Sunday, January 28, 2018

Enforcing the Covenant



“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”   Daniel 9:27  NKJV

I am sure many like me who watch the events unfolding in the Middle East often wonder at some of the personalities involved in the “peace process” and form the opinion that it certainly appears that this may be something which will never be accomplished.  If that thought has ever crossed your mind, let me be the first to congratulate you.  You see, in my opinion you are exactly right; it never will.  Now many might read those words and counter with the statement that the antichrist does indeed bring peace between Israel and its enemies, but as to that thought, I think it important that we examine this passage from Daniel a little closer.

Many of you are probably familiar with Chuck Missler, a wonderful Bible teacher and founder of Koinonia House.  I have been fortunate enough to not only study many of his teachings, but to visit KHouse to hear him teach.  Over time, there are two things he has said which have had an enormous effect on how I approach my study of the scripture and I would like to share those with you today.  The first is, “if you torture the data long enough, you can get it to confess to anything.”  The second is, “we should not only be aware of what the Bible says, but of what it doesn’t say as well.”  It is with those two principles in mind that I will attempt to explain my thoughts on peace in the Middle East, and this passage from Daniel.

Since taking office, President Trump has made peace in the Middle East a priority for his administration.  Relations with Israel are as good if not better than they have ever been, and Jerusalem has finally been officially recognized as the capital of Israel by our government.  A framework for an agreement to solve the Palestinian problem has been proposed by other Arab nations and it would appear that the US likes what it has seen so far, and is using it to help craft an acceptable proposition.  Unfortunately, as most have come to expect by now, the Palestinian leadership has reacted in a most predictable way by denouncing President Trump, his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and whatever agreement for peace that is currently being proposed.  This has led our government to take the position that it seems apparent to all that the Palestinian Authority has no interest in peace, and is not a viable partner in any discussions to end this stalemate.

As this relates to the passage from Daniel, I want to point out a few things which I believe we all need to be aware of.  Many have taught, and many think that the coming antichrist signs a peace agreement between Israel and its enemies.  While that position has often been inferred from verse 27, it certainly is not what it says.  What it does say is, “he shall confirm a covenant with many”.  “He” refers to the coming world leader also known as the antichrist.  “Shall confirm” is the Hebrew word “gabar” which literally means “to enforce”.  “A covenant” is the Hebrew word “bÄ•riyth” which is used over one hundred times in the Old Testament to refer to an agreement between either men, or between God and man.  The phrase, “with many” is the word “rab” which means “a great many, multitude”, and in the context of this passage is used as an idiom referring to the nation of Israel. 

Understanding that the text tells us this covenant will be enforced, many scholars and teachers have come to believe it is not a new agreement, but rather an existing one, and as God has an “everlasting covenant” with the nation of Israel concerning the land, many believe this verse is telling us that the antichrist will enforce an agreement giving Israel the permanent borders it has never had since being regathered as a nation.  I believe this makes perfect sense considering permanent borders has been the sticking point between Israel and its enemies since 1948. 

This is from Chuck Missler’s teaching on Daniel; “This "70th Week" of this prophecy is defined by the duration of time - seven years - during which this coming world leader commits to confirming (or enforcing) a covenant. (He doesn't necessarily "sign a treaty"; he may simply enforce what is commonly called the Palestinian Covenant: Israel's right to the land.)” 

Yet probably the most important point here is that this verse tells us that this covenant with Israel is enforced, rather than agreed to.  If we understand that a covenant, as defined in the Bible, is an agreement between two parties, then it follows that Israel finds the terms of this covenant acceptable.  Taking that into consideration, it also follows then that this covenant is not “enforced” upon Israel, but rather on its enemies.  Using the power he possesses, the antichrist will force Israel’s enemies to accept the fact that Israel will be allowed to exist and live in peace within borders that are designated by the covenant.  Unfortunately, as we all know, this passage also tells us this enforcement will only last for three and a half years out of the seven before the antichrist stops the sacrifice and worship in the temple and declares himself to be God.

I believe if we look carefully at the relationship that Israel has with its enemies at the present time, this narrative certainly seems to make sense.  There is no real desire for any type of peace with the nation of Israel by those who would do her harm, rather it would appear that Israel is alone in truly wanting peace.  They are more than prepared to accept an agreement which would guarantee their right to live within established borders while the surrounding countries would most certainly have to be forced to accept it.  So while many might be exasperated by the intransigence of the Palestinian Authority, I believe it to be a sign that the end as described by Daniel is most certainly near.

