Remnant Survival

Jan Markell: Rules for Remnant Survival

While people in my home state of Minnesota shivered, I spent most of January in California meeting with remnant believers, as well as speaking at churches and conferences. I had much feedback from people, and frankly, a lot of it sounded like this recent e-mail from a gal named Karen. She writes,

“If I did not have access to you and a few others online, I would be so isolated! I try to talk to people about issues that are important, including end-times, and they look at me like I am an alien. A few of you help me celebrate my alien status. I feel like a lonely gold fish in a bowl. Prophecy is coming true right before our eyes. You and a few others are making a huge difference with all of us aliens in the world.”

So I spoke to and with fellow aliens on this January journey. I even shared a message titled, “Rules for Remnant Survival.” I would like to share a few bullet points from that message on how we can survive these last days. I hope you find these observations and suggestions helpful.

• Remnant believers will travel across town and across country to be with like-minded. Sometimes they even cross oceans. And when they find one another, it is like discovering a gold mine.

• Though almost always in vain, these believers have talked to church leadership about their concerns, including topics missing from the pulpit, but they are generally blown off. Some are asked to leave the church.

• We should expect mockery and worse as it is predicted (II Peter 3:3, 4). Watchmen are going to be seen as trouble makers for we are studying and keeping alert. We understand the times as did the sons of Issachar (I Chronicles 12:32). The tragedy is that our critics are the clueless ones.

• Nonetheless, when it comes to charting our times and the lateness of the hour, stick to the Bible. Trendy new “signs” and theologies come along frequently. Some are intriguing and thus become an Internet sensation. Some are embraced even though they come close to date-setting. New but unsound books and DVDs abound.

• Understand that the end-time church is racing towards Laodicea and is more interested in conforming than transforming.Many churches and leaders will focus on “your best life now.” You might long to be in Eternity with the Lord and with loved ones and escape a sin-wracked earth. You will not be understood.

• But we cannot survive alone. Seek out a Bible study or small group fellowship where you can relate with the like-minded if your church is lacking. Even an online group is better than no fellowship. As you encourage there, you will be encouraged.

• Things are going to grow darker and we must shine brighter! News of the day can be shocking and disheartening. God is trying to wake us up and shake us up so we will look up. A few will awaken and some will listen, so we must not unplug from news and information because you might be someone’s “early warning system.”

• Resist being disillusioned. The prophets of old longed to see and live in our day. We are privileged (and challenged) to be here for such a time as this.

• Remember the warning to the “watchmen” in Ezekiel 33:6. If we are silent when we should speak up, the blood is on our hands.

• The Bible suggests an end-time church will be small. In Luke 18:8, Jesus asks if He will find any of faith when He returns. Many will have fallen by the wayside. Thank God for the remnant that holds to truth and spreads truth.

• Remember that God has everything under control. Things are lining up; they are falling into place. Nothing is falling apart. We get to watch the stage being set! In the end, we win. So does Jesus Christ. The world will bow their knee to Him.

• Anticipate your crown for those who “long for His appearing” (II Timothy 4:8). 

• Get your focus off of self and onto others. Everyone has a challenge: health, family, finances, career, isolation, and more. Encourage at least one person a day. That will make your day and theirs.

Many of today’s churches—and thankfully not all of them—are following the church-growth formula that will never include issues remnant believers love to hear about. This was predicted. The rise of apostasy, wolves, false teachers, and more, may be the most prominent end-time warning in the Bible.

If you’re going to be a remnant survivor, you need to figure out how to be a part of the solution to this sad state of church affairs .

Bouncing from church to church is likely not the best idea. But sitting multiple times a week under bad theology, music with spiritually unhealthy lyrics, or leadership that is just dysfunctional, is also not an option. Cutting yourself off from fellowship is no better.

A remnant of fabric is a discarded piece of cloth that no longer has a purpose—until someone comes along and makes a beautiful quilt out of it. You may be that quilt. You will ultimately shine brightly, certainly in eternity, but perhaps before. So don’t despair.

The hour is so very late. Someone must warn the world. God may be calling you to be the one to do that! Watchmen have a lonely assignment.