PROPHECY WATCHER - pwng/yahoo

THE WORLD IS SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL

2008-07-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

THE WORLD IS SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL - By Jan Markell - www.olivetreeviews.org

I recently saw a newspaper headline stating that, "Everything is spinning out of control." The underlying sentiment seemed to be that we should pin the tail on the worst issues going on in the world today. Quite frankly, there may not be enough tails!

Then to add to the distress, The New York Times printed an article, "Are you ready for the next disaster?" All natural disasters in the last 6 to 12 months have been preceded with headlines such as "unprecedented" or "record-setting."

This may sound depressing but keep reading. It isn't just gloom and doom.

The points are accurate that prices are skyrocketing and home values are abysmal. Airline costs, college tuition, and health care are becoming unaffordable.

Both U.S. presidential candidates want to add a sense of order to all of this and have their own solutions. No one has the slightest idea if any of their suggestions will make things better or worse and if God is maneuvering the world for His greater purposes, what world leaders do or say matters very little.

We live in an age of risk assessment and risk analysis, when doomsday scenarios have become daily anxieties, and planning for improbable but world-changing events has become a focus of disaster policy. Now with renewed jitters about a post-election terrorist attack, government officials are urging us to plan for the next catastrophe. Nobody said it would be easy to be born for such a time as this!

Maybe what the 21st century is all about is the great unraveling of some things long taken for granted.

The Bible indicates that right before the Lord's return many things will spin out of control. Most scoff at such suggestions as predicted in II Peter. And it does not help to have church pulpits totally silent on issues that relate to the predicted "end-times" and some of the things that will unfold in those days.

I maintain the unbelieving world cannot connect the dots when it comes to much of this. They will blame it on man-made global warming, whoever is in the White House, Rush Limbaugh, and a host of other nonsense issues. It is difficult, if not impossible, for the unsaved world to arrive at a satisfactory answer to life's great mysteries. While this is not a suggestion that the unsaved world has no hope, they surely do not have the "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).

So the next time you hear the suggestion that the sky is falling, tell them that, no, the sky will some day open up for the King of kings to appear in the clouds and call forth His church. Some of the calamities occurring are reminding us that the hour is late and the door of the Ark may close. We have little time to waste.

If you are a part of a church that is sleeping at the wheel, move on. You will likely not hear of the Lord's glorious returning in 95% of the churches today. It does not encourage church growth they will tell you. Others will say it is divisive or impractical for this generation.

As Dr. David Reagan, one of our "Understanding the Times" conference speakers in 2006, 2007, and 2008 says, "Although prophecy constitutes almost one-third of the Bible, its importance is constantly downplayed by those who dismiss it as having no practical significance or by those who object to it on the grounds that it is a 'fad' that takes people's eyes off Jesus.
"Revelation 19:10 says that 'the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' Thus, if prophecy is properly taught, there is no reason for it to divert anyone's attention away from Jesus. In fact, it should serve to emphasize the centrality of Jesus.
"Is prophecy practical? Consider that all the New Testament writers testify to the fact that the study of prophecy will motivate holy living. What could be more practical than that?
"Prophecy does not have to be faddish, other-worldly, or impractical if taught properly. Nor does it have to be a playground for fanatics. It can and should be green pastures for disciples.
"God's Prophetic Word is food for our spiritual growth. We need to take it off the shelf. We need to open it up and feast upon it, and we need to do so with believing hearts."

Please join the excitement of many: The King is coming!

THE BIBLE IS TRUE

2008-07-05T05:24:00.001-07:00

Incredible Testimony The Bible is True
THE BIGGEST SKEPTIC IN THE WORLD: IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME
To the best of my memory, before I came to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I did not believe the Bible was true. I doubted whether God, Satan, heaven, or hell even existed. I believed that we were born, lived so many years, and then died. I had my own business and thought that I had succeeded by my own wits. One evening, my wife and I heard some documentation that these were the last days before Jesus Christ would actually return. Not wanting to hear it, I almost walked out. Something kept me there, and I listened but was not convinced; however, I decided to do some research to find out if the Bible was really true. Indeed, if I could find one contradiction or anything that was not true, then I could disregard it. I believed this would not take long. This led me into much research. I learned nearly one-third of the Bible is, directly or indirectly, related to prophecy, which includes about 10,000 prophecies. One thing needed was to determine when the Bible was actually written. Thus, a study of biblical history, various translations, and archaeology was necessary. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found in Israel, contained parts of the Old Testament, including prophecies of the coming of Jesus. It has been proven that these were written before Christ came. Thousands of clay tablets and archaeological sites also confirm many accounts in the Bible. I took time off and began studying the prophecies. My wife would spend much time at the library. She obtained documentation for me from reference books, which I would check against the Scriptures to see if the prophecies took place. One week went by and then a month. Every prophecy that we were able to get information on proved to be accurate. I was astonished, but still not convinced. Later, there were people who would show me what appeared to be contradictions in the Bible. These were not contradictions, but only a lack of research on the part of those that said these things. Stubborn, that's me. Even after four months of intensive study, proving prophecy after prophecy was true, I was still skeptical. Four months turned into six. I became more determined. It wasn't possible that the sixty-six books of the Bible, written by many people over hundreds of years, would not have some errors, I thought. Thousands of prophecies and every one perfect? No, impossible! If I would admit that, then I would also have to admit there was a God. I was not prepared to do that—yet, I wanted to know the truth. More months passed. Finally, I had to admit after spending almost countless hours of research—I was wrong. I may have been the biggest skeptic in the world, but now I know—the Bible is true and is the perfect Word of God. Anyone willing to take the time I did and do the same research could only come to the same conclusion, if they are honest with themselves. I became afraid that I would perish. I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, as a result of His love, compassion, mercy and grace. I know that there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we MUST be saved (EXCEPT JESUS)-ref Acts 4:12. I REPENTED of my sins and received Jesus Christ as my only hope of salvation by FAITH-ref Eph 2:8-10. It is written, EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED, AND BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, YE SHALL NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN-Mt 18:3. You can also call on Jesus NOW to be YOUR Lord and Savior.

The Soon Coming ClimaxProof The Bible Is True
WE ARE NOW IN THE LATTER DAYS OF THE END TIMES
HOW TO BE SAVED
(A brief summary)
This message may be called a road sign of warning. Some may look at a sign that reads—THE BRIDGE IS OUT, and say, "Oh, someone is just trying to scare us into taking another road; let’s go on the same way." They go on and plunge to their death. The sign was not meant to scare people, but to warn them of impending danger. The sign was put there, because someone cared and didn’t want others to perish. God wants you to know, WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS (the prophecies from the Bible in this message), KNOW YE THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH AT HAND-Lk 21:31.
• Will Russia and some Arab nations invade Israel and the U.S.A. become involved? Yes. • Will there be a one-world system or global economy? Yes. • Will diseases increase such as AIDS? Yes. • Did you know the Bible tells us about what is happening?
WHAT IS GOING ON?
People have said the end was near many times in the past—true. But did you know the Bible shows us no prophecy of the latter days meant anything until Israel was reborn into a nation? Did you know God’s Word indicates to us a generation would not pass from Israel’s rebirth, till all be fulfilled (which includes the Rapture, the Tribulation, and Jesus Christ’s return)? A generation could be as little as 40 years or as much as 70 to 80 years (Note, Parable of the Fig Tree in site menu).
Many people have been preaching about the latter days of the end times in churches, on radio, TV, the Internet and through books and magazines. Some include Billy Graham, Hal Lindsey, Ray Brubaker, John Hagee, Zola Levitt, Jack Van Impe, Peter Lalonde, and Tim LaHaye just to mention a few. To those that understand the Bible, no explanation is needed. To those that are prideful, self-centered, that love this world, that despise God’s correction, that are contentious or seeking the praise of men rather than of God, no explanation is possible-ref Dan 12:4, 10; Mt 24:37, 39.
It has been said that it is virtually impossible for anyone to make 11 straight predictions, 2000 years into the future. There is only one chance in 8 x 10 to the 63rd power, or 80 with 63 zeros after it that such a thing could be done. If such a set of predictions existed, it would have to be the Word of God.
Consider, could you write eleven straight predictions that would take place in the year 4000 A.D.? Include the rebirth of a specific nation and exactly how it would be reborn. Include specific nations that would exist, certain nations that would be allied together, and the exact size of a nation’s army. Include what the people and church would be like. Also include the names of actual cities and name certain crops and fruit trees that would exist. Do eleven straight prophecies and be exactly correct on every single one. The Bible not only does this eleven times, but hundreds of times with absolute, perfect accuracy. If this is so, even the most skeptical person (that is truthful) would have to agree that there is indeed a God and the Bible has to be His Word. 2 Pet 1:20,21-KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST. O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN-Lk 24:25. However, believing there is a God and acknowledging the Bible is the Word of God does not save a person. A person needs to admit they are a sinner, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of being saved. This is done by faith (or trust).
Let's prove the Bible is true and we are nearing the end of the last generation before Christ returns.
1. The Jewish people would be scattered worldwide; yet Israel would become a nation again after a long time and at a time the Bible calls the "latter days"-ref Isa 66:8; Mic 5:3; Ezek 38:8. Against what appeared to be impossible odds, this prophecy has been fulfilled. It happened as predicted on May 14, 1948 after about 2500 years. That’s 1 out of 1. Note: Israel was destroyed in approximately 721 B.C. and Judah about 135 years later. Since that time, approximately fourteen different peoples have possessed the land of Israel. Yet as the Bible said, the nation of Israel would be reborn.The rebirth of Israel was a key sign, indicating we had entered a time period called the "latter days." It was the beginning of a countdown leading to the Tribulation and culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus. Along with the fulfillment of this crucial event are over 360 prophecies that would all come together, so we might recognize that the Tribulation is very close at hand. Some of these are listed here.Yet the Bible foretells that most people would not believe these things, despite the overwhelming evidence of the signs from God’s Word being fulfilled exactly as predicted. As people refused to believe the flood was coming in Noah’s time, so people today willingly choose to disregard the signs of the times.
2. Israel shall be brought forth in one day, at once-ref Isa 66:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 2 out of 2.Note: On Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. On the morning of May 14, 1948 (the last day of the British mandate), a meeting of the People’s Council took place in Israel to decide on the name of the state and to finalize the declaration. At precisely 4 pm, the proclamation ceremony began at the Tel Aviv museum. The 979 Hebrew words of the Scroll of Independence were read. All stood, and the scroll was adopted. The notorious White Paper, issued by the British in 1930 restricting Jewish immigration, was declared null and void. Members of the People’s Council signed the proclamation. David Ben-Gurion rapped his gavel, declaring, "The State of Israel is established. This meeting is ended." Israel was brought forth as a nation in one day, at once, exactly as predicted. At midnight, the British soldiers and high commissioner would leave. President Truman was swift in announcing U.S. recognition of Israel. The following morning, on May 15, Israel was under attack by the Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, and Iraqi forces.
3. Israel would be brought forth (or reborn) "out of the nations"-Ezek 38:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 3 out of 3.Note: As previously stated, on Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the "United Nations" approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled. Consider, for centuries the land of Israel had been occupied by many nations. Israel was "brought forth out of the nations"—the children of Israel from many nations have been returning to their ancient homeland.
4. Israel must regain the city of Jerusalem-Joel 2:32; Isa 28:14; Ezek 22:19. This happened just as predicted in 1967. That’s 4 out of 4.Note: The Bible gives us two methods so we would know the time we are in. One is by Israel’s rebirth. The other, by a precise line of events that would all come together at one time. Israel was reborn on May 14th, 1948. The Bible indicates that from Israel’s rebirth a generation would not pass till all be fulfilled. We are not setting any date; however, it seems clear from Israel’s rebirth and the signs of the times— that we are living in the generation in which the Rapture and Tribulation will come and catch most people by surprise. Are you ready?
5. The Christian church at the time of the end would be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot for Jesus. Prophecy fulfilled. That’s 5 out of 5.Note: God will spew them out. Many ministers and people that call themselves a Christian will not be going to heaven. The Bible tells us—you have acquired wealth, but your true condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and you don’t know it-Rev 3:14-22. This is today’s church. Most preachers use little Scripture, but lots of worldly stories. Many sing a great deal, but put little emphasis on repentance, obeying, serving, and fearing God, on the fruits of the Spirit, Bible prophecy, water baptism by immersion, and studying your Bible faithfully every day. Many are only entertainment centers that teach what their members want to hear. Many (so-called Christians) are so lukewarm or dead, they don’t even bring their Bibles with them to the house of God. Some famous ministers and Bible schools think this is the best church age ever, yet the Bible clearly shows it is the worst and most deceived.
6. The Bible gives us over 50 descriptions about the people at the time of the end. These fit the people of today perfectly, but did not fit the people of fifty years ago. Here are some:
A. Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect.B. People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18.C. People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials—"I do it for me"? D. People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2. E. People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2.F. Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27.G. People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation?H. People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?—we can go another time. Our American motto "In God we trust" has become a joke. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end. I. People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21. The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals or drugs. God’s Word is 100% right on every one. That’s 6 out of 6. How could you have any doubts at this point?Note: Fifty years ago, many people seldom locked their doors at night. There was little or no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone.
7. There would be weapons that could destroy the world-Mk 13:20; Rev 6:8; Rev 9:18; Zech 14:8,12. Incredibly, this prophecy was written in the days of spears and arrows, yet today it is true. That’s 7 out of 7.Note: It is estimated that the combined nuclear arsenals of the USA and Russia (as of the year 2007) could kill every living thing on earth 6 times over.
8. The Gospel must be published in all the world-Mk 13:10. This seemingly impossible prophecy was written when there was no printing press, but today it is true. That's 8 out of 8.Note: In this last generation, to our knowledge, the Gospel is being published (or is about to be published) in the primary language of every nation of the world or "among all nations." In addition, the Gospel is available by short-wave radio nearly everywhere in the world.
9. In the "latter days," when Israel was once again a nation, there would be a great military power to the extreme north of Israel in the land of Magog (which is modern-day Russia)-Ezek 38:2-4,8,15,16. Incredible. That’s 9 out of 9.Note: How could the Bible have foretold the location of this nation, facts about its military, and even the time period it would come to pass? As was already said, in Lk 24:25-O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN.
10. There would be a nation to the far east of Israel, to the end of the earth. This nation would have an army of 200 million. This is astounding. How could the Bible have told the location of a nation and given such a huge figure regarding the size of its army nearly 2000 years ago? China has boasted that they could field an army of this exact figure. That’s 10 out of 10. 11. There would be an economic alliance of the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It would have a military capability. This is an exact description of the European Union today (the EU), which has already adopted the one-currency system for many of their member nations. It is written, IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these nations, which is now) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM-Dan 2:44. That’s 11 out of 11. We have just reached the point that seemed impossible—11 perfect predictions made thousands of years ago—with God nothing is impossible. Certainly, at this point, even the biggest skeptic should see the Bible is true, there is a God, and we are nearing the time of the end.
About 22 prophecies in 11 sets have been given, all perfect and all written centuries ago. The chance that any person could do this 2000 years into the future is not possible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we have just proved it. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent and get baptized by full immersion. Read and obey the Gospel. God loves you. He is not willing that any should perish, yet many do. The Rapture is close. Most people are not ready and will not be taken. However, "YOU" cannot say you did not know. Know and understand, Mt 16:26-WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL? (Note: The Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy has the complete list of 365 prophecies.)
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? THE RAPTURE AND TRIBULATION
RAPTURE (the Biblical term is "caught up" or "translation") is a term used to describe the removal from the earth of all living people that have been born-again, as evidenced by their fruits. Just prior to the Tribulation coming about, the Rapture will take place. The number that will be raptured will be far fewer than most people might think. The Bible unmistakably portrays the raptured saints in heaven before the throne of God, prior to the Antichrist coming forth and the Tribulation beginning. The Scripture tells us, in the twinkling of an eye, we shall be changed and be with Jesus in the air. 1 Cor 15:51,52-WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP, BUT WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED, IN A MOMENT IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE, AT THE LAST TRUMP: FOR THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND; 1 Thes 4:16,17-AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST, THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS. We may be asleep, immediately, we will be with Jesus. All the unbelievers, the lukewarm Christians, and those that did not obey the Gospel will be left to face the dreadful Tribulation. (For an in-depth study of the Rapture, click here.)
THE TRIBULATION is the worst time in history since man has been on the earth. Immediately following the Rapture, the man of sin (called the Antichrist) comes forth and assumes control of the EU. He can be expected to be very charismatic and brilliant. He confirms a treaty with Israel and others, which begins the Tribulation.
It is a 7 year period, but the Lord may have shortened the first 3 1/2 years in some way-ref Mk 13:20; Ro 9:28. We are not setting a date; however, we are now living in that generation in which this will happen. Hate, murder, thefts, rape, and every imaginable form of evil will abound. During this horrible period of God’s wrath, Russia, Iran, and other nations will come against Israel. The USA becomes involved. One-fourth of the world’s population will die. Many of the dead will be from the USA, as well as Russia. One-third of trees are burned up. All green grass is burned up. One-third of the sea will become blood. One-third of the creatures in the sea will die. One-third of the ships are destroyed. One-third of the waters become wormwood (or poisoned, or radioactive). Massive famines, increased earthquakes, and more diseases will happen as birth pangs of a woman. Those left alive will have opportunities to receive Jesus through the preaching of 144,000 male, virgin Jews; however, death by decapitation lies ahead for most that put their trust in Jesus, unless they renounce their faith. There will also be many false Christs and false prophets. A one-world, false religion that God calls MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH will increase. This religion has existed for hundreds of years and exists today. The nations of the world have become intoxicated with her false teachings. The temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt.
About 3½ years from the end of the Tribulation, the Antichrist (also called the beast) is killed with a wound in the head by a weapon, but his deadly wound will be healed. He will come back to life. He then declares himself to be God and moves into the temple in Jerusalem. A false prophet appears that will do great wonders. The sacrifices at the temple will be stopped. The abomination of desolation occurs. An image of the Antichrist will be set on a wing of the temple. Those that refuse to worship it will be beheaded. The elect born-again Jews now flee for their lives to a place where God will hide them and take care of them during the last three and a half years. Power is given to the Antichrist over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. All that dwell on the earth shall worship the Antichrist, whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life. During these last three and a half years (called the Great Tribulation), world conditions will continue to worsen. A one-world system will exist. The Antichrist shall make war against the saints and will overcome them. People will be required to take the mark of the Antichrist or the number of his name (666) in or on their forehead or right hand. If they, refuse they cannot buy or sell.
Two prophets of God will appear. One of them is Elijah. Their ministry lasts 1260 days. They warn people not to take the mark or worship the image. There is no forgiveness from God afterward for those that do. They will go to the eternal lake of fire. These two witnesses have the power to shut up heaven so that it does not rain. They have the power to bring all kinds of plagues on the earth. Multitudes will be slain for the Word of God. Some type of locusts will sting men with a sting like a scorpion. It will be so bad that men will seek death and shall not find it. There will be terrible sores upon men. The rivers and fountains will become blood. Men will be scorched with great heat. Earthquakes and diseases continue to get worse and worse. Two hundred million troops will march to Israel from the east and cross the dried up Euphrates River. One-third more of the earth’s population will be killed. After the 1260 days, the two prophets of God will be killed. People will rejoice, but then after three and a half days, they will arise and ascend up to heaven as others watch. Great fear falls on those that see this. Men will be so terrified that their hearts will fail, as they consider what is about to happen. Multitudes will hide in the rocks and say, "FALL ON US AND HIDE US FROM...HIM (Jesus)…FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH IS COME; AND WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND?"-Rev 6:16,17.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION of those days, the Battle of Armageddon explodes. It lasts one day. The kings and armies of the earth are gathered to make war against Jesus. Jesus Christ returns as the King of kings and Lord of lords with all His saints. If He had not returned exactly when He did, there should be no life left on earth. The Antichrist and false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire. Satan is chained for one thousand years, so he can deceive the nations no longer till the thousand years be fulfilled. Every force of nature is likely to be unleashed at once, including killer tornadoes, hurricanes, tidal waves, lightning encircling the earth, and the biggest earthquake in mankind’s history. The cities and the mountains of the world will crumble. The Bible tells that every island fled away. The mountains were not found. There is great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of 70 to l00 pounds. The earth will move out of its place. At the end of that one day, there are so few people left alive that a child could list them.
This may all sound like a fairy tale, but remember—from Israel’s rebirth to the Tribulation, there are about 365 prophecies. Incredibly, nearly all have now been fulfilled. In addition, there are over 10,000 prophecies in the Bible and every one up to this time has come true without a single exception. THE FOOL HAS SAID IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD-Ps 14:1.
ARE YOU READY TO MEET JESUS?
We have proven that the Bible is God's Word. Now you are faced with a decision. Will you ignore what you have learned, or will you surrender your life to Jesus? If you had a sudden heart attack or the Rapture came in the next five minutes, are you sure you are ready to meet God? You may say, "I believe I’m a good person. I sing in the choir. I attend church and give offerings." The Bible says all of your righteous deeds ARE AS FILTHY RAGS. You may be religious and go to church, but if you died right now—you would perish to hell. Why? Because you have not been born-again. You may say, "Well my church never preaches like this." Will you trust your religion or what the Bible says? If you choose not to accept God’s way to enter heaven, then you are choosing eternal separation from God.
YOU MAY ASK, WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO? FOUR THINGS
1. You must admit that you are a sinner. The Bible tells us, ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.2. Be willing to change, to forsake all sin, to humble yourself and live for Jesus. Repent. Be willing to ask God for His help to make that change. The Bible tells us, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD. Jesus tells us, HE THAT IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME.3. Believe in your heart Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son, God Who came to this earth in human form. Believe He died for your sins. It is written, THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED. If you are caught robbing a bank, you have to go to jail. Jesus never sinned. When He died on the cross, He did not die for the things He did. He died to pay your jail sentence.4. Ask for forgiveness. Ask for God’s mercy. By faith receive Jesus Christ as your only hope of salvation. Afterwards, be willing to get baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Nicodemus was considered a very religious man in the Bible; however, in Jn 3:3, Jesus shows him it is not enough. You MUST BE BORN AGAIN. I am going to ask you to make that decision for Jesus right now. You need to humble yourself, repent and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. Please kneel right where you are. Can you sense God calling you right now? Is your heart pounding? You may have been baptized or confirmed, but something inside you is saying, "Be sure." Perhaps you have strayed from God and need to rededicate your life to Jesus now. Would you rather go to be with God or the lake of fire? You have that choice right now. God wants you to receive the gift of eternal life. Are you sure there is not a sin, there is nothing that stands between you and God? But you may know there is. The Bible tells us THERE IS A WAY WHICH SEEMETH RIGHT UNTO A MAN, BUT THE END THEREOF ARE THE WAYS OF DEATH. Jesus wants you to KNOW HIM, to have a personal relationship with Him. It’s not a matter of whether you think you know Jesus, but does Jesus know you? Right now, kneel and pray this prayer out loud, and mean it with all your heart.
DEAR JESUS, I AM A SINNER. I BELIEVE YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD AND DIED FOR MY SINS ON THE CROSS. FORGIVE ALL OF MY SINS. JESUS, I REPENT. I ASK YOU TO HAVE MERCY ON ME, A SINNER, AND COME INTO MY LIFE. GIVE ME YOUR SPIRIT AND YOUR POWER. HELP ME TO FOLLOW AND OBEY YOUR COMMANDMENTS, AND TO LIVE FOR YOU. JESUS, I GIVE YOU MY LIFE. THANK YOU FOR HEARING MY PRAYER. THANK YOU FOR COMING INTO MY LIFE. I ASK IT IN THE NAME OF MY LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.
IF YOU JUST SAID THAT PRAYER AND MEANT IT
We recommend you now read your Bible every day faithfully—5 or more chapters a day. Begin with the Gospel of John, and read it through three times. Next go to Matthew, and read the New Testament through three times. Then begin reading the entire Bible in order, beginning with Genesis. As God opens up His Word to you, obey it. Be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only, deceiving yourself-ref Ja 1:22. As you are faithful, God will open your understanding of His Word more and more. Find a good Bible-teaching church that teaches God’s Word, sound doctrine, Bible prophecy, the Revelation, not just stories about worldly things. They should also love and support Israel and the Jewish people. Attend often and get baptized. Tell others that Jesus is your only hope of salvation. If you’ve just said that prayer and committed your life to Jesus, please e-mail us and let us know. We would like to pray for you and send you some free literature. Please send your postal mailing address.
FINAL NOTE ON SALVATION
"After" we believe on Jesus Christ, "after" we have repented of our sins, we are commanded to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED-Mk 16:16. Note, believing on Jesus comes "before" water baptism. Infant baptism or any baptism prior to repenting and believing on Jesus has no meaning. You cannot be baptized into One on Whom you do not believe. It is written, FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST-Gal 3:27. Water baptism is by full immersion. As it is written, BURIED WITH HIM (with Jesus) IN BAPTISM (or buried in the water)-Col 2:12, ref Ro 6:4. Jesus commanded, GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU: AND, LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD. AMEN-Mt 28:19,20. Surrender means "you give up." You stop putting your will before God’s will. You allow Jesus (God’s Word) to reign over you. You submit to Jesus and let Him become the Lord of your life.If you have not yet humbled yourself, and totally surrendered to Jesus, and become as a little child (ref Mt 18:3), and continued steadfast in the faith, I would suggest that NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME; BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION-2 Cor 6:2. Please submit to God, say the prayer, and mean it with all of your heart. God loves YOU and cares.
I CALL HEAVEN AND EARTH TO RECORD THIS DAY AGAINST YOU, THAT I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH, BLESSING AND CURSING: THEREFORE CHOOSE LIFE, THAT…THOU…MAY LIVE-Deut 30:19.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
WHAT CAN A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN EXPECT?—JOY AND PEACE, BUT ALSO PERSECUTIONS, TEMPTATIONS, AND THE UNEXPECTED
Each person that decides to follow Jesus must also launch out into the unknown. Little do most of us realize what this means. There is joy, peace, rejoicing, and love, but there are also battles to be fought against the powers of darkness. There are Goliaths to overcome. Persecutions, temptations, sufferings, problems, and the unexpected lie ahead. There is a war to be fought against our own desires, our flesh, and our own wrong thinking. There are struggles ahead and doubts to overcome, as we try to row upstream against the strong current that is going downstream. Our faith (or trust in God) will be tested to see if it is genuine (ref 1 Pe 1:7), as we go through many unexpected things and what seems to be impossible situations. We are called to overcome through Jesus. As we fight the good fight of faith, as we struggle against what seems to be the impossible, God is with us and in us. Our biggest battle is against ourselves and within ourselves. It is against our own fears, wrong thinking, our emotions, looking back, denying ourselves, and our own desires which run contrary to God’s Word. We are called to deny self, follow Jesus, to study and obey His Word, to conform to His image, and to serve Him. We will not be tempted beyond that which we are able to endure-ref 1 Cor 10:13. There are times when we will feel like there is a huge rope pulling on our right hand and another pulling in the opposite direction on our left. We will feel like we are being torn apart. The battle rages in our thoughts, in our flesh, and in our emotions. We may cry out to Jesus to help and save us as we sink. And He will, but we need to learn patience. In this struggle, some people turn away from God, while others turn more to God. A person’s heart decides which way he will go. As Jesus suffered, we are called to suffer-ref Ro 8:17. And beware, because Satan deceives the whole world-ref Rev 12:9. Satan uses false religions, your love for a certain church or person, money, lusts, cares of this life, pleasures, pride, possessions, your personal desires, fears or worries, rejection, hurts, even love, anger, and unforgiveness, plus many other devices, to try to make you believe certain Scriptures do not mean what they say. He succeeded with Eve. Will he deceive you also? Because of such deceptions, many people have left the Lord and God’s calling on their life. While there is darkness all around us, we have the Light. Therefore, as we let down our nets, there will be a catch. Our nets may break. We may cry out for help. We may even be arrested and killed for our faith, but we have the victory of eternity with no more tears, if (we) continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel-ref Col 1:23. We are called to overcome all things-ref Rev 2 and 3, but we cannot do this apart from Jesus. We need to fight the good fight of faith and endure to the end. If we keep our eyes and faith centered on Jesus; if we look forward to being with Him for eternity; and if we look for the city called—New Jerusalem; and if we remain humble and receptive to God’s correction, not looking back, we should one day hear the words, WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT-ref Mt 25:23. If we look at our problems, unbiblical desires, and look back at our past, we can expect to fall by the wayside. When riding a bike, if you keep looking back, you can expect to crash. When a person disobeys God’s Word (such as looking back), he gives a place for Satan to attack him-Eph 4:27. The Bible has much to say on this battle inside you. Regretfully, this kind of teaching is seldom found in the churches of today. But this and also the falling away from God was prophesied in His Word in Rev 3:14-22; 2 Thes 2:3 and other Scriptures also. Eph 6:10-11-Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 1 Cor 16:13-Watch ye (be on your guard), stand fast in the faith, quit you like men (be men of courage-NIV), be strong.