Every week we are treated to more and more signs that our deliverance is close at hand.  If you have never made the decision to accept the gift of eternal life offered by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ I urge you to do it today.  Simply tell God you accept His Son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and turn your life over to His control.  Never forget today might be the day, and tomorrow might be too late.

Keep watching.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

A Big Mistake



I’m sure that by now most of you are familiar with the term “fake news”, which has in the past year or so actually become “real news”.  The truth is, the news we watch and read is almost always edited by someone who is in the position to decide what we are told either by print or television.  I began many years ago to make it my habit to read news from around the world in order to be aware of what it was that we were not being told, as well as becoming familiar with how other countries choose to report the news.  It quickly became apparent that what many in this country believe is complete and unbiased reporting is in fact nothing of the sort.

This past week a situation has arisen in the Middle East which has serious implications for those familiar with Biblical eschatology, and surprising even to me, it has hardly been reported on at all in this country.  The nation of Turkey, which many understand is a partner in the coalition of nations which rise against Israel in the Gog Magog prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39, has embarked on a war to exterminate the Kurds living in Northern Syria using the excuse that they are “terrorists” which threaten the sovereignty of Turkey.  The Kurds are supported by the US government, and our response to this aggression is yet to come, but in any case, my personal belief is that the Kurds are the last people on earth anyone should consider taking on.

Today’s post is a repeat of one I wrote a couple of years ago which explains exactly why I feel this way, and also why I feel this might be the beginning of a series of events which ultimately lead to the period we know as the tribulation.  All of the nations which are foretold to rise against the nation of Israel before and during the seven year tribulation are currently present and positioned exactly as predicted in scripture.  A new mid-east peace treaty is being proposed, and of course, rejected, setting up the possibility of this being the covenant of peace between Israel and its enemies which the coming man of sin “enforces”.  As often said, the Middle East is a tinderbox and all that has to happen is for someone to light the match.  Could this conflict between Turkey and the Kurds be that match?  Only time will tell.

“The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw. “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, Raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger— Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters The army for battle. They come from a far country, From the end of heaven— The LORD and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames. Behold, the day of the LORD comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine. “I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the LORD of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger. It shall be as the hunted gazelle, And as a sheep that no man takes up; Every man will turn to his own people, And everyone will flee to his own land. Everyone who is found will be thrust through, And everyone who is captured will fall by the sword. Their children also will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; Their houses will be plundered And their wives ravished. “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, Who will not regard silver; And as for gold, they will not delight in it. Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces, And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb; Their eye will not spare children. And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It will never be inhabited, Nor will it be settled from generation to generation; Nor will the Arabian pitch tents there, Nor will the shepherds make their sheepfolds there. But wild beasts of the desert will lie there, And their houses will be full of owls; Ostriches will dwell there, And wild goats will caper there. The hyenas will howl in their citadels, And jackals in their pleasant palaces. Her time is near to come, And her days will not be prolonged.”  Isaiah 13  NKJV

Many of you will recognize this passage from Isaiah as the prophesied destruction of Babylon which we are told about in the Book of Revelation.  Other references to it can be found in Isaiah 14, and Jeremiah 50 and 51.  When speaking on the end times, and speculating on how close we may be to the events in Revelation, a popular quote we often hear is this; “when you see the Christmas decorations going up, you know that Thanksgiving is near”.  So too, we can recognize the signs of the nearness of the rapture by the preparations going on all around us for the events we are told will occur during the tribulation.

Over time I have found that there are many things taking place that at first glance are so small that they somehow escape notice.  One of those might well be found in this passage from Isaiah, and we could do well to consider it in regards to current events.  I am speaking of the mention towards the end of the passage of the group of people called the Medes which are described as having “no pity” as God uses them to implement His judgment on Babylon.  So how can it be that Isaiah tells us that they are present during the tribulation when they no longer exist today?  Or do they?

In the region of the Middle East where the countries of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey co-join, there is a relatively small group of people known as the Kurds.  These people number approximately ten million or so, and at present find themselves in much the same position as Israel was before 1948 in that they have no country of their own and desperately desire one.  Also, much like the Jews, they have been persecuted in every country in which they have tried to live.  Yet unlike the Jews, the vast majority of Kurds are Muslim, which begs the question; why are they being persecuted in the Muslim part of the world?

In fact, it appears that the Kurds are descended from the ancient Medes, who at one time partnered with the Persians to form the Medo-Persian Empire, which was revealed by Daniel to be the second of the four great empires which were to rule that part of the world.  Cyrus the Great, whom we meet during Daniels’ time, was part Mede and part Persian.  He captured the city of Ecbatana (the modern day city of Hamadan in Iran) which was the capital of Media, and created the greatest empire to rule in the sixth century before Christ.

