For years denominations have warred with each other over end-times subjects. Some teach that the world will grow darker and darker. This is true! They teach that the church will become weaker and weaker. This is not true, for the 'real' church. Some teach that the greatest revival the world has ever known will be in the last days, which goes directly against the beliefs of others who believe God is done and is winding it up. He's about to push the eject button on the last believing remnant.
The truth is that there is a little truth in all of this. Maybe very little... Yes, the world is getting darker and darker. That MUST happen in order for the light to shine brighter and brighter. Neutrality is NOT God's desire. However, there is a part of the church that is luke-warm. Jesus did not have good things to say about this. God is shaking the world right now. Have you noticed?
Heb 12:27-28 MKJV
(27) And this word, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
(28) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
Yes... He is doing a lot of this on purpose! Malachi said this:
Mal 3:18 MKJV
(18) Then you shall again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God, and him who does not serve Him.
God is destroying neutrality - to the best of His ability (without destroying our free will). What does this have to do with revival? When the latter rain comes and God's Spirit is being poured out in these end times (yes, it's happening NOW), we will see the church grow in power like the world has never known. People who like comfortable church are going to grow more and more uncomfortable during these days. Again. This is NOT by accident. Get off the fence. Choose ye this day whom ye will serve - and figure out exactly what that means!
Revival does not necessarily mean 'numbers'. Yes, the church will grow tremendously during these days. The body of Christ will become proportional to her precious Head. That revival is here and is building in scope. It's now. The greater things are beginning to happen - NOW. Will the world be won? Not according to scripture - not on this side of Armageddon. But that does not negate the unbelievable power of the Church or the power she will wield before the trumpet blows. Hell will take a tremendous battering and its gates will not prevail against what is taking place. Yes, time is winding down, but it's not out.
Showing posts with label end times. Show all posts
Showing posts with label end times. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Monday, May 10, 2010
More Fulfillment
Joe 2:28-31 MKJV
(28) And it shall be afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams; your young men shall see visions.
(29) And also I will pour out My Spirit on the slaves and on the slave women in those days.
(30) And I will show wonders in the heavens, and in the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
(31) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of Jehovah.
This is a graphic depiction of what will go on right before the end of the age. Luke quoted part of this in Acts. It is undeniable that the Spirit of God is truly being poured out right now. People who are relatively new in the faith are having visions and are walking in the prophetic. People of other faiths are having dreams that reveal the identity of Messiah, Jesus. This is happening to ALL flesh.
What about the rest of the passage? We do see wonders in the heavens, regularly now. Meteor showers, comets, strange activity with the sun, eclipses... just a lot of interesting heavenly activity. Blood and fire and pillars of smoke? We certainly have all of this we want. There is a volcano that is right now creating the fire and pillars of smoke, and is also blotting out the sun and turning the moon colors, depending on where you live. These are all very definite clues, and they are most-certainly being fulfilled right now.
It's a bleak passage, but there is really nothing more than needs to happen before we can put a check mark beside it as being 'fulfilled'. It lacks nothing. So what is next?
(28) And it shall be afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams; your young men shall see visions.
(29) And also I will pour out My Spirit on the slaves and on the slave women in those days.
(30) And I will show wonders in the heavens, and in the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
(31) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of Jehovah.
This is a graphic depiction of what will go on right before the end of the age. Luke quoted part of this in Acts. It is undeniable that the Spirit of God is truly being poured out right now. People who are relatively new in the faith are having visions and are walking in the prophetic. People of other faiths are having dreams that reveal the identity of Messiah, Jesus. This is happening to ALL flesh.
What about the rest of the passage? We do see wonders in the heavens, regularly now. Meteor showers, comets, strange activity with the sun, eclipses... just a lot of interesting heavenly activity. Blood and fire and pillars of smoke? We certainly have all of this we want. There is a volcano that is right now creating the fire and pillars of smoke, and is also blotting out the sun and turning the moon colors, depending on where you live. These are all very definite clues, and they are most-certainly being fulfilled right now.
It's a bleak passage, but there is really nothing more than needs to happen before we can put a check mark beside it as being 'fulfilled'. It lacks nothing. So what is next?
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Megiddo
Megiddo is a strategic hill in the Jezreel Valley in Israel. It has always been an important location, militarily, and still remains so. Today Israel has an underground airbase in the valley. In ancient times, this was a military outpost that had storehouses and a water supply. It was a city, of sorts.
The Hebrew word for hill or mountain - har - is often used when identifying Megiddo, which is where we get Har Megiddo or Armegeddon. According to historians, archaeologists have discovered seventy-seven layers in this ruined outpost - each representing a time when the city was battled for, destroyed, and rebuilt.
In ancient times, for one culture to war against and conquer another meant that the god of one culture was superior to the god of the conquered culture. Had Goliath killed David, the news on the morning headlines would have read 'Dagon Is the True God!'. In the land of Israel, there is perhaps no greater symbol of strategic possession than Har Megiddo - outside of the city of Jerusalem itself. What does this hint at?