JUDGMENT AND THE LAST DAYS

2008-06-15T03:31:00.001-07:00

JUDGMENT AND THE LAST DAYS

NOTE: These are not my words but rather a compilation of articles from other authors. I agree with most of what is said and question only a little. No matter how we interpret these articles, we can all agree with certainty that we are in the end game of God's prophetic plan.

Some of these articles go back a couple years, however, the world has suffered harsher times since these articles were written. America is quite possibly under judgment and only time will decide that.

In just the last couple months or so, we have been experiencing some rather tough times resulting in record breaking events to occur in this country and beyond. I fully believe that this is going to destabilize an already troubled world to the point of chaos. While Israel and the Middle East are engaging in a wide conflict, terrorist are planning their next attack on top of a world wide fuel and food crisis. When we add these events on top of the events written in the articles below, one can see that troubled times are increasing daily. There are threats of a Nuclear Dirty Bomb being detonated during the 2008 Olympics while close to the same time America and Israel will attack Iran resulting in retaliation unlike anything we have ever seen.

America has also suffered a major set back due to the upcoming elections that will either trigger race riots or open the door for an attack. We are witnessing record breaking natural disasters that is forecasted to bring much destruction to our country and abroad. America has had it's own share of problems in this year alone which include the following:
* Nation wide outbreak of Salmonella
* Over 1300 tornados (at present count)
* New Orleans style floods in the midwest
* Fires adding to the financial crisis
* Worldwide food shortages
* Worldwide fuel crisis
* Global mass unemployment (oil/food related)
* Corn shortages in USA (no feed for animals)
* Housing Crisis with a million foreclosures
* Possible election related crisis
These are but a few of the events occurring in this country at present with still another 6 months left in this year. If I were to compare with just half of these events and match them up with Judgments upon other nations in the past, I would wager to say that we are in the beginning if not well into a judgment coming our way.

We also have to understand that we are in the Birth Pangs nearing the final stage possibly accompanied with a Judgment for turning our backs on Israel, Turning our backs on God, Sick immoral practices consuming our generation and etc. I am getting a real bad gut feeling that we have not seen anything yet. I would urge everyone to not ignore what is going on in the world today and pay close attention to what the Bible has forecasted for these days and to prepare yourself and others for a rough rough road ahead......Thank You.....Terry/PWNG

A day of reckoning will come. There will be an end.

"WHAT IS SOON TO TRANSPIRE"
May 19, 20071The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2who testifies to everything he saw-that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. Rev. 1:1-3"Step inside my courtroom and I will let you know what is yet to transpire. For my timetable is not as man's. I tell you that another war will break-out upon your borders. It has been said before, but the present war that the United States has been involved in, will become another one. For the ancient neighbor of Babylon will rise-up. Your borders will fall prey to the siege. (Here I saw in the spirit, pillars break in half and fall. I saw stone crumble and the foundation of a building collapse and fall to the ground.)I tell you that your governmental system will break. For their attention will have been diverted elsewhere. These are the beginnings of woes. But in time, I will come with healing in my wings. I have my angels set at particular points around the globe. They will hold back the fury so that the siege will not kill all. There are already some whom I have instructed to provide places of refuge. Those that trust in Me will prevail. But then after a short time after the events of these days, one will arise who sets himself upon a throne. He will set himself up as a man of peace, but his aim is to control the entire globe. These days that you are now in are hastening forward to this time. It is much shorter than you think."Stephen Hanson
Signs of the Last Days
Events of the twentieth century have alerted Bible students to the tremendous potential for fulfilled prophecy. Many students of the Bible and eschatology recognize the events continuing to unfold in the world today as signs of the last days.The twentieth century was an unprecedented period of change and the twenty-first century is proving to be even more dramatic. At no time in history have more changes occurred in science and in the political structure of the world.
More changes occur in science in a single year than formerly occurred in a century.
With Israel restored as a nation in 1948, the panorama of end-time prophecy came into a focus in which Israel will be a prominent player.
The introduction of the concept of a world government, made real by the United Nations paints a scenario that is in harmony with prophecy concerning a future world government.
The wholesale collapse of ethical and moral values.
Is civilization coming to an end?
"Armageddon is now near not because of this event or that event which may, in isolation, look like a prophetic fulfillment. Rather, it is because of the very nature of what causes Armageddon, coupled with the fact that our world today is rapidly assuming, on a global scale, the characteristics of that which underlies Armageddon." [William R. Goetz, Armageddon Next]
Malcolm Muggeridge suggested, "The basic condition for a civilization is that there should be law and order. Obviously this is coming to an end. The world is falling into chaos, even perhaps especially our western world... There are many other symptoms. The excessive interest in eroticism is characteristic of the end of a civilization because it really means a growing impotence, and fear of impotence. Then the excessive need for excitement, vicarious excitement, which of course the games provided for the Romans and which television provides for our population. Even the enormously complicated structure of taxation and administration is a symptom of the end of the civilization. Above all, there is this truly terrible thing which afflicts materialist societies - boredom, an excessive boredom which I note on every hand."
Today many secular as well as religious authorities recognize ..."These are extraordinary times."A Wall Street Journal headline read, "Millennium Fever: Prophets Proliferate, The End is Near." A New York Times book review began, "Some 50 million Americans share a belief that these are the last days." Even the Chicago Tribune ran a front-page story about the end times in a recent Sunday edition.Dr. Linus Pauling, winner of Nobel Prizes in 1954 and 1963, has said he believes the greatest catastrophe in the world is approaching. This looming catastrophe might well result in a world war which could destroy civilization and spell the end of the human race. Or, it might take the form of mass starvation among a world population that has been doubling every 35 years. Civilization might end because of the collapse of the systems on which it depends; or the end of civilization might result from weather changes induced by governments to improve the yield of crops.
Even the most seasoned newsmen who have "seen it all" are in awe of the world developments in recent years. All of them realize that something unique in the history of the world is happening today. And what's most stunning about it all is the breath-taking rapidity of these recent developments.
Consider the following:
The crumbling of the Eastern Bloc of Europe and the Communist Empire.
The unprecedented vote by the Soviet communist party to relinquish its absolute hold on power for the first time since it seized power 70 years ago.
The opening of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of a divided Germany.
Events transpiring in the Middle East.
Growing Islamic - Zionist jihad
The failing ecosystem of Planet Earth.
Changing weather patterns worldwide.
The breathtaking pace of technological advancements.
The collapse of ethical and moral values.
The weakening influence of our churches and their leaders.
The world has entered a time of dramatic and ominous change. At the present moment of history, the planet Earth is in grave crises. This celestial ball is on a collision course with its Creator. We have reached the day which the prophet had in mind when he wrote,
"Woe unto them who call evil, good, and good, evil" [Isaiah 5:20]
Man has pushed the self-destruct button. Foundations of godliness have crumbled; things sacred have come unzipped. We are trying to build a peaceful world, but there is no peace within people's hearts. We must have an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Somehow God must reveal himself to this lost generation. Everything else has failed. Education has failed our youth. For the most part, parents have failed them. Government has failed to reach them. Dead religion has turned them off. Billy Graham quoted John Walvoord in his book, "Storm Warning":
"The present world crisis is not a result of any one factor, but a concurrence of causes and effects which combine to set the world stage for a conflict which may quickly bring an end to hundreds of years of progress in western civilization and establish new centers of international power. Whatever the future holds, it is going to be dramatically different than the past. In this dark picture only the Scriptures chart a sure course and give us an intelligent explanation of worldwide confusion as it exists today."
Where does it all lead? Even though we see it all so clearly, it's still difficult to comprehend. What does it all mean? Where is it all leading? Why is there so little peace in the world when we have such unprecedented knowledge and unlimited potential?The book of Revelation describes the end times. It speaks of a one-world government, a godless dictator, total regulation of all business, plagues, crime and rebellion, and devastating disasters. To many, it seems like a far-off time. But there are "signs of the times" in today's headlines - signs Jesus said would herald His return. Some people argue that the characteristic of 'end time' people have been our character throughout the ages and that people haven't really changed. In its simplest form, that is true. It's not that we don't do the same things, what's relevant is that we do it with increasing intensity and we are teaching new ways of doing it. Certainly, these things have been happening since the beginning of time. However, the intensity of these things today is such that we dare not blind our eyes to their meaning.
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, "When evening comes, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, `Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. [Matthew 16:1-4]
Jesus said, "You can read the signs of the weather in the sky, but because of spiritual blindness you cannot read the signs of the times." Our Lord was saying the Jews of that day were blind to the signs of their time. He indicated that only those who have spiritual illumination and discernment from the Holy Spirit can hope to understand the trends and meanings of history. This explains why so many people haven't got a clue about what's going on and why most of our political leaders are taking us down the path to destruction.
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." [1Tim. 4:1]
We are now living in the "last days!" The only way to understand the big picture is to look at the Bible and the various categories of signs that the Bible predicted would come together just before the return of Christ. The key to understanding current events is in some familiar old scriptural passages. Jesus Himself gave us the best insight shortly before his execution on the cross.
"Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. [Matthew 24:4-14]
General 'signs' Jesus said would be visible prior to His return.
Deliberate deception by men of God's Word
Rise of false Christs
Increase in wars and rumors of wars
Famines, Pestilence & Earthquakes
Discrimination and hatred against Christians
Backsliding, turning from the faith, betrayal
Hatred of Christian against Christian
False Prophets and "New Age" leaders
Lawlessness abounding
Love and concern for others grows cold
Gospel preached worldwide
Our Lord told us not to be troubled, because these are only the beginning of "birth pains" [Matt. 24:8]. I believe that God is warning the world. The world has broken His covenant and has gone away from Him and these events are warnings designed to turn us to Him. And what we have seen thus far is just a prelude. The warnings are going to continue during the next few years, even building in intensity. After these warnings, the real judgment is going to come.
"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. - Matthew 24:15-28

God's Judgment and Americaby Pastor Art of His Sheep

In a recent episode of Manna-Fest, Perry Stone told this story. He said in the publication 'End Time Handmaidens' there was printed a prophecy found in an old Bible that was found when tearing down the walls of a monastery in Wismar Germany in 1761: Inside of that Bible was written: "The day will come when a new great war will begin between the east and the west. Mankind will suffer great loss through new weapons. People will run without horses and fiery dragons will fly in the air, spit sulfur and fire destroying many towns and cities. There will be other forces taken from the bowels of the earth. Such a time it will be that there will be no buying or selling because nobody will own anything. The quarters of the sky and water will be tinted. This terrible period will last for three years and five months. The nation of Pleiades will intervene and attack the bearded nation from the rear. (note that all the Shiite Muslims of the world wear beards) Thus all nations will get involved in the quarrel. The great struggle will begin when ears of corn will bow down being full. It will reach its acme when the cherry trees will bloom the third time and will end when the shadow of the sun slides down. But, there will be no victor since the victor himself will have been vanquished. Only death will be content, having such a harvest as never before. God will bless the nations which still survive, since they will be the grain that will make new ears of corn."
Perry Stone showed and told of three visions he had, the first in 1996 which he showed artist drawing of which he spoke and preached about including a prophecy conference and in several large churches who have TV ministries. He told of 5 tornadoes in one vision and of people of three ethnic groups in a church. He concluded by saying the storms are coming and it is time to hide in the cleft of the rock. That is the message for today. It is time to return to God, repent of our sins and hid in the Rock - Christ Jesus the Lord. That broadcast by Perry Stone I have taped and that is the basis of this message.
Another Pastor - David Wilkerson in New York City said that God warned his church some 6 weeks before the disaster that calamity was about to strike. They cancelled all special speakers and scheduled meetings and a planned missions convention and citywide youth rallies. They shut down and called the congregation to prayer. He said that a holy quiet fell on the church as the Holy Spirit moved and one time they sat in total silence for over an hour. This was revealed to be preparation for the trying times ahead that are to come.
In 1973 David Wilkerson saw a vision with 5 tragic calamities coming upon the earth. He wrote a book called "The Vision". Since He has also wrote books like 'America's Last Call' speaking of call to repentance before judgment would come to America.
Recently we came under a great terrorist attack in America but America and the Christian Church in particular have missed the message God was trying to deliver to us. These things are signs of the last days and of the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. After the attack on Sept 11th, Hal Lindsay said "This is the beginning of the end". The whole nation has been asking the question, "Where is God in all this?" They are asking the right question but it is only beneficial if they come up with the right answer. There have been many opinions from the media and Middle East experts, politicians and even preachers on TV. There is much talking but little understanding of what it is all about and what it means for us today and to our future in America. This destruction hasn't been without meaning and purpose. Know this one thing, God was in no way taken by surprise for He knows all things and the hearts and thoughts of all men and all their plans. He is in control of this world and all things within. Nothing has or can take place without His knowledge, his permission for it and even His being behind them. All true believers know that God has delivered to America an unmistakable message of our need of repentance through this disaster. God is warning America to repent for this is but an example and touch of what can and will happen to this country without true repentance and turning to God. Yet many preachers in America are telling the Christians and the nation that "God had nothing to do with these disasters" and "God is a God of love and not judgment" and "this is not the wrath of God but the wrath of man." Yet nothing is farther from the truth. God is a sovereign God who is in control of all things and nothing happens by accident, especially things that affect nations and the world. If we do not hear and get the message that God is proclaiming through the current events we can only expect things to continually get worse and not better. Let us consider some scriptures.
Isaiah 45:7 "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things." Herein is the mystery of divine sovereignty and human freedom of choice. Throughout history we have seen a fulfillment of what God said would happen in prophecy. He foretold to Abraham what would happen to his descendants in Egypt and how God would bring them out with a might hand of judgment after 400 years. He gave Daniel a vision of the idol with the head of gold down to the feet of clay and iron. Then we were told the meaning beginning with the head of gold and history has proven the vision to be accurate. Likewise all things predicted by God have come to pass, whether the struggle and conflict that would be between the sons of Ishmael and the sons of Isaac which is what is still going on in the Middle East, to the prophesies of Judas had how he would betray Christ for 30 pieces of silver. In each case of prophecy being fulfilled, the men, as Pharaoh in Egypt in mistreating the children of Israel and hardening his heard against God was responsible for his own actions and judged for them and likewise are all other men. All men have freedom of choice and are responsible for their choices but God knows them ahead of time and when it suits His purpose in directing history He has stepped in and by His own hand destroyed an enemy of His people as He will do again when the Muslim nations come down as one against Israel. God said He created darkness. God takes responsibility for everything Satan does because He created Satan and He controls Satan and all the powers of hell. He uses them for His own purposes in this world. In a manner of speaking the devil and his cohorts are God's whipping boys that He uses for judgment.
Isaiah 54:16 "Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy." He fulfills his purpose for being according to the dictates of his creator - God. God raises up one nation to use them to judge another. Isaiah 10:5-6 "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets." You say but those nations that God used to judge Israel and take them into captivity were also wicked or more so than His people. True, but God does all things in history around His people and for His purpose that some might believe on Him and be saved. God is concerned with and works in this world for the good of His people and those who will become His people and not the heathen. That is a hard doctrine but it is in the Bible. God has destroyed many wicked nations from off the face of the earth and don't forget the flood, His greatest judgment upon wicked mankind to date. Only the coming final judgments upon the world will be greater and destroy more men.
Notice the words of Jesus in John 17:8-9 concerning His disciples and the world. "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine." Jesus only intercedes for His people. Ephesians 5:25 ". even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.." Who did He give Himself for? The church! Those who would believe on Him! What about the others? Romans 9:18-23 "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory." Proverbs 16:4 "The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." Jeremiah 18:7-10 "At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them." So is America now in the hands of God and we must remember the warning of Hebrews 10:31 "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." For an individual or a nation - for then is judgment. Or what about Psalm 50:22 "Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver." Is God just a God of love and blessing? Is He some big sugar daddy or heavenly Santa Claus waiting for His peoples give-me list? Did God originate the "name it and claim it" (which I call 'blab it and grab it) prosperity? Did God sanctify greed and covetousness as long as it is in the church? Have we not made prosperity an idol that God will judge and tear down as our other idols?
After using the heathen to judge Israel, when they repented God held that nation accountable for their sins, judged and destroyed them for what they did to Israel. Look what God said about Pharaoh. Exodus 9:15-16 "For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." God showed His power by destroying the might of Egypt, their army and having Israel plunder their wealth as they left in payment for the years of slavery they suffered in Egypt. Today God is using the Muslim people for His own purpose and glory and in the end He will judge and totally destroy them and do to them as they have desired to do to Israel and it will be just like what happened to Haman in the book of Ester who built a gallows to hang Mordecai and was in the end hung himself on the gallows he built for God's servant. God's word is still true and Genesis 12:3 hasn't changed concerning the seed of Abraham through the promised son - Isaac. "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:" In the end, God will curse the Muslims, the descendants of Ishmael for their hatred against Israel and efforts to destroy them. Don't forget my message "End Time Battle." This is all about the Muslims desire to destroy Israel and we are being attacked because we support Israel and they know they can't destroy Israel as long as the U.S.A. is with them.
To bring this into perspective: Isaiah 46:9-11 "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." Is this not what has happened? We were attacked by people from a far country in the East! Just a couple verses from the "End Time Battle" as a reminder and brief review.
[Genesis 16:10-12 "And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren." Against every man. Was not the World Trade Center disaster against all men and nations and not just the USA? It was against all who are not radical Muslims! Remember bin Laden and all the other radicals are against even other Muslims who are not as they in their hatred of America and Israel. That is why they also hated the rulers of Kuwait and why bin Laden and crew supported Saddam in his effort. The purpose of the invasion was to replace the government with a radical Muslim government. For the same reason they are against the Saudi Royalty because they are friends of the USA. If they had succeeded in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia would have been next.
Isaiah 30:22-28 "Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence. Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures. The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound. Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err." Notice verse 25 - "When the towers fall". And God is sifting nations, not just America. Also notice this has to do with God's people, "to bind up the breach of His people." All events in the world are about God's people. Again does this not describe the disaster of the World Trade Centers? And did it not happen in a time when we were "at peace" and not at war with another nation or people? Should we also consider the scripture of 1Thessalonians 5:3; "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."]
End of quotes from the message "End Time Battle for Jerusalem." Be sure to read it.
What are the patterns of this attack found in scriptures? Once again, what about the fact that some say that God had nothing to do with this and that God wouldn't kill innocent people. But the fact remains that this nation is not innocent in the eyes of God for it has sinned grievously in the past 40 years in particular as we have kicked God and prayer out of school, out of politics, and almost every facet of life and allowed abortion and homosexuals to do as they please and the shedding of innocent blood flows in our land. The fact is that more babies died in America from abortion on September 11th than died because of the terrorist attacks. Wicked men pay for their sins in eternity but God must judge nations in this time. Humanists say that this is just all the work of wicked men and God had nothing to do with it. Yet, wicked men did it and we cannot discount the fact that God allowed them to do it. And in scripture you see that God controls men and nations. When his people obeyed Him, He blessed them and protected them and no country would dare to raise up against them - as in Solomon's day until he sinned against God and then God raised up an enemy to attack and become a thorn in his side. God called His people to war and to destroy wicked men and God says that he can turn the heart of a king as a man turns the way a river runs and He is able to break the bow and chariot and bring wars to an end. Psalm 46:9-10 "He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Zepheniah 2:5 "Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant." God is in control of war and peace between nations. Ezra 6:22 ". for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel."
Job is a good example of how God is in control and allows things to happen for His own purpose but takes responsibility for them as He did for what happened to Job. Job 1:7-12 "And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD." God is in control and nothing happens by accident to His people or a nation that He made covenant with as America. Then after Satan had destroyed all the animals and the children of Job we see another conversation between Satan and God. Job 2:3 "And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause." Although Satan was the one who attacked Job, God took responsibility for what happened to Job because He allowed Satan to do it. And also note that God limits Satan and he cannot do beyond what God allows. Job 2:4-7 "And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life." Satan in saying, "put forth thy hand" was saying, "give me permission - authority to attack him - do this to him." So now say that God had nothing to do with what has happened to America!
God is omniscient and knows what is going to happen before it happens and so the Bible is full of prophecy because God wrote the end from the beginning. God is omnipotent and can stop war and cause war. God uses men and uses them to fulfill His purposes of judgment. When God's people and the nation that He has made covenant with walks upright before God then He puts a hedge about them and none can touch them but then when they sin that hedge is removed and the enemy comes in and destroys. Isaiah 5:5 "And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down."
After the attack on the World Trade Centers one network anchor declared "Think of it, our two symbols of power and prosperity have been smitten in one hour." Little did he know that he was basically quoting Revelation 18:10. "Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come." The scripture continues in V.11 "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more." Already in New York City alone over 100,000 have lost their jobs. People are no longer buying like they were before further hurting our economy.
2Thess.2 reveals what most consider to be the antichrist - a man who will be a world dictator in the world who signs a 7-year treaty of peace then breaks it in the middle. 2Thessalonians 2:6-8 "And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:" Withholdeth means to restrain. God is restraining this man of sin from being revealed and when the restraining is removed then evil will have its way. God allowed His hedge of protection that protected Job to be removed for a season for Satan to tempt him and that through it He might be glorified and reveal Himself in a greater way to Job and multiply and double all his previous blessings in the end. When the trail had run its course and Job had come out, then once again God put a hedge about Job and gave him a double blessing of what he had before removing the hedge. America had a hedge of protection because it was a nation that began with a covenant with God. We like Israel of old in the Bible have been a nation in covenant with God though not all people believed or were Christians. That was also true in Israel. There has never been a time when all men of a nation were righteous and saved or a time when there has not been a remnant of the seed of God who were faithful to him as in the days of Elijah when God had reserved to Himself 7000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal that Elijah didn't know about.
Because of America's sin God has partially taken down the hedge of protection and is allowing the enemy to attack us to drive the nation to repentance and back to faith in Him and obedience to His Word. If God's people do not pray this nation through this time of trial and testing allowed because of our sin, with repentance and seeking of God, this nation will in the end be humiliated. Only God could turn around Jobs fortunes and only God can turn around the direction America is headed. Right now we are headed for economic collapse. The government is now pumping out billions of dollars in red ink to try and stimulate the economy and to fight this war on terrorism. Financially we can't win this economic war. That is just one of the calamities this nation is facing!
As an example of God's control and grace in the midst of this judgment and that we are but getting a sample of what can happen if the hedge of God's protection on this country is fully dropped. The terrorist had planned numerous other attacks including by other hijacked planes, but as God's people began to pray after the first planes hit the trade towers, God gave wisdom and the two airlines that had planes hijacked began to shut themselves down even before the government mandated the stopping of all flights and the one flight that was intended to hit a fourth target was stopped by brave passengers who died as heroes and saved countless other lives. Then much of what could have happened was stopped. This is a preview of what will happen if America doesn't repent. Since then the FBI and CIA have stopped numerous other attacks as they had back at the turn of the century.
2Kings 2:11 "And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." Zechariah 2:5 "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." There is that hedge of protection. Psalm 34:7-8 "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." There is God's hedge of protection again. Put this in context of Job who was an upright man who feared God who had a hedge about him that kept Satan from attacking him until God allowed it. First Jobs' finances were attacked through foreign invaders from the east then against his family and then his health. Job was a blessed and wealthy man - the greatest of the east. But his children who had inherited the blessing were indulging themselves with partying. This is why Job was offering the daily scarifies. Such is this generation like Job's children who are indulging in the blessing and forgetting the God who gave the blessing. Also each clan like Jobs' extended family had their own laws and were self-governing. We as a nation were protected because of those who feared God. But when happens when that nation forgets God and turns against the very God who has blessed them and ceases to fear God and worships the blessing rather than the one who blessed them and their children wear shirts that say 'no fear'? God begins to take down the hedge of protection and the enemy attacks that nations finances, people, government and health. Our economy was attacked beginning with the attacks in New York and continues, people have been attacked and died, our government is being attacked and our health is being attacked. God is allowing the nation to get a taste of what it is like to have no protection and giving us an opportunity to repent and turn back to him while just this week I heard a large ministry on TV saying that Jesus couldn't come back until we 'get our stuff' and God repays us 'double for our trouble.' I recorded that message so I can prove it as some other harlot teachings I have recorded so that I can back up what I say if needed. These harlot preachers are the problem in America today and the reason we are facing judgment - because those who are supposed to be preaching the truth to the nation have compromised to preach what feels good and makes people feel good in their sin so that there is no true heartfelt repentance and turning from sin to God, but only getting a religious covering for their sin with no real change in life or lifestyle while calling themselves Christian. They appeal to the greed of fallen man. 2Peter 2:1, 3 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you." That is their purpose, money and are they making it and living like kings from the donations of the poor, widows, retired and even jobless. Moreover there is no real difference in the lives of their followers. That is why there is no difference today in the number of abortions of those going to church and those not, no difference in the number of divorces in the Christian community and those who are not, except at some point it go to where the divorce rate was actually higher for those who profess Christianity than those who don't. That sounds like 2Timothy 3:5; "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." The power they deny is the Lordship of Christ over their lives. They say He is Lord, but do not surrender their lives to Him as the Lord. Let us consider the words of Jeremiah 23:16-20 "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise me, (This is all in the church - of professing Christians) The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly." Is this not the latter days and is not the coming of the Lord surely nigh as He spoke in Mark 13:29-30 "So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done." We are seeing all the prophecies of the end time come to pass before our eyes. We are that generation that will see all things, all the final prophecies, come to pass. Continuing:
Exodus 34:24 "For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year." Israel has 7 feasts a year and they "go up" before the Lord 3 times a year for the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. God said He was able to take away the desire of the enemy to have their land when they went up before Him to worship. God can remove the desire of men to attack this country as he put it in their hearts to begin with. It is no different with this attack now and what happened in 1Kings 22:19-22 "And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so." Here as in Job we see behind the scenes of events that happened in heaven and how things were decided there spiritually before they happened here. And we see the spiritual forces behind men, as those who attacked Job's animals and family and this lying spirit that went to set things up so King Ahab would be killed in battle as God's judgment for his sin.
Was God in control then? Is He not just as much in control now? But we must remember in all war that it is first a spiritual battle that decides the physical battle as God is in control of war. Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." 1Samuel 17:47 "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands." God decides who wins the battle by limiting the powers of hell as well as sending them to do His bidding and at times by direct intervention whether men see it or not, recognize it or not. Zechariah 4:6-7 "This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." What this country needs is God's grace. That is our only solution and the only way to overcoming in this battle - not by might or power or military might if God is not with us we will not win in the end. Romans 8:31 "If God be for us, who can be against us?" And if God is against us we cannot win.
When George Washington took the oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and become the first president of the United States, he took that oak not far from the World Trade Center at federal hall on Wall Street. When they brought the Bible to him to take the oath it was opened to and his hand was placed upon Deuteronomy 28, a chapter that speaks of the blessing of God for obedience to the covenant and the curse of God for disobedience to the covenant. Then the things that were a blessing become a curse. You say, but there are other countries worse than America, like Amsterdam. True, but that country was never in covenant with God and was not established by God and men who made covenant with Him and have no documents to show it. This nation like Israel was raised up and ordained by God. Today they are trying to change our history but it is a fact that God raised up this country. George Washington said that God had his hand upon this nation from the beginning. There are many documents that prove the faith and stand of our early founding fathers. George Mason of Virginia, the father of the Bill of Rights, who insisted that they be placed in the Constitution, said that because nations can't be judged or blessed in the next life they must be judged or blessed in this life and so providence dictates that national sins must be punished by national calamities. Why is America paying for her sins and others countries seem not to - because this nation was founded by God for His purpose. Wicked men have carried out this attack, but God has allowed it. God will not forever protect unrighteousness and continue to bless iniquity, so if our country doesn't repent and turn back to Him it will in the end suffer the consequences of His full judgment. Today we have gone so far that even when men of God have for years attempted to speak the truth and warn the nation that we were headed for judgment - as David Wilkerson, the countries says he is a doom and gloom preacher and that isn't God and we are blessed. That has been the word of the majority of preachers and professing Christians and not the sinners on the street that don't claim to know God. So God has to allow something to get our attention and tells us that if we continue in disobedience and don't learn from this we will be turned over to the power of our enemies. Because it is God's Word!
Let us look at Deuteronomy 28 and see the blessing of obedience and curses of disobedience for God's people and their country. Deuteronomy 28:1 "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth." When His people in covenant with Him obey His Word! In battle the result will be V.7 "The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways." And concerning their finances: V.8 "The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." But when His people sin and disobey the Lord it is reversed. V.15 "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee." What happens to the finances? V.17 "Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store." V.20 "The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me." Their prayers won't be answered - their religiosity does them no good when they are in sin and disobedience. V.23 "And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron." V.43 "The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low." Have we not been attacked by a stranger within our midst? V.48-50 "Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favour to the young." It isn't over yet, great depression can come if America doesn't find favor in the eyes of God worse that what we call the Great Depression. Is this not a description of our enemy? They have said that all Americans are the enemy and there are non "innocent" and unworthy of death at their hands. Those in the towers that died were not innocent victims to them but the intended victims. And note V.63 "And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it." But nobody believes that - right? After all God is only a god of blessing and mercy and not judgment and evil. And what about when you face your enemies in war? V.25 "The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth." So again, God determines the outcome of every war! He brings peace and He brings war and He alone determines the outcome. The most potent weapon in the hand of America in this battle is that of the prayers of the saints - PERIOD! We can only win this war when the saints follow the admonition of 2Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." That is the only way our land can be healed and delivered from the situation we face. Now getting to the heart of the message and why we are at war.
Leviticus26:25 "And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy." The sword is war! There is a quarrel with the covenant we had with God - the nation is fighting an internal war with God and Judeo-Christian morals and ethics. As those trying to destroy and take over the boy scouts and make them accept homosexual scoutmasters.
And no matter what God's people have tried to do for years they have been attacked and opposed by atheists, God haters who want to destroy our faith and stop all mention of our God and Lord Jesus Christ in public outside the confines of church walls. But the problem is that the church has avoided controversy for so many years and not stood strong against the opposition and faithful to the Word of God and proclaimed the truth from the rooftops but has been trying to please people to get the crowds to come and for the money, running the church like a business rather than a mission for sinners to get delivered, set free and saved by the grace of God and keeping the gospel inside the church and not wanting to directly confront the wicked who have opposed them and the gospel. Because of this the Christian and God hater, those who want to say there is no God so they can live any way they want and be amoral and immoral without anyone telling them they are wrong and sinning against God and we all just die like a dog and rot like a log and wonder why there is no more respect for life and life is so cheap and men can kill without remorse. Look at what has happened in our schools since God and prayer got kicked out. Where was the church then? Hiding behind their walls of safety and being silent. So what was being bad in my day - writing notes in class and throwing spit-wads and such small minor things is now every kind of crime imaginable. When abortion was legalized where was the church then? Why couldn't they get upset and cry out before God for these things as they now are because of this attack of terrorism. Why has the church not fought to stop those in church from having abortions? Now there are so many prayer meetings being called and meeting of remembrance, but where is the true repentance this nation needs to be delivered? If we miss our opportunity then much worse is in store for America.
Leviticus 26:37 "And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies." When the Trade Towers came down it is interesting to note that they came down upon themselves and the bodies within - they fell one upon another. But we won't add anything else to that except that if America doesn't change it's ways the latter part will come to pass and we will have no power to stand before our enemies. We had an attack worse than a war during a time of peace when we were not at war and not expecting it. If Israel, which was in covenant with God, were made accountable to their covenant with God and turned from it, which caused God to turn them over to their enemies, is America any different? In the book of Judges the people would sin and be taken into captivity, cry out to God, be delivered and serve God, then turn back to sin and be put under the yoke of another nation, cry out to God and be delivered, again and again. It was their national history. Each time they were turned over to the hands of their enemies for a time for the purpose of getting them to repent and turn back to God. As ancient Israel worshipped the bull (when they came out of Egypt) so American has worshipped the bull market. The stock market has a bull outside and when things are going good they call it a bull market. So God has allowed the bull to suffer to try and get out attention - it is the first thing that is attacked when the hedge comes down and our market was suffering for some time before the terrorist attacks - which just picked up the economic suffering of the nation from a dropping stock market to losses of jobs. God always attacked and destroyed the Idols of the people and money has become one of the great idols of our society. Each of the 10 plagues as judgments against Egypt were an attack against the idols of Egypt. Ra was the Sun god supposed to take care of the darkness, there was a god of the lice and god of the flies and god of the Nile river etc. God judged these 10 idols and brought His people out and God is judging the idols of America.
What are the long-term repercussions of this attack upon America and upon Israel?
This is a serious time for our nation. When Israel had turned to idolatry God warned them but they would not listen and repent but hardened their necks. 2Kings 17:12-14 "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing. Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God." They mocked the prophets who called them to repentance before God. V.15-18 "And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers (as we have rejected the covenant between God and the founding fathers of this nation), and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God. and served Baal... Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only."
God gave them a wake up call to Israel when they were invaded by Assyria who attacked two of their provinces, Zebulum and Naphtali and they missed the message of this limited attack against them. Then came a second wake-up call that was severe when the Syrians and Philistines, two enemies of Israel combined forces for an attack yet still they did not listen and understand what God was telling them. Isaiah 9:12-13 "The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts." God has sent us warnings through His true servants who are not men pleasers and kingdom builders and by more limited attacks against our military overseas and our Embassy's and we did nothing, either as a nation to stop the attacks or as a church (speaking of the larger church rather than the few faithful) in praying for our nation and warning the people.
The fact of the matter is - if this nation will not hear the truth of God's Word and face that truth and turn back to Him in humility and repentance, we as Israel was, are doomed to destruction. It is clear that the Lord used enemies of Israel to chasten them for their sin. Isaiah 10:5-6 "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets." Israel would not head the warnings and saw their enemies attack and destroy their cities. Isaiah 9:10 "The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars." I have heard the mention of rebuilding the trade towers after the cleanup, if not as two 110 story buildings then as four 50 story buildings. We must not respond in pride as they did though it seems that is what is happening to some degree. The shout is we are strong and we are proud and we will rebuild greater than before for we are a great nation. Then Israel never acknowledged God's hand in their judgment nor accepted what He was telling them - for God always painted physical pictures in the natural for them to understand spiritual truth - all through the Old Testament that was God's way.
What many religious leaders have touted as a proof and example that America is turning back to faith in God and repentance is not true or real national repentance. For example the made a big deal of the congress standing together and signing "God Bless America" and think that is the sign of a nation turning back to God. Is it? There is a big difference between a show of patriotism and repentance of heart. Let me first say that today, since we are a nation of many religions and many God's, rather than "One Nation Under God" being the God of the Bible, the term "God" in "God Bless America" can mean something different to each religion. The name or term God without a context tying it to the God of the Bible, Jehovah, or mention of Jesus, will not even be understood in the same way by millions of people in America. To the Muslim's; the fastest growing religion is America today, the term God means Allah. To some Americans, God to them is Lucifer, for they worship him instead of the One True God. Many of those same leaders of the Congress hate everything Christians stand for and believe in and want to run God out of American society and take Him out of our history and the history books and say this is not and never has been a Christian nation and so they attempt to re-write history. They also stand for abortion - the murder of innocent lives and support open homosexuality and homosexual rights for a homosexual couple to be treated like a normal married couple and have all the privileges and benefits thereof and be allowed to marry and adopt children. They voted to allow Wiccans - witches to be chaplains and hold services in the military and made them a protected religion with tax-exempt status.
These things are still an abomination in the eyes of God and until we as a nation repent and turn from these things we will not escape the judgment of God. According to an article in USA Today, and several other major publications, on October 14th in California, Gov. Davis signed AB25 into law. In summation of it: "This bill marks a stellar advance for lesbians and gays in California," said California State Assemblywoman Carole Midgen, who authored the bill. The bill allows homosexual "domestic partners" to make medical decisions for incapacitated partners, sue for wrongful death, adopt a partner´s child and will property to a partner, according to the Sacramento Bee newspaper. It will take affect on January 1, 2002. Of this bill Gov. "Davis said, "This bill is . most of all about family-and it's about time."" About family? Or is it rally about destroying the family, as we know it? How can two homosexuals or lesbians be a family? They are trying to actually put them before and give them more privileges than a true family. Besides it is obvious that only a couple can make a family and have children. Families procreate and homosexuals recruit! Homosexuals can't obey the command of God to man to "be fruitful and multiply." The article further stated: "Apparently, many homosexual activists are planning on using the tragedy of September 11 to further their agendas." It is these kinds of things that is bringing God's judgment on this country and there is no sign that anything is changing as the Nation goes.We are talking about some of what has happened since September 11, 2001 and what is occurring in a nation that God has been trying to bring to repentance and get the attention of His people by allowing the terrorist to successfully invade us. There has been a new and strong barrage of efforts by the homosexual groups to take advantage of the current situation to gain ground and push their agenda, even in Houston, Texas. Right now there is a ballot referendum concerning homosexuals having the full benefits and rights of normal married couples and there are some 125 ministers according to the news, from this area that are supporting the homosexuals and calling it discrimination that they do not have the full and same benefits as married couples. They are using the slogan, "equal pay for equal work." Look at the TV shows. Recently I found out that on a new Survivor series in Africa - that the contestants had to drink blood. Something strictly forbidden by God and something I have never before heard of being on TV. Here are some specifics of other tings planned for this fall season on TV. On NBC, a character on The West Wing will "curse in a way that uses the Lord's name in vain," breaking a long-standing network taboo. On ABC's Philly, they plan to use 4 letter words never before used on ABC programming. One of CBS's shows of Wolf Lake will begin with a nudity warning and will contain "a particularly revealing sex scene." That is some of what all the major networks are now planning for America on prime-time TC programming when millions of young children will be watching. Where is the outrage against these things?
Or what about another decision since the terrorist attack by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine that spurned this article: ""Designer Babies Ahead?" New York Post, October 1, 2001." And another; "Kolata, Gina, "Fertility Ethics Authority Approves Sex Selection," New York Times, September 28, 2001." Here is a news quote: "The American Society of Reproductive Medicine has recently issued a deeply troubling proclamation. Without benefit of a full committee meeting - since the September meeting was rescheduled due to the terrorist attacks - the chair of the society´s ethical committee, John Robertson, decided that "it is sometimes acceptable for couples to choose the sex of their children." This response overturns a 1999 ruling by the society holding that such selection "should be discouraged." Dr. Norbert Gleicher, the doctor who requested the new ruling is thrilled: "[W]e have a list of patients who asked for it."" America is still trudging forward as a nation, continuing to do the things that are wrong before God and doing everything possible to do further and greater wickedness before God.
Another example and supposed sign of the nation repenting and turning to God is having a minute of silence before a ball game in a sports stadium. Then the people go back to painting their bodies and screaming like wild animals and getting drunk on beer and carrying on like heathen with their idol of sports. Remember by message on "Sports: False God of the World"? This is all nothing more than hypocrisy and lip service without turning from the sin that has brought us to the place we are today. It is the national sins and idols that are being judged and even if there is a national repentance, it will only bring relief from the extent of God's judgment, but America must still pay for it's sins - there is no escaping that.
Our best hope would be the parallel to what happened in Rehoboam's day. 2Chronicales 12:2 "And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD," V.5-9 "Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house." IF America repents as they did, she will have some repose and "some deliverance" as Judah did then, but still America must pay for its continued sin and transgression against God and one of the ways it will pay is as they did - FINANCIALLY! I believe economic collapse is something that will happen to America regardless. The cards are being stacked against us.
America is at a crossroads and the question is which direction will it take. Will we humble ourselves before God or rise up in pride thinking we can overcome in our own strength and abilities? Patriotism and war is not the solution to America's problem. Yes it is great to see our nation coming together and in agreement about something, but it isn't about that which is most important thing, but merely a war against those who attacked us - to get vengeance and revenge. That will not deliver us from the hand of God upon this nation. Listen to what God said to Israel then and consider its relevance to us today. Isaiah 10:11 "Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?" If God judged other nations and Israel who was in covenant with God for their idolatry what makes us think He will spare America for the same sins and worse? Today there are so many meeting for prayer and remembrance to remember the dead but that is not the answer for what we need are meetings of prayer and repentance! Remembrance and revenge will not bring deliverance but only repentance. If we will truly repent as a nation, then God will deliver us and destroy our enemies. When God had finished using Assyria as "the rod of mine anger" against Israel (Isaiah 10:5), then He destroyed them for their wickedness and pride. Isaiah 10:12 "Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks." Likewise in the end God will judge the terrorists and give them their just reward in a hot devils hell rather than in the heaven they expect for 'dying' as martyrs to their faith in the name of Allah. Each one of those suicide bombers in Israel and those here in those planes have been told that if they die for Allah in this 'holy war' against the infidels (those who don't serve Allah) then they will go directly to he