Eventually Alexander the Great arrived on the scene and defeated them as part of his campaign to conquer the known world at that time, and slowly the Medes disappear from the annals of history.  Yet many of today’s Kurds believe they are descended from the ancient Medes, and although there is some disagreement among scholars as to the validity of this claim, the important point is that God tells us they will exist at the time of Revelation.  The obvious conclusion then is that they are alive and well today, and considering the venom of their revenge on Babylon, they must believe they have a serious ax to grind.

As I have studied this prophecy, that is essentially the conclusion I eventually arrived at; it is revenge which motivates these people to destroy Babylon in the way that they do.  The Kurds of today wish desperately for a homeland they can call their own, but neither Iran, Iraq, Syria, Russia nor Turkey will allow that to happen.  You see, in order to do so the land would have to come from one or all of these countries and none of them is willing to allow that to happen.  So the situation as it exists today is that there are ten million ethnic people descended from the ancient Medes who desperately wish to have a land they can call their own.  However, not only is that dream being denied, they are under the threat of extinction because of the hatred of the countries surrounding them, especially Turkey.

You could make the point that the total destruction of Babylon during the tribulation period is one of the most significant events to occur in those seven years.  That city will be Satan’s capitol on earth and the center of the anti-Christ’s power.  Although its destruction is at the hands of many nations, only the Medes are mentioned by name.  I believe that this is God’s way of telling us that this is personal for them.  It is a logical assumption that revenge is a very good motivation for the total lack of compassion and extent of destruction which this passage describes as not being seen on this earth since God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Kurdish army goes by the name Peshmerga, a term you will often find in the news today.  They are excellent, determined fighters as opposed to many other so called armies in that region and would fight to the death for their country.  They have a history of fighting as professional soldiers and mercenaries, and a reputation as the fiercest fighting force in that part of the world.  Are the seeds of their desire for revenge being sown right before our eyes?  Will the persecution they are receiving from the surrounding countries provoke their desire to strike out at the center of the anti-Christ’s power during the tribulation?  According to Isaiah it will, and if God said it, I believe it.

Keep watching.


Sunday, January 14, 2018

Are You a Saint?



“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”   Philippians 1:1-2  NKJV

“I’m no saint!”  Have you ever heard those words?  Maybe you have even said them yourself?  I think many might be surprised to know what the Bible tells us that saints actually are as opposed to what the world believes they might be.  The term saint is most often used today in referring to someone who lived an extraordinarily near perfect life and has died.  If that were the case, however, why is the apostle Paul writing to dead people?  The truth is, of course, that Paul is writing to the members of the church in Philipi whom he calls saints, and we know he did the same thing to members of the churches in Rome, Corinth, and Colossae.  So what exactly is a saint?

Saints are citizens of two worlds. 

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”   Philippians 3:20-21  NKJV

Paul’s letter to the church is addressed in the first verse to the saints that are in Philipi.  Yet here in this passage from the third chapter he tells us that they, and all believers in Christ Jesus, are citizens of heaven, our real and eternal home. So although saints have an earthly address for now, they also have an eternal, heavenly home that is waiting for them.  Saints are anyone who has chosen to accept the gift of eternal life offered to us all by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Saints behave submissively. 

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”   Philippians 2:5-7  NKJV

In the very first verse of Philippians, as well as in this passage, Paul describes saints as “bondservants”.  A bondservant is a person who voluntarily chooses to become a servant for life, serving one master for his or hers entire life.  That would certainly seem to be an apt description of those in the body who have made the decision to accept the salvation offered to us by Jesus Christ.  Along with this choice, though, comes another choice which is to adopt the mind of Christ as our own which is to become a servant to all.

Saints believe the Word of God.

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”  1 Thessalonians 2:13  NKJV 

A true saint accepts the Bible as the Word of God, and uses it as a guide to life, adjusting and conforming to the principles of behavior it reveals to us.  As servants, the Word of God is “welcomed” rather than disdained. Saints look and search the scriptures for guidance in how to live their lives according to His wishes, and allow the power of His truth to not only change us, but effectively work in and through us to accomplish His desires and not our own.

Saints benefit spiritually.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-2  NKJV

Have you ever noticed how often in his letters Paul uses the words “grace and peace” together?  Have you ever wondered why?  I have heard it said that grace is the fountain, and peace is the river that flows from it.  If you think about it, God’s grace towards us should result in us a peace that nothing can shake.  Our eternal security is paid for and guaranteed, our home is waiting our arrival, and we have God’s promises to carry us through whatever troubles this world can throw at us.  God’s grace = our peace.  That in my opinion, is something no amount of money can buy.