From a Hebraic perspective... if there were going to be a final, symbolic battle to determine once and for all whose god was supreme, this battle would be fought at Megiddo. Isn't that something? Perhaps God thinks so, too! This is exactly why the last battle will be fought at Armageddon.
Rev 16:16 HNV
(16) He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo.
The Hebrew word for hill or mountain - har - is often used when identifying Megiddo, which is where we get Har Megiddo or Armegeddon. According to historians, archaeologists have discovered seventy-seven layers in this ruined outpost - each representing a time when the city was battled for, destroyed, and rebuilt.
In ancient times, for one culture to war against and conquer another meant that the god of one culture was superior to the god of the conquered culture. Had Goliath killed David, the news on the morning headlines would have read 'Dagon Is the True God!'. In the land of Israel, there is perhaps no greater symbol of strategic possession than Har Megiddo - outside of the city of Jerusalem itself. What does this hint at?
From a Hebraic perspective... if there were going to be a final, symbolic battle to determine once and for all whose god was supreme, this battle would be fought at Megiddo. Isn't that something? Perhaps God thinks so, too! This is exactly why the last battle will be fought at Armageddon.
Rev 16:16 HNV
(16) He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Days of Vengeancee
Luke 21:16-22 And you shall be betrayed also by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends. And they will cause some of you to be put to death. (17) And you shall be hated by all for My name's sake. (18) But there shall not a hair of your head perish. (19) By your patience you will gain your souls. (20) And when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that its destruction has come. (21) And let those in Judea flee to the mountains. And those in its midst, let them go out. And those in the open spaces, let them not go into her. (22) For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Reading a passage like this gets my attention. Jesus was speaking prophetically of Jerusalem, but as in so many cases He wasn't giving away much information. Looking at this passage, we might think this has already happened. After all, in 70AD Jerusalem was sacked and burned by the Romans and many Jews died. If I had to guess, I would say that was a direct fulfillment of verse 20. However, we then get to verse 27:
Luke 21:27 And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Somewhere in the passage... we took a time leap. Confusing. But not totally out of place within scripture. Very often the prophetic message had a early and latter fulfillment. Daniel spoke of the abomination of desolation which did occur by Antiochus Epiphenes. But the real fulfillment he spoke of will be done - again - by the antichrist. Duel fulfillment. Still confusing.
Reading again verse 27, we see that this is a reference to the 2nd coming of Jesus. Why is it the second coming and not the rapture? Because the rapture is a secretive gathering of the saints in the clouds. People will not 'see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory' during the rapture event. However, the second coming will be just this way - public and spectacular.
But to me, this might imply a 'hint' somewhere in the text. If the rapture is a hidden event, is there a hint of it in this text?
Jesus is specific about circumstances. When you have to run for it, and you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that these are Days of Vengeance. See, that is an odd description. It's a title...
Is it used anywhere else? I looked.
Hosea 9:5-7 What will you do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah? (6) For lo, they have left because of destruction. Egypt shall gather them up; Memphis shall bury them. Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver; thorns shall be in their tents. (7) The days of her judgment have come; the days of vengeance have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and the great hatred.
This is the only other place I found the phrase "Days of Vengeance" used. If I look at this passage as a divine link to Luke 21 (oh... and I do!) then this makes an interesting statement.
What will I be doing during the Great Tribulation - Jacob's time of trouble? According to Revelation, I will be at a Marriage Supper of the Lamb. What does Hosea ask? "What will I do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah?" "For lo, they have left because of destruction." Who has left? Well... me... for one. "Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver." What else happens when millions of people disappear? They leave their riches behind. Why? Because the days of vengeance have come.
It's an interesting cross-reference. Can we be dogmatic about any of it? Probably not, but it's worth discussing.
Reading a passage like this gets my attention. Jesus was speaking prophetically of Jerusalem, but as in so many cases He wasn't giving away much information. Looking at this passage, we might think this has already happened. After all, in 70AD Jerusalem was sacked and burned by the Romans and many Jews died. If I had to guess, I would say that was a direct fulfillment of verse 20. However, we then get to verse 27:
Luke 21:27 And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Somewhere in the passage... we took a time leap. Confusing. But not totally out of place within scripture. Very often the prophetic message had a early and latter fulfillment. Daniel spoke of the abomination of desolation which did occur by Antiochus Epiphenes. But the real fulfillment he spoke of will be done - again - by the antichrist. Duel fulfillment. Still confusing.
Reading again verse 27, we see that this is a reference to the 2nd coming of Jesus. Why is it the second coming and not the rapture? Because the rapture is a secretive gathering of the saints in the clouds. People will not 'see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory' during the rapture event. However, the second coming will be just this way - public and spectacular.
But to me, this might imply a 'hint' somewhere in the text. If the rapture is a hidden event, is there a hint of it in this text?
Jesus is specific about circumstances. When you have to run for it, and you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that these are Days of Vengeance. See, that is an odd description. It's a title...
Is it used anywhere else? I looked.
Hosea 9:5-7 What will you do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah? (6) For lo, they have left because of destruction. Egypt shall gather them up; Memphis shall bury them. Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver; thorns shall be in their tents. (7) The days of her judgment have come; the days of vengeance have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and the great hatred.