The Stage Is Set: Will It Be Judgment Or Destruction?
November 27, 2007By Jeffrey K. RadtWe need to repent and pray for the forgiveness of our nation's sins. Specifically, we need to pray for God to have mercy on us all.In a few days, America will never be the same as I fear that we are about to enter a new realm in our spiritual relationship with our Lord and Creator. I might even go so far as to say that we will have reached the proverbial point of no return.Our God is a God of grace, mercy, and love. However, He is also a God of holiness, righteousness, and justice. For instance, Nahum warned that while God is one who is righteous and holy He is also one who will not tolerate sin (Nahum 1:2-3):"A jealous and avenging God is the Lord; The Lord is avenging and wrathful. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished."The Bible also says that God will bless those who bless Israel, and He will curse those who curse Israel (Genesis 12:3). The Bible says that he who touches Israel touches "the apple of God's eye" (Zechariah 2:8).The upcoming Annapolis conference is akin to our government thinking they can poke God in the eye and blind Him long enough so that they can create a legacy on their own terms and independent of His plan for His chosen people as well as mankind.They will leave a legacy all right, but will anyone be around to read about it in history books?Does it bother anyone else to watch a so-called Christian president and his administration blatantly thumb its nose at God? I'm sorry, but any true Christian who has spent time reading his or her own Bible would know that Israel is off limits and that true peace will never be established until Jesus Christ returns again.To ignore history - - especially recent history - - all for the sake of political expediency is dangerous and arrogant. To continue to push such initiatives is suicidal, borderline psychotic, and it shows a disdain for God and His truths not to mention a complete misunderstanding of Scripture and eschatology.SETTING THE STAGEDr. David R. Reagan has published a truly remarkable study of recent world events and their prophetic significance in relation to Israel on his Lamb & Lion Ministries website. I encourage you to take some time to read his report in its entirety because it provides some additional in-depth information on this topic and adds comments on why we may be at a critical juncture in our nation's history.His thesis is the foundation of this piece and in many cases several excerpts will be included here given their grave importance to upcoming world events with immense spiritual implications.What emerges from the reading is a clear and accurate account that we are on the threshold of the Tribulation and, as Dr. David Reagan puts it, "we are living on borrowed time."To begin with, God is the one who establishes nations and He is the one who takes them down (Daniel 2:20-21). When a nation rebels against God, He responds first by raising up prophetic voices to call the nation to repentance.These are not people with supernatural knowledge of the future. They are simply those who have the spiritual gift of discernment to see where a nation is missing God's mark. In other words, they know how to apply the Scriptures to current events.If a nation refuses to listen to the prophetic voices, God will then send remedial judgments. That is to say that God will do what He has to in order to get our attention. Deuteronomy 28 lists the many forms that these judgments can take, which includes economic failure, rebellion of youth, an epidemic of divorce, confusion in government, foreign domination, and military defeat. The chapter also mentions natural disasters like drought, crop failure, and pestilence.Sometimes God uses signs of nature to underline the importance of major events. More often, He uses signs of nature as remedial judgments to call nations to repentance. He has always spoken to the world through signs of nature. One example that comes readily to mind is the birth of Jesus when God placed a special light in the heavens. Another is when Jesus was crucified and the earth experienced three hours of darkness and a major earthquake.There are also many examples of remedial judgments in the Bible that involve natural disasters. For example, the plagues with which God afflicted Egypt in order to convince Pharaoh that he should release the children of Israel from captivity. I could go on and on.Clearly, both the Bible and history attest to the fact that God has a pattern of dealing with nations.Sadly, there are times when a nation ignores such messages from God and instead digs in against Him and His calls to repentance. This is the point of no return and it is often referred to as "when the wound becomes incurable" (Nahum 3:19, Jeremiah 30:12, and Micah 1:9).It is at this point that the Lord will deliver the nation from judgment to destruction.Do all natural catastrophes represent remedial judgments of God? No - - most are products of the natural processes of our weather systems. How then can we determine when a natural calamity is a remedial judgment?Dr. David R. Reagan suggests, "One important factor is the timing of the event as it relates to the sins of the nation. Another factor is the magnitude of the event. Remedial judgments are designed to have great shock value in order to capture people's attention and force them to think with an eternal perspective. The most important factor is God's Spirit witnessing to the spirits of those to whom He has given the gift of prophecy. They will be motivated to speak forth with a united voice."The culmination of the remedial judgments on the U.S. in recent history seemed to come with 9/11. This tragedy was a wake-up call from God for our nation to repent. Personally, it fulfilled this very purpose in my own life.There is no question that our national sins have called down remedial judgments from God. Yet, as Dr. David R. Reagan brilliantly catalogs, "what I think we may have failed to realize is that since 1991, many of the judgments we have experienced have been directly related to our mistreatment of Israel."DRESS REHEARSALThe Bible provides us with many signs we are to watch for that will signal the soon return of Jesus Christ. The signs related to Israel are the most important.The key to understanding where we are on God's prophetic timeline is to take a closer look at the Jewish people and the state of Israel since they are God's timepiece.God often points to future events and says they will occur when certain things happen involving Israel. A good example can be found in Luke 21:24 when Jesus is quoted as saying that He would return "when Jerusalem is no longer trampled down by the Gentiles."In the end times, all the nations of the world will come together against Israel over the issue of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:3). Tragically, even though many of our blessings as a nation have been due to the fact that we have historically been a safe haven and friend to the Jewish people, it was the early 90's when we began to turn against Israel.Believe it or not, we were the ones who forced Israel into adopting the current suicidal policy of appeasement and we have been twisting her arm ever since, pressuring them to divide up the land that God gave them as an everlasting possession.White House correspondent William Koenig recently wrote a book titled Eye to Eye. It was subtitled, Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel. The thesis of the book is that many of the natural calamities, economic setbacks, and political crises experienced by the United States since 1991 have been directly related to actions we have taken to force Israel to surrender territory to the Arabs.Koenig is a devout Evangelical Christian who has the gift of prophecy. Accordingly, he has the discernment to see the supernatural relationship between world events and judgments of God.His book had a very prophetic cover. It showed President Bush looking over his right shoulder at a hurricane, and in the eye of the hurricane was a Star of David, the symbol of Israel.The title of the book, Eye to Eye, was suggested by Koenig's wife. She took it from Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 52:8 - -"They [the watchmen] shall see an exact agreement and correspondence between the prophecy and the events, the promise and the performance; they shall see how they look upon another eye to eye, and be satisfied that the same God spoke the one and did the other."In other words, in the end times there will be people who are prophetically gifted to recognize the correspondence between Bible prophecies and world events.In his book Koenig shows the amazing parallels between U.S. mistreatment of Israel and subsequent natural calamities, economic setbacks and political crises. Let me share just a few of the examples he gives.The Madrid Conference - This conference, which we forced on Israel, marked the beginning of the "land for peace" process. The opening of the conference on October 30, 1991, coincided with the formation of "the Perfect Storm." This was the record breaking storm along our Atlantic seacoast which produced 100 foot high waves and heavily damaged President Bush's home at Kennebunkport, Maine. The headlines of USA Today on November 1, 1991, had the stories of the storm and the Madrid Conference side by side.Round Six of the Bilateral Peace Talks - In June of 1992 Yitzhak Rabin was elected the new Prime Minister of Israel. We immediately insisted that he come to Washington, D.C. and meet with Yasser Arafat. The day that meeting began, August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew slammed into Florida with winds of 177 miles per hour. The damage done amounted to over $30 billion - the most costly hurricane in U.S. History to that point in time.Arafat at the United Nations - In September of 1998 Yasser Arafat was invited to speak to a special session of the United Nations that was held in New York. President Clinton arranged a meeting with him to put pressure on Israel. As the meeting took place, Hurricane Georges smashed into the Gulf Coast causing over $6 billion in damage.Arafat and a Palestinian State - With our encouragement, Arafat announced that he was going to proclaim a Palestinian state on May 4, 1999. Even though President Clinton later persuaded Arafat to postpone the declaration to at least December, on the very day the proclamation was to have been made (May 3rd in the U.S.; May 4th in Israel), the most powerful tornado in U.S. history tore through Oklahoma City with wind speeds of 316 miles per hour, destroying over 2,000 homes.The Camp David Summit - From July 11 through July 24 in the summer of 2000, President Clinton hosted a summit conference between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Clinton pressured Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to surrender the heartland of Israel. During these precise dates, a major heat wave struck the South Central U.S. and fires broke out in our Western states. At one point, there were over 50 active fires that consumed over 500,000 acres before the end of the month.White House Ramadan Celebration - On Thursday evening, November 7, 2002, President Bush hosted a dinner at the White House to honor the Muslim religious holiday called Ramadan. In his speech that evening, the President said:". . . this season commemorates the revelation of God's word in the holy Koran to the prophet Muhammad. Today this word inspires faithful Muslims to lead lives of honesty and integrity and compassion . "We see in Islam a religion that traces its origins back to God's call on Abraham . . ."Two days later a total of 88 tornados hit Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania..The Middle East Peace Plan - On April 30, 2003, U.S. Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer presented the "Road Map" peace plan to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. It was a plan formulated by an ungodly coalition called "the Quartet." This group was made up of Russia, the European Union, the United Nations, and the United States. It called for Israel to surrender Gaza and its heartland of Judea and Samaria to the Palestinians. On May 3rd Secretary of State Colin Powell departed for the Middle East for talks to implement the plan. On May 4th Secretary Powell met with terrorist leader Hafez Assad of Syria and made a commitment to him to include the surrender of the Golan Heights in the peace plan. That day a swarm of tornados began tearing apart the Central United States. Over the next 7 days, there was a total of 412 tornados - the largest cluster ever observed by NOAA since it began its record keeping in 1950. The previous record had been 177 in 1999.In summary, between October 1991 and November 2004, the United States experienced:
* 9 of the 10 largest insurance events in U.S. history.* 9 of the 10 greatest natural disasters as ranked by FEMA relief costs.* 5 of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history* 3 of the 4 largest tornado swarms in U.S. history.
All of which were linked to our attempts to pressure Israel into either dividing up its land or surrendering part of its capital city of Jerusalem.The world would laugh and call these coincidences, but Christians don't believe in coincidence. God is sovereign. He is in control.The most recent chaotic event in Israel was the forced withdrawal of all Jews from Gaza. It began on August 7, 2005 and continued through the 22nd, as nearly 9,000 Israelis were uprooted from their land and homes. Many had been in the area for as long as 35 years.It was a heart-wrenching event to watch women and children manhandled, synagogues violated, torah scrolls desecrated, houses bulldozed, graves dug up, and farms destroyed. Entire Jewish communities were forcibly removed from land which God has given to the Jewish people as an everlasting possession (Psalm 105:8-11).And while this travesty was taking place, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice began applying more pressure with the following statement: "Everyone empathizes with what the Israelis are facing . . . but it cannot be Gaza only."What was the supernatural response from God?The withdrawal ended on August 22nd, and ON THE VERY NEXT DAY, the government of Bermuda announced that a tropical depression had formed off its coast. Dubbed "Katrina," the storm quickly developed into the most powerful hurricane in modern history.It slammed into New Orleans and the Mississippi coast four days later on the 27th. The hurricane disrupted 25% of our crude oil production and destroyed our nation's largest port (the 5th largest in the world in terms of tonnage).It is also interesting to note that the hurricane hit just three days before New Orleans - which often refers to itself proudly as "Sin City USA" - was scheduled to host an ungodly event that had come to be called "The Gay Mardi Gras." The theme this year was to be "Jazz and Jezebels."The previous year the event drew 125,000 revelers who proudly flaunted their perversion publicly in a parade that featured the bizarre. Incredibly, this event was sponsored by a group that has named itself "Southern Decadence."New Orleans is known for its occult practices, particularly voodoo. The city is also infamous for its high murder rate and its rampant political corruption.Nonetheless, I do not believe the storm was meant primarily as a judgment upon the city of New Orleans. Rather, I see it as a judgment on our entire nation for our mistreatment of Israel. The consequences of the storm were national in scope.Still not convinced that perhaps God was trying to tell us something?Rabbi Joseph Garlitzky, head of the international Chabad Lubavitch movement's Tel Aviv synagogue, recounted for WorldNetDaily a speech he gave soon after Hurricane Katrina:"We don't have prophets who can tell us exactly what are God's ways, but when we see something so enormous as Katrina, I would say (President) Bush and (Secretary of State Condoleeza) Rice need to make an accounting of their actions, because something was done wrong by America in a big way. And here there are many obvious connections between the storm and the Gaza evacuation, which came right on top of each other. No one has permission to take away one inch of the land of Israel from the Jewish people."Some of those "obvious connections" or eerie similarities between Katrina and the evacuation of Gush Katif, including parallels in events, names and numbers:
* Close to 10,000 Jews were expelled from their homes in the Gaza Strip and parts of Northern Samaria. Katrina's death toll was just over 10,000.* America's population ratio to Israel is about 50:1. Ten thousand Jews who lost their Gaza homes is the equivalent of about 500,000 Americans who have been reported to have been displaced as a result of Katrina.* Gaza's Jewish communities were located in Israel's southern coastal region; America's southern coastal region was hit by Katrina.* Katrina, written in Hebrew, has a numerical equivalent of 374, according to a biblical numbering system upheld by all traditional Jewish authorities. Two relevant passages in the Torah share the exact numerical equivalent: "They have done you evil" (Genesis 50:17) and "The sea upon land" (Exodus 14:15).* Bush, from Texas, and Rice, from Alabama, were the most vocal U.S. backers of the Gaza evacuation. Hurricane Katrina hit the states in between Texas and Alabama - - Louisiana and Mississippi.* Similarity in scenes: Many residents of Jewish Gaza climbed to their rooftops to escape the threat of expulsion, while residents of the Gulf Coast climbed on their own rooftops to protect themselves from the rising waters.* Gush Katif was an important agricultural area for Israel, providing the Jewish state with 70 percent of its produce. A New Orleans port that exported much of the Midwest's agricultural production was destroyed by Katrina.
Why is the Bush Administration so willing to ignore recent history in pursuit of the elusive prospect of peace in the Middle East?CURTAIN UPPresident Bush could have created a historical legacy by promoting and pushing a domestic agenda that resonated with the hearts and minds of his conservative base of supporters.However, instead of using his bully pulpit to advance vital measures important to us he's decided to take a path that will lead to infamy, not fame.Speaking of President Bush, many are asking why such a committed Evangelical would put such inordinate pressure on Israel. More and more, people are asking, "Why doesn't President Bush see the prophetic significance of end time Israel?" Dr. David R. Reagan recently put that question to Bill Koenig when he interviewed him. His response was very illuminating.Koenig pointed out that President Bush was raised in the Episcopal Church and in recent years has attended the Methodist Church. Although there are pastors in both of these churches who recognize the prophetic significance of modern Israel, the vast majority of the spiritual leaders in both churches (and especially those on the national level) believe in Replacement Theology. This is the theology that says God washed His hands of the Jewish people in the First Century and replaced Israel with the Church. They therefore see no prophetic significance to the re-establishment of Israel.Koenig stated that within the Bush Administration the President is not the only victim of this erroneous theology. He is surrounded by godly people who have also grown up spiritually in Replacement churches. So, even though these people may respect the Judaic roots of their faith, they have no appreciation for the prophetic significance of modern day Israel.I guess it's just another case of the blind leading the blind.I also find it incredibly fascinating that Jesus said the signs of the times would be like "birth pangs" (Matthew 24:8) describing the end times by referring to them in a way that all cultures and peoples can understand - - pregnancy and birth.A casual reading of any of the media's news reports on the upcoming Annapolis peace summit from this past week has uncovered some striking parallels with Jesus' use of symbolism that should raise some eyebrows.For instance, consider that one article stated that "Annapolis may well bring us closer to what European Union foreign policy Chief Javier Solana is saying is doable within nine months, referring to a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians that would birth a Palestinian state on Israel's covenant lands." (italics mine).I do not believe that it is mere coincidence that such verbiage has been used in connection with issues involving God's holy land.Blogger Michael Mickey of The Rapture Alert recently postulated that the United States could be sitting on a cataclysmic time bomb.In a widely read post from last week, Mickey wrote:"As the United States prepares for its upcoming Middle East peace conference to be held in Annapolis, God is, in my opinion, drawing our attention to the fact that He is keeping a close eye on developments concerning this most blessed of nations lending an ear to Israel's enemies and, in fact, providing them with support to obtain portions of Israel's God-given covenant lands."How is God drawing the attention of those willing to see the spiritual connotations of events transpiring in the world around us as Annapolis draws near, potentially placing our nation in great peril of coming up on the curse side of God's promise of blessing and curse recorded in Genesis 12:3? He's drawing our eyes toward Yellowstone - - and dramatically so of late, in my opinion."The Independent recently unveiled an article on its site entitled "Yellowstone: The Time Bomb Under America.""The opening lines of the article are anything but comforting, reading as follows:"Deep beneath Yellowstone National Park lies a vast super-volcano which, if it blew up, could devastate much of the US. Recently, it's been a bit too restless for comfort.'"Too restless for comfort indeed when we consider that Annapolis may well bring us closer to what European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana is saying is 'doable' within nine months, referring to a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians that would birth a Palestinian state on Israel's covenant lands!Conclusions?"Trying to find the United States of America in Bible prophecy is like looking for a needle in a haystack. May Yellowstone be an answer as to why? I'm not sure but the last paragraph of the Independent's article certainly doesn't close the door on that being a possibility:"And what if the ground at Yellowstone does not start to go down? Well, these calderas, he admits, occasionally they burp. Let's hope the park's belly-ache resolves itself - such a "burp" would shake half of the planet."In spite of God's clear warning provided in Genesis 12:3 that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her, the United States, potentially within a year of a peace deal coming into existence that may well lead to the prophesied cries of 'peace and safety' foretold in 1st Thessalonians 5:3, is casting God's Word aside in spite of many Christian leaders and Jewish rabbis publicly warning against the United States helping Israel make what Bible prophecy clearly demonstrates to us is the equivalent of a covenant with hell is anything but wise!"I don't know about any of you but, if I was sitting on a time bomb, I think I'd be careful concerning how my actions might influence the outcome of my predicament, especially if the bomb's designer was watching my every move with trigger in hand and I'd been amply forewarned by those who know him best that certain practices of mine could lead to disaster for me!"But that's just me."May the Lord have mercy on those He is willing to, particularly those of us who love Him and fear His righteous judgments."A major eruption at Yellowstone in modern times would be devastating. It would obliterate the national park and nearby communities, spread ground-glass-like volcanic ash from the Pacific coast to the Midwest, and cause worldwide weather changes from the airborne dust and gases, according to Smith, who described the potential effects in detail in his book Windows into the Earth, published in 2000.A modern full-force Yellowstone eruption could kill millions, directly and indirectly, and would make every volcano in recorded human history look minor by comparison.God is on His throne. He is in control. He cannot be mocked. He will not tolerate the division of His holy land. Nor will He tolerate gross immorality that mocks everything that is moral and decent.God loves our nation. He has blessed us more than any other nation. His Word says that to those to whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:47-48). His Word also says He disciplines those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:7).Another thing His Word makes clear is that when He sends discipline, the fundamental purpose is never to punish. Instead, the purpose is to call us to repentance so that we might be saved.Here's how the prophet Isaiah expressed it: "When the earth experiences Your judgments, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9b).Our God is truly a God of amazing grace. Even when He pours out His wrath, He does so hoping that it will provoke repentance so that people can be saved.We as a nation have set our jaw against God. We are tempting Him to move us from judgment to destruction. Our God is so merciful. He is patiently sending us one wake-up call after another because He never pours out His wrath without warning.Make no mistake, a wake-up call from God is on the horizon. It is imperative that when that call comes we don't simply roll over and hit the snooze button - - again.I pray that this time we'll have the heartfelt desire to want to change our ways, repent and refocus our hearts and minds on what's truly a worthwhile pursuit: A relationship and life with our Lord and Savior.I pray that the hearts of our leaders to be opened to the significance of Israel in Bible prophecy.As the representatives from many nations across the globe converge on Annapolis this week, they are all ready to play their role on the stage of world history.The curtain may be rising on this 'historical" peace summit, but the curtain might also be closing upon the stage of human history as we know it.The rest of us will wait with baited breath for the resulting spiritual response that looms over us. The only question that remains is whether or not God will send us judgment or destruction.Sources CitedLamb & Lion Ministries: Home of Christ in Prophecy. (2005). Hurricane Katrina: The Prophetic Significance Retrieved November 23, 2007, from http://www.lamblion.com /articles/prophecy/signs/Signs -10.php
Dark Mysteries of Earth's Last Days!
"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many; he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true; wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it."
Daniel 8:23-27
"And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
Daniel 12:8-10
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
II Thessalonians 2:11-12
In this issue of the Last Trumpet Newsletter, we will examine an amazing phenomenon that is prevalent throughout the world, and especially in the United States, during these last and final days of time. We are living in a strange time when almost no one knows what is really happening or why it is happening. It is as if there is an unobservable barrier between the vast majority of the people and an elite few, who impose their will on the masses of humanity. It should not be hard to believe that this is the case, for it is the only explanation as to why things are the way they are and why conditions never seem to depart from a conspiratorial pattern. This holds true no matter who occupies the high offices of worldly authority.
In the Bible verses above, we read of a strong delusion from God that would engulf the people of the world that have rejected truth. We are also told that the wicked will continue to due wickedly and that they will never understand. In fact, there is only one remnant of people who can sort out all of the confusion of the last days and clearly see what is truly happening. In Daniel 12:10, they are called the wise, and they are the true children of Almighty God.
The satanic ruling elite of this nation of the United States and the rest of the world depend heavily on the maintenance of ignorance of the people, who are also encouraged to express their disbelief and consternation regarding any notion of any conspiracy at all. That is why radio talk show hosts, who are all paid stooges of the Illuminati, laugh and scorn those who think evil operates in secrecy. In the first Scripture portion above, however, we read that an evil man will rise up in the latter days when the transgressors are come to the full. Quite obviously, the world is currently realigning for unification, and when that objective is achieved, someone is going to run it! Also remember that in the new age one-world system, diversity is encouraged as long as a common satanic thread runs through every diverse component of thought, religion, and ideology. True Christianity is the only thing that isn't allowed. Test that in any public (government) school!
The man who is to control the world for a little while is said to stand up, which means to seize power quickly. He will also have a fierce countenance and will understand dark sentences. The word sentences, in this case, means riddles. Thus, he wields his power by a perfect understanding of clandestine power and by the use of dark riddles. The evil world dictator will control the people by keeping them confused and guessing until they finally resign themselves to ignorance and fear as subservient stooges, who will never raise a question or think for themselves again. Truly, these days are upon us!
We will now look at our world and its current condition. I do offer this word of encouragement, however: You do not have to be in the realm of darkness and uncertainty. You are held there only by your sin and rebellion against the Almighty Saviour. If you stop right now and pour your heart out in prayer, God will hear you and lead you into the full obedience of the Gospel. You can be set free and walk in the light of God, where there is peace for the soul and a joyous hope for a glorious eternity very soon. It is later than you think!
One World Under Satan!
A prime example of the efforts to unify the world is the recent proposal made by presidential candidate John Edwards. Edwards was speaking at Pace University in New York City, where he proposed the expansion of a type of Department of Homeland Security to encompass the entire world. His proposal calls for the establishment of a totally new and innovative organization called the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Treaty Organization, or C.I.T.O. (1) This is to be a one-world, all-seeing eye organization, which will no doubt have unlimited surveillance power over all the people of the world. The constant threat of terror is being used to unify the world into a single brainwashed population unit.
Another example of population control in the new one-world dictatorship is the planned microchip implantation in all people. Unquestionably, we live in an electronic world, which is already cursed with cancer-causing stray current everywhere. On September 9th, 2007, the Associated Press reported that it has now been proven that implanted microchips induce malignant tumors in animals. This was also verified by Dr. Keith Johnson, a retired toxicological pathologist who leads microchip research at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan. It is even more shocking when we consider that the research was conclusive regarding the cancerous tumors in 1996, well before the U.S. Government approved the chips for human implantation on January 10th, 2005. (2)
The reaction of the Food and Drug Administration is still a full endorsement for the use of the chip in humans, which allows the manufacturer, VeriChip, to continue its marketing plans. Obviously, VeriChip and the FDA are sharing the same bedroom on this one, and the FDA, the Federal governmental agency to which our health and well-being is supposed to be entrusted, is turning the trick for them. How heinously frightful is this situation? VeriChip plans to implant microchips in forty-five million Americans as soon as possible! (3) Countless animals already have them, and over two thousand Americans are implanted with them already. Certain doctors have used the words: "..they are to be widely implanted in people." (4) Here let it be known that it was former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, who became President Bush's Secretary of Health and Human Services and thus was in charge of the FDA, that arranged for the approval of microchipping humans. Five months later, Thompson promptly resigned his post, and within five months he became a board member of VeriChip and Applied Digital Solutions and was rewarded heavily, including stock options. (5) I must also mention that I personally met Tommy Thompson at his first inauguration in Madison, Wisconsin. I remember him looking directly into my eyes and telling me he needed prayer. Tommy Thompson is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason, who has done his ritual work at the massive Masonic Temple on Wisconsin Street, just off from the Capitol Square. I was once kicked out of that building as a visitor at their open house for exposing the mysteries of the high degrees to low-level fellowcraft Masons.
When I think of the implanted microchips causing cancer, I am immediately reminded of Revelation 16:2, which reads as follows: "And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth, and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image." Noisome and grievous indicates that the sore is loathsome and will not heal. We also read in Isaiah, chapter one, of a sinful nation that is to be burned. It is also a nation that is to be afflicted with sores. Isaiah 1:6 reads as follows: "From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment." We know that God is speaking of a spiritual condition of a nation, but is He also speaking of individuals by the millions who have malignant tumors which have metastasized, all because they have committed the ultimate act of disobedience to God and received the mark of the beast?
Clearly, our world is unifying into large segments, and one of those segments that is being realigned right now is the North American Continent; including the United States, Mexico, and Canada. You would have to be blind to not see this happening! Unfortunately, spiritual blindness is the very condition of our day! On August 20th, 2007, President Bush met once again with the leaders of Canada and Mexico at Montebello, near Ottawa, Canada. There was something very strange going on as these three leaders met to exchange dark sentences. Their scheme is to unite the three nations of the North American continent, but they are releasing no real information to the constituents of those nations. (6) Ten days later, the Bush Administration opened up the highways in the United States to Mexican trucks, which can now freely roll up and down our highways carrying who-knows-what! (7) The very next day, Mexico's President, Felipe Calderon, issued a formal protest against any crackdown on illegal immigrants in the United States. (8) Calderon is no doubt a cauldron of trouble and is getting over-anxious about merging his nation with what is left of the United States.
It was also announced that Red China is going to install sensors along the I-35 NAFTA superhighway corridor in order to monitor its products as they are shipped by truck. All containers from China are to contain RFID, or radio frequency identification transmitters. Lockheed Martin tracking technology is being used in the project as well. (9) What they are not telling us is that the equipment being installed along the highway can also read the microchips implanted in humans, providing a continual checkpoint system. In Communist countries, we used to hear of the little booths along the roads at check points, and all cars were stopped and inspected. In the United States, we will have the same program except that it is to be electronic with no need for the little booths as the traffic rolls on. Big Brother will know where you are at all times. It is also interesting to note that Michael Chertoff recently made a statement regarding national identification cards. In a recent CNN report regarding the ID cards, Chertoff used the words, "Resistance is futile!" (10) Remember, the word Chertoff literally means son of the devil in the Russian language!
On September 7th, 2007, President Bush was in Sydney, Australia, at the Sydney Opera House for a meeting with APEC, which is an organization comprised of the twenty-one Pacific Rim nations. Our President, George Bush, also known as Mr. Embarrassment, proceeded to address the summit as OPEC, which is the oil producing cartel and an entirely different organization. Mr. Bush tried to correct his error by saying he confused the two names because Australian Prime Minister John Howard invited him to OPEC next year. That would be impossible, because neither Australia nor the United States are members. President Bush continued to dig himself deeper into the pit of error and incompetence when he referred to the Australian troops in Iraq as Austrian. (11) President George Bush is the first American President to become the laughingstock of the entire world!
My primary reason for bringing up the subject of President Bush and the APEC summit is because only a few days after the summit, massive earthquakes began to rock the entire Pacific Rim region. On September 12th, 2007, a powerful magnitude 8.4 earthquake hit near southern Sumatra. This was followed by numerous other quakes and aftershocks with magnitudes up to 7.4. Homes, shopping malls, and especially Moslem mosques were heavily damaged. Tall buildings as far as twelve hundred miles away swayed dramatically. Ten people were known to be dead, but the injuries were numerous. (12) It is quite obvious that Almighty God is not pleased with this region of high immorality and false religions. The Pacific Rim is also known as the Ring of Fire because of the many active volcanoes that form a concentric pattern. Judgment will soon hit so hard in that area that it would stagger the imagination.
In the Middle East, the State of Israel has announced that it is preparing for a major conflict with Syria. Syria has been firing upon Israeli war planes flying over Syria. (13) Meanwhile, on September 2nd, 2007, the London Times Newspaper featured a story stating that the Pentagon is planning a "three-day blitz" against 1,200 targets in Iran. (14) This three-day blitzkrieg, orchestrated by Herr Bushler, could easily catapult us into World War III, unless God would intervene. The entire Middle East is pulsating with potential to trigger the final World War. We have already invaded the land that was ancient Babylon. Is the land that was ancient Medo-Persia next? When will the Kings of the East begin to strike? In these perilous times, we truly need the Saviour!
On September 6th, 2007, BBC News reported that UK jets have been shadowing Russian bombers. Russia has been sending long-range bombers on long-distance patrols. The Norwegian Air Force also reported that they had to intercept eight Russian Tupolev Tu-95 Bear aircraft. (15) We also know that on September 12th, 2007, Reuters News Service reported that Russia had just successfully tested the world's most powerful vacuum bomb, which unleashes a destructive shockwave power of a massive nuclear blast. This bomb has been given the name father of all bombs. It is said to have no match in the world! The Russians said that this bomb is their answer to the U.S.-built Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb or MOAB.
The test area where the Russian bomb went off was completely destroyed as strong buildings were flattened and the ground was scorched from intense heat. Reporters said that the ground afterward looked like a lunar landscape. The small initial blast dispersed a main load of explosive material into a massive cloud, which ignited in the air. A pressure wave was generated along with a partial vacuum. The main destruction was inflicted by an ultrasonic shockwave with amazingly high temperatures. In a populated area, anything alive would instantly evaporate. (16) All of this is quite astounding when we consider the words of Zechariah 14:12 as follows: "And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth."
Are the people of the world safe from their own respective military forces? On August 8th, 2007, the Courier Mail Newspaper reported that Australian RAAF F/A-18 warplanes were locking in and targeting civilian automobiles with class four lasers. The government said it was a mistake and that the pilot forgot to turn the lasers off. The government also said, "Members of the public are being advised to seek medical advice if they are concerned that they may have been exposed." The class four lasers are the most powerful in use by the RAAF. (17) We must also note that President Bush has induced the Boeing Aircraft Company to install powerful lasers on commercial 747-400 aircraft as anti-missile devices. (18) These are amazing times when commercial passenger aircraft are being equipped with war devices and capabilities.
We have also learned from an Associated Press report dated September 6th, 2007, that nuclear warheads were flown across the United States after a B-52 bomber was mistakenly armed. Six nuclear warheads were in the skies over America for three hours at armed status. This was originally reported in the Military Times Newspaper. (19) The government said it was an error and that they are looking into it! We are living in a time when anything can happen anytime, and eventually, something will happen. God help us all!
The Proliferation of Perversion!
I am sometimes asked this question: how can we be sure these are the last days? The answer to that question could be quite involved, but to be concise, everything that the Bible said would happen during this unique time of the end is indeed happening. Even without reading the Scripture, simple logic and common sense would tell you that if society continues its current course, it would self-destruct in the not-to-distant future.
The Scriptures tell us in II Timothy 3:1-5 of these days as follows: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
Why should God bless America when this evil American society persistently offends Him and either ignores or scorns His mercy and grace? Recent reports indicate that a full thirty percent of adult Americans have an alcohol problem. (20) One in twelve adult workers in America, which is over ten million people, are using illicit drugs and alcohol to the extent that they need treatment. (21) It has also been reported that over twenty-five percent of American females between the ages of 14 and 59 are infected with the HPV virus. This is the sexually transmitted human wart virus, which causes most cases of cervical cancer. The Centers for Disease Control also reported that among the age group of 20 to 24, the percentage of those infected is 44.8 percent. (22) There is a heavy price to pay for disobeying and defying the Almighty. The Lord warned Israel what would happen to them if they rejected Him. We read of this in Deuteronomy 28:60-62 as follows: "Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed. And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the Lord thy God."
For those who think this warning is for the ancient past only, consider the words of Revelation 22:18, which says, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." Thus, if you have ever wondered why there are so many and varied diseases, and many of them incurable; and if you wonder where they are coming from, you have your answer. Conditions have never been like they are now. If you are reading this, and have one or more of these diseases, there is hope. Repent and obey the Gospel. Use natural remedies and pray and walk closely with the Saviour. Miracles still happen. God's mercy is beyond comprehension; otherwise He would have destroyed this world long ago!
By now you may be thinking, are things really that bad? Are people really that sinful? One shocking problem is the Internet, which features a flood of filth from the very mouth of Satan. Hard core child abuse images, including child rape, now comprise twenty-nine percent of all the images investigated. The children involved are mostly under twelve. (23) On the other end of the age spectrum, there is so much sexually transmitted disease among senior citizens in New York City that the city is sponsoring AIDS education programs and handing out thousands of condoms at the senior centers and other places where the elderly congregate. The Staten Island Advance Newspaper reported that the big complaint among women in their eighties who were given condoms is that they wanted to be given a man to go with it! (24)
The New York City Health Department has also allocated 600,000 dollars to promote and supply the morning after pill, which destroys conception in the womb. This is being called an "emergency contraception." (25) The program zeros in on thousands of teenage girls who are being told that "this is plan B."
Another sure sign of judgment soon to come is the takeover of the world by sodomites or homosexuals. In the month of June 2007, major cities around the globe were the sites of massive "gay pride" parades and other programs to honor their cause of perverted sexual appetites. I have in front of me a photograph of the Gay Pride Parade that took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this past June. The wide street lined with skyscrapers is filled with a sea of humanity as far as the eye can see. This was also the case in scores of cities elsewhere. (26) Is this a sure sign of the end of the world? Nothing could be clearer regarding this fact than the very words of the Lord Jesus himself as found in Luke 17:28-30 as follows: "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."
Even our frontrunning Presidential candidates for 2008 advocate homosexuals and lesbians. MSNBC News stated, "Hillary Clinton has been eager to bask in the gay love." (27) Hillary Clinton has received forty-eight percent of her campaign contributions from "gays." (28) Hillary has also been holding campaign rallies at such places as the Abbey in West Hollywood, which is a notorious gay hangout. (29) On March 15th, 2007, the Ides of March, which is a day honoring witchcraft, Hillary appeared on Bloomberg News. Hillary clearly stated, "I do not think homosexuality is immoral..let's not be eliminating people because of who they are or who they love." (30)
On August 8th, 2007, TIME-CNN featured the story of how Dr. Billy Graham endorsed Hillary for President and was ready to ordain Bill Clinton as an evangelist. Dr. Graham's exact words were, "I told President Clinton, when he left the Presidency, he should become an evangelist, because he had all the gifts. I also told him he could let his wife run the country." (31) This was stated in all seriousness, even though Billy's son Franklin tried to pass it off as a joke. Even if it was a joke, and there was nothing to indicate that it was, such foolish jesting from a crusade pulpit is abominable and forbidden in Scripture.
Yes, most assuredly it is gross sin and rebellion against God that is causing our nation to crumble, and if there is no repentance, great will be the fall of it! A spiritual shroud of gross darkness has covered our land as millions of people pour into the country that have never known the principles upon which our nation was founded. Businesses continue to fail, loans are in default everywhere, the housing market is in destruct mode, prices of goods and services continue to rise dramatically, crude oil prices have reached eighty dollars per barrel, and the worst is yet to come.
As our U.S. dollar continues to slide against other major currencies of the world, our national debt has now passed the nine trillion dollar mark. As of September 13th, 2007, at 12:17:34 GMT, our national debt was exactly $9,017,934,140,665.62. (32) There is no way to correct this massive debt. In fact, this debt is now analogous to light years of measurement. How much is nine trillion? Light travels at an approximate speed of 186,000 miles per second, which means it travels around the world at the equator seven and one-half times per second. Try to imagine how far light would travel in a minute, hour, day, week, month, or year. In one year, light travels about six trillion miles. Our national debt is one and one-half that in dollars. Truly, that's an astronomical debt!
Distress in the Creation!
Almighty God does speak through his creation, and awesome things are happening everywhere. More stars continue to explode in space, producing colorful displays. The latest calculations now reveal that the planet Mars will be only 55 million miles from earth on December 24th, 2007, and will indeed appear twenty-one times larger than it did one year ago. In the realm of witchcraft and the occult, this would mean a horrible war is about to break out on earth. The planet Mars is even now appearing larger every night.
Mars, which is known as the "angry red planet" and ancient "god of war", is making a lot of spiritual waves in the world of astrology. Meanwhile, Red China is trying to prepare for the 2008 Olympics, which are to be hosted in that Communist country. The San Jose Mercury News reported that the government of China is "drawing on decades of Communist Party discipline in preparation for the Olympics." (33) The lighting of the cauldron, which signals the beginning of the games is to take place in Beijing at exactly 8:08 P.M., August 8, 2008. (34) In the astrology of witchcraft, the number eight is the number of the sign of the scorpion. It appears in the fifth month of the zodiac with five months left in our calendar year. In Revelation 9:10-11, we read of a strange army that rises up as follows: "And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon."
The Olympics are Greek in origin, and even in this present time, the Olympic torch is always lighted by the rays of the sun god while a priestess holds the torch on Mt. Olympus. The torch then is taken around the world and carried by many dignitaries before lighting the cauldron under the five rings of earth, wind, water, fire, and spirit. We must also note that the summer Olympics always takes place once every four years and always in a leap year to reconcile the calendar with the pagan sun god. In the United States, we also have our Presidential elections aligned with that same year. Here let it be noted that during the last week of August 2007 fires began to break out in southern Greece until half of the nation was on fire. Witnesses said, "It was like hell everywhere around the Olympic site." (35) In all of the recorded history of Greece, there has never been anything like this before. Without question we are in the last of the last days, and the signs of this time are everywhere. Eternity is just ahead, and you can be ready if you will seek the Saviour now!
In closing, I once again invite you to send your prayer requests to us, and we will give them individual and personal attention. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to all who support this ministry in so many ways. I pray that you will be blessed greatly with overcoming power from on High as we see the day approaching. Grace and peace be unto you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
David J. Meyer
Are You Saved?
"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."
God does have a plan for your life and He has provided a way for your salvation.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16]
The problem is: Man is sinful and separated from God. Thus he cannot know and experience God's love and plan for his life. Man was created to have fellowship with God; but, because of his stubborn self-will, he chose to go his own independent way, and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is an evidence of what the Bible calls sin.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. [Romans 3:23]
The result of this sin, if not dealt with, is eternal damnation. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 6:23]
However, this is not God's perfect plan for you because He loves you and does not want you eternally separated from Him. "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." [2 Peter 3:9]
Man however is continually trying to reach God and the abundant life through his own efforts, such as a good life, philosophy or religion. But, all man's efforts do not bridge the gulf that separates a holy God and sinful man.
Jesus Christ is the Answer! Jesus Christ is God's ONLY provision for man's sin. Through Him you can know and experience God's love and plan for your life. God has bridged the gulf which separates us from Him by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place to pay the penalty for our sins.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5:8]
We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. [John 1:12]

Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us the kind of people He wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins in not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. We receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of the will.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. [Revelation 3:20]
Do you hear Him knocking at your door right now?

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Can you think of anything more wonderful that could happen to you than receiving eternal life through faith in Christ? Would you like to thank God in prayer right now for what He has done for you? By thanking God, you demonstrate your faith. If the following suggested prayer express the desire of your heart, Christ will come into your life, as He promised. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.
"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."
So, What's Next? The moment that you received Christ by faith, as an act of the will, many things happened, including the following:
Christ came into your life (Revelation 3:20 and Colossians 1:27).
Your sins were forgiven (Colossians 1:14).
You became a child of God (John 1:12).
You received eternal life (John 5:24).
You began the great adventure for which God created you (John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

OBAMA, McCAIN, OR HILLARY?

2008-06-09T00:31:00.001-07:00

HUSSEIN, McCAIN, OR HILLARY?
By John Roberts, May 16, 2008 During a recent ABC news interview a high level official said the war in Iraq has been a major success. When told that over two thirds of the public are against the war he responded, "So?" He was then asked if he cares what the American public thinks. He explained, "You can not be blown off course with the "fluctuations in the opinion polls." Interesting comment, since the polls on the war have not fluctuated in over four years.
He then went on to say that there has been fundamental change for the better in Iraq, which is a huge accomplishment. True, there has been fundamental change. But the change is only for the better if you are a Shiite Muslim, but for the worse for everyone else, especially Iraqi Christians.
Before the war Iraq allowed freedom of worship for everyone but Jews. Over a million Christians were able to worship openly and publicly in hundreds of churches in complete safety. Today, Iraq is run by a pro-Iran Shiite government, which is under complete Islamic control. They have imposed Sharia law, which bans Christian worship. Most of the Iraqi Churches have been destroyed. Over half the Iraqi Christians have left Iraq to avoid persecution.
The only functioning church in Iraq sits inside the U.S. protected zone in Baghdad. And it is amazing how some news stations get away with showing this one church over and over again as "proof" the war has been good for Iraqi Christians. But that is another story.
This official, who holds the second highest office in the country, justified and rationalized his "so what" comment with, "the public gets a chance to have their voice heard every four years."
In other words, when the Presidential race is over the elected officials no longer listen to the people, and are free to run the country like a dictator, with no accountability whatsoever. Cleary, the last 7.5 years prove his point.
This is why the elections are so important to the public. The U.S. is in deep trouble, which makes this election even more important. We all know that politicians will say and do anything to get elected. So there is no guarantee that whoever is voted to office will put into place the platform they ran on.
So of the three candidates still left in the race, which one can be counted on to keep their word, implement sound economic policies, and revamp our foreign policy to get us out of the messes the current administration has created?
I wish I knew the answer. But What I can say with some certainty is that at least two of the three candidates still in the running would leave this country after thier first term in office in worse shape than it is now.
No offence intended, but the truth should not be sugar coated or spun for political or social correctness. I am personally offended that Barack Hussein Obama is even in the race, let alone most likely to become the Democratic nominee, and possibly the President of the United States.
I was lecturing by the Pentagon on 9/11. I saw first hand what radical Islam wants to do to the West. The idea that someone with the middle name of Hussein, born to a Muslim goat herder from Kenya, who attended an Islamic fundamentalism school as a child, who as an adult chose a circle of pro-Islamic friends and mentors that "hate Jews, America, the West, and who associated himself with a pastor for 20 years that clearly hates people of European ethnicity, is insane.

