tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42274639663332368142024-03-25T07:06:30.195-07:00Is Today the Day?allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comBlogger796125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-56002977827676768932024-03-23T05:38:00.000-07:002024-03-23T05:38:43.529-07:00More Signs?<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And as for you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Speak to every sort of bird and to every beast of the field: “Assemble yourselves and come; Gather together from all sides to My sacrificial meal Which I am sacrificing for you, A great sacrificial meal on the mountains of Israel, That you may eat flesh and drink blood.</i></b><i> </i><b><i>You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, Drink the blood of the princes of the earth, Of rams and lambs, Of goats and bulls, All of them fatlings of Bashan. Ezekiel 39:17-18 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I suppose it would be fair to say that the majority of those believers who choose to be watchmen are without a doubt watching closely for the prophesied war of Ezekiel 38-39 which is also known as the Gog Magog War. While many may be familiar with what the Word has to say about it, I’m willing to bet that while most know it takes place in <b><i>”the mountains of Israel”</i></b>, what they may not know is where those mountains are. The key is found when God describes the bodies left over from the slaughter as a <b><i>“sacrificial meal” </i></b>and then as the <b><i>“fatlings of Bashan”. </i></b>You see, the bodies’ litter the ground at Bashan, which today in Israel is known as the Golan Heights.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">With that in mind, it caught my attention this past week when I came across the following article which reported that Russian troops are moving closer to the Golan Heights. </span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Russian Forces Move Closer To The Mountains Of Israel</b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://harbingersdaily.com/russian-forces-move-closer-to-the-mountains-of-israel/">https://harbingersdaily.com/russian-forces-move-closer-to-the-mountains-of-israel/<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: none; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></a></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">While there is no reference to the number or makeup of these troops, the simple fact that they are present should be a wake up call to any watcher. Magog and Persia are poised in Syria, awaiting the time they attempt to invade Israel for spoil. Sheba and Dedan along with the merchants of Tarshish are talking peace. As we see these things happening in that part of the world is it any wonder so many watchers believe the time of the Church’s deliverance is imminent?</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Any conflict with Syria could easily escalate to the point where the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 could take place. Assad of Syria and Nasrallah of Hizballah have made it perfectly clear that they would like nothing better than to see a world without Israel or the Jewish people. As we watch the conflict between Hizballah in Lebanon and the nation of Israel escalating one has to wonder what lies in the immediate future. An attack on the nation of Israel which threatens their existence would provoke an overwhelming response, thus putting into motion the evil plan of Gog by giving him the excuse he needs. I believe too, that when it does occur (and we know it will), in hindsight it will be seen to be the beginning of the “labor” we are watching for. </span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the Lord GOD, “that My fury will show in My face. “For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: ‘Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, ‘so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.’ “I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains,” says the Lord GOD. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. “And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. “Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.” ’ Ezekiel 38:18-23 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are a student of biblical prophecy, I’m sure you have either heard or read that the most asked question concerning the end times is “Where is America?” in all of this? What I have always believed is that if the United States were relevant, it would be mentioned in scripture. The fact that it seems to be absent lends weight to the idea that for one reason or another, America as we know it is rendered irrelevant. Many have taught that one reason might be found in the passage from Ezekiel which describes what some believe could be a future nuclear attack. The following is an excerpt from an article by Chuck Missler of Koinonia House.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“The ultimate invasion of the Middle East by "Gog and Magog" is well known to most Biblically informed observers The invading forces of Magog - recognized as referring to Russia by most authorities - are wiped out by "hailstones of fire" from the heavens, which also cause an earthquake felt around the world. A disturbing aspect of this encounter is that similar "hailstones of fire" also appear to fall on those "who dwell securely in the isles" or coastlands. Some suspect that this could be a hint of an intercontinental nuclear exchange as part of the confrontation with Magog and its allies.”