This is the only other place I found the phrase "Days of Vengeance" used. If I look at this passage as a divine link to Luke 21 (oh... and I do!) then this makes an interesting statement.
What will I be doing during the Great Tribulation - Jacob's time of trouble? According to Revelation, I will be at a Marriage Supper of the Lamb. What does Hosea ask? "What will I do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah?" "For lo, they have left because of destruction." Who has left? Well... me... for one. "Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver." What else happens when millions of people disappear? They leave their riches behind. Why? Because the days of vengeance have come.
It's an interesting cross-reference. Can we be dogmatic about any of it? Probably not, but it's worth discussing.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Rock of Ages
Dan 2:31-35 MKJV
(31) You, O king, were seeing. And, behold! A great image! That great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before you. And its form was dreadful.
(32) This image's head was of fine gold; his breast and his arms were of silver; his belly and his thighs were of bronze;
(33) his legs were of iron; his feet were part of iron and part of clay.
(34) You watched until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image upon its feet which were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces.
(35) Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken to pieces together. And they became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors. And the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
What a dream! Have you ever had a dream such as this? At face value, it doesn't seem to be such a horrible dream. Certainly it's nothing like Freddie chasing you down a dark alleyway. But there was something about this dream. In verse 1, it said "Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, with which his spirit was troubled and his sleep left him. "
The explanation of the dream revealed a prophecy of the entirety of the last days, beginning with the very time of Daniel. It was a visual timeline. As Daniel described, the head of gold was Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian Empire, followed by the Meado-Persian Empire (breast/arms of silver), followed by Alexander's Greek Empire (stomach/thighs of bronze), the Roman Empire (legs of iron), and the final empire of man, the feet of iron and clay. The statue was that of a man to represent the best man could bring.
Notice, however, that a single solitary stone strikes the statue upon its feet. The final world empire of man will be destroyed by a single stone - the Stone the Builders rejected (Matt 21:42). The destruction by this single event will be so definite, so final, that Daniel saw it as chaff being blown away by the wind. Have you ever taken a hand full of hay and thrown it up into the wind? It is perhaps one of the most inconsequential things that can be done. Chaff in the wind cannot harm even the smallest of flying insects.
Where are we now? I'd say right about the ankles. There will be no other great world empires until the empire of iron and clay comes to power.
Then this Stone, which destroyed the last great empire of man, grows until it becomes a mountain so large it fills the entire earth.
Isa 9:7 There is no end of the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on, even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this.
During a time when our representatives are not representing the will of those who elected them, and during a time when the highest of offices are not only pushing unpatriotic ideals but flat-out traitorous ideals, there is something that comes into my mind. There is a Stone coming your way. It's bigger than you think, and the astronomers aren't going to pick this one up in time. Get ready.
(31) You, O king, were seeing. And, behold! A great image! That great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before you. And its form was dreadful.
(32) This image's head was of fine gold; his breast and his arms were of silver; his belly and his thighs were of bronze;
(33) his legs were of iron; his feet were part of iron and part of clay.
(34) You watched until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image upon its feet which were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces.
(35) Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken to pieces together. And they became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors. And the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
What a dream! Have you ever had a dream such as this? At face value, it doesn't seem to be such a horrible dream. Certainly it's nothing like Freddie chasing you down a dark alleyway. But there was something about this dream. In verse 1, it said "Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, with which his spirit was troubled and his sleep left him. "
The explanation of the dream revealed a prophecy of the entirety of the last days, beginning with the very time of Daniel. It was a visual timeline. As Daniel described, the head of gold was Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian Empire, followed by the Meado-Persian Empire (breast/arms of silver), followed by Alexander's Greek Empire (stomach/thighs of bronze), the Roman Empire (legs of iron), and the final empire of man, the feet of iron and clay. The statue was that of a man to represent the best man could bring.
Notice, however, that a single solitary stone strikes the statue upon its feet. The final world empire of man will be destroyed by a single stone - the Stone the Builders rejected (Matt 21:42). The destruction by this single event will be so definite, so final, that Daniel saw it as chaff being blown away by the wind. Have you ever taken a hand full of hay and thrown it up into the wind? It is perhaps one of the most inconsequential things that can be done. Chaff in the wind cannot harm even the smallest of flying insects.
Where are we now? I'd say right about the ankles. There will be no other great world empires until the empire of iron and clay comes to power.
Then this Stone, which destroyed the last great empire of man, grows until it becomes a mountain so large it fills the entire earth.
Isa 9:7 There is no end of the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on, even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this.
During a time when our representatives are not representing the will of those who elected them, and during a time when the highest of offices are not only pushing unpatriotic ideals but flat-out traitorous ideals, there is something that comes into my mind. There is a Stone coming your way. It's bigger than you think, and the astronomers aren't going to pick this one up in time. Get ready.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Keep It Simple
Mat 11:28-30 MKJV
(28) Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
(29) Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.
(30) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
I've been wrestling with my posting - of late. The reasons are many. For one, I have been over-inspired. Since my last posting, the prophetic time clock has moved forward. More pieces have fallen into place that have added resolution to the picture of Jesus' eminent return. There is more news screaming that it's here.... folks... it's literally time. Look up.
