An assessment of the country from a
Biblical point of view,
concerning its PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.

If you look at Colossians 3:11, you'll notice that the verse mentions a particular people, "Scythian." That is rather important because the verse is talking not only about a certain people but also a geographical location. Let's see why?

If you were to look at an ancient Bible land map you will notice that just above Palestine is Turkey, and above Turkey is the Black Sea. But just north of the Black Sea is the area, which the Bible calls "Scythia." That is modern-day Ukraine, which is a former republic of Soviet Russia. That is rather interesting for this geographical location is mention in the Book of Colossians (Col. 3:11) where the Laodicean church is mentioned 5 times-the number of death, (2:1; 4:13, 15, 16 twice). But interesting enough we are dealing with a geographical area from which came Communism, the former Soviet Russia. This part of the world plays an important role in the future, which we will also discuss.

A. THE PAST

The greatest history book in the world is the Bible. Concerning Ukraine historically, you will find history outlined throughout the book of Acts (key to the New Testament). In Acts 16:6, 7 we read the following, "Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not."

Look at your map again and see that Bithynia is NORTH of Palestine. Anyone who has studied Church History knows that the work of the Holy Spirit had moved East to West, and not North. That means that for close to 2000 years there has not been any spiritual awakening to speak of in that part of the world.

B. THE PRESENT

The book to read to get an assessment of the Laodicean church would be not only Revelation (3:14-21), but also, and, especially Colossians which deals with philosophy, traditions, and rudiments of the world (Col. 2:8) among other things. It is in this book precisely that the "Scythians" that is, Ukrainians are mentioned. There must be a reason for this!

Since the beginning of the church age the Holy Spirit has been moving in an East to West direction. If at the time of Christ all the world was looking at Palestine then, and even at Pentecost, (the beginning of Church History), it is no wonder that the mid-east is getting a lot of attention after 2000 years. We've come full circle around the globe in an East-West direction. Notice that on the vertical line on your globe that just north of Palestine is Ukraine and former Soviet Russia. That is very important because out of the NORTH will come the powers upon Israel. That brings us to the future of Ukraine and other former Soviet Republics.

C. THE FUTURE

The prophetical outlook of Ukraine and other republics of former Soviet Russia.

In the Bible, the word "Magog" is mentioned just 5 times (Gen.10:2, 1 Chron. 1:5; Ezek.38:2; 39:6; Rev. 20:8). Note again, 5 is the number of death. The Bible has already mentioned that World War I would take place, (Ezek. 37:21), and that World War II would also take place (Ezek. 37:22). Of course World War III must also take place, for even that is mentioned in the Bible (Rev. 20:7-9). All three wars are dealing with a people from a particular part of the world in which Ukraine is located.

Now concerning the "north" look at the following verses, (Jer.1:13-15; 6:1, 22, 23; 25:26-31; and also chapters 38 and 39 of Ezekiel).

Russia and the northern powers have been the latest persecutors of dispersed Israel. That is why we are in such a strategic place in the world. With the word of God, preaching, praying, distributing literature, etc., God is "salting" this place down before the Rapture hits, and the Tribulation starts.

Russia had, or still has the influence of a Satanic trinity;
1. LENIN (the "father") started the whole mess. His brother was hung for an unsuccessful plot to kill the czar. (Most people thought that all the statues of Lenin were taken down. That is not true. Every city, town and village still have statues honoring Lenin).

2. STALIN (the "son") Over 6 million people died during the 70 years of communism. His slogan was, "Bread, peace and land." He was trained by Jesuits and studied for the priesthood. Unfortunately for him Jesus Christ said, "I am the Bread of life." The prophet said, "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked," (Isa. 48:22). Jesus Christ is the "Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). And "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." But nonetheless Stalin was able to convince millions and even billions around the whole world that that form of government (Communism) is the most effective.

3. KARL MARX (the "spirit"). He was behind it all. Few men had such a great and lasting influence for evil. He refused to work for a living (2 Thess. 3:10). He had a frequent illness psychologically. He wrote Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital.