</i> </span></p><p style="color: #37291b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.khouse.org/articles/2001/344/">http://www.khouse.org/articles/2001/344/</a></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The most important idea in this observation, as well as what is described in the passage from Ezekiel, is the fact that what we are told occurs is quite possibly an “<i>exchange</i>” of nuclear missiles. Ezekiel makes it clear that the <b><i>“fire”</i></b> falls on both Magog and the coastlands. The word used here translated “coastlands” is the Hebrew word <i>“iy”,</i> which is translated to mean, <i>coast, island, shore, region</i>. Many Bible scholars have voiced the opinion that this is most likely the word that one would use at the time the book of Ezekiel was written to describe an unknown land far away.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If we accept that premise then one must ask the question, what nation would fit that description which also possesses nuclear weapons? The simple answer is only one. While we can discuss at length all of the reasons and provocations which might result in a nuclear exchange between Russia and the United States, the one point which should never be ignored or forgotten is that this passage tells us that it is God Himself who brings this all to pass. Notice that we are told that <b><i>“I will send fire”. </i></b>While there may be reasons why the decision is made by earthly leaders to push the button, it is God’s decision to bring it to pass, and as we have seen in previous studies, the use of “fire” is a strong indication of God’s judgment upon both Magog and the “coastlands”.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: none; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: none; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: none; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness:</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: none; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.” Isaiah 46:9-13 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">While this judgment by fire falls on two different nations, it is important to remember that Magog receives this judgment as they attempt to invade Israel through the Golan Heights. Yet although this occurs in such close proximity to the nation of Israel, God protects them from any harm or “fallout” from His judgment. The reason for this miracle is made clear as we are told that this is the time where God will reveal Himself to not only Israel, but the entire world in such a way as that there is no mistake as to who is in charge.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them profane My holy name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.” Ezekiel 39:7 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If all of this sounds just a little farfetched to some, I would simply point out that while the possibility that this passage describes the use of nuclear missiles is purely conjecture, the fact remains that there will be a battle that affects both Magog and another land, and it is at this time that God will somehow make it clear to the entire world that He not only exists, but has His protective hand upon the nation of Israel.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Surely it is coming, and it shall be done,” says the Lord GOD. “This is the day of which I have spoken.” Ezekiel 39:8 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This will happen, and if current events are any indication, it is going to happen very soon. The rising tensions between Russia and the United States over US support for the Ukraine has resulted in threats by Russia to use nuclear weapons given the right provocation. You can take them with a grain of salt but never forget that God has spoken and His plan is going to go forward until its’ completion.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors!” Mark 13:29 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you have never taken the step of asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to come into your heart and save you from eternity without Him, I encourage you to do that right now. Simply tell Him you are sorry for your sin, ask Him to forgive you and accept the sacrifice He made to die for your sin, and He has promised not only to forgive you but to make you one of His own and come into your life and provide all the help you need to begin to live for Him.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-90826359347199728542024-03-16T06:17:00.000-07:002024-03-16T06:17:21.720-07:00Any Day Now<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff3db; clear: both; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff3db; clear: both; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDlSG3Mn3V-b85JSnOLC1dcoqEEdSZpx66xuxfwYGxkEzg5q7YUm3IhlWbj6OFGgWG82hN1tW3HNa2eua79AhZwHREeKvZ_DaoUUfPBni_2M1GZe1oQ27cog6lXqKOQMb94cDbY5ayCNeOW5VPBHXdQG8-vzdJPww28DhYRLDofvJZjoZVE5ZZENAblE/s1234/Isaiah%2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #956839; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1234" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDlSG3Mn3V-b85JSnOLC1dcoqEEdSZpx66xuxfwYGxkEzg5q7YUm3IhlWbj6OFGgWG82hN1tW3HNa2eua79AhZwHREeKvZ_DaoUUfPBni_2M1GZe1oQ27cog6lXqKOQMb94cDbY5ayCNeOW5VPBHXdQG8-vzdJPww28DhYRLDofvJZjoZVE5ZZENAblE/s320/Isaiah%2017.JPG" style="border: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><p><br style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><i>“The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They will be for flocks Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid.” Isaiah 17:1-2 NKJV</i></b></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; padding: 0px;"></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I am away for a few days but thought that considering Purim arrives this next weekend, it might possibly be a good idea to repost an article I have shared before about an event that many watchers are anticipating in the very near future. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As we watch the events of the past few weeks unfold in Israel, speculation as to where we are on God’s prophetic clock has predictably exploded. On the one hand that would seem to be a good thing as many become aware that prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes. On the other hand, however, speculation can, and has, covered an increasingly large spectrum resulting in confusion and suspicion within the body. As someone who has spent many years studying and teaching Biblical prophecy let me share my thought as to where we are on God’s calendar. Close to the end.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Surprised I’m not a little more specific? Well it might be just my opinion but in all my years of study of end times prophecy I’ve noticed God chose not to be all that specific about when it was going to occur. He simply said that we were to watch, and He would show us what to watch for when we were getting close to the end. So my opinion, for what it is worth, is simply that I believe we are seeing the run up to the fulfillment of the Isaiah 17 and the Ezekiel 38,39 conflicts we have been warned to watch for.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This post is one I have shared before but certainly takes on new meaning in light of what is currently occurring in the Middle East and I wanted to share it with you again today in the hope it might bring some clarification to what we are witnessing in light of where we might be on God’s calendar.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #473624; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-transporting-chemical-weapons-lebanon-help-iran-north-korea-report-claims" style="color: #473624;">https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-transporting-chemical-weapons-lebanon-help-iran-north-korea-report-claims</a></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Many biblical scholars are of the opinion that the prophecy above from Isaiah is a response by the nation of Israel to an attack using chemical or nuclear weapons against them. This report from a year ago opened the eyes of more than a few governments and in response, many prophecy teachers speculated that this may lead to the fulfillment of the prophecy we find in Isaiah 17 concerning the destruction of Damascus. While this may well be the beginning of the process which brings these things about, one question many have asked over the years is just what occurs that provokes Israel to do what it does.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">That too, was a question I considered at length when I first began my studies of the Isaiah prophecy and the conclusion I came to was the result of searching for the location of the <b><i>“cities of Aroer”</i></b> mentioned in the passage above. Although some might disagree, I believe it is a very strong possibility that, as you can see from the two maps above, what Isaiah may be telling us is that Israel responds to an attack by Syria on the nuclear research facility at Dimona. While this is certainly speculation on my part, considering the events that have occurred recently, I personally find it hard to believe it is coincidence that the location of Aroer and Dimona appear to be one in the same.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The area mentioned in the Isaiah 17 prophecy is described as "the cities of Aroer". Unlike Damascus, Aroer no longer exists, so we are left to try to identify its location by studying past references, and looking for archeological evidence that might support a conclusion as to its whereabouts. Aroer is mentioned three times in the Bible, and all occur in the Old Testament. Unfortunately for us, however, each describes a different location, so we are left to examine what the Bible says about each and see if we can decide which location Isaiah is attempting to describe. The first mention of Aroer is found in the book of Deuteronomy where it says;</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“From Aroer, which is on the bank of the River Arnon, and from the city that is in the ravine, as far as Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us; the LORD our God delivered all to us.” Deuteronomy 2:36 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This site has been identified as being on the northern bank of the Arnon ravine located in the modern country of Jordan, just east of the Dead Sea. The second mention of Aroer we find is in the book of Joshua, where Moses is allotting land to the twelve tribes and describing their boundaries. In this verse he describes;</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Their territory was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, which is before Rabbah,” Joshua 13:25 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joshua describes Aroer as being <i>"before Rabbah".