So, for no lack of writing material, I've written nothing because I've just been overwhelmed. Today's post is a passage that should help us in these stressful times. However, I'd like to speak about one part of the above passage.
(29) Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.
Learn from Me, for (because) I am meek and lowly in heart. Stop. WHY is that a reason to learn from a teacher? How many teachers that you've been drawn to because they were meek? How many teachers sell their teaching because of the opposite? They are brash, they are arrogant, they are cocky, they are loud, they are ________?
Truly, in American English is it easy to read this passage incorrectly. Jesus says this: "Look at me. Do I look stressed out? Do I look afraid? Learn this from me and you will find REST." Wow! How can I do that when the economy is tanking? How can I do that if Israel attacks Iran and gasoline goes to $8/gallon?
The yoke of Jesus is simple.
Mat 22:37-39 MKJV
(37) Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
(38) This is the first and great commandment.
(39) And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
When everything is done out of love, the load gets so much lighter, doesn't it? That's why fishing is rarely considered 'work'! If we can simplify our lives, and just get back to the basic - Love - with the love the Lord gives us - then we will find rest even in these perilous times.
(28) Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
(29) Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.
(30) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
I've been wrestling with my posting - of late. The reasons are many. For one, I have been over-inspired. Since my last posting, the prophetic time clock has moved forward. More pieces have fallen into place that have added resolution to the picture of Jesus' eminent return. There is more news screaming that it's here.... folks... it's literally time. Look up.
So, for no lack of writing material, I've written nothing because I've just been overwhelmed. Today's post is a passage that should help us in these stressful times. However, I'd like to speak about one part of the above passage.
(29) Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.
Learn from Me, for (because) I am meek and lowly in heart. Stop. WHY is that a reason to learn from a teacher? How many teachers that you've been drawn to because they were meek? How many teachers sell their teaching because of the opposite? They are brash, they are arrogant, they are cocky, they are loud, they are ________?
Truly, in American English is it easy to read this passage incorrectly. Jesus says this: "Look at me. Do I look stressed out? Do I look afraid? Learn this from me and you will find REST." Wow! How can I do that when the economy is tanking? How can I do that if Israel attacks Iran and gasoline goes to $8/gallon?
The yoke of Jesus is simple.
Mat 22:37-39 MKJV
(37) Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
(38) This is the first and great commandment.
(39) And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
When everything is done out of love, the load gets so much lighter, doesn't it? That's why fishing is rarely considered 'work'! If we can simplify our lives, and just get back to the basic - Love - with the love the Lord gives us - then we will find rest even in these perilous times.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Worrying For Nothing
There are many people concerned about world peace right now. It falls right in line with what Luke wrote about the status quo in the last days:
Luk 21:25-26 LITV
(25) And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars. And on the earth will be anxiety of nations with bewilderment, roaring of sea and of surf,
(26) men fainting from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
This is the beginning of a great 'shaking'. Truly, it does feel as though things have been shaken up greatly since the 90's. The 90's seem like 50 years ago, don't they?
The world is worried - for good reason. Those who aren't tend to be those in denial or the totally naive. Or there is the group that knows what the Bible says about it all.
One of the focal points of all this unrest is the tiny nation of Israel. Several times this week I have seen news or opinion writers portray Israel in a precarious position. I would like to address this briefly. Israel, the land, the people, the temple, the mosque, the mountain, the goats, the oranges... everything... belongs to the God of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). He made certain promises regarding His land, about His plans for it, about who would live in it temporarily and permanently, and about when all this would happen.
Something should be understood amongst Christians and Jews alike. Israel's existence is in no danger. She will never again be a non-entity. Israel, as a nation, is as sure as God Himself. She is infinitely more sure than the United States, Russia, and Iran. Is there danger to the Jewish people? Sadly, yes. These are an oppressed people, but that is what it is - oppression. Will they survive? Yes. Will there be sad times? Absolutely.
One of the mightiest angels in God's heaven stands as protector of the nation of Israel - Michael.
Dan 12:1 LITV
(1) And at that time, Michael shall stand up, the great ruler who stands for the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of distress, such as has not been from the being of a nation until that time. And at that time, your people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the Book.
Satan has warred with Michael over the body of Moses. Michael prevailed. If Satan himself cannot prevail over the protector of Israel, we should all realize that Israel is not going anywhere. That is not to say that God's word alone isn't protection enough.
We can muse and distress over the events of the Middle East, but it is in vain. Those who threaten God's chosen people are cursed from the beginning, according to Gen 27:29. Have you ever observed the actions of the cursed? Nothing goes their way. Even small victories are hollow and temporary. They are never fulfilled, and their rage drives them to their next defeat. This is the path of the enemies of God and His people.
Psa 2:1-12 ASV
(1) Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.
(5) Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:
(6) Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.
(7) I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
(8) Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(10) Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
(11) Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
Luk 21:25-26 LITV
(25) And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars. And on the earth will be anxiety of nations with bewilderment, roaring of sea and of surf,
(26) men fainting from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
This is the beginning of a great 'shaking'. Truly, it does feel as though things have been shaken up greatly since the 90's. The 90's seem like 50 years ago, don't they?