The word saint in the Greek is “hagios” which is translated as “holy”.  In truth, what the term describes is how God sees us after we have made the decision to accept the gift of eternal life He has made available to all who choose to believe.  Once we make that choice, God sees us as “holy” or as “saints” because we are now part of His kingdom, and our citizenship is in Heaven with Him for all of eternity. The word saint does not describe how we see others, but rather how God sees us.

If you are reading this today and have never made the decision to allow Jesus Christ to come into your heart, and accept the free gift of eternal life He has offered you, I urge you to do so right now. You can do that by simply praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered you by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.  You can become what Paul calls a saint, and enjoy the grace and peace that God has made available to you if you only ask.  Simply tell God you believe He sent His Son to die for your sin, and you want to become a citizen of Heaven and spend eternity with Him.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

Keep watching.

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Be Content



“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13  NKJV

How many today suffer from what some might call a “post-holiday” letdown?  I’m talking about the feeling that all the joy of the holiday season we enjoyed is now over and now we all have to face the reality of life all over again.  Suddenly our jobs, the bills, and everything else that concerns us begin to snatch away the happiness we experienced and once again we face the reality of life as we know it, not to mention the disappointment of still waiting on our blessed deliverance from this life. Yet does it really have to be that way?  What if there was a way to maintain a positive, joyful outlook on life that would help us negotiate the valleys life seems to throw at us on occasion?

As I looked at these verses from Philippians, it occurred to me that if anyone had justification to be discontented with their own situation, it was Paul.  He is sitting in prison with nothing but the clothes on his back, and a very uncertain future staring him in the face.  Yet in spite of sitting in a prison cell, chained up, poorly fed, and wondering if he is going to live or die, rather than complaining he shares the secret of a contented life which all of us should strive to adopt.  In just three short verses Paul shares with the church at Philippi, and us as well, three ways he and all other believers in the body of Christ can be content with the life we have been given.

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.”

Paul had a connection with the body of Christ.  He was in touch with the church at Philippi and they were doing what they could to support him. Although there had been a period of time where they could not, he knew they still cared and wanted to help and support him. The result was that Paul was in his own words, “rejoicing”.  Paul was happy!  He knew that rather than being alone in his suffering, he was part of the body of Christ and his relationship with the believers in the church was producing happiness.  Do you want to live a life of contentment and joy?  Be sure you have a connection with God’s people, and look for opportunities to give.  Giving produces joy!

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

As a believer, Paul was well aware that God was in charge of the circumstances of his life.  Although appreciative of the support he was receiving, he makes the point that he really didn’t need anything.  I think it very important to note that he says he has “learned” to be content.  Paul had lived a very eventful life up to this point, and had experienced highs and lows that we can only imagine.  Yet as he looks back, he acknowledges that God has always been with him and provided for his needs.  Are you content with what God has chosen to give you?  Have you ever considered that as believers, if we have the idea we need something we don’t already have, we are in effect saying God is falling down on the job? 

Paul is telling us to learn to be content with what God has provided.  Let me suggest what Paul had learned in order to be content.  First, avoid comparisons.  Looking at what others have is a sure way to become discontented.  Second, lower your expectations.  Contentment comes from who we have (Jesus) and not what we have (things).  Third, be willing to adjust to changing circumstances.  Paul knew God was in charge so his circumstances were part of a plan.  Lastly, develop convictions.  If you truly believe God is in charge, look at what Paul tells us is the result.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Have you ever really thought long and hard about this verse?  How different would the body of Christ be, how powerful would the Church be, if every believer claimed and lived this statement Paul makes?  No matter what our shortcomings, failures, or mistakes may be, our confidence should be in God’s power and not our own.  Rather than basing contentment on what we are able to do by our own efforts, Paul tells us that the real secret to living a life of contentment is relying on God to provide all that we need knowing that by His strength there is nothing that can stand in our way.  Our focus in life should always be to seek out what God would have us to do by His power and might rather than seeking to fulfill our own desires by our own efforts.

Discontented people are unhappy, fearful, and contentious.  All because they believe that the life they have is a result of their own efforts, and their focus is always on protecting what they have and the desire to have more.  I think the real question Paul asks us all in these verses is this; is Christ just a part of your life, or is He the center of your life? 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7  NKJV

A life of contentment is one of joy and peace, and it only comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Connect with other believers, be happy with what God chooses to provide, and rely on God’s strength to see you through. 

Keep watching.