</i> This city or any ruins of it have never been located, but by the description we know it would need to be situated be some twenty miles or so north of Jerusalem. The final time Aroer is mentioned before Isaiah’s prophecy is in the book of Samuel, where we find it listed among a group of cities that David is sharing spoil with from his defeat of the Amalekites. We find when we read that;</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“those who were in Aroer, those who were in Siphmoth, those who were in Eshtemoa,” 1 Samuel 30:28 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This location has been identified as being in the Negev, twelve miles southeast of Beer-sheba. We also see from reading this passage that it was one of many cities located in the same area which helped and supported David in his battle with the Amalekites. Ruins of this city have been found, and you can even locate it on a map if your Bible has maps in the back. Simply look for a map of Israel in the time of David, and you should be able to see Aroer located in the south of Israel, southwest of Beer-sheba. So we have three different locations to choose from, and no help from the Isaiah passage to identify which one he is referring to. Is it possible to find a way to know for sure exactly which one of these locations is the one that Isaiah describes as being "forsaken"?</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">First of all, I think it may be logical to assume that Isaiah is referring to the location southeast of Beer-sheba for several reasons. The first is that if you compare the dates that these three books were written, you find that the Samuel passage was written closest to the time of Isaiah, as opposed to the others which were written much earlier in Israel’s history. Also, if you look closely at these three locations, you see one of them is in Jordan, not Israel. Since Isaiah is describing a conflict between Syria and Israel, I think we can dismiss the Jordan location as a possibility.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">So we are left to choose between two locations, one which has never been positively located, and one which not only has been located, but may have some military significance as well. If we look at a map of Israel during the time of the twelve tribes, we can easily see where Aroer is located. Now compare that map with a map of Israel today and you may be surprised to find that a very significant complex has been constructed in the same approximate location of ancient Aroer, and that is the nuclear research facility known as Dimona. Since Isaiah is describing a future conflict between Israel and Syria, obviously there must be a good reason that Israel chooses to completely destroy Damascus. Is it possible that it is in response to an attack of some sort on Dimona? </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“The cities of Aroer are forsaken;”</i></b></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The word "forsaken" in the Hebrew is <i>"azab"</i> which means <i>"to depart, abandon, loose, relinquish, leave."</i> The first thing that crossed my mind when I read this was not what it does say, but what it doesn't say. It doesn't say that Aroer is destroyed; only abandoned. It also says “cities” which gives the impression of a very large area being affected. This scenario seems best explained by either the use of chemical weapons, or an attack that somehow damages the reactor and allows radiation to escape. Obviously the Syrian regime has no problem using chemical weapons on its own people, and Iran is more than happy to provide them with advanced missiles, so the question seems to be, which will they choose to use and will they be willing to use them against Israel?</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>casus belli: </b>an event or action that justifies or allegedly justifies a war or conflict</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #956839; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casus%20belli" style="color: #473624;">https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casus%20belli<span style="color: #956839;"></span></a></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The fact that the nation of Israel is surrounded by enemies who desire nothing more than to see their destruction is certainly not news to anyone even slightly informed about the world we live in today. This situation, obviously, then begs the question; “what are they waiting for”? It can be fairly said that Israel has made the attempt to live in peace with its enemies since the birth of the nation in 1948, fighting wars only to defend itself rather than being the aggressor. Yet, since God in His foreknowledge has told us that there are wars yet to be fought, it is logical to wonder what exactly is going to occur that provokes Israel’s enemies to attack once again. Now while some might argue that the nation of Syria has too many problems of its own to attempt to respond to Israel’s actions, I would say we need to consider another term from history which would seem, in light of recent events, to be extremely relevant, and that is <i>“proxy war”.</i></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>proxy war: </b>A war instigated by a major power which does not itself become involved.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #956839; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.lexico.com/definition/proxy_war" style="color: #473624;">https://www.lexico.com/definition/proxy_war<span style="color: #956839;"></span></a></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The relationship between Iran and Syria is complicated, but the one thing that remains clear is that Iran has invested a lot of money, materiel, and personnel to develop and upgrade Syria’s military capabilities. Much of Syria’s missile technology and armament has been provided by Iran, and at present it is reported as fact by many intelligence sources that members of the Iranian Republican Guard are in Syria helping develop and train Syrian troops. Iran has spent much of its time in the past few years attempting to establish bases of operation within the borders of Syria, while Israel has made a habit of blowing them up. Most of all, Iran has so far committed itself to support the president of Syria, Bashar Assad, in power. So the question must be asked, just what does Iran want from Syria in exchange for all of this help?