The world is worried - for good reason. Those who aren't tend to be those in denial or the totally naive. Or there is the group that knows what the Bible says about it all.
One of the focal points of all this unrest is the tiny nation of Israel. Several times this week I have seen news or opinion writers portray Israel in a precarious position. I would like to address this briefly. Israel, the land, the people, the temple, the mosque, the mountain, the goats, the oranges... everything... belongs to the God of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). He made certain promises regarding His land, about His plans for it, about who would live in it temporarily and permanently, and about when all this would happen.
Something should be understood amongst Christians and Jews alike. Israel's existence is in no danger. She will never again be a non-entity. Israel, as a nation, is as sure as God Himself. She is infinitely more sure than the United States, Russia, and Iran. Is there danger to the Jewish people? Sadly, yes. These are an oppressed people, but that is what it is - oppression. Will they survive? Yes. Will there be sad times? Absolutely.
One of the mightiest angels in God's heaven stands as protector of the nation of Israel - Michael.
Dan 12:1 LITV
(1) And at that time, Michael shall stand up, the great ruler who stands for the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of distress, such as has not been from the being of a nation until that time. And at that time, your people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the Book.
Satan has warred with Michael over the body of Moses. Michael prevailed. If Satan himself cannot prevail over the protector of Israel, we should all realize that Israel is not going anywhere. That is not to say that God's word alone isn't protection enough.
We can muse and distress over the events of the Middle East, but it is in vain. Those who threaten God's chosen people are cursed from the beginning, according to Gen 27:29. Have you ever observed the actions of the cursed? Nothing goes their way. Even small victories are hollow and temporary. They are never fulfilled, and their rage drives them to their next defeat. This is the path of the enemies of God and His people.
Psa 2:1-12 ASV
(1) Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.
(5) Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:
(6) Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.
(7) I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
(8) Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(10) Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
(11) Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
Monday, October 19, 2009
It's Here, Sooner Than You Think
For the few Christians who have not been stirred from their slumber of late, there are a few warning signs happening now that should bring sobriety. One world government is on our doorstep. How and why? The excuses are being made up and ratified for us. We are giving our sovereignty away each day. The Constitution is no longer of any effect. If those in power don't care for the wording, they change it. As a nation, we've already given in.
But really... how could they pull off a one-world government?
This is how they are currently planning to pull it off:
Copenhagen negotiating text: 200 pages to save the world?
Lord Christopher Monckton, former science advisor to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher spoke to an audience of over 700 at Bethel University in St. Paul recently and had this to say:
"At [the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in] Copenhagen this December, weeks away, a treaty will be signed," Monckton told a Minnesota Free Market Institute audience on Thursday at Bethel University in St. Paul.
"Your president will sign it. Most of the Third World countries will sign it, because they think they're going to get money out of it. Most of the left-wing regimes from the European Union will rubber stamp it. Virtually nobody won't sign it," he told the audience of some 700 attendees.
"I read that treaty and what it says is this: that a world government is going to be created. The word 'government' actually appears as the first of three purposes of the new entity.
"The second purpose is the transfer of wealth from the countries of the West to Third World countries, in satisfaction of what is called, coyly, 'climate debt' – because we've been burning CO2 and they haven't. We've been screwing up the climate and they haven't. And the third purpose of this new entity, this government is enforcement."
This is all okay. At some point, our nation has to give up its status as 'the' superpower. Jesus is not going to walk into Washington DC and set up shop. There comes a time when "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Messiah. He will reign forever and ever!" Rev 11:15
But really... how could they pull off a one-world government?
This is how they are currently planning to pull it off:
Copenhagen negotiating text: 200 pages to save the world?
Lord Christopher Monckton, former science advisor to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher spoke to an audience of over 700 at Bethel University in St. Paul recently and had this to say:
"At [the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in] Copenhagen this December, weeks away, a treaty will be signed," Monckton told a Minnesota Free Market Institute audience on Thursday at Bethel University in St. Paul.
"Your president will sign it. Most of the Third World countries will sign it, because they think they're going to get money out of it. Most of the left-wing regimes from the European Union will rubber stamp it. Virtually nobody won't sign it," he told the audience of some 700 attendees.
"I read that treaty and what it says is this: that a world government is going to be created. The word 'government' actually appears as the first of three purposes of the new entity.
"The second purpose is the transfer of wealth from the countries of the West to Third World countries, in satisfaction of what is called, coyly, 'climate debt' – because we've been burning CO2 and they haven't. We've been screwing up the climate and they haven't. And the third purpose of this new entity, this government is enforcement."
This is all okay. At some point, our nation has to give up its status as 'the' superpower. Jesus is not going to walk into Washington DC and set up shop. There comes a time when "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Messiah. He will reign forever and ever!" Rev 11:15
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Signs
There are a lot of conspiracy theories out there. A lot of folks think the government is up to something (mostly no good) and could be right. Many think it's the world banking system. Some think the Masons... some the Illuminati. Some think it's the CIA, or the EU, or the UN... everyone has an opinion of what is going on and who is behind it.
