damascus.
d. A Revival and a new interest in the basic teachings of Christianity will occur.
e. Traditional Religious Foundations will undergo a radical change as the truth of the scriptures will become more known; people of the world will look to the Jews for true religion.
f. Suffering Servant Prophecy of Isaiah 52-53 will be understood.
g. Bible published in proper order with proper translation of the texts.
h. World will understand that Jesus does not have long hair.
i. World will understand the falsehood of Roman crosses and many other falsehoods of the Christian denominations.
j. The world will begin to witness a revolutionary change in the beliefs and attitudes of people over the earth. A return to early New Testament Christianity will occur. The Christianity that will prevail will be Christianity with Mosaic rituals and customs dominating. Many people throughout the Christian world will then begin to keep the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset and the Holy Days of Moses along with the Jewish Christians. They will take up the food laws of Moses and accept many of the customs and teachings that God first gave to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Sunday, Easter, Christmas, etc. will begin to go by the wayside.
k. The Christian community at the time of the end will have the various attributes of the Seven Churches of Revelations.

9. Satan:
a. War in Heaven.
b. Great Exodus of Spiritual Powers from Heaven.
c. Satan placed in prison.

10. Third Temple:
a. Covenant made between a “King of the North” (6th King) and the people of Jerusalem of seven years in length and it allows the establishment of a Temple with its ritualistic system at Jerusalem.
b. Laying the foundation stone of the Third Temple (The 24th day of the Ninth Month-Kislev 24).

c. All the Jewish fasts will be canceled and turned into feasts.
d. God removes evil out of Israel and moves it to Babylon; God sends a spirit of grace and supplication on all those in Jerusalem; Great prosperity will come to Israel.
e. Cyrus (Iran) will help the Jews build the Temple and return them from being scattered.
f. Abomination of desolation setup and daily sacrifices at the Temple taken away.

11. Two Witnesses:
a. The Two Witnesses appear.
b. The Two Witnesses are killed.
c. The Antichrist will say the Two Witnesses are the Beast and False Prophet. The actual Beast will claim to be the returned Christ while his False Prophet will claim to be the prophesied “Elijah to come”.
d. Elijah type of the Two Witnesses will come out of nowhere as the original Elijah did and how John the Baptist came out of the wilderness.