</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The fact that the Isaiah 17 prophecy tells us that the city of Damascus is destroyed, rather than Tehran, obviously supports the conclusion that Israel is attacked either from Syria, or by weapons transported through Damascus to Israel’s enemies. While that is the case, one has to wonder, considering the situation there, who is really behind the attack on Israel? While the attack could easily be staged by Hezbollah, most at this point in time would agree that Iran is the country behind all that is going on in that region, and their hatred for Israel is well known. I believe, and many agree, that at this point in time Iran is simply waiting for a justifiable excuse to attack Israel and attempt to make good on the myriad of threats it has made in the past. Only time will tell if this is what Isaiah is telling us, but what we do know is that God has prophesied that Damascus <b><i>“will cease from being a city.” </i></b></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I recently read an article which stated that some prophecy teachers believe the possibility exists that Isaiah 17 was already fulfilled in the past. While their reasoning may be sound in it’s scholarship, this is one of those times where I will borrow a saying by Chuck Missler regarding a disagreement he had with Hal Lindsey and say I will “agree to disagree agreeably” with their conclusions. I certainly would say that I might be wrong in my conclusion but if the identification of the location of Aroer is correct, I believe it throws a wrench into holding the position that this conflict has already occurred.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">When examining current events, most if not all prophecy scholars agree that the obvious conclusion is while the possibility of the events of Isaiah 17 as well as Ezekiel 38,39 seem to be clearly on the immediate horizon, so too is the rapture of the Church. The coming weeks and months appear to hold the potential to be very exciting times indeed for those who study prophecy.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are reading this today and have never made the choice to accept the free gift of salvation made possible by the sa</span>crifice of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, I want to encourage you to do it today. Simply pray a prayer like this;</p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. I want to 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." </i></span></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-54867255842822142152024-03-09T06:46:00.000-08:002024-03-09T06:46:18.985-08:00Fools<p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Professing to be wise, they became fools,” Romans 1:22 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In the Bible, a fool is defined as someone who “despises” wisdom. If you look up the word despise in the dictionary you will find that it says it means to “regard with contempt”. As I thought about that this week, it occurred to me that in order to regard something with contempt, I would first have to at least consider its merits in order to make the decision to accept or reject. If this is true, then someone who chooses to despise, or regard with contempt the gospel of Christ, would first have to listen and consider before making that decision. In other words, a fool is someone who hears the truth of God's Word and then chooses to reject it.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As I look around at the state of this country, as well as the rest of the world and examine the positions, beliefs, and convictions of most of the leaders today I can’t help but believe the best word I could choose to describe them would be the word “fools”. Does that seem harsh? Many might believe that to be the case but I would contend that any belief or conviction an individual holds that directly opposes the truth revealed in God’s Word labels them a fool. That being the case, do what I did and and compare the “wisdom” of many of the positions we are being told to adopt with the wisdom of what God has already proclaimed and you will begin to see what I see.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Some might disagree, but if you were to ask me what the largest, most obvious sign that we have arrived at the end of the Church age would be, it is the insistence that we reject the wisdom of God’s revealed truth and adopt a more “enlightened” view. Make no mistake, by insistence I mean the growing intolerance and persecution of those who choose to hold a biblical view and resist abandoning positions based on the Word of God. Unfortunately, we can see that many of the churches today are adopting views that can be more accurately described as more socially acceptable rather than holding fast to the truth of the Word. This may come as a surprise to many but in truth, a study of the first three chapters of the book of Revelation reveals this is exactly what one should expect as we approach the end of the world as we know it.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.” Proverbs 18:2 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">While we as