The best selling book ever written has the answers already, however. All of this is predicted and the outcome is very clear. What is uncertain are some minor details and an exact timeline, but it's plain to see we're coming to a head on most of it. The time draws near. It's time to be looking up.
The best selling book ever written has the answers already, however. All of this is predicted and the outcome is very clear. What is uncertain are some minor details and an exact timeline, but it's plain to see we're coming to a head on most of it. The time draws near. It's time to be looking up.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Keeping It In Order
I remember a long, long time ago... probably 25 or 30 years ago, a man in my church was asked, "If you were mowing your lawn, and an angel in disguise came up and told you the Lord would return tomorrow, what would you do?" The man said, "I guess I'd finish mowing my lawn."
I remembered that. Yes, living in the last days is about not only getting your life in order, it's about keeping it in order. If we should be doing something other than mowing our lawn, let's put the mower up and get to it. Prioritize. God has nothing against us taking care of our personal affairs, as long as we have property prioritized them. The Kingdom comes first.
God told Haggai the prophet that Israel was more concerned with their homes than with HIS house, which lay in ruins. God's complaint wasn't that the people were mowing their lawns, but that they'd lost their sense of priority.
Let's get our house in order and then keep it in order, so that when the time comes, we leave no ends untied.
I remembered that. Yes, living in the last days is about not only getting your life in order, it's about keeping it in order. If we should be doing something other than mowing our lawn, let's put the mower up and get to it. Prioritize. God has nothing against us taking care of our personal affairs, as long as we have property prioritized them. The Kingdom comes first.
God told Haggai the prophet that Israel was more concerned with their homes than with HIS house, which lay in ruins. God's complaint wasn't that the people were mowing their lawns, but that they'd lost their sense of priority.
Let's get our house in order and then keep it in order, so that when the time comes, we leave no ends untied.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Third Day
"After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight" (Hos. 6:2).
Hosea was speaking of millennial days. We are now in that third day. That third day is very interesting.
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
"Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
"But he spake of the temple of his body" (Jn. 2:19-21).
God has ordained some neat things for the third day - patterned, I believe, after the resurrection of Jesus Himself. I think Jesus' resurrection wasn't the event (as phenomenally important as it was) but the pattern!
By the way, the temple IS about to be rebuilt... in the third day...
So what happened on the third day of literal creation? Two things: God divided the earth - the land from the sea, and he created seed which sprouted... all in one day. God spoke seed into being, and it was, then it sprouted, then it bore fruit bearing more seed... all in one day. That's productivity. That's the prosperity of the unadulterated word of God.
Jesus was the seed of Life, which when planted in the ground for three days bore the Fruit of Spirit and the seed of the Church - a million times more than Satan thought he'd killed. The third day was a good day. But I'm telling you... it's only a pattern of what is still to come! He was the First Fruits! He was the down payment! Watch out... we are in THE THIRD DAY. We don't have a CLUE what is about to transpire!
Hosea was speaking of millennial days. We are now in that third day. That third day is very interesting.
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
"Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
"But he spake of the temple of his body" (Jn. 2:19-21).
God has ordained some neat things for the third day - patterned, I believe, after the resurrection of Jesus Himself. I think Jesus' resurrection wasn't the event (as phenomenally important as it was) but the pattern!
By the way, the temple IS about to be rebuilt... in the third day...
So what happened on the third day of literal creation? Two things: God divided the earth - the land from the sea, and he created seed which sprouted... all in one day. God spoke seed into being, and it was, then it sprouted, then it bore fruit bearing more seed... all in one day. That's productivity. That's the prosperity of the unadulterated word of God.
Jesus was the seed of Life, which when planted in the ground for three days bore the Fruit of Spirit and the seed of the Church - a million times more than Satan thought he'd killed. The third day was a good day. But I'm telling you... it's only a pattern of what is still to come! He was the First Fruits! He was the down payment! Watch out... we are in THE THIRD DAY. We don't have a CLUE what is about to transpire!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Point of Acceptance
Sometimes as believers we just need to realize that God is God, He is Holy, and He does not have to share His glory with us at any point. I know I dwell, often, on the state of our nation and the world at large. It seems like such a downward spiral - it can easily grab your focus.
But my focus should be on Him. He's the reason. He sets up kings and brings them down. He promotes His children, and demotes them, as He sees fit to mold us.
He has a plan. None of this is happenstance, or out of control - as chaotic as it looks. I do believe He allows us to coast for extended periods of time upon His wave of grace, and I do believe we can prolong - or avoid altogether - judgment by simply repenting. Yet most of the time we as a culture do not. We push Him further and further away.
Godlessness shows up in our beauty pageants. In our legislation. In our foreign policy. In our churches. In our TV shows.
God, on the other hand, has no choice but to show up in everything else. If we'd honor Him with TV, He might not have to show up in the earthquake. If we'd honor him in our foreign policy, He might not have to show up in a hurricane.