Having experienced the 9/11 Muslim terrorist attacks first hand, I must say I find photos of Presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama in full Muslim dress very disturbing to say the least. Innocent photo, maybe. But knowing that the man sat in a church for 20 years while the pastor spewed out anti-American sermons is very revealing; especially in light of his wife's comment about never being proud of America until Hussein decided to run for office.
That aside, Barack is unqualified to run our country. This first time senator's resume includes one job, he was a "community activist" prior to being elected to the Senate. That means he worked for and fought for the rights of one segment of society, not all of society. The President must consider the needs and well being of all Americans. I don't believe Hussein can even relate to most of us, which is evident by his background, friends and associations.
Despite what he says on the campaign trail, this man and his supporters are radical left-wing anti-America racists of the most extreme kind. The economy, foreign policy, and all the other key issues that matter to all Americans will be put on the back burner while his "liberal activist agenda" gets top priority. You can count on it.
The current administration put raising the price of oil, tax breaks for the wealthy and corporate profits as the top agenda. And they have destroyed this once great country of ours. We can not afford to waste another Presidential term on a leader with the wrong agenda.
The sad truth is the Democrats are falling right into the Republican trap. They can't wait for Hussein to win his parties nomination. Only a fraction of Barack's background connections to Islamic and anti-American underground movements have come to light. Conservative radio and news have a truck load of press releases they are just drooling at the mouth to release.
This will, in my opinion, completely swing the national election over to McCain's favor. And that will be just as disastrous for the country. How so? John has publicly said that Bush has done a good job, the country is in better shape today, and he plans to continue the current administration's policies. These comments about the state of affairs in our country are not just incorrect but intellectually disingenuous, and a sign of ego and out-of-touch arrogance so common among the elite and ruling political class in America.
If you are a rich fat cat, a corporate CEO, Saudi Arabian Prince controlling OPEC, a Shiite Muslim in Iraq, or a ditto head that lets a former drug addict tell you how to think, then you will be happy to see McCain in the White House. Under McCain the stealing of our nation's wealth, lose of American jobs to undocumented aliens, continuation of the war in Iraq, high gas prices, housing foreclosures, and raping of the American's future with deficit budgets and a swelling national debt will be continue statue quo.
So who does this leave us with in the Presidential race? Hillary Clinton? It is highly doubtful she will be the Democratic candidate. Democratic leaders are dropping her because they have finally found someone more liberal than a Clinton, Hussein Obama.
Should Obama select Hillary as his running mate I believe they would handily win the White House. But don't count on it. I don't think he wants to share the limelight with the Clintons. And that is a big mistake. Barack will lose the swing states and the election without Hillary on the ticket.
The majority of Barack's support comes from one segment of society which are overwhelming in the Democratic Party, of which he captures about 92% of their vote. But in the general election his supporters do not have the same impact as they do in the Democratic primaries because they only make up about 16% of all voters. And the general election is not a caucus, where a few thousand people can beat down the opposition behind closed doors and force the majority to vote for their candidate.
Despite all of the negative things that have come to light about the Clinton administration they did an outstanding job where it counted, the economy. They reduced the national debt and generated four consecutive surplus budgets. It is a shame that this critical fact is never mentioned in the media.
If you have read my news stories over the years you will see that I am not a Clinton supporter. I am a conservative, and I was a Republican up until the time when no WMDs were found in Iraq. That really opened up my eyes. I haven't left the party. It left me when they became pro-big oil, pro-corporation, pro-Saudi and Islam, and anti-middle class. The Republican Party is no longer conservative, ethical, moral, or a party a real Christian should be associated with anymore. Of course the Democratic Party has never been something a real Christian could support.
So this election is a bit of a dilemma and enigma. With over three hundred million people in the United States I am sure we could find one person with what it takes to straighten out our country. But no, here we are with these three candidates in the finals. A good looking smooth talker that is clearly not ready to lead a superpower out of trouble, an old man well past his prime suffering from senior moments in every increasing frequency, and a liberal but qualified woman that has been outcast from her own party because she is not liberal enough.
I feel like I am watching a bad episode of Survivor. If you have every seen the show you may have noticed that the persons least qualified and deserving typically win the million dollar prize. And it is incomprehensible that the jury votes for the person that most lied to them, stabbed them in the back, and thereby stole the million dollars prize out of their pocket.
John's Take
I think it is a sad comment on society when in this day and age gender and race plays such a major role in our political process. I don't care if the President is a man or a woman, and I don't care about the color of their skin. It pleased God to make mankind with such diversity, so we should enjoy the gifts that all races bring to the table.
But let's get one false story correct. Barack's pastor and spiritual advisor is rewriting history when he preaches "liberation theology." This has roots in hatred and racism, and has much in common with Islamic anti-Americanism and nothing to do with real history or the gospel.
The slavers that instituted the slave trade were predominately Arab and non-Christian British nationals. They raided villages in Africa and sold their captives into bondage in America and other countries.
The people that bought the slaves were predominately Christian, like George Washington. I think it was very sinful, and another example of good people making bad decisions.
Despite what Rev. Wright says, the slaves did not bring Christianity with them to America, and they did not teach their slavers the gospel. The slaves came from the north and west coast of Africa, small villages, predominately pagan, and they worships a plethora of false gods.
But one positive thing that came out of this bad mark in American History is that all those that came to American were introduced to the gospel of Christ. The point is, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
And look where we are today. The black churches in America are the backbone of Christianity here, and a great witness for Christ. I am not talking about the few churches that are focused on liberation theology. I am talking about the majority of black churches that are focused on Christ, someone most "mega churches" have left outside their doors.
But I understand why some people have an affinity with Barack or Hillary, and are supporting them solely for that reason. Nevertheless, it will be a travesty and a step backwards for everyone if Barack gets elected. He is not qualified, he will really mess up the country, and the voting majority will never let us forget it.
If that happens, you will not see another minority elected to the top job for a long time. And that is a shame because there are many potential candidates of Chinese, Hispanic, African American and other minority ethnicity that are well qualified to run this country.
General Colin Powell is an intelligent and patriotic man with integrity. His leadership abilities and judgment are well proven. Too bad he is not running for office. He would make a much better President than any of the choices we now have before us. But as we all know the General was set up by this administration with false justification for the Iraq war.
So here we are, with a candidate pushed and endorsed by an unmarried, elitist billionaire talk show host with no children. As if she represents the typical minority. Actually I see a lot of commonality in both Oprah and Barack. They are very well spoken and likable, yet at the same time very shallow and self-serving.
I don't know who I am going to vote for or if I am even going to vote. These are desperate times and this is a critical election. We won't get another chance for another four years. Yet I don't like any of the choices. I don't think this looks good for us in America, which also has an impact on the economy of the rest of the world.
As a Christians I know America must diminish so that the kingdom of the Antichrist can rise up. So everything that is happening is part of God's plan and He is in control. But remember, when God pours out judgment on a city or nation it is intended for a specific target, not everyone. God always leaves a way out of danger for His elect. You see this over and over again in scripture, be it Noah, Lot, the tribes of Israel during the plagues of Egypt, and the Rapture.
So we should not just sit here and accept what is going on and remain in the line of fire. When you know trouble is coming get out of the way. Don't be complacent and say it is God will, because it isn't. It's God's will that everyone be saved, yet we know some are not saved.
And don't listen to those that say we should not speak out against bad leadership in America. They will try and silence opposition from Christians with the 13th chapter of Romans or 1 Peter 2:13. Tell them these verses have nothing to do with the political system in America. Apostle Paul and Peter were addressing Jews occupied and ruled over by the Roman Empire and their appointed Jewish kings and governors.
The U.S. President is not our king, we are a free country, we enjoy free speech, and our politicians are elected officials. They are accountable to us, or at least that is how the framers of the constitution intended it to be. There are other verses in scripture that command us to speak out and rebuke evil doers.
In some ways America has turned its back on God. Watch the news for 15 minutes and you will see what I mean. And it is our political leaders that have strayed the furthest from God.
One example is our current President. He says he is a Christian, but yet he also says he is a Universalist, believing everyone goes to heaven. That may please his Saudi associates, but it is not gospel in the Bible, because it denies Christ as the only door to God's kingdom. The U.S. has also turned its back on Israel, demanding they allow a Palestinian state on land God gave to them. This is in direct conflict with the will of God.
And an good example of a big talker that failed to produce and went adrift is our Governor of California. Thanks to his poor leadership and management skills our state is now drowning in tens of billions of dollars of debt. It is so bad that our schools now have no money to pay teachers, so they are letting go essential staff. And they are being forced to cancel most after school sports and other programs to make up the budget shortfall.
Arnold's proposal for balancing the budget is to deepen school funding cuts, and take out loans from wall street in exchange for three years of the school funds promised from the California lottery. Wake up Californians, talk about campaigning on one platform and then instituting a different agenda. The Governator needs to be terminated before he can do any more damage.
The point is we need a doer in the White House, that puts the will of God and the people first, not another slick talker.
No doubt we are living in the last days. Don't expect things to get better. No politician is going to save us or the world. Our elected officials actually do more to help the enemies of Christ, specifically Islam and atheism. Let's be honest, there are millions of good Christians still in American. But our government no longer represents the general population. The America I was born into no longer exists.
Look to Christ. He is our Savior. Get right with God. Repent, confess your sins, and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, ask God to come into your heart, and you will be born again and baptize with the Holy Spirit. And that my friend is your ticket out of here before things really fall apart. The Rapture is real, it was taught by the prophets of old, spoken of by Christ and the Apostles, and it will come before the Antichrist is revealed.
And as long as we are still here we need to get busy and do what God has commanded us to do, spread the gospel. So don't waist time worrying about who will win the election. Sure, do your best to put the right candidate in office. But remember, it is out of your hands once you cast a vote. Once he or she takes office they really don't care about us anymore. They are going to do whatever they want and there will be nothing we can do about it for another four years.

The Rapture

2008-04-20T01:52:00.001-07:00

The Rapture
ere is the 50 million dollar question - will there be a Rapture of God's saints before the Tribulation, or will all of God's people living at that time have to go through the Tribulation and possibly be martyred for their faith? I'm going to go ahead and give you the main verses from Scripture that deal with the possibility of a Rapture. There is divided opinion in the Body of Christ as to whether or not there is going to be a Rapture.
Each one of you will have to come to your own conclusion on this subject per your own interpretation of the Scripture verses I will list below. I'll give you my two cents on the subject. I'll point out key words and key phrases in the following verses.
As you will see in the following verses, I feel there is very strong evidence from Scripture that there will be a Rapture - and that it will occur before the Antichrist starts the persecution of God's saints, and before God starts to pour out His wrath upon the earth during the 7 year Tribulation. In other words, it will be a pre-tribulation Rapture.
1. This first verse is very interesting. You already know that one of the names of the Antichrist is the "lawless one" per the Scripture verse I gave you in my first article. This verse is definitely talking about the Antichrist. Here is the verse:
"And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming." (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8)
You know the lawless one is referring to the Antichrist because then the verse says that Jesus will destroy him when He comes back for the second time.
But look very closely at the phrase "only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed .." The "H" in the word "He" is a capital H. This means "He" is either referring to God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit.
Since God and Jesus are in heaven right now, the "He" has to be referring to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has always been referred to as the One who restrains evil from getting out of control on this earth.
It says that the Antichrist cannot be revealed until He is taken out of the way. Since we know that the Holy Spirit still has to be down here even if there is a Rapture, who is "He" referring to? If there is a Rapture, there still will be a multitude of people that are going to get saved and then martyred. If they are saved, then they are sealed with the Holy Spirit, which means the Holy Spirit is living on the inside of them like He is with us.
I believe the "He" may be referring to the "Holy Spirit operating through the Church." This means that the Body of Christ, the Church, will be what is taken out before the Antichrist can be revealed.
Think about this. The Antichrist is going to be very easy to spot once he starts to enter onto the world scene. All of the Scripture verses I gave you on the Antichrist and 7 year Tribulation spell out exactly what is going to occur and there will be more than enough astute Christians who are going to be able to pick up who he is when all of these events start to occur.
With some of the powerful TV ministries that we now have in place, I am sure that the Body of Christ will be shouting from the rooftops once the Antichrist is spotted. The word will be spread and it will become very hard for the Antichrist to rise to the kind of power that the Bible is foretelling.
I believe that the Church has to be taken out, as the above verse is stating, before the Antichrist can be revealed to the rest of the world. And the above verse states that the Antichrist will not be revealed until "He" who is restraining him is taken out of the way!
Once the Body of real believers are raptured off the face of the earth, there will nothing that will be able to stop the Antichrist's rise to power. The rest of the world is going to be easily duped into believing in this man - especially with all of the false signs and wonders that will be performed on his behalf by the False Prophet.
I believe the above verse alone is very strong Scriptural evidence that there will be a Rapture of God's saints before the Antichrist actually rises to full power.
2. This next verse talks about those who are "alive" will be "caught up" to meet the Lord in the "air." Here is the verse:
"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
This verse really seems to be implying that there will be a group of saints who are going to "caught up" or pulled up to meet the Lord in the air while we are still alive! Those words spell possible Rapture to me.
3. The next verse tells us of a "mystery" - that not all of God's saints are going to "sleep" - and that this group is going to be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and that this event will occur at the last trumpet. I believe the Last Trumpet is God's last call to His people, and that it implies that whoever is saved and born again when this trumpet sounds off will be raptured and spared from having to go through the horrors of the 7 year Tribulation.
I believe the word "mystery" is being used to let us know that God is keeping the possibility of a Rapture a secret and a mystery to the rest of the world. This is why many of the Scripture verses pertaining to this event do not perfectly spell it out or state it without any shadow of a doubt. However, there is enough of a hint in these verses for God's own people to pick it up, but not the rest of the unbelieving world. Here is the verse:
"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet." (1 Corinthians 15:51)
I believe that the words "last trumpet" tells us this event will occur at the end of times. The words "shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye," really do describe what could be a Rapture - the immediate vanishing or disappearance of God's people from the face of the earth in the snap of a finger.
4. The next verse is coming direct from Jesus Himself out of the Book of Revelation. Here is the verse:
"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." (Revelation 3:10)
This verse could be literal interpretation - that Jesus will keep His Body of believers that are living at this time out of the hands of the Antichrist. He obviously will do it by either rapturing them off the face of the earth or by providing some kind of physical protection for them if there is no Rapture. My guess is that He will do this by rapturing them off the face of this earth.
5. Here is another verse from Jesus stating that we watch and pray that we be counted worthy to escape all the things that may be coming our way in the end times.
"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36)
This verse really seems to be hinting or implying once again that God is going to allow some of us to escape or be prevented from having to go through the horrific events of the Tribulation.
6. Now here are some additional verses that are not quite as strong as the above verses, but do suggest the possibility that God will keep us from these horrific events.
"... and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
This verse either means Jesus will deliver us before the wrath comes, which would line up with a Rapture, or it may mean when He comes down for the second time at the battle of Armageddon to put an end to all of the carnage with the Antichrist.
"For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
This verse could be implying that His Body will not be appointed or be subject to the events of the Tribulation - or the wrath could simply be pointing to people going to hell for refusing to accept Jesus and His gift of eternal salvation.
Conclusion
If there is going to be a Rapture, I believe that God will rapture His believers off of this earth sometime before the start of the 7 year Tribulation. I don't think He will wait to the midpoint of the Tribulation where the Antichrist seats himself in the Temple proclaiming himself to be God and then starts all the persecution of God's saints.
I believe the Antichrist will be fully revealed to the world near the beginning of the 7 year Tribulation when he enters into a peace treaty and covenant with Israel, and then allows them to start rebuilding their Temple so that he can eventually get into it at the midpoint of the Tribulation to proclaim himself to be God.
And remember the very first verse above, that the Antichrist cannot be revealed until "He" is taken out of the way. And when "He" is taken out of the way, then the Antichrist can be fully revealed to the rest of the world. And the "He" in my opinion may be the Church or the main Body of believers that are living at the time of these events.
The other reason I think the Rapture will occur sometime before the start of the 7 year Tribulation is that the Antichrist is going to need some time to set things up. Once the Church is taken out, he will be free to start operating at full throttle.
The first thing he is going to do is convince and persuade the rest of the world to follow him, and I feel he will first do this by trickery and deception. If he starts the mass persecution too early on those who will not accept and take his mark, he will risk not being able to gain full control of everything.
I believe he will first suck everyone in by peace and diplomacy and the promise of a better world. Then once he has enough of the nations on his side and the Jewish Temple has once more rebuilt, that will be the time He will then go for all of the marbles.
He will seat himself up in the Temple at the midpoint of the Tribulation, proclaim himself to be God, kill anyone who will not accept his mark, and will then seek total world domination and control.
Think about this. This one man, through the power of Satan, will get a chance to have more power and more control over the entire world than any other man has ever had during the entire course of our human history. This will be the ultimate ego trip for a power hungry human being.
I believe that the last three and half years of the Tribulation is going to be the last and final history lesson from God to us. With the Church being taken out of the way so Satan and the Antichrist can operate at full force, I feel that God is going to show all of us how much terror, death and destruction humans and demons are capable of committing if given half the chance without God directly intervening.
In three and half years, Satan and the Antichrist are going to cause so much death and destruction on this earth, that Jesus Himself says that had these days not been shortened by God the Father Himself - that no flesh would have been saved! I really feel that Satan, if he knew he had the chance, would set up the entire scenario with the Antichrist to destroy the entire world through nuclear weaponry.
Satan already knows he is defeated. He already knows he will eventually end up in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone forever and ever. He knows that this will be his last and final chance for mass destruction and terror. He hates all humans and anything to do with God and heaven.
If God would allow him anymore time than the three and half years, I really believe Satan would set the world up for mass destruction through nuclear weapons. He would then have the satisfaction that he literally destroyed the entire world before he goes to his final fate.
But thank our God, He will not allow this scenario to go this far. But God is going to allow it to go far enough to teach all of us a lesson that we will never, ever forget. He is going to show us how quickly humans can be deceived by Satan and his demons, and the only thing that has kept this world in one piece throughout human history has simply been the power and restraining force of God the Father Himself operating through the Holy Spirit.
Bottom line - there is only maximum life with God or maximum death without Him. The last three and half years of the Tribulation will show us what maximum death will really be like when God removes His Church off the face of this earth, and then allows the Devil and the Antichrist to do what they want with the power that will be given to them.
After we watch and see all of these horrific events unfold, we will never, ever want to forsake our God again. We will come to the full realization that without God in our lives - we can never have or find true happiness, joy, love, peace or fulfillment in our lives.
Without God in our lives, there is only eventual maximum death - and the last three and half years of this Tribulation is going to prove that point once and for all to all of us. It will be the greatest history lesson that the world will ever receive, and something that we will never, ever forget for the rest of our eternal lives.
Will there be a Rapture? You will each have to decide for yourselves on the way the above Scripture verses are worded. My own personal conclusion, after putting all the above verses together like pieces to a jigsaw puzzle, is that there will be a Rapture, and that it will occur sometime before the beginning of the 7 year Tribulation.
I believe the Rapture is a "mystery" from God and that it is "hidden" in the above verses. God does not want the rest of the unbelieving world to have full access to this mystery, otherwise people will be accepting His gift of eternal salvation for the wrong reasons - to escape the coming horrors of the Tribulation and not with a true, repentant heart to want to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior for the sinners that we all truly are.
Again, you may want to put this article on the shelf in the event that we start to fast approach end time events in our lifetime. This article will make for good debate with other Christians who may not believe in the Rapture.

Main End Time Events

2008-04-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

Summary Outline ofMain End Time Events
er the series of articles I did on this topic, I'm going to go ahead and do a summary outline on the main events and the possible order in which they will occur. I will not be stating any Scripture verses. This will all just be put into an outline form so you can have, at a quick glance, all of the major events that will be occurring leading up to Jesus' second coming to our earth. The best way to break up all of these events is to list all of the events that will be occurring before the 7 year Tribulation starts, all of the events that will be occurring during the Tribulation, and then all of the events that will occur after the Tribulation. Once the Tribulation starts, we know we have exactly 7 years before Jesus comes back.
Main Events That Will OccurBefore the Tribulation
1. Restoration of the State of Israel
The Jewish people return to the land of Israel and re-establish it as a state. This sign has already come to pass and it occurred on 5/14/48. The city of Jerusalem was then regained by the Jewish people on 6/7/67.
2. Miscellaneous Signs
Jesus Himself tells us that the following signs will occur as we approach the end times.
a) Perilous times will come.b) False Christs and false prophets will arise.c) Wars and rumors of wars.d) Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom.e) Famines, pestilences and earthquakes.f) Lawlessness and immorality will abound.g) Love of many will grow cold.h) Christians will depart from the faith giving heed to doctrines of demons.i) Men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, unholy, proud, boasters, blasphemers, unloving, disobedient to parents, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, traitors, headstrong, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God and unthankful.
3. Rise of the Antichrist, False Prophet and a 10 Nation Confederacy From Which They Will Rule This Earth From.
4. Rise of the City of Babylon
5. Russia and Her Allies Will Invade Israel. God Will Then Supernaturally Destroy This Invading Army.
Main Events That Will Occur During the 7 Year Tribulation
1. The Antichrist Establishes a Peace Treaty and a Covenant with Israel
2. The Jewish Temple is Rebuilt
3. God's Counterbalances:
The 2 Witnesses
144,000 Jewish Witnesses
Major Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Angel of the Everlasting Gospel allowed to preach the gospel
4. The Antichrist Will Destroy the City of Babylon
5. A War in Heaven Breaks Out
St. Michael the Archangel and his angels cast Satan out of the second heaven and onto the earth. The Devil becomes furious when this event occurs because he knows that his time is short.
6. The Abomination of Desolation
Three and half years into the Tribulation, the Antichrist will break his peace treaty with Israel, seat himself up in their rebuilt temple and proclaim himself to be God.
7. The 7 Seal Judgments
These 7 judgments will probably occur during the first half of the Tribulation. They are as follows:
a) The Antichrist will be released and allowed to set out to conquer the earth.b) The Antichrist will be allowed to take peace from the earth and cause many people to kill one another.c) The Antichrist will cause slave labor conditions to exist where people will be working for minimum pay just to be able to buy enough food for a day.d) The martyrs will cry out to God in heaven to avenge their deaths. God says to wait just a little while longer.e) God causes a great earthquake to hit the earth, causing every mountain and every island to move out of its place. He also causes the sun to turn black and the moon to look like blood.f) There is silence in heaven for a half an hour. An angel offers the prayers of God's people to Him to avenge them.
8. The 7 Trumpet Judgments
These 7 judgments will occur during the middle to latter part of the Tribulation. They are as follows:
a) God rains down hail and fire upon the earth - burning up one third of the trees and all of the green grass.b) God releases a meteor into the sea turning one third of the sea into blood, killing one-third of all living creatures in the sea and destroying one third of the ships that are on the sea.c) God releases another meteor, hitting one third of the rivers and springs, causing contamination of the water and many men to die.d) God strikes a third of the sun, a third of the moon and a third of the stars so that they give no light. This causes a third of the day not to shine.e) The bottomless pit is allowed to open up releasing a huge swarm of locusts to attack all the people who do not have God's seal on their foreheads. They are not allowed to kill these people, but to just torment them with their bite. These people will be seeking death and will not be able to find it.f) 4 demonic angels are released from the Euphrates river to kill a third of mankind. These 4 demonic angels will lead an army of 200 million demonic spirits to carry out this mass slaughter of humans.g) Heaven is now beginning to rejoice because God is releasing His wrath upon the wicked on the earth and extracting His vengeance. God then releases more lightnings, another earthquake and more great hail upon the earth.
9. The 7 Bowl Judgments
These 7 judgments will occur during the latter part of the Tribulation. They are as follows:
a) God causes loathsome sores to fall upon those who have the mark of the Beast.b) God causes the entire sea waters to become blood - killing every living creature in the seas.c) God causes all the rivers and springs to turn into blood.d) God causes the heat from the sun to scorch men with great heat and fire.e) God causes total darkness to fall upon the kingdom of the Antichrist.f) The Euphrates river is allowed to dry up so as to prepare the way for the kings of the east to come to the battle of Armageddon. Then 3 demonic spirits are released from the mouths of the Antichrist and False Prophet and they go out to all the kings of the earth to bring all of them to the battle of Armageddon.g) God causes the greatest and most severe earthquake to hit the earth. The city of Babylon is completely finished off and swallowed up whole. This earthquake causes all of the islands to flee away and all of the mountains to be no longer found. God then rains down great hailstones weighing 135 pounds each. God then says: "It is done."
10. The Battle of Armageddon
All the nations of the world come against Jerusalem. Half of the city will go into captivity, houses will be rifled and the women ravished. Then deliverance comes!
Main Events That Will OccurAfter the Tribulation
1. The Second Coming of Jesus
Immediately following the Tribulation and right in the middle of the battle of Armageddon, Jesus literally descends from heaven where every eye will be able to see Him. Jesus will land on the Mount of Olives and He will then destroy all of the invading armies who have come against Jerusalem. Their flesh will dissolve while they stand on their feet, their eyes will dissolve in their sockets and their tongues will dissolve in their mouths.
Jesus then throws the Antichrist and False Prophet into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. Jesus then throws Satan into the bottomless pit where he is kept chained up for a 1000 years. The rest of unsaved humanity is kept in Hades (Hell) until the 1000 Millennium Kingdom is over.
2. The Millennium Kingdom
Jesus will literally rule our earth from the city of Jerusalem for 1000 years with all of the saints ruling the nations of the earth with Him. There will be no more wars ever again. Wild animals and beasts will be tame. People will live long lives - possibly up to a 1000 years. There will be no more weeping or crying.
3. Satan is Let Loose One More Time
After the 1000 years have passed in the Millennium Kingdom, Satan is let loose from the bottomless pit for a little while in order to go out and attempt to deceive the nations of the world for one last time. God allows Satan to tempt and weed out the restless bad apples that were born into the Millennium Kingdom. They will all converge on the city of Jerusalem to go into battle.
Before any battle is fought, God will destroy this invading army with fire. Satan is then cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone where he will now join the Antichrist and False Prophet. All three of them will now remain in this place forever and ever and we will never hear from the devil again.
4. The Great White Throne Judgment
All of unsaved humanity is now pulled up out of Hades (Hell) where they will now all stand before God for their final judgment. All of those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life are thrown into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone where they will all remain forever with Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet.
5. The New Heaven and New Earth
Our earth and our atmospheric heaven are now done away with, and in its place we will get a new heaven and a new earth. There will no longer be any seas. There will no longer be any night. There will no longer be any sun or moon because the glory of God will be illuminating the earth.
There will no longer be any more death in any way, shape or form. The curse of Adam and Eve will have finally been broken and done away with for good. There will be no more sorrow, pain, crying or weeping. All things will be made new.
God the Father Himself will now come down from heaven and dwell with man forever and ever in this new heaven and new earth. We will also get a new city of Jerusalem which will come down from heaven itself.
This new city will be like a square and possibly 1500 miles wide. The foundations of the walls will be adorned with all kinds of precious stones. There will be 12 gates with an angel at each gate. The gates will be made of solid pearl and the streets will be solid gold.
There shall no longer be any temple as God and Jesus will be the temple Themselves. All the nations of the earth shall walk in Their light and the gates into this city will never be closed.
Now with Satan, all of his demons, and all of the bad and unsaved people taken out of this new heavenly environment, we will now all live happily ever after with God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, all of God's good angels and all of our saved loved ones in the most perfect God-environment imaginable - with no more pain, sorrow or death ever again!
This is our final end. This is our ultimate destination. Keep your eyes on this final glorious end as we start to approach and enter into these end time events. It will help get you through the fire.
Remember, God will win in the end and so will you if you keep your faith in Jesus Christ through what may be some very difficult times ahead. Jesus Himself has already told us that those who are the overcomers in this life will be the ones to rule the nations of the world with Him in these coming eras.

WARNING ! Do Not take the Mark of the Beast

2008-04-20T01:37:00.000-07:00

WARNING !! Do Not Take the Mark of the Beast
This article on the mark of the beast will be short, sweet and straight to the point. This will be an extension off of the articles that I just did on all of the events that will be occurring leading up to the return of Jesus back to our earth to set up His Millennium Kingdom. In the first article I did titled "Basic Overview of Main End Time Events," I gave you the verse on how the False Prophet will set up a system on how he and the Antichrist will try to get everyone to receive the mark of the beast on either their foreheads or their right hands. The verse then goes on to say how no one will be able to buy or sell anything without this mark. The verse also says that anyone who will not worship the Beast will be killed.
Due to the extreme importance on just this one issue, I'm going to go ahead and restate this verse. I will then give you the verse on God's warning regarding this specific event. This verse is talking about the False Prophet and what he is going to do.
"He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666." (Revelation 13:15-18)
Now here is the real scary part. God Himself says in the Book of Revelation that none of His people are to receive this mark of the beast. If they do, they will end up coming under His wrath that will be released upon the earth during the latter part of the Tribulation.
God then pronounces what is the most dire warning imaginable if any of His people receive this mark. He flat out says that in addition to suffering His wrath that will be poured out during these last days - that they will also end up in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone where the Antichrist, the False Prophet and Satan will eventually end up.
In other words, you will go straight to hell when you die - no if, ands or buts about it!
Let these words sink into your memory banks and don't ever forget them in the event that there is no Rapture and the Tribulation takes place in our lifetime. Here is the verse giving all of us this very dire warning:
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation.
And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." (Revelation 14:9-11)
Notice the very graphic warning that God gives in reference to ending up in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. You will end up in this place and the smoke of your torment will ascend forever and ever - with no relief ever. This horrible torment will last day and night forever and ever!
Bottom line - all Christians who get caught up in this predicament will have to be willing to lay down their lives for God and Jesus. In other words, you will be martyred for your faith. This will be the ultimate test of faith for any Christian to pass.
I really believe that God put this warning in writing in His Word because He knows many of His people may get weak and scared if they are approached with this choice by the Antichrist.
But each Christian will simply have to override any fears or doubts that they may have, believe what the Word of God has to say about the matter and be willing to die for their faith in Jesus. If they do not, their eventual end will be too horrible for any human words to describe.
I have already done an article on the possibility of a Rapture. Hopefully, there is going to be a Rapture of God's saints before the Tribulation starts, and we will not have to go through any of these horrible events. If there is going to be a Rapture, then the saints who will be persecuted will be the people that get saved after the Rapture occurs.
It's almost as if God may be saying to the ones that get saved after the Rapture - "You all had your chance to accept My salvation before the Rapture and turned it down. Now that the Rapture has taken place, you now know that My people were telling you the truth about My message of salvation. Now I will accept any and all who are willing to come to Me, but you will have to prove yourself to Me by being willing to die for your faith in Me by refusing to worship or receive the mark of the beast."
If all of these events occur in our lifetime, I believe God will use all of us to get the message out to as many people as possible in order to save as many people as He possibly can from all of these horrible events. If there is going to be a Rapture, then it obviously is going to be the first train out, and God will try and get as many people warned, saved, and on that first train as He possibly can.
But the sad reality is that there are many stubborn people out there who will not accept God's free gift of eternal salvation the first time around and they are going to have to suffer the extreme consequences for not doing so.
Hopefully, they will accept God's gift of eternal salvation through His Son the second time around after all of the saints have been Raptured - but then it will cost them their physical lives as they will end up being martyred for refusing to accept the mark of the Antichrist.
Pray that none of your loved ones miss the first train out if there is going to be a Rapture.
But if by chance they miss the Rapture, let them know they are NOT to take the mark of the beast if they are ever faced with having to make this choice.