SOME GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT UKRAINE

1. Population: approximately 50 million
2. Geographical size: about the size of the state of Texas. It is the largest Eastern European country.
3. The country is divided into counties. There are 24 counties.
4. Since the communist color has been known to be "red," the Bible has much to say about it:
   1. Sin is represented by the color "red" (Isa. 1:18).
   2. The horse is "red" in Revelation 6:4 during the Tribulation.
   3. Satan is called the "red dragon" (Rev. 12:3).
   4. Foul weathered sky is "red" (Matt. 16:1-3).
   5. There is a street in just about every major city of Ukraine and other cities of former Soviet Russia called RED ARMY STREET.
5. Former Soviet Russia is BEAR territory, (Dan. 7:5; Prov. 28:15; Rev.20:7-9). The warm, large, Russian winter hats make the head look bigger which represents the head of a bear. Also you will see from time to time a statue of a bear in parks or along highways here in Ukraine.
6. The logo for the former Soviet Russia was a hammer and "sickle." It is quite interesting to know that the word of God already knew from whence the northern powers of the earth will come upon Israel (Rev. 14:14-19).

CHURCH PLANTING AND CHOOSING OF SERVANTS "FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY"

Ephesians 4:11-13 and 2 Timothy 2:2

In the matter of planting churches it is absolutely necessary to start a local church with the intention of leaving it someday. The apostle Paul did not stay in one church all his life. That is quite evident in the book of Acts. God had ordained that preachers (in this case, missionaries) that are called, are to do one thing, "[Perfect] the saints" (v. 12) in order "for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

The perfecting of the saints is a matter of discipleship,
a. that the work of ministering may be applied.
b. that the body of Christ would be edified.

Discipleship entails many things as seen in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.
a. Prayer for guidance to see whom God "puts his finger on."
b. Luke 6:12-14 Jesus prayed all night in order to choose the apostles.

Characteristics to look for in a servant (the local who could take responsibility with the new converts)

1. Faithfulness, not a "broken tooth or a foot out of joint" (Prov. 25:19). He comes to church, works with the members, not a "stranger."
2. Good attitude, (Daniel had an "excellent spirit," 5:12; 6:3).
   1. Teachable, he will "be swift to hear and slow to speak," (Jam. 1:19), willingness to learn.
   2. Humble, has a good spirit, no spirit of a Diotrephes.
   3. Respects, honors the missionary, that is, he doesn't try to take advantage of him.
3. Diligent, willing to work, not lazy, or careless, or lackadaisical.
4. Willingness to work, means a voluntary spirit: "Send me, I will go.."
   1. which shows that man can take the initiative.
   2. Is not afraid to do something although he may not have at that moment the wherewithal.

It is the effort of the missionary to equip the locals as much as possible with whatever materials to help a prospect servant. That is, the missionaries main focus should be on the one or others that are prospect servants and work with him, (them).

1. for the "perfecting." The missionary is to equip the local "Timothy" with books, sermons, outlines, and other literature. The work of the Holy Spirit will show the missionary what to equip the local with and in what manner to teach, disciple him,
2. for the"work of the ministry" the local's ministry,
3. so that the others will be edified.

In the work of starting new churches there must be prayer and a keen perception and a lookout for those who have the above characteristics.

At an evangelistic meeting there should be:

1. Prayer so that anyone that may be saved will be willing to allow a core group to meet in their house. God give us Lydias (Acts 16:14, 40).
2. Prayer that God will show us who is willing to help for the work of the ministry.
3. Prayer that others will be willing to follow.

"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Matt. 9:37, 38).

"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Cor. 16:9).

"Where there is no vision, the people perish:" (Prov. 29:18).

Is the Lord dealing with you about missions? Are you willing to say to the Lord, "Lord, send me. I'm willing to go where YOU want."

UKRAINE IS A VERY NEEDY COUNTRY.

ARE THERE ANY VOLUNTEERS?