God told Elijah that He was not in the violent shaking of the earth, the fire, or the wind... but rather a still small voice - to Elijah. Elijah belonged to God. Elijah honored God. For a world that does not know Him, or honor Him, I believe very often the only way He can grab attention is through quakes, fires, and floods.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Prophecy Unfolding
Below is from Pastor Mark Biltz. Highly interesting stuff... It reminds me that if we are not watching, we are not in obedience. If we are not praying for the Peace of Jerusalem, we are not in obedience.
Blair: New Mideast Peace Plan Unveiled in Weeks
An interesting quote from it is this:
President Barack Obama is holding separate meetings at the White House this month with the Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders to hear their views. Once those meetings are over, the Quartet is to convene in Washington to discuss and present the new strategy, Blair said. The Quartet includes the U.S., the United Nations, the European Union and Russia. "I think that within the next five to six weeks, you will have a very clear picture of what the plan is," Blair said.
The haftarah portion from the prophets that is read around the world by Jews coming up June 6th is very significantly related. It is Zech 2-4. Here is the preface to it from Zech 1:
Zec 1:17-21 Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns. And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. And the LORD showed me four carpenters. Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to bring terror to them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.
In Zechariah 2 we find Jerusalem is being measured. And then we find:
Zec 2:8-10 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
Blair: New Mideast Peace Plan Unveiled in Weeks
An interesting quote from it is this:
President Barack Obama is holding separate meetings at the White House this month with the Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders to hear their views. Once those meetings are over, the Quartet is to convene in Washington to discuss and present the new strategy, Blair said. The Quartet includes the U.S., the United Nations, the European Union and Russia. "I think that within the next five to six weeks, you will have a very clear picture of what the plan is," Blair said.
The haftarah portion from the prophets that is read around the world by Jews coming up June 6th is very significantly related. It is Zech 2-4. Here is the preface to it from Zech 1:
Zec 1:17-21 Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns. And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. And the LORD showed me four carpenters. Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to bring terror to them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.
In Zechariah 2 we find Jerusalem is being measured. And then we find:
Zec 2:8-10 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Chrysler Files for Bankruptcy
Don't you hate that? Not that I'm a Chrysler guy, and I'm sure the name isn't going to vanish, but it just seems as though some of our 'icons' are crumbling in this country. That's sad for several reasons. I was a child in the 70's, which weren't the greatest economically. But about the time I started to pay attention in the 80's we were entering a time of unparalleled prosperity in the US. I was proud to be an American, for sure. As I grew a bit older yet, I started to realize that God does this from time to time - setting up world powers and bringing them back down. It's all up to Him. Why does He do it?
For one, it will create a marked difference between our meager empires and the one He will set up on earth. We will see that sans corruption, a nation does not have to disolve or atrophy from within over time. His regime will not be subject to corruption. His power will not peak and wane. His sovereignty will be undeniable to every leader on earth, and there will be no freedom to protest Him publically at all - until the end. The Bible says He will rule with an iron scepter - that means He will be unmoved in His policy. It will be a great time to be 'all in' as a Christ-follower. It will be a horrid time to be an enemy of the Lord.
Unlike some, I do not think that technology will disappear during the Millennium. It will be in use during the entirety of the Tribulation. For those who survive it, it won't simply disappear. Jesus will most-likely reign over a modern society - proving that technology is not the cause of our sin. If my speculation is accurate, then that is good, good news for the car companies of the future.
For one, it will create a marked difference between our meager empires and the one He will set up on earth. We will see that sans corruption, a nation does not have to disolve or atrophy from within over time. His regime will not be subject to corruption. His power will not peak and wane. His sovereignty will be undeniable to every leader on earth, and there will be no freedom to protest Him publically at all - until the end. The Bible says He will rule with an iron scepter - that means He will be unmoved in His policy. It will be a great time to be 'all in' as a Christ-follower. It will be a horrid time to be an enemy of the Lord.
Unlike some, I do not think that technology will disappear during the Millennium. It will be in use during the entirety of the Tribulation. For those who survive it, it won't simply disappear. Jesus will most-likely reign over a modern society - proving that technology is not the cause of our sin. If my speculation is accurate, then that is good, good news for the car companies of the future.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Flu
Have you seen the pictures of Mexico lately? Not only of the earthquake today, but of all the people wearing masks to protect from the swine flu. Scary stuff. Is it a sign?
You bet.
Things happen on earth often as a picture of what is happening spiritually. We have already talked about the bees disappearing.
People are wearing masks to keep from breathing in a virus - something in the air - that has the potential to make them extremely sick.
Poison air is not only a physical truth these days. There's so much garbage being taught - even in the church.
2Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
People are breathing poison air - and the people that Timothy was speaking of will NOT be willing to change their minds. So for all my friends and family that - despite their occupation - have given themselves to the ministry of God, remember this:
2Ti 4:5
(5) But you be clear-minded in all, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.
Peace.
You bet.
Things happen on earth often as a picture of what is happening spiritually. We have already talked about the bees disappearing.
People are wearing masks to keep from breathing in a virus - something in the air - that has the potential to make them extremely sick.
Poison air is not only a physical truth these days. There's so much garbage being taught - even in the church.
2Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
People are breathing poison air - and the people that Timothy was speaking of will NOT be willing to change their minds. So for all my friends and family that - despite their occupation - have given themselves to the ministry of God, remember this:
2Ti 4:5
(5) But you be clear-minded in all, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.
Peace.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Harvest of the End-time
The bible speaks of the end-time when God says He will pour His Spirit out upon all flesh. This is happening, and it's an incredible thing to watch. Christians who are truly watching and discerning the signs of the times are excited. Just today, this article came to my attention from a buddy: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/130501
Soon, by all appearances, Israel will stand alone. Of course, she is never alone.
Many believe that a rapture of the church will occur - a harvest of barley - before the time of tribulation on earth begins. By that viewpoint, soon thereafter another great harvest will begin - a harvest of wheat. Finally, during the worst of that time of 'great' tribulation, there will also be a final harvest - the grape harvest.
There are Christians that simply sit back and wait for the sky to fall, content to take their salvation to the bank when the time comes. Meanwhile, they lounge at home and flip channels, not caring that people are dying lost every day. For so many, the end is today.
It would do us all well to note that during the harvest, God instructed the reapers to leave the corners of the field for the poor (Lev 23:22). That is a very troubling prospect when we are dealing with a harvest of souls. The implication is that... all are not harvested at the same time. Good-times theologeans have a hard time with that.
My own observation is that the corners of the fields are the parts closest to the rest of the world. That begs the question: what part of the field do I hang out in? The part closest to the edge or well-into the center?
Soon, by all appearances, Israel will stand alone. Of course, she is never alone.
Many believe that a rapture of the church will occur - a harvest of barley - before the time of tribulation on earth begins. By that viewpoint, soon thereafter another great harvest will begin - a harvest of wheat. Finally, during the worst of that time of 'great' tribulation, there will also be a final harvest - the grape harvest.
There are Christians that simply sit back and wait for the sky to fall, content to take their salvation to the bank when the time comes. Meanwhile, they lounge at home and flip channels, not caring that people are dying lost every day. For so many, the end is today.
It would do us all well to note that during the harvest, God instructed the reapers to leave the corners of the field for the poor (Lev 23:22). That is a very troubling prospect when we are dealing with a harvest of souls. The implication is that... all are not harvested at the same time. Good-times theologeans have a hard time with that.
My own observation is that the corners of the fields are the parts closest to the rest of the world. That begs the question: what part of the field do I hang out in? The part closest to the edge or well-into the center?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Signs
If someone told you that in twenty years, we would still be here, would you believe them? How about 10 years? Or 5?
How about next year?
Do you really believe we are living in the last days, and if so, what does that mean to you?
Zec 12:3
(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.
If you click on the Jerusalem link on the left side of the page, the news articles will only list Jerusalem news. It is AMAZING how many nations have burdened themselves with Jerusalem. Guess what? America is at the forefront.
I'll say it again because this is what I believe: if you look outside, you look upon a society of people who have turned against God and His hand of blessing is becoming harder to see in this nation. Do the snapped telephone poles make this land appear more like the 'promised land', or less? How about the wild fires and floods? Hurricanes? Drought?
Abraham was told by God that those who bless him would be blessed. As a nation, we are losing that blessing. As an individual, I don't have to, nor does anyone else that blesses and supports God's people. Science writes this off as cyclical - or worse... man-made. (If the globe gets any warmer, I may freeze to death.) I'll contend that a truly blessed nation that walks in the light of God and under His rules would experience unprecedented properity - period. Look at Joshua's reign over Israel. When did it go awry for him? When they failed to do what God told them to do. I realize this is very hard-line. Even Joseph went through trying times, right? True - he did. But he kept his eyes on the Lord and look how he was elevated. Is that what we are doing as a nation? Are our eyes on the Lord?
My outlook on this really isn't all that bleak. Jesus said that even as the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be. Look up, for our redemption draweth nigh.
How about next year?
Do you really believe we are living in the last days, and if so, what does that mean to you?
Zec 12:3
(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.
If you click on the Jerusalem link on the left side of the page, the news articles will only list Jerusalem news. It is AMAZING how many nations have burdened themselves with Jerusalem. Guess what? America is at the forefront.
I'll say it again because this is what I believe: if you look outside, you look upon a society of people who have turned against God and His hand of blessing is becoming harder to see in this nation. Do the snapped telephone poles make this land appear more like the 'promised land', or less? How about the wild fires and floods? Hurricanes? Drought?
Abraham was told by God that those who bless him would be blessed. As a nation, we are losing that blessing. As an individual, I don't have to, nor does anyone else that blesses and supports God's people. Science writes this off as cyclical - or worse... man-made. (If the globe gets any warmer, I may freeze to death.) I'll contend that a truly blessed nation that walks in the light of God and under His rules would experience unprecedented properity - period. Look at Joshua's reign over Israel. When did it go awry for him? When they failed to do what God told them to do. I realize this is very hard-line. Even Joseph went through trying times, right? True - he did. But he kept his eyes on the Lord and look how he was elevated. Is that what we are doing as a nation? Are our eyes on the Lord?
My outlook on this really isn't all that bleak. Jesus said that even as the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be. Look up, for our redemption draweth nigh.
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