Why Study Biblical Prophecy? Pt.4

2008-04-04T03:20:00.001-07:00

Why Study Biblical Prophecy? - Part 4 - by Dr. Renald Showers - www.ankerberg.org

Four reasons why the study of biblical prophecy is important were presented in previous articles. This present article will present the fifth reason.

Fifth, the study of biblical prophecy is intended by God to purify the believer's life and to change his or her priorities. Two aspects of prophetic revelation serve that purpose.

The first aspect: The imminency of Christ's return. The English word "imminent" means "hanging over one's head, ready to befall or overtake one; close at hand in its incidence" ("imminent," The Oxford English Dictionary, 1901, V, 66). Thus, an imminent event is one that is always hanging overhead, is constantly ready to befall or overtake a person, is always close at hand in the sense that it could happen at any moment. Other things may happen before the imminent event, but nothing else must take place before it happens. If something else must take place before an event can happen, that event is not imminent.

One never knows exactly when an imminent event will happen. Because of this, a person cannot count on a certain amount of time transpiring before an imminent event occurs. Thus, one should always be prepared for it to happen at any moment.

In light of the meaning of "imminent" and the fact that the next coming of Christ has not yet occurred, the concept of the imminent coming of Christ is as follows: His next coming is always hanging overhead, is constantly ready to befall or overtake us, is always close at hand in the sense that it could happen at any moment. Other things may happen before His coming, but biblically nothing else must happen before it takes place. If something else must happen first, then His next coming is not imminent.

The concept of the imminent coming of Christ prompts the conclusion that we do not know exactly when He will come. Because of this, we cannot count on a certain amount of time transpiring before His coming. Therefore, we should always be ready for Him to come at any moment.

Numerous Bible scholars from various church and theological backgrounds have concluded that the New Testament teaches or implies the imminent coming of Christ in the following passages: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 4:5; 15:51-52; 16:22; Philippians 3:20; 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; Titus 2:13; James 5:8-9; 1 John 2:28; Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 17, 20.

We shall examine James 5:8-9 as an example of a passage that teaches the imminency of Christ's return. James wrote the following to believers: "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door."

It is important to note that James used the Greek perfect tense in the verb forms translated "draweth" in the expression "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh" and "standeth" in the expression "the judge standeth before the door." The Greek perfect tense refers to an action that was completed in the past, but the results of that action continue into the present. Thus, in the first expression James was saying that the next coming of Christ drew near in the past before he wrote his epistle, and that it continued to be near in the present while he was writing his epistle.

In the second expression James was claiming that there was a genuine sense in which Christ took His stand as judge at the door of Heaven before he wrote his epistle, and that He continued to stand at the door of Heaven in the present while he was writing his epistle. James thereby implied that Christ could step through the door of Heaven at any moment and confront His Church saints as judge at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

James clearly indicated that, in light of the fact that Christ could return at any moment and confront His Church saints as judge, Christians should be careful how they treat their fellow believers (v. 9). He thereby implied the following truth: The fact that Christ's next coming is imminent should make a difference in the way Christians live. They should be living holy, godly lives every moment of every day, because in the very next moment Christ could step through the door of Heaven and confront them face-to-face.

The Apostle John emphasized the same truth when he wrote the following to Christians: "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming" (1 John 2:28).

The second aspect: The future destruction of the present earth and universe. In 2 Peter 3 the Apostle Peter wrote, "the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and all the works that are therein shall be burned up" (v. 10). Peter thereby foretold the future destruction of the present earth and universe, including everything that mankind has designed and made during the history of this earth. This means that all of our present material possessions will be totally destroyed.

In light of the certainty of this future destruction, Peter then said the following to Christians: "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" (v. 11). His point was this: The fact that the present earth, universe and all our material possessions will be destroyed in the future should make a difference in our values, priorities and how we live in the present. We should be holy in our daily conduct. The thing that should motivate us and give us ultimate meaning and purpose in life is the glory and pleasing of God, not money, material things, or the present world system. Because all these earthly things are temporary and doomed for destruction, we should conform our values and priorities to those of the future eternal state (vv. 13-14).

Are you investing your life in the things that will perish or the things that will last forever? How are you training your children to invest their lives? Is your bank in Heaven, or is your heaven in the bank?

Why Study Biblical Prophecy? Pt.3

2008-04-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

Why Study Biblical Prophecy? - Part 3 - by Dr. Renald Showers - www.ankerberg.org

Reasons For Studying Biblical Prophecy

Three reasons why the study of biblical prophecy is important were presented in our previous article. This present article will present the fourth reason.

Fourth, it is impossible to understand God's plan and purpose for Israel apart from the study of biblical prophecy. The Bible reveals that God established a unique relationship with Israel as a nation. Moses made the following statements to the generation of Israelites who were to enter the land of Canaan years after Israel's exodus out of Egypt: "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 7:6; see also 14:2).

In addition, the Scriptures indicate that God established this unique relationship with Israel forever. 2 Samuel 7:24 records the following statement of King David to God: "For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee forever." In addition, the Apostle Paul indicated that, in spite of Israel's unbelief, God's election or calling of the nation Israel for this unique relationship will never change (Romans 11:26-29).

The Bible also reveals that God did not establish this unique relationship with Israel because they were greater than any other people. Moses told them, "The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people" (Deuteronomy 7:7). Instead, God established it because He had a unique, sovereign purpose for Israel as a nation.

God sovereignly purposed that the nation Israel play a key role in the fulfillment of His purpose for history. One aspect of that key role was this: God determined to bring great blessing to the whole world through Israel. God promised to bless the world through Abraham's offspring: "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 22:18). The fact that God repeated that promise to Abraham's son, Isaac (Genesis 26:4), and grandson, Jacob (Genesis 28:14), whose twelve sons became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel, indicates that God purposed to bring this promised blessing to the world through the nation Israel.

God has already brought great blessings to the world through Israel. The Bible came through that nation. The Apostle Paul wrote that unto the Jews "were committed the oracles of God" (Romans 3:1-2). The Messiah-Savior came to the world by birth through Israel. Concerning the Israelites, Paul said, "of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came" (Romans 9:4-5). Since the Messiah, who provided salvation for all people, was a Jew in His humanity, then salvation came through Israel. Jesus Himself said, "salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22).

Biblical prophecy indicates that another aspect of Israel's key role is yet future. God will not totally crush Satan and his forces and establish His future theocratic kingdom rule to the world until the nation of Israel repents by recognizing and accepting Jesus Christ as its Messiah-Savior. Zechariah 12-14 reveals that, when the rulers and armies of all the Gentile nations of the world will come against Israel in the future (12:1-9), the remnant of Jews who are still alive will see the Messiah coming out of Heaven. When they see the evidences of His past crucifixion, they will repent (change their minds toward Him) and will mourn over His past rejection (12:10-14). God will cleanse them from their sin (13:1). Messiah will then go to battle and destroy the rulers and armies of the world (14:1-3, 12-15; Rev. 19:11-21) and have Satan imprisoned in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:1-3). Then He will establish God's theocratic kingdom and will rule as "king over all the earth" (Zech. 14:9, 16-21; Rev. 20:4-6). In that theocratic kingdom Israel will be the spiritual leader of the world. The people of Israel will "be named the Priests of the LORD " and the Gentiles will call them "the Ministers of our God" (Isaiah 61:6). The Gentiles will take hold of the Jews, "saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you" (Zechariah 8:23).

Contrary to the divinely inspired statements of King David (2 Samuel 7:24) and the Apostle Paul (Romans 11:26-29) noted earlier, some professing Christians insist that God did not establish His unique relationship with Israel forever. They believe that, because Israel as a nation rejected Jesus Christ in His First Coming, God permanently removed Israel as a nation from that unique relationship and replaced it with the New Testament Church. They claim that God will save individual Jews, but that He has no present or future national program for Israel. This belief definitely affects their thinking concerning the right of Israel to exist as a national entity in the Middle East today. It also causes them to reject the idea that God has purposed Israel to play a future key role in the fulfillment of His purpose for history. A significant part of the reason for this belief is the neglect or allegorical interpretation of biblical prophecy.

I received an expression of this belief from a group of four men after a message in which I referred to the 1947 United Nations mandate for a nation-state of Israel to be established in a portion of the land of Palestine. They insisted that the United Nations never issued such a mandate, and that the Jews went into Palestine and violently took the land away from its rightful owners without any legal authority. In response to my claim that history books record the United Nations mandate, they said, "It doesn't matter what the history books say; it never happened." When I said that they could go to the United Nations building in New York and see the written mandate, they said, "It still doesn't matter, it never happened."

The next article will present a fifth reason why the study of biblical prophecy is important.

Why Study Biblical Prophecy? Pt.2

2008-04-04T03:18:00.000-07:00

Why Study Biblical Prophecy? - Part 2 - Reasons for Studying Biblical Prophecy - by Renald Showers

In our previous article we noted four negative attitudes that people have toward the study of biblical prophecy. These negative attitudes are unfortunate, because there are significant reasons why the study of biblical prophecy is important. This present article will present three of those reasons.

First, one-fifth to one-fourth of the Bible is prophecy. In light of this, those people who reject the study of biblical prophecy because of a negative attitude toward it choose to avoid twenty to twenty-five per cent of the biblical revelation that God has given to mankind-revelation that God wants human beings to possess and heed. This avoidance amounts to willful rejection of a major portion of God's truth and, therefore, has serious implications.

Second, it is impossible to understand God's purpose for history apart from the study of biblical prophecy. Isaiah 46:9-11 quotes the following divine declaration, "I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:.I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." Isaiah 14:24, 26-27 states, "The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:.This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"

These Scriptures reveal that there is one true God, and that He has a sovereign purpose for this earth's history. The evidence that He is the true God and that He has a sovereign purpose for history is this: In the past He planned and purposed what would happen on earth throughout history. On the basis of what He planned and purposed, through His prophets God declared to mankind what would happen in the future, even to the end of this earth's history. Then, during the course of history He sovereignly causes to happen all that He planned and purposed and declared through His prophets. No one can prevent God from fulfilling His sovereign purpose for history.

Nebuchadnezzar, ancient Babylon's greatest king, learned by personal experience that the God of the Bible has a sovereign purpose for what happens in history. After God had completed His infliction of the king with a form of mental illness that caused him to live like a wild animal, Nebuchadnezzar wrote the following: "I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:34-35)

The prophetic Scriptures are the written record of what God through the prophets declared to mankind would happen even to the end of this earth's history. Since those divine declarations were based upon what God had planned and purposed for history, no one can understand God's purpose for history apart from the study of biblical prophecy.

In light of the fact that God has a sovereign purpose for this earth's history, that on the basis of that purpose He declared to mankind what would happen to the end of history, and that the prophetic Scriptures are the written record of that divine declaration, it is no mistake that the Book of Revelation was the last book of the Bible written. God intended it to be the capstone of His divine declaration to mankind, because it foretells how He will complete His purpose for history. Because this is so, the person who decides to avoid the study of Revelation will remain completely oblivious to how God will complete His purpose.

Third, the study of biblical prophecy is an effective evangelistic tool. God had His declarations of future events recorded in written form in the Scriptures, not to satisfy the curiosity of people concerning what will happen, but to be a life-changing tool for people of every generation. God uses the study of biblical prophecy to serve as a warning to unsaved people: To warn them of the future wrathful judgment that He has purposed for this rebellious world and for all people who fail to receive His gracious gift of salvation through faith in His crucified, buried and resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit uses biblical prophecy to impress unsaved people with the urgency of their trusting Christ as their Savior now, before it may be too late for them.

I personally have witnessed people coming to a personal saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the study and teaching of biblical prophecy. For example, one church that had asked me to conduct a prophecy conference urged its people to invite unsaved acquaintances to the sessions. One woman invited her eight fellow office-workers to attend the conference. Every one of them came, and all eight trusted Christ as Savior. At the same conference, a believer, who was a custodian at a public school, brought the unsaved superintendent of that city's public school system to the conference men's breakfast. In response to the study from biblical prophecy that was presented at that breakfast, the superintendent placed his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Any Christian who avoids the study and teaching of biblical prophecy thereby fails to use an effective evangelistic tool that God has given to us.

My next article will present the fourth reason why the study of biblical prophecy is important.

Why Study Biblical Prophecy? Pt.1

2008-04-04T03:16:00.000-07:00

Why Study Biblical Prophecy? - Part 1 - Different Attitudes of People - by Renald E. Showers -

Many people have negative attitudes toward the study of biblical prophecy. For example, there are those who say, "I'm only concerned about the present, so don't bother me with ideas about the future." A scientist friend of mine ran into such people while on a commercial flight. In a letter to me he gave the following account of what happened while he was in the process of reading a book on the Rapture of the Church:

I'd read the first several chapters by the time the stewardess had noticed how enthralled I was with the book. She asked what it was that I was finding so interesting (instead of her I presume), so I explained my excitement in such a scholarly treatment of the rapture question. It only took about 17.6 seconds for a frigidness to quash her formerly bubbly self. The next thing I knew was that she was wondering loudly why "people like me are always worrying about that stuff. There isn't enough love being shown now and if God is love then we should be spreading more of it around instead of worrying about the future." She had most of the First Class passengers nodding in agreement and looking at me like I had just brought the plague on board. Talk about instant isolation. She didn't even give me the chance to say that the imminency of the concept would encourage that very lifestyle (as well as other more Godly living, which I began to realize was the real problem). Needless to say it was a long, long six hour flight!

Other people express a second negative attitude toward the study of biblical prophecy. It goes like this: "Nobody can understand the prophecies in the Bible, so why bother to study them? Such effort is a useless waste of time." There was a prominent pastor who spent many years preaching systematically throughout the entire Bible. When he came to the Book of Revelation, this is what he told his congregation:

You will not see me for several weeks. During that time I am not to be disturbed. In essence, I am going into hiding. Here is the reason why: When I was a student in seminary, my professor of New Testament said, "We shall not study the Book of Revelation, because no one can understand it." Due to this lack in my seminary training, I know almost nothing about the last book of the Bible. Because of this, during the next several weeks I shall bury myself in the study of Revelation so that I can preach it to you.

The negative attitude of this pastor's professor of New Testament toward the study of the Book of Revelation is tragic for at least two reasons. First, those who ignore Revelation will miss the following special blessing that Jesus Christ proclaimed in conjunction with that book: "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein" (Rev. 1:3). Second, the very fact that the Book of Revelation and all other biblical prophecies were given by God to mankind through divine revelation and were recorded accurately through the means of divine inspiration (1 Cor. 2:9-13; 2 Pet. 1:19-21) indicates that God wants human beings to possess these prophecies and to pay attention to them. Otherwise He would never have given them to mankind. In light of this, those persons, who for any reason fail to heed them, will miss what God intends and desires for them.

A third negative attitude toward the study of biblical prophecy is expressed by some Christians. In essence it is this: "There are very few, if any, prophecies in the Bible concerning events that will transpire in the future beyond our present time. Almost all biblical prophecies were fulfilled by the end of the First Century A.D.. For example, the great tribulation to which Jesus Christ referred in Matthew 24:21-22 was fulfilled by the events associated with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and Israel as a nation state in 70 A. D.. This was Christ's coming in judgment upon the Jewish nation that had rejected Him."

A fourth negative attitude toward the study of biblical prophecy is the result of the mishandling of the prophetic Scriptures by some Bible teachers and preachers. Tragically over the years some have claimed that the prophetic Scriptures gave them information that enabled them to set a date for the Rapture or Second Coming of Christ, or to identify the personal name of the Antichrist. For example, during the era of World War II some prominent Bible teachers and preachers in Great Britain and North America claimed that Bible prophecy indicated that Hitler or Mussolini was the Antichrist. More recently a prominent Christian leader used a book, radio broadcasts, billboards and other means to promote the idea that Christ would return in His Second Coming to destroy the world in the Fall of a specific year that is now past. When time proved these men to be wrong, this not only seriously wounded the credibility of their personal ministries, but it also gave the unsaved more cause to ridicule biblical Christianity and soured the attitude of many Christians toward the study and teaching of biblical prophecy.

Two things should be noted in conjunction with this fourth negative attitude. First, instead of learning from the past mistakes of teachers and preachers, some today continue the same mishandling of the prophetic Scriptures by setting dates for the Rapture or Second Coming of Christ, or by claiming that a certain prominent individual today is the Antichrist.

Second, those Christians who are negative toward the study and teaching of biblical prophecy because of these past or present abuses are guilty of throwing out the baby with the dirty bath water. Instead of rejecting the study and teaching of biblical prophecy because of abuses, they should reject the abuses, but hold on to the valid study and teaching of the prophetic Scriptures. They should do so because there are significant reasons why the study and teaching of biblical prophecy is important. My next article will look at some of those reasons.

PRAYER REQUEST

2008-03-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

PRAYER REQUEST:

I have a niece who just had a heart transplant at the age of 17. She is currently up in Seattle at the Children's Hospital on her 6th day with the new heart. My family is on the verge of losing their home due to the Sub Prime Interest Loan fiasco. Both my sisters and aging mother as well as my niece all live together as they have done their whole life. Both my sisters are working themselves to serious health problems trying to make the mortgage payments only to be getting in deeper each month. They cannot refinance because they are unable to stay current for 6 months to qualify for refinance. My sister, the mother of my niece with heart transplant spends all her time working and helping kids in their activities. They do so much for so many people only to be at the short end of the stick. I am worried that they will be kicked out of their home leaving my niece in a terrible situation being that she will need special care for quite some time to come. The stress that they are all facing is unlike anything I have ever encountered and their health depends on a miracle and fast. I ask that you will pray for them and that God will provide a solution......God Bless......Terry/PWNG

Hope of the Ages -- Part 7

2008-03-19T02:26:00.001-07:00

The Hope of the Ages -- Part 7 - by Mike Stallard - www.ankerberg.org/Articles/biblical-prophecy/BP0401W4.htm

This article is the seventh in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Previous articles have addressed the wonderful prospect of hope for the separate institutions of the nation Israel, the Church, and the Gentile nations. This article will focus on God's specific plan and deliverance for the created order itself.

It is clear that God's original creation plan included a beautiful earth with men and women reflecting God on earth as His image in several ways. Among those was mankind's exercise of dominion over the planet and its various creatures (Gen. 1:26-28). God directed this plan with more detail when Adam is given a place to live (Eden), a job to perform in tending the garden, a command to keep, and a companion to assist him (Gen. 2:15-25). It is also highly significant that God gave Adam responsibility to name the animals (Gen. 2:19).

However, God also gave Adam and Eve free will. It was possible for them to disobey God's commands. The temptation of Eve by the serpent and the ultimate fall of Adam into rebellion against God lead to judgments from God that mar the very created order that God had given to them (Gen. 3:14-19). Especially significant for our discussion is the curse that comes upon the world because of Adam's sin. The ground itself is cursed (3:17). This means a couple of things for humankind. First, new elements will exist in the created order, which are unpleasant. Specifically, thorns and thistles are mentioned. It is no surprise that three of the Gospels mention the crown of thorns that Jesus was forced to wear at His crucifixion. They represent His own identification with the curse brought about by Adam's transgression. His death on the cross was meant to provide the basis for eliminating that curse. Men and women can have His work on the cross applied to their own lives by simple faith, that is, trusting what He did on the cross to take away their own sin and guilt brought on by the curse. The second relevant application of the ground being cursed is the fact that hard work will now be required on Adam's part. The land will yield its plant food only with much difficulty.

Of course, the most terrible aspect of the curse brought into the created order by Adam's sin is the fact of death itself. The New Testament affirms that death entered into the entire cosmos by Adam's sin (Rom. 5:13). The entire creation "waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God" (Rom. 8:19-21). Thus, the universe, not just planet earth, appears to have been made subject to the curse of death due to Adam's rebellion. Furthermore, this passage pictures the created order as longing for its own deliverance from this devastating predicament.

Therefore, it is not surprising to find that God's plan of the ages includes the hope and promise of the complete restoration of nature itself. This is expressed in several places in both Old and New Testaments. Representative of Old Testament teaching would be the prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Zechariah. All of these prophets speak of the ultimate and final restoration of the Messianic Davidic kingdom of Israel. However, they make clear that simultaneous with this restoration will be the renewal of the earth itself. The kingdom will be a time "when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills" (Amos 9:13 NIV; Cp. Joel 3:18; Is. 65). The desert and wilderness will blossom (Is. 35:1). The coming of the Messiah to deliver Jerusalem in the end times (Christ's Second Coming) brings with it topological and natural changes to the earth itself and there will be "no more curse" (Zech. 14:4-11). There is no reason not to take such expressions in a straightforward way as teaching the reversal of the natural implications of the curse described in Genesis.

Furthermore, in the prophets such future renewal is not limited to just plant life. Isaiah pictures the kingdom as a time when various creatures, previously antagonistic to each other, now peacefully coexist. He cites several combinations: wolf and lamb, leopard and goat, calf and lion with the yearling, cow and bear, lion and ox, infant and cobra (11:6-8). Surprisingly, a "little child will lead them" (11:6). Isaiah describes this renewed creation in the kingdom as a complete restoration of the harmony in nature that was lost in the Fall of man. Recall Adam's naming of the animals in Genesis two and Eve's lack of fear in talking to a serpent in Genesis three. It is also significant that the eating of meat, which was instituted after the Flood (Gen. 9:2-3), appears to be no longer necessary. Additionally, the fear of man that is placed in the world at that time is done away with in God's coming kingdom.

In the New Testament there are several lines of evidence that support the notion that God has a plan to renew the created order. This is shown through the healing ministry of Christ and the doctrine of the resurrection that highlights the removal of the curse. However, with respect to nature itself, Acts 3:21 speaks of the restoration of all things to be initiated at the Second Coming of Jesus. Romans 8:19 shows the created order longing for the revealing of the sons of God (at the Second Coming) for its own deliverance as shown above. Second Peter 3:10-13 speaks of the destruction of the created order by fire. It appears that this is a kind of fiery renovation with a new heaven and a new earth. This cataclysmic event occurs at the end of the millennium since Revelation 21 shows that the time of the new heaven and new earth follows the thousand years of chapter 20. Thus, God's renewal of the created order, which is initiated at the Second Coming, is finalized when God moves His abode (the heavenly Jerusalem) to earth to dwell with men forever. It is at this time that the final enemy-death-is once and for all done away fulfilling the greatest promise that God has ever made (Rev. 21:4). The description of the heavenly city in Revelation 21-22 shows that God's ultimate plan is to give to mankind more than Adam ever lost in the garden, including a brave new world beyond our wildest imaginations.

Hope of the Ages -- Part 6

2008-03-19T02:23:00.000-07:00

The Hope of the Ages -- Part 6 - by Mike Stallard -

This article is the sixth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Previous articles have addressed the wonderful prospect of hope for the separate institutions of the nation Israel and the Church. This article will focus on the Gentile (non-Jewish) nations of the world. In particular, this is not simply a discussion of the future demonstration of the redemption of individuals within the nations, although an individual element does exist. It is more a discussion of God's national plans for certain nations as they take their place in the coming kingdom.
At the outset it is important to define the term nation or nations. In Hebrew the most frequent term in the plural is goyim (the people); in Greek it is ethnos. Based upon the conceptual idea in the Bible, these terms generally refer to the various people groups in the world. The context of each passage would determine the range of those groups intended and whether the emphasis should be on (1) political entities, (2) ethnic backgrounds, or (3) geographical territories (or perhaps a combination).

God's purpose in raising up nationalities within history begins to surface in the Table of Nations cited in Genesis chapter 10 (see also 1 Chronicles 1:5-23). In that chapter, the expansion of the human race after the Flood in various people groups is shown through the genealogies of the three sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The idea of distinctions among the nations is intensified in the next chapter of Genesis with the episode at the Tower of Babel. There, God confuses the language of the people so that the human race that had congregated at Babel was scattered throughout the whole earth with various spoken languages. Consequently, barriers were strengthened over time marking off the nations as separate ethnic groups.

However, God always had kind intentions toward the nations. Even though he chooses one nation from among all the nations in Genesis 12:1-3 by graciously raising up Abraham and his descendants, God's promise to Abraham included "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). It is also true that Israel is often viewed as a light to all of the other nations. For example, Jonah, the reluctant prophet of Israel, is sent to witness to the wicked Assyrians. In addition, the prophet Isaiah reminded the nation of Israel that its Messiah, the Servant, was to be a light to the other nations as well (Isa. 42:1-6; 49:6).

In Isaiah, the idea of a nation is mentioned seventy-six times. This prominent focus demonstrates more clearly than any of the other Old Testament books the future prospect and hope of the nations. For example, in Isaiah 2:1-4 the nations are pictured in the last days as streaming to Mount Zion in Jerusalem to learn the word of God from the Lord Himself. This kingdom picture shows that God will judge between nations and that war will be done away (v. 4). Isaiah chapter eleven gives a beautiful portrait of God's coming kingdom for which he gathers the children of Israel from the four quarters of the earth (see v. 11-16). However, it is also a time when the "nations will resort to the root of Jesse" (v. 10), that is, to the Messiah of Israel. The last chapter of Isaiah (66) teaches that there is coming a day when God will "gather all nations and tongues" to see His glory (v. 18). In all of these kinds of passages, the biblical writers do not seem to be eliminating ethnic and national distinctions as they discuss the future hope for the nations. This hope is specifically wrapped up in the same Person, the Messiah of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, the basis for the future hope of the nations is the same as it is for God's chosen people Israel.

The book of Daniel also aids our understanding of the future hope of the nations. In chapter two, the dream of Nebuchadnezzar shows the progression of the four world kingdoms that can be identified (with help throughout the book of Daniel) with Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The text is clear that God is in control of world history throughout the rise and fall of these empires. In the parallel passage in Daniel chapter seven, the Son of Man (Christ) begins to rule the national, political, earthly ethnic kingdom of God centered in Israel, but it is clearly stated that "all peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve him" (v. 14). That God does not view all political entities as done away with at that time can be known from the fact that such dominion shall be handed over to the saints to be continued (v. 27).

The New Testament continues an interest in the non-Jewish people groups of the world. Gentiles are included in the genealogies of Matthew chapter one. The Persian Magi come to worship the Christ-child in Matthew chapter two. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, there is a highlighting of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's future plan. However, much of it anticipates the inclusion of the Gentiles into the anticipated Church (see Matthew 13 & 16) where no national or political boundaries and distinctions are emphasized (see also the book of Acts).

However, Matthew 24-25 suggests that the Second Coming of Christ brings with it a judgment upon the nations. Christ sits upon His throne and gathers the nations in order to separate them into the sheep and the goats (25:32). The sheep are the ones who have treated the "brethren" well while the goats have mistreated them (25:40). In the context of the Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25), the brethren appear to refer to the nation of Israel, the fellow Jews of Jesus. The judgment does not seem to be focused primarily on national aspects, but on individuals (see 25:35-46). However, this prophetic picture does not unravel any national, ethnic elements.

Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, underscores God's focus on the nations of the world. In chapter seven, there are tribulation saints (perhaps martyrs) who come from every nation, all tribes, peoples, and tongues (v. 9). At the end of the millennium, Satan deceives the nations one more time (20:7-10) showing that ethnic distinctions are not done away with in that time period. Finally, in the new Jerusalem of the eternal state, there is a tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations (22:2). While many of these promises are directed to individuals from within people groups and not the people groups themselves, they at least highlight the fact that God has not dismissed national identities. Coupled with the many passages that teach the administrative rewards of the coming kingdom (e.g., Dan. 7:14, Lk. 19:11ff), it is not hard to understand that God has designed a glorious future with political structures in place for the many peoples of the world as He rules from His seat of authority in Jerusalem.

Hope of the Ages -- Part 5

2008-03-19T02:07:00.001-07:00

The Hope of the Ages -- Part 5 - by Mike Stallard - www.ankerberg.org/Articles/biblical-prophecy/BP1200W4.htm

This article is the fifth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will continue to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. In Part 3 it was noted that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. While the last two articles dealt with the promise of a land and a kingdom, this article will outline in brief the future spiritual restoration of the nation of Israel.

It is important that Bible students emphasize these spiritual dimensions of Israel's future as well as its national land and kingdom hopes. God's gracious provision for that nation includes individual elements for its citizens that deal with forgiveness, life, and enablement for obedience. Several passages from both the Old and New Testaments discuss and confirm these future promises for the nation.

One of the earliest occurrences of a promise of future spiritual deliverance of Israel is given in Deuteronomy 30:1-6. Moses had outlined divine blessings and curses that would come upon the Israelites based upon their obedience to the law given at Mount Sinai and in the Mosaic legislation (Deut. 28). The list of curses included the scattering of the Israelites throughout the nations of the world (Deut. 28:64-65). However, Moses predicted that after such judgment a returning of Israel to God and a resultant restoration to the land would take place for the chosen nation. It is in this context, that the significant statement in verse six is given: "Moreover, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live." The imagery of the words "circumcise your heart" implies that God would work in the individuals of the nation to produce in them a new, devoted heart that would be enabled to follow Him with the result of life or abundant blessing. This passage does not by itself reveal anything about the timing of this work of God, but as we look at other prophetic passages below, it is clear that this work is begun at the Second Coming of the Messiah Jesus.

One of the earliest of the prophets to speak to this issue was Joel (eighth century B. C.) whose words reflect the earlier notions of Deuteronomy. In Joel 3:1-2, God says He will "restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem" as well as judge the nations of the world for mistreating Israel. The historical context of this restoration is the "great and awesome day of the LORD" judgments (Joel 2:31-32). The key spiritual promise associated with this predicted restoration is the promise that God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28). Isaiah, another eighth century prophet, alludes to the spiritual dimensions of a coming kingdom for Israel in at least three passages. In 32:15-20, the prophet envisions a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon the nation with the result that justice and righteousness will spread though the land bringing peace and prosperity. In Isaiah 44:1-8, the prophet talks of the future kingdom as a time when God would bring both physical and spiritual blessing through his Spirit. The result is that all in the nation will know the Lord (v. 5). In Isaiah 59:19-21, the same truth is put forward but now is tied to the idea of a covenant between God and the nation. The nation will have the Spirit put upon it in conjunction with the words of God and the resulting obedience of the people. That the future kingdom is in view is verified by the promise in the passage that this covenant would last forever (v. 21).

More details are given in two other key prophetic books associated with the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah 31:31-34 points to a future day when God will make a "new" covenant with the nation of Israel which will supercede the old Mosaic covenant which was broken. This "new" covenant shall last forever (see v. 34). This new covenant will consist of several elements: (1) God will write His law within the hearts of the people; (2) God will be God in the life of Israel and Judah; (3) there will be personal knowledge of God; (4) there will be forgiveness and cleansing from sin. All in the nation will know and follow the LORD. In Ezekiel 36:26-38, the exilic prophet describes the same promises of God, but adds the specific fact that God will put His Spirit into every man for the purpose of empowerment for obedience (v. 27). In this way, Ezekiel reaffirms the earlier prophecies of Joel and Isaiah while the nation was languishing hopelessly in exile in Babylon. What is intriguing about Ezekiel's outline of these new covenant promises is that these future guarantees are embedded in a section discussing the regathering of Israel back to the land and the details of kingdom, including temple ceremonies, priesthood responsibilities, and land allotments (Ez. 37-48).

The New Testament also supports this future spiritual restoration of the nation of Israel. Acts 3:19-21 speaks of the "times of refreshing" and the "period of restoration" which are associated with the Second Coming of Jesus. Romans 11:25-27 promises that the nation of Israel will be saved when the time of the Gentile domination is complete. This salvation includes the removing of ungodliness from the nation and is called a "covenant" with the people under which they will receive forgiveness of sins. In addition, Hebrews 8:6-13 highlights the new covenant pledge by God cited in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The main point for the writer to the Hebrews appears to be the replacement of the old covenant (Mosaic Covenant) for the nation. Then in Hebrews 10:16-17, the putting of God's laws on the hearts of the people and the granting of forgiveness are emphasized.

Consequently, both the Old and New Testaments envision a time, correlated with the Second Coming of Christ and the start of His earthly kingdom, when the nation of Israel will received spiritual blessings of a new covenant which will grant them empowerment for obedience far beyond anything ever experienced before as the Spirit is poured out upon the nation. Along with this divine enablement comes forgiveness and the personal presence of God. Such provisions occur co-extensively with the land and kingdom promises cited in earlier articles. Indeed, the future prospect for the nation of Israel looks bright, but can only be brought to pass by the personal presence of the nation's Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Hope of the Ages -- Part 4

2008-03-19T02:04:00.000-07:00

The Hope of the Ages, Part 4 - by Mike Stallard -

This article is the fourth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will continue to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. In Part 3 it was noted that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. While the last article dealt with the promise of land, this article will outline in brief the future kingdom hopes of the nation of Israel.
From the very first chapter of Genesis, man's right to rule over the earth is established (Gen. 1:26-28). However, the fall of Adam and Eve into sin brought an end to that rule (Gen. 3). The result is that Satan, the great enemy, is now the prince of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2), and god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4), thus usurping man's rightful role on the earth. However, God's plan throughout the ages includes the restoration of man to his rightful place as a ruler (e.g., Rev. 20:6). One strand of God's program to do this involves His dealings with the nation of Israel.

The development and blessings for the nation of Israel begun with the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12) are fleshed out in particular detail with respect to David, the son of Jesse. This young man, the defeater of Goliath, rises to the throne of the nation of Israel by divine choice (1 Sam. 16). God reveals some special promises to King David in what has come to be called the Davidic Covenant. The first details of this covenant plan of promise are spelled out in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. Here, not only the promise of a land or territory is involved, but the specific promises to a particular royal family are highlighted. Solomon, David's son, will have his throne established forever (v. 12-13). Notice that this does not mean that Solomon would live forever on the throne, but that the right of rulership through his own family line would be established forever. In other words, the throne of David would be passed down in the family through Solomon.

Furthermore, the unconditional nature of this promise is made clear. God assures David that Solomon's throne would not be taken away from him as it was with Saul prior to David. This is true even if Solomon commits iniquity (2 Sam. 7:14-15). This unconditional promise of God is reaffirmed in Psalm 89:19-37. David would have descendants as heirs for the Davidic throne forever (v. 28-29). If any of David's heirs do not follow God, they can bring the wrath of God upon themselves (v. 31-32) and perhaps forfeit their own right to reign on the throne. However, God is clear that the overall promise that a descendant would reign on David's throne would never be annulled when He says, "But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. My covenant I will not violate, nor will I alter the utterance of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. His descendants shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me" (v. 33-36). This sentiment matches the summary statement of the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7:16 where God promises David, " your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever."

Confirmation of these kingdom hopes for the nation of Israel is given time and time again throughout the Old Testament. For example, in Isaiah 2:1-4 there is a picture of the coming kingdom with Israel and Jerusalem at the center. At the same time, the nations of the world come up to the holy city to be taught by the Lord. However, the most striking examples in the Old Testament which highlight the future kingdom hopes of the Jews (through David's line) are given in the midst of crisis at a time when the future possibility of its fulfillment seems remote.

First, the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death into the ten northern tribes and two southern tribes threatened to dilute or diminish the hopes of the nation concerning its grandiose future (I Kings 12). Only the two southern tribes followed the Davidic heir to the throne. How could the nation maintain an understanding of future kingdom hopes in the face of this regression? God's response can be found in Amos 9:11-15 (eighth century B.C.). Amos, preaching to the northern tribes, reminds them that God would restore the "fallen booth of David" (v. 11) and that it would be accompanied by a restoration of the people (v. 14) and a permanent dwelling in the land (v. 15). In essence, this is a promise from God that the divided kingdom is a temporary situation which will be rectified one day by God's own action to restore the complete kingdom to the nation.

The second crisis that can be considered is the Babylonian captivity (606-536 B.C.). When the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, took control of the nation, and took the vast majority of the nation's residents back to Babylon, the kingdom expectations of many of the Jews were no doubt dashed to pieces. Yet, it is in this context that God raises up both Ezekiel and Daniel to comfort the captives and to remind them that He has not forgotten His kingdom promises to the nation. Ezekiel 36 speaks of the spiritual restoration of the nation in its own land and the work of the Spirit in its midst. Ezekiel 37 with its vision of the dry bones predicts that Judah (southern tribes) and Israel (northern tribes) will both be reunited and given national life once again. David's name is invoked as God makes this promise of everlasting rule (37:24-28) which involves the whole world (v. 28). Ezekiel 40-48 joins this renewed kingdom or political rule to spiritual restoration within the boundaries of the land promises. In this way, the prophet provides a glimpse of the coming millennium.

Daniel views the same coming kingdom from the vantage point of the historical progressions of the major world empires (Daniel 2 & 7). The world kingdoms would come to an end at the time when God would raise the dead (see Dan. 11-12:2). God's kingdom would be established by the Son of Man (Dan. 7:13-14) and involve the whole world. This kingdom is a literal, earthly one in light of the fact that all of the other kingdoms mentioned in the context are also literal. It is also a time when men rule and reign as they take possession of the kingdom (Dan. 7:27). However, it is also a kingdom whose chronology is dependent upon God's dealings with Israel (Dan. 9:24-27). In this way, God comforts the exiled Jews by reaffirming His promise of future kingdom glory.

One could also go to the New Testament to see these truths explained. For example, while Jesus predicts the future destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the nation (Luke 21:20-24) which takes place in 70 A.D., He also confirms that the kingdom will one day be restored to Israel although his disciples will not know that time (Acts 1:6). Again, it is important to remember that there is no necessity for present-day modern Israel to work to bring these kingdom promises to pass by military conquest. The kingdom promises for the Jews will be fulfilled personally by the Messiah, Jesus Christ the son of David, when he returns a second time to set up His kingdom (Lk. 19:11-27; Dan. 7:13-14).

Hope of the Ages -- Part 3

2008-03-19T02:01:00.000-07:00

The Hope of the Ages -- Part 3 - by Mike Stallard -

This article is the third in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will begin to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. Earlier it was established that the nation of Israel and the institution of the Church are distinct institutions within God's overall plan of the ages. While some future hopes are shared between the two (personal presence of Messiah, rewards in the coming kingdom, etc.), it can easily be shown that the nation of Israel has a unique prospective hope characterized by national, ethnic, political, and geographical dimensions that do not pertain to the Church in any way.

One must first take note of the fact that prophetic hope for Israel is rooted in the unconditional covenant programs referred to as the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New covenants. In this article and future ones, we will not try to trace all of the details of each of these promised plans of God. However, enough will be highlighted to demonstrate the God-directed prophetic hope for the nation. After the review, it should be clear that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. The rest of this article will focus on the first element of future hope in God's prophetic plan for Israel. Future articles will deal with the other two.

Starting with the Abrahamic covenant, the nation Israel was given a future hope that was centered in a certain land, a specific piece of real estate, so to speak. In Genesis 12:1, the LORD told Abraham to leave his own home and go to a new land. That land would be the place where a great nation would develop (Gen. 12:2) and where Abraham would both receive a blessing from God and be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 12:2-3). In Genesis 12:7 (cp. 13:15), that land was not just for Abraham and his immediate family, but promised to his descendants as well. As the Pentateuch unfolds, it is clear that the developing nation of Israel through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is in view. In other words, the future of this land is inextricably tied to the future of the nation of Israel.

However, what specific land are we talking about? The earth is a large place. God could have chosen many regions. In His sovereignty He chose the land defined by the boundaries mentioned in Genesis 15:18-21: "To your descendants I have given this land from the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite." The northern/northeastern and southern/southwestern boundaries of the land seem to be fairly clear. The Euphrates River in the modern day country of Iraq forms a kind of northern border. The river of Egypt, which provides a south/southwest border, has been understood to be either the Nile River or the Wadi el-Arish. The names of the various people groups that are mentioned lived mostly within the boundaries of what we today call Palestine. Others, such as the Hittites, lived outside of the boundaries of modern Palestine as well. Thus, Genesis 15:18-21 describes a general area with some known specific boundaries that has been promised to the descendants of Abraham.

Some Christians erroneously believe that the promise of the Genesis 15 passage has already been fulfilled and does not pertain to some future hope for Israel from our modern day vantage point. They would say that Israel did possess all of the land mentioned during the reigns of David (1 Chron. 18:3), Solomon (1 Kings 8:65; 2 Chron. 9:25-26) and in the days of Jeroboam (2 Kings 14:25). However, it is clear in these passages that either the boundaries did not include all of the territory, the nation of Israel had not assimilated all of the territories, or that the king's rule was only in the matter of tribute and not ownership of the land. Consequently, these passages could not be used to support the idea that a past fulfillment of Genesis 15:18-21 rules out any necessity for future fulfillment of its promise. Furthermore, the unconditional and everlasting nature of the Abrahamic Covenant ensures that this land is a "forever" possession of the nation of Israel (Gen. 17:8). So there must come a day when Israel will possess it permanently. The nation certainly does not do so today.

On the other hand, someone might ask: "If the land outlined in Genesis 15:18-21 is promised as an everlasting possession of Israel, then why has she not possessed it through the years? Is not God defeated in this promise? What kind of hope is that for Israel if they exist without possessing the promise?" The answer is clearly spelled out in God's overall plan. In Deuteronomy 28-32, God tells the nation that if it rebels against His ways, then it would suffer judgments of several sorts (Deut. 28) including the temporary forfeit of the land (Deut. 29:28). Therefore, an individual or a generation could lose it own enjoyment of the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant due to disobedience. Nonetheless the overall program of God with its ultimate "forever" promise could not be annulled for God has promised restoration of the nation to its promised land (Deut. 30:5ff). One is forced to conclude from this biblical information that God may send His nation Israel into exile any number of times, but in the end the land belongs to the nation and is at the center of its future hope. For it is there, in the promised land, that the other elements of Israel's future hope-the kingdom with its national and spiritual restoration-take place.

One final note must be made. It is important to realize in these volatile times of Mid-East unrest that the nation of Israel does not have to possess the land within the boundaries of Genesis 15:18-21 until the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to establish His kingdom. Therefore, there is no need for the modern state of Israel in the present day to expand its borders in order to fulfill this particular promise. In God's timing and with God's fair justice, all nations will receive their proper reward in due time.

Hope of the Ages -- Part 2

2008-03-19T01:55:00.000-07:00

The Hope of the Ages -- Part 2 - by Dr. Mike Stallard -

This article is the second in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. In particular, it will expand upon the discussion begun in the last article concerning prophetic hope as it pertains to the Church. However, before we sketch out the hope of the Church, it is necessary to show the distinction between national Israel and the international body called the Church. In this way, it will be harder to make the mistake of confusing the prophetic hope for these two distinct institutions within God's overall masterful plan to bring history to its divine goal.

While Israel and the Church share some important things, such as the Messiah and a place of rulership in the coming kingdom, these are nonetheless two distinct institutions in God's overall plan. Notice the contrasts below:

. Israel is an ethnic nation; the Church is a non-ethnic body.

. Israel is political; the Church is non-political.

. The promises to Israel are tied to a specific piece of real estate centered in Jerusalem; the Church has no land promises.

. For Israel, there is the framework of the Jewish Law (Gentiles are included by surrender to the Law); for the Church, there is a framework for life apart from the Jewish Law (Gentiles included apart from the regulations of the Law).

. Another way to say it is that for Israel, life is based upon regulations during Old Testament days; for the Church, life is based upon the presence of the Spirit for divine enablement.

. The focus of Israel's position is the earth; the focus of the position of the Church is heaven.

. For Israel in the Old Testament, there is no baptism of the Spirit; for the Church in the New Testament, there is a baptism of the Spirit.

. Israel is composed of Jews and Jewish proselytes; the Church is composed of Jews and Gentiles.

. Israel is founded in the book of Genesis; the Church is established in Acts 2.

The distinction between the two comes from a clear understanding of what the Bible says about each. In the Old Testament, Israel is an ethnic, political, national entity that has been promised a particular piece of real estate centered around the city of Jerusalem (Gen. 15; Isaiah 2, 11; Dan. 2, 7, 9). The Church is a body of believers in Christ that is international in scope and non-ethnic, non-political, and heavenly-centered in orientation (Eph. 1-3, Gal. 3:28).

It is quite easy to show that the Church is something brand new even without referring to the Ephesians passages which are quite strong by themselves on the matter (especially Eph. 2:11-3:10). The Church is a new institution, which began on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. It is not a continuation of, or replacement for, Israel in any sense. To demonstrate that the Church began on the day of Pentecost involves the following line of reasoning:

1. Both the baptism of the Spirit and the start of the Church are viewed as a future event in the Gospels (Matt. 3:11; 16:18; Acts 1:5). The last passage (Acts 1:5) notes that the baptism of the Spirit will occur in a few days from that time.

2. The Holy Spirit comes in power in Acts 2. Its seems likely that this event fulfills the Acts 1:5 prediction. However, neither the baptism of the Spirit or the Church are explicitly named in Acts 2.

3. Peter's rehearsing of the events surrounding the preaching of the gospel to Cornelius looks back to the day of Pentecost as the beginning of the baptism of the Spirit (Acts 11:15-16).

4. The Apostle Paul teaches that the body of Christ is formed by the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). In this way, the placing of individuals into the body of Christ by the Spirit is part of the definition of the baptism of the Spirit.

5. The body of Christ is referred to as the ecclesia or Church by Paul in Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18. In this way, the baptism of the Spirit can be clearly associated with the Church. Thus, when Spirit baptism begins, the Church begins. Then, according to # 3 above, Pentecost is the start of the Church.

Thus, the Church is a brand new institution, which God births into existence on the Day of Pentecost as described in Acts chapter two.

We can now look at the unique elements of prophetic hope, which are associated with this extraordinary international body of Christ. Two essential areas of hope can be discussed with respect to the future expectations of the Church. The first is the rapture of the Church. This refers to the catching up of Church Age believers in the air to meet the Lord prior to the seven-year tribulation period. The word rapture comes from the Latin word meaning to catch up. This idea is revealed in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. When we say that Church Age believers are the ones raptured, it is clear that both Christian believers who have died during the Church Age as well as those alive when the Lord comes to rapture them will be included in this astounding event.

The rapture of the Church is referred to in the New Testament as the blessed hope (Tit. 2:13). Why is it an event of great hope for the Church? First, it is a time when Christians will be forever united with the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:1-3; I Thess. 4:17). Second, it brings comfort to those who suffer at the present time (I Thess. 4:18; cp. John 14:1). Third, it is a deliverance from the time of God's wrath which is to be poured out on the earth during the tribulation period (I Thess. 5:9; Rev. 3:10). Finally, it is the first phase of a two-phase Second Coming of Christ, which programmatically ushers in the kingdom of God on earth (see below).

The last point above transitions to the second essential area of hope with respect to the future expectations of the Church. This second area is the actual Second Coming of Christ to earth. In this event at the end of the seven-year tribulation period, Christ will return to earth with the Church saints who had been raptured earlier. In part one of this series, we had noted both Paul's teaching in 2 Thessalonians and Peter's teaching in 1 Peter which steered the suffering Christian to the Second Coming as a source of hope in the midst of overwhelming persecution. Here we want to be more specific about the nature of that hope. Notice that in 2 Thessalonians 1:7, this hope is described in terms of relief (rest) that is given to believers at the Second Coming. Of course, there will be immediate relief for tribulation saints who have come to Christ during the time of the awful Day of the Lord judgments during the seven years. However, all believers, including Church Age saints will experience this sense of rest as well even though they did not participate in the tribulation period. This is highlighted in the passage by the idea of vindication which seems to take place at the Second Coming. When Christ comes, He will be glorified in His saints (2 Thess. 1:10) when it is publicly known once and for all who will be the ones who will enter the kingdom. On this basis of future hope, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to allow Christ to be glorified in them during the present time (2 Thess. 1:11-12).

The Second Coming of Christ is also a time when Christians will receive rewards and rule with Christ. The delay parable of Luke 19:11-27 expresses the notion that while Christ is away, His servants (Christians) should make the most of what He has given them (expressed as the giving of minas or money). When He returns, he will reward each one based upon how well he did in using the minas during the absence of his Master. The rewards are expressed in terms of ruling. The one who did well with ten minas will rule over ten cities (Lk. 19:17). The one who did well with five minas will rule over five cities (Lk. 19:19), etc. This reward given in terms of administrative status in the coming kingdom shows the concrete, earthly nature of the kingdom as well as of the rewards themselves. Thus, it is in harmony with the same teaching about the role of believers in the kingdom in Daniel 7:22, 27 and Revelation 20:4-6. In this way the Church looks forward to the Second Coming as the time when it shares with Christ in sovereignty over the world. Indeed, all of the above discussions strongly show that the Church's best days are yet to come. In this fact all believers in the present age can place their confidence and hope. Thus we pray with John the Apostle, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).

Hope of the Ages -- Part 1

2008-03-19T01:49:00.000-07:00

The Hope of the Ages -- Part 1 - by Mike Stallard -

This article begins a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. The Bible has been and always will be a book of hope. Its hope is centered in its key figure, the Lord Jesus Christ, and what He has accomplished for us in His death on Calvary's Cross for the sins of the world. Beyond this, the promise of Jesus, "I will come again" (John 14:3) has given hope to millions of hurting people in this present evil age that their best days are yet to come.
First of all, the panorama of biblical history gives great hope to the reader by showing the wonder of God's multi-faceted plan of creation and redemption. As it does this, it reinforces the notion that the triune God has an interest in both unity and diversity. As God's plan heads to ultimate fulfillment in Him and to His glory, one can easily see that it does so with respect to several different, but related, strands of history. What is fascinating is that the initiation of each strand in the Bible (creation, the nations, Israel, and the Church) finds the start of its ultimate fulfillment in reverse order in history.

For example, the Bible obviously begins with God creating the universe (Gen. 1). However, the restoration of the created order, itself corrupted by sin, is the last strand of God's plan of accomplishment as he brings about the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21-22). The second element in God's multi-faceted plan is the development within history of the nations (Gen. 10). These nations figure somehow into God's coming kingdom, being judged or rewarded based primarily upon how they have treated the nation of Israel (Matt. 25). This judgment of the nations occurs after the Second Coming of Christ that is described in Matthew 24.

The third element in the many-sided historical blueprint of God is the raising up in history of the nation of Israel. This unique nation is not chosen due to its own goodness but because of God's sovereign choice in the world (Deut. 7:6-8, 9:4-6). The time of its appearance in history begins with the story of Abraham (Gen. 11:26ff). Its early development is revealed in the history of the patriarchs from Abraham down to the stirring of the Israelites under Moses (Exodus). However, the ultimate fulfillment of the promises given to Israel throughout the Old Testament including its national deliverance begins with the Second Coming of Christ (Lk. 19:12-27, cf. Dan. 7:13-14). At that time the Messianic Kingdom will begin headquartered in Jerusalem (Zech. 14).

The fourth element in God's plan of the ages is the founding of the Church in Acts 2. The Church as an institution is an entirely separate institution from the nation of Israel. God's wonderful design for the Church during the present age calls for the establishment of Jew and Gentile together in one international body of Christ. However, the Church is the first of the four mentioned elements to experience the beginning of its ultimate hope. This will be at the rapture of the Church when the Lord comes in the air for His own (I Thess. 4:13-18).

The above survey reminds us that the order of God's creative working is (1) the creation of the world, (2) the raising up in history of the nations, (3) the calling of the nation of Israel, and (4) the establishment of the Church. However, as the plan of God unfolds, the redemptive work of prophetic hope begins the end-time fulfillment in reverse order: (1) the rapture of the Church, (2) the conversion and restoration of the nation of Israel, (3) the judgment of the nations, and (4) the renewal of creation.

At the present time, we find ourselves in the Church Age awaiting the predicted blessed hope of the Church, the coming of Christ to rapture the Church (Titus 2:13). This event precedes the seven year Tribulation Period described in Revelation 6-19 and the subsequent kingdom established by Christ Himself at the Second Coming. The Rapture, as the first phase of the Second Coming, is the wonderful event of hope that should be anticipated by all believers in Christ. This was a starting point for both Peter and Paul. In I Peter, the great apostle focused on the issue of persecution and suffering by believers. To those who were enduring mistreatment (1:6-7), Peter offered the hope of the coming inheritance in Christ (1:4), which would be activated or "revealed in the last time" (1:5). Peter encouraged Christians to bear their trials "tested by fire" with the hope of reward and honor at the "revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:7). Peter is strong-minded and clear. His basic message to mistreated Christians was "Gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:13). Hence, he could say "to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation" (4:13). The sharing of the sufferings of Christ means also the partaking of the "glory that is to be revealed" (5:1) and elders were expected to look to the Second Coming as their ultimate reward (5:4). Peter's final message appears to be a repeat of his opening exhortation to find encouragement in the midst of suffering based upon future hope in Christ: "And after you have suffered for a little, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (5:10).

Paul follows the same general outline in 2 Thessalonians. The occasion of the epistle is the persecution suffered by the Thessalonian Christians. Paul did not focus on any present inauguration of the Messianic kingdom to produce a sense of hope in the Thessalonians based on the present activity of a loving Church (as good as that would be). Instead, he pointed to the Second Coming of Christ as the great hope and motivation for their present situation: "For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed-for our testimony to you was believed" (1:6-10). Now this is not to say that Peter and Paul do not address other concerns even in these epistles. However, it is to show that, at least for Christians who were being oppressed for who they were, the presentation of hope is the Second Coming of Christ.

Future articles in this series will explore further this sense of hope for the Church and go beyond that into a discussion of the great hope that Christ's predicted Second Coming is for Israel, the nations, and creation.

JESUS IS COMING SOON !!!!

2008-03-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

JESUS IS COMING SOON !!!

He said He would return. This time to judge all the nations. On that day, "every knee will bow" and "every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"! (Phillipians 2:9-10) In order to escape His wrath on that day (or when you die, whichever comes first) you must accept His offer of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10) God proved His love and held nothing back when He sent His Son Jesus to take our penalty of death, reconciling all men back to Him. (John 3:16-17)
When God created us, He gave us free will, so we can accept His gift and gain eternal life and riches untold! It is my prayer that this web site will reach the world with His love, and help people to understand that God loves them so incredibly much! (Psalm 103:11) When we start to get a grasp of how great His love is for us, we can't help but respond with love toward Him, and love toward our fellow man.
If Jesus is coming back soon, why has it been so long? After all, The first century church believed they were in the last days. (They were, and so are we) Peter reminds us that God is not in a hurry because of His great mercy. 2 Peter 3:8b-9 says, "...that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
The Bible is clear. No matter when Jesus comes back, we are to be Ready! Matthew 24:44 says, "For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." How can we be ready? By developing our relationship with an all knowing and all loving God! God held nothing back and proved His love for us by sacrificing His only Son, Jesus. As a result of accepting God's eternal gift of love, we become children of God and co-heirs to His kingdom with Jesus! As sons and daughters of God, we can have a personal relationship with the true and living God! Imagine. God as best friend and loving Father! It boggles the mind and makes the heart soar with joy!!!
God Loves You! He has an awesome plan for your life. For you to realize that plan in full, you must get born again by faith in Jesus Christ! Then, develop your close, personal relationship with your loving Heavenly Father. Spend time with Him in prayer, and in His Word. You just might discover that getting ready for the Lord's return is much more important than the timing of His return!

The Signs of His Coming
by Michael G. Mickey
One of the biggest mysteries in the Bible concerns the timing of Jesus Christ's return to earth. Although the Bible tells us no one knows the hour nor the day when the Lord will return, the Bible is filled with many indicators or conditions we can use to assess how close we may be to the season of His return.
As you are about to read, many of the conditions spoken of in Bible prophecy which seem to indicate Jesus Christ's return is coming in the not-too-distant future are clearly visible in the world today, reminding us that He could come, to Rapture His Church at least, at any moment! After the Rapture takes place, the horrific seven-year Tribulation Period will occur, an overview of which is included in my Post-Rapture Survival Guide.
The signs are as follows:
The Gospel will be preached in all the world before the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth occurs at Armageddon, although exhaustive efforts are presently underway to accomplish this:
Matthew 24:14: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
There will be a mixture of believers and false believers within the Church body:
Matthew 13:24-30: Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
There will be scoffers:
The Bible tells us one of the key signs of the end times will be people doubting the return of Christ will ever happen.
2nd Peter 3:3-4: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Humanity will be able to cross the globe rapidly and science will be advancing:
Daniel 12:4: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Perilous times will come for mankind:
2nd Timothy 3:1: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Mankind will deny God once flooded the earth:
2nd Peter 3:5-6: For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
The earth will be swimming in a sea of violence:
As it was in the days of Noah (Luke 17:26), so it shall be at the end. How was the earth in Noah's time?
Look no further than Genesis 6:11: The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
There will be warfare all over the globe:
Mark 13:8: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
Mankind will have the capability to destroy all life on the planet:
Unique to our generation, this prophecy could not have been fulfilled prior to the invention of weapons of mass destruction such as the nuclear bomb. Matthew 24: 22: And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Deadly diseases will be rampant:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Famines will be common:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Earthquakes will be occurring globally:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
There will be violent weather:
Luke 21:25- And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Children will be disobedient and rebellious:
2nd Timothy 3:2: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Christians and Jews will be hated for their faith in and connection with Christ:
Luke 21:17: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Mankind will be in a state of moral decay:
2nd Timothy 3:2-5: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Religious cults will flourish:
2nd Peter 2:1: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
There will be progress made toward a global government:
The European Union, the revived Roman Empire, is alive today and moving steadily toward the fulfillment of this prophecy as seen in Daniel 7: 23: "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces." The Antichrist who will lead this world government (after the rapture of the Christian Church takes place) will be a leader from the European Union as seen in Daniel 9:26. He will be of the people who destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its sanctuary in AD 70, the Romans.
The world will be desperately seeking peace:
1st Thessalonians 5:3: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Global means of communication will exist:
We know this because the book of Revelation teaches us the entire world will see several events. This is unique to our generation as only recently in mankind's history have these technologies been present.
Revelation 11:9: And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
In the last days, fallen angels will mingle with mankind:
I know this one is going to be controversial, but there is a scriptural basis for this, as seen in Luke 17:26: And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
A careful examination of what was going on in Noah's day seems to suggest fallen angels were somehow mingling with mankind.
Genesis 6:4: There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
If so, one of God's motives in destroying mankind at the flood may have been Satan and his fallen angels, in an attempt to save themselves from His judgment, were trying to taint the bloodline that would lead to the birth of Christ.
We find Noah was spared from destruction for three reasons as seen in Genesis 6:9. They are as follows:
1) Noah was a just man.
2) Noah was perfect in his generations (note this reference to his bloodline being pure).
3) Noah walked with God.
There is potentially more to the numerous UFO sightings and alien abduction stories in the news today than we have ever imagined!
Israel will exist as a nation in the latter days:
Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 to see this prophecy, which was fulfilled in 1948.
Israel's birth as a nation will have happened in one day:
Fulfilled on May 14, 1948 as seen in Isaiah 66:8: "Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once?"
Israel will be in possession of Jerusalem (has been since 1967):
This happened as a result of the Six-Day War in 1967. The capture of Jerusalem was critical from a prophetic standpoint as the Antichrist will someday enter a rebuilt Holy Temple that will be standing in Jerusalem at the midpoint of the Tribulation Period where he will declare himself to be God. This event, referred to by most as the abomination of desolation, is documented in Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15.
Israel will be surrounded on every side by enemies:
Psalms 83:4: They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
The possession of Jerusalem will be the source of international conflict:
Is this happening today or what? It's a HUGE sign to us! Zechariah 12:3: And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
Christians will be lukewarm in their faith:
In Christ's address to the seven churches, He says in Revelation 3:15: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Many will claim to be Christ:
Matthew 24:5: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
False Christs and false prophets will be very effective in the art of deception:
Matthew 24:24: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
There will be signs in the heavens:
Luke 21:25: And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Sexual immorality will abound:
Jude 1:18: How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Idolatry will be common:
Revelation 9:20: And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Many Christians and church doctrines will depart from the faith:
1st Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Mankind's state of rebellion will be so great, the coming of Christ will catch them completely off-guard:
Luke 21:35: For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Homosexuality will be flaunted:
Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
This is also spoken of in Luke 17:28- 30: "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."
Although homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God, all sin is! I bring up this point because many Christians treat homosexuality as if it is the most unforgivable sin of all. Jesus Christ forgives all sins and we, His followers, should be reaching out to these people with love in our hearts that they might be saved! Homosexuality is not an unpardonable sin any more than any other sin is!
Many will rejoice in their unrighteousness:
2nd Thessalonians 2: 12: "That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
These people, according to 2nd Thessalonians 2:11, will be subject to believing the lie the Antichrist will present to the world in the aftermath of the Rapture of the Church, leading many of them to eternal damnation. God will allow them to be deceived, it seems, as a reward for their bold defiance of Him. What a frightening thought!
Many will begin to understand Bible prophecy and will start warning the world the return of Jesus Christ is near:
Acts 2:17-18: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Aliyah will be taking place:
What is Aliyah? Aliyah is the Hebrew word used to describe the physical return of the Jewish people, the children of Israel, to their ancient Promised Land, Zion, from abroad.
In Scripture, God promised He would bring the Jews (descendants of Abraham) back to their Promised Land from all the nations of the world where He had scattered them! It is happening even as you read these words.
Ezekiel 36:24: For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
39. There will be signs Earth's environment is in trouble:
Romans 8:21-23: Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
40. Technology will exist capable of tracking the world's population and their finances:
Revelation 13:16-17: And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
41. The capability will exist for an army of 200 million soldiers to be formed:
In Revelation 9:16, John sees a specific number of soldiers/"horsemen" preparing for or entering into war: And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
Estimates of the total human population of Earth during Christ's day typically vary between 100 to 400 million people. In 2004, the CIA determined China has an estimated 208,143,352 in its population alone fit for military service. As of 2006, that number has risen to 281,240,272 men fit for military service.
42. Drug use will be rampant:
Revelation 9:21: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
The original Greek for the word 'sorceries' is pharmakeia {far-mak-i'-ah}. It means the use or the administering of drugs OR sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.
43. Evil men, seducers and deceivers will get worse and worse. (2nd Timothy 3:13)
One doesn't have to think too hard to realize this prophecy is being dramatically fulfilled in our times. Upon reading this, close your eyes for a moment and think of how many people you know (or have heard of from reputable sources) who seem to be evil to the core! Similarly, think of how many people you know who have fallen victim to frauds and scams perpetrated by seducers (deceivers/imposters). The world today seems full of both with no letup in sight. And evil men? Do I even need to state the obvious where this is concerned? They're everywhere!
44. There will be wars and rumours of war.
Matthew 24:6: And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
It seems that for every international conflict that exists at a given moment in our present time, there is potential for another to manifest itself as well. It's as though our world is about to blow apart at the seams!
45. When we begin to collectively see the signs listed above, Christ's return is near!
Luke 21:28: And when these things BEGIN to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Have you seen any of these signs in the world today?

MY OTHER WEBSITES

2008-03-09T01:23:00.000-08:00

PLEASE VISIT MY OTHER SITES AS IT IS HARD TO TRY AND KEEP UP HERE. I AM NO LONGER WORKING 12 HOUR DAYS AND SHOULD BEABLE TO POST MORE ARTICLES......TERRY/pwng

END TIMES ACORDING TO EZEKIEL

2008-03-09T01:22:00.001-08:00

The End Times According To Ezekiel, - A Bible Study by Jack Kelley -
We've come to the conclusion of the Millennial portion of the Book of Ezekiel, and of the book itself. After devoting 7 chapters (40-46) to the Temple and its offerings, the Priests and the Prince, the final two chapters (47-48) discuss the land in general, and its distribution among the tribes during the Millennium. But as they do, we're given clues as to the Temple's location in the Land, so we'll begin our concluding installment there. For the purposes of clarification, we'll back up a bit in time to gain some perspective from several other books of the Bible.

The Coming Temple

There is no Temple in Israel today, but according to Prophecies in Daniel 9:27, Matt 24:15 and 2 Thes 2:4, a Temple will exist in Israel at the beginning of the Great Tribulation. This is confirmed by Revelation 11:1 which describes John measuring a Temple during the first half of Daniel's 70th week, before the Great Tribulation begins. Its location is the "Holy City." Rev. 11 also introduces the 2 witnesses who preach in the "Great City" and are ultimately killed there, their bodies left lying in the street. The Great City is identified as the place where the Lord was crucified: Jerusalem. But is Jerusalem also the Holy City? We'll see. First, Zechariah explains the day of the Lord's return.

On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south ... Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. (Zechariah 14:4-5)

Zechariah was writing about the very day of the Lord's return. On one of my trips to Jerusalem I stood on the Mt. Of Olives in the place where tradition says He ascended from. As I looked due west toward the Mediterranean I was astonished to discover that if He returns to the same place from which He left, as suggested by Acts 1:11, this East-West valley will pass straight through the current Temple mount, destroying it and anything that may be standing upon it, and moving the northern part of the city up the south facing slope of a mountain that will be created at the same time. (Zechariah 14:10)

On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. (Zechariah 14:8-9)
On that same day a river will fill the valley creating a waterway from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea. Now let's go to Ezekiel 47.

The man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was flowing from the south side.

He asked me, "Son of man, do you see this?" Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Sea. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi (On the Dead Sea's western shore) to En Eglaim (on the eastern shore) there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds-like the fish of the Great Sea. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:1-2, 6-12)

Like Zechariah, Ezekiel also described a river flowing from under the south side of the Temple and then eastward to the Dead Sea, where it makes the sea fresh, and Revelation 22:1-2 confirms this. Both Ezekiel and Revelation speak of trees that line the river bearing fruit each month for food and for healing, and both Zechariah and Revelation indicate that the River flows through the city. If, as it appears, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation are all describing the same river, then an interesting scenario begins to emerge.

This scenario requires a Temple to be present on the day the Lord returns, but since the current Temple mount will have been destroyed in the creation of the river valley mentioned above, this Temple must be somewhere else. Since the river originates under the Temple and flows south from its south side before heading east and west, the Temple must be north of the newly created river valley.

As we'll see, plotting the land grants for the 12 tribes given in Ezekiel 48 on a map of Israel places the Sacred District of the new Temple somewhat north of the current City of Jerusalem. This new location is in the ancient City of Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for nearly 400 years after the Israelites first conquered the Land. This is the new Holy City and its name will be Jehovah Shammah according to Ezekiel 48:35. In English it means "the LORD is here" consistent with His promise to dwell among the Israelites forever. (Ezek 43:7)

The Shiloh location meets all the requirements for the Temple location mentioned in the above references. The current Temple Mount in Jerusalem would not.

Reviewing Ezekiel 44:6-9, we remember that this Temple will have been defiled in a way never seen in history, therefore at a time yet future to us. A foreigner un-circumsized in heart (neither Christian) and flesh (nor Jewish) will have been given charge of the sanctuary while offering sacrifices. According to the chronology of Ezekiel, this defilement will have taken place after both the 1948 re-gathering prophesied in 36-37 and the national wake-up call prophesied in 38-39 but before the Millennial Kingdom begins. The only event we know of that fits in that time frame is the Great Tribulation. Daniel 9:27 agrees with the timing placing the Temple's defilement in the Middle of the 70th week. Paul's prophecy of 2 Thes. 2:4 confirms the nature of the event, saying that the anti-Christ will set himself up in the Temple proclaiming himself to be God. In Matt. 24:15-21 Jesus said it will kick off the Great Tribulation.

Remember, the rabbis call Ezekiel's Temple the 3rd Temple. If the anti-Christ will come from a Moslem background that would prevent him from destroying or defiling the Islamic mosques and shrines on the current Temple Mount. After all it's also likely that Islam will be the one world religion during the end times and the Temple Mount contains its 3rd holiest place. Being the great peace maker, it makes sense that in his covenant with Israel he will come up with a location for the Temple that satisfies both religions, allowing them to co-exist for a time. What better location than the one right out of Israel's own scriptures?

This Temple will be defiled in the middle of the last 7 years, but will be the source of living water that begins flowing on the day the Lord returns (Zech 14:8). After it's made holy again, in what I believe will be the prophetic fulfillment of the Feast of Hanukkah, this same Temple will be used during the Millennium to memorialize the Lord's work at the cross. Its offerings and ceremonies will provide the necessary perspective for children born during the Kingdom Age to choose salvation just as you and I have had the perspective of the Lord's Supper in making our choice. Remember, He said, "Do this in memory of Me until I come." Acts 15:14-16 confirms that after the Lord has taken a people from among the gentiles for Himself (the church) He will return and re-build David's fallen Tabernacle (the Temple). This is the Millennial Temple so vividly described in Ezekiel 40-46 and it will be built in Shiloh.

The New Jerusalem

While we're at it, let's have Ezekiel solve the Jerusalem / New Jerusalem problem for us as well. For as long as I've been studying these things, there has been debate over the location of the New Jerusalem. Some wonder how the Lord could permit redeemed believers and non- believing natural humans to co-exist in the Millennium. Others wonder how a city with a foot print 1400 miles square and tall could be located in Israel when the whole country won't be big enough to accommodate it.

Carefully examining Rev 21 and 22, we notice that John never actually says that the city arrives on earth. We are only told he sees it coming down out of heaven, prepared as a bride. (Not that the city IS the bride, but that as with a bride on her wedding day, no effort has been spared to make it look its absolute best.)

I don't believe the city ever rests on the Earth's surface, but rather orbits in the proximity of Earth, like a satellite or perhaps another moon.

Also, by comparing the descriptions of New Jerusalem with Jehovah Shammah we see some similarities but enough differences to dispel any notion that John and Ezekiel could have been describing the same place. Consider the following:

New Jerusalem

New Jerusalem(All verses from Rev.)
Jehovah Shammah(All verses from Ezekiel)
12 gates named after Israel (21:12)
12 gates named after Israel (48:30)
12 foundations named after Apostles (21:14)
Foundation not described
1400 miles square and tall (21:16)
One mile square (48:30)
Coming Down from heaven (21:2)
Located in Israel on Earth (40:2)
No Temple ... God and the Lamb are its Temple (21:22)
Temple just north of the city (40:2)
No sin; nothing impure will ever enter (21:27)
Daily sin offerings in the Temple (45:13-15,17)
No more death (21:4)
Still death (44:25 also Isa 65:20)
No natural beings ... only the perfected (21:27)
Natural Beings (46:16)

With the differentiation of these two Holy Cities, the apparent conflict between Jewish and Christian eschatology is resolved. Israel was promised that one day GOD would come to Earth to dwell among them forever, while the Church is promised that Jesus will come to take us to heaven to live with Him there. Both promises come true.
Since Ezekiel specifically quoted the Lord's promise to dwell among the Israelites forever (43:7) and then described the new Holy City, while Jesus promised to return for the Church to take us to be with Him (John 14:1-3), they must have been talking about two different destinations. They were. Heaven is the New Jerusalem where we will dwell with the Lord forever, while the Holy City on Earth is Jehovah Shammah where God will dwell in the midst of His people Israel forever.

Israel's Boundaries

With that, we'll shift to the overall boundaries of the land as described in Ezek. 47:13-20. Plotting the ancient references as best as we can, we see that the Northern boundary will run east from the Mediterranean coast across from Cyprus, just north of the 35th parallel and about 100 miles north and west of present day Damascus. In the vicinity of Hamath on the Orontes River in Syria, it will intersect with the Eastern boundary which runs south passing just west of Damascus, east of the Sea of Galilee and then along the Jordan River through the Dead Sea to Zoar, which is just below its southern shores in the vicinity of the 31st parallel. From Zoar the Southern border goes south west toward Kadesh Barnea and then westerly in a curved route to the Wadi al Arish, or River of Egypt (not the Nile) near the 31st parallel again. Then it follows the river north west to meet the south eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Israel's Western boundary is the eastern coast of the Mediterranean.

So the Millennial Kingdom will extend from about 100 miles north of Damascus to about 100 miles south of Jerusalem and from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River. It will include all of present day Lebanon, parts of Syria including the Golan Heights, and all of the West Bank and Gaza. This area closely resembles the original boundaries given in Numbers 34:1-12.

Tribal Allotments

The Land will be divided into 14 roughly equal portions by drawing parallel lines across the land running west to east. There will be seven portions north of the Sacred Portion and five south of it. The Sacred District with the Holy City, the Temple and allotments for the Levites and the Prince will occupy the remaining 2 portions.

North of the Sacred District, beginning with the northern most portion will be the tribes of Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah in that order. Continuing south of the Sacred District the five remaining tribal allotments will belong to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulon and Gad in that order.

On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD's house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar. 21 Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD Almighty, and all who come to sacrifice will take some of the pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 14:20-21)

The land will be holy, the people will be holy, the city will be holy, the Temple will be holy, and the Lord will dwell with them there forever.

Here then is the sequence of end times events according to Ezekiel. Following a long period where the Land had lain desolate, the Jewish people would return in the latter days, as if from the dead. At first they wouldn't recognize God as the author of this but would claim the credit themselves for their resurrection. Israel's return to God will come after the battle of Ezekiel 38-39, and the Jewish people will re-establish their covenant (old not new) with Him. This will require a return to Levitical practices and so a Temple will be built. Following Ezekiel's instructions as interpreted by the anti-Christ, this Temple will be located north of Jerusalem in Shiloh. Some time between the Battle of Ezekiel 38-39 and the beginning of the Millennium, during the time of the Great Tribulation the Temple will be made desolate, but will be cleansed again upon the Lord's return. During the Kingdom Age on Earth this Temple will serve as the dwelling place of God fulfilling His promise to live among His people Israel forever. Amen.
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DOES GOD EXIST VIDEOS. GREAT FOR LEADING OTHERS TO CHRIST

2008-01-27T03:49:00.000-08:00

Does God Exist Scientifically?
"Does God Exist?" A person's foundational worldview is determined by how you answer the question. Review the scientific and mathematical evidence for God's existence and make a decision.

NOTE: IF THESE LINKS TO NOT DIRECT YOU TO THE VIDEOS, YOU CAN FIND THEM HERE AT http://www.allabouttruth.org/does-god-exist-scientifically-aat-2dbd.htm . THESE VIDEOS ARE GREAT FOR LEADING OTHERS TO CHRIST.....TERRY/PWNG
Big Bang Theory Video: Stream this short video on the big bang theory. Explore alternatives to our ultimate question of origins. Where did life come from?
Intelligent Design Video: Watch this extraordinary video clip of mechanical and biological machines. See the fantastic complexity of life at the molecular level. Does it point to an act of random evolution or design? What do the triple PhD's and experts think about this?
Evolution of Man Video: Who was Darwin and what are the arguments regarding his theory? What is natural selection and how does it play into what Charles Darwin believed?
Does God Exist: Based on the latest scientific evidence, has atheism become a greater leap of faith than theism? Check out the evidence for the existence of God here!
God The Creator: Read a lyrical commentary of God's creation of the universe and mankind. What was space like before creation and after?
Charles Darwin Video: Watch this short video clip on Charles Darwin and his infamous theory of evolution. Discover the truth today!
Theory Of Relativity Video: Watch this amazing video clip on the incredible number of perfect settings required to sustain life on our planet. Could all of these factors happened by chance?
Origin of Life Video: Stream this short video clip on the huge question of origins. Do you know what you believe and can you back it up with evidence?
DNA Double Helix Video: Watch this awesome video clip of the spinning DNA double helix. Does it point to an act of random evolution or intelligent design? See the process of transcription and translation. You be the judge. What do the experts think?
Origin of Species Video: Check out this incredible video clip of the Lampsillis Mussle. Is there a logical explanation for how evolution could explain the creation of this mussle?
Second Law of Thermodynamics Video: Watch this awesome video clip on the huge number of perfect settings needed to sustain life on earth. Are these things random happenstance or designed? You decide!
Darwin's Theory of Evolution Video: Stream a short video on this theory. See the incredible advances we've made in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics since Charles Darwin.
Microscopic Organisms: If the first, simple organisms created on prebiotic earth are at the foundation of evolutionary thinking, then what's a "simple" organism?
Dragon History: What do the stories of dragons tell us about the history of dinosaurs in our past?
Proof Of God: What would constitute evidence for God? Using fundamental design detection methodology, check out the incredible evidence for Intelligent Design now!
Evolution And The Fossil Record: Ramapithecus was recognized as a direct ancestor of humans. It is now established that he was merely an extinct type of orangutan.
Human Evolution: A look at the history and controversy surrounding the missing link evidence.
Geologic Time Scale: What is the geologic column? What does it really say about our world?
Radiometric Dating: A questionable method for establishing the old age of rocks. The unreliable basis for the Geologic Time Scale of earth.
Origin Of Life: Science and technology have revealed organic complexity and information code inherent in living systems that can not be spontaneously produced.
Evolution Of Man: Discover the facts about microevolution, natural selection, and speciation - the three major principles of this theory. What is the evidence?
Fossil Record: If my theory be true, numberless intermediate varieties, linking closely together all the species of the same group, must assuredly have existed.
Piltdown Man: Are there really lies and mistakes in our textbooks?
Spontaneous Generation: First Life. 21st century science and technology are revealing things that can't be explained through merely assumed physical processes.
How Old Is The Earth?: Does science really conflict with what the Bible tells us about our history?
DNA Double Helix: The complex structure that dictates everything in all living systems.
Dinosaur Extinction: What caused the dinosaurs to totally vanish from our planet?
Charles Darwin: His Evolutionary Theory of Origins. His family background and education. The HMS Beagle and Origin of Species. His lasting effect.
Creation Vs. Evolution: A hot debate within our culture today that sheds light on core values.
Miracle Of Life: The probability of life arising by chance is comparable to 1050 blind people solving a Rubik's Cube at the same moment.
Darwin's Theory Of Evolution: A look at the original theory and its latest variations.
Origin Of The Universe: What do we know about the beginning of space, time and matter?
Cell Structure: Is there really such a thing as "simple," now that we can view cells using the latest in microbiological technology?
Intelligent Design: Does the order and complexity inherent in our universe require an Intelligent Source?
The Flood: The biblical accout. The geologic, historic and manuscript evidence.
Intelligent Design Theory: Complexity and design. If we shed our prior preconceptions and logically examine our organic world, we start to see things differently.
Age Of Earth: "Old earth" vs. "young earth" -- check out some of the evidence here!
Evolutionism: An overall picture of the evolutionary world-view and its various assumed stages. Discover the truth now.
All About Science: How did the world begin? What is the origin of life? How do these ideas play into your everyday life on earth?
Uniformitarianism: With the paradigm shift which followed Lyell's classic Principles of Geology, Catastrophism gave way to this doctrine of extreme gradualism.
Charles Darwin: Natural Selection, in conjunction with genetic mutation, allowed for the development of all species from a common ancestor.
Problems With The Fossil Record: Roughly 150 years after Darwin proposed his theory, we know that the fossil record doesn't provide the support Darwin himself required.
Creation Evidence: Is there really any evidence for supernatural creation? Check it out for yourself!
Big Bang Theory: What premise is this based upon? What are the evidences and common misconceptions? What is the scientific community saying?
Irreducible Complexity: Like a mechanical motor, each part in the microscopic motor in a bacterium is absolutely necessary for the whole to function.
The Dinosaur Fossils: Early definitions and discoveries. Fossilization process, controversial dating methods, the geologic column, and the extinction theories; younger than we think?
Origin Of The Universe: Bang -- There was an initial explosion of a primordial atom which had contained all the matter in the universe.
Creation Vs. Evolution: A look at the public schools and the popular media when it comes to this debate.
Origin Of Species: The book and theory that changed the way we think about life origins.
All About The Journey: Read the story of one man who challenged his long-held preconceptions about life, purpose, and meaning. What is his conclusion?
Evidence For Evolution: What does the fossil record tell us about the 150-year-old theory?
Theory Of Relativity: A theory intended to describe physical laws of the universe alone, not philosophy, religion or God.
Origin Of Life: What was the cause of first life on earth? What does the latest DNA evidence tell us?
DNA Molecule: The DNA molecule is an intricate message system. To claim DNA arose randomly is to claim information can develop randomly.
Second Law of Thermodynamics: A look at the scientific definitions and applications in our cosmos.
The Age Of The Earth Part 2: What does the fossil record tell us about the earth's geologic history?
The Age Of The Earth: How do scientists truly determine the age of our earth? Check out the evidence for yourself.
Carbon Dating: How do scientists use this relatively rare radioactive isotope to determine how long ago an organic specimen died? Find out more.
Human Eye: The simultaneous development of all the structures for sight is unavoidable. Since parts that develop separately cannot be used.
Evolution Vs. Creation: The Great Debate over the Model of Origins: the theories, contentions, and evidence. The lack of evidence and the resolution.
Creation Of Life: With no information code to tie biological components together, you have nothing resembling any kind of self-existing organism.
Evidence For Intelligent Design: A living organism fulfills the definition of an engineered machine all the way down to the molecular level.
All About Creation: Research various accounts from Adam and Eve to evidence for evolution. Make an informed decision on the origin of life.
Catastrophism: What does our earth reveal about our geologic history?
Theory Of Evolution: There were at least five fundamental stages of evolution that were required prior to any possibility of organic life.
Anthropic Principle Video: What does the fine-tuning inherent in our universe say about the Big Bang, Origin of Life, and other theories? Stream this short video clip now!
Watch Design Video: Does William Paley's classic comparison of an organic cell to watch design apply in today's Intelligent Design debate? View this short video now!
Existence of God Video: Can we make a case for God's reality? Can we use scientific evidence to prove that God exists? Check out this video clip!
Is God a Delusion Video: Is there a scientific or philosophical approach to establishing that God is no delusion? What would Dawkins say? You gotta stream this short video now!
Proof Of God Video: Check out this short video clip! Is God real? Is it possible to prove that God exists? Does the universe and earth hold any proof of God? You have to watch this incredible evidence!
Evolutionary Perspective Video: Are there philosophical leaps in evolutionary science? How does evolution deal with the first organisms that arose by chance? You gotta stream this video!
Punctuated Equilibrium Video: How can we use philosophical conjecture to fill the gaps in the fossil record? What theories are the scientists using? Stream this short video clip now!
Frog Soup Video: What do frogs in blenders reveal about the complexity of life? Is life really a miracle? You have to check out this short video clip!
Human Eye Function Video: What do organic subsystems reveal about Irreducible Complexity and Intelligent Design? Why is the human eye impossible? Stream this video clip now!
Miller and Urey Video: How do we get from the sparks of life created by Miller and Urey to the miracle of complex life? Check out this short video clip now!
Creation vs Evolution Video: An awesome video clip of a Giraffe. Did it evolve or was it created? What is the best explanation for this incredible creature? You decide. Find out what the experts think about this.
Cosmogony Video: What caused the Origin of Everything? What are the prevailing cosmogonies, theories, and philosophies of the day?
Evolution Vs Creation Video: Watch this incredible video clip of the Lampsillis Mussle. Is there a logical explanation for how evolution could explain the creation of this mussle? What do experts think about this?
Evidence For Evolution Video: Check out this unbelievable video clip of a Giraffe. Is there a logical explanation for how evolution could explain this incredible creature? What do experts think about this?
SETI Project Video: What impact does the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence have on Intelligent Design Theory? Has anything been discovered? Check this short video out!
Complexity of Life Video: What does all the order and design inherent in nature mean? Is life a miracle? View this short video now!
DNA and Computers Video: What is the greatest scientific discovery ever? What do we know about the digital code inherent in all living things? Watch this incredible video clip now!
Origin of the Universe Video: You have to see this incredible video clip on origins. Are you a creationist or an evolutionist? How does what you believe about this impact your other beliefs?
Evolution Timeline Video: What are the phases of evolution in naturalistic history? Are there interrelated stages in the evolution timeline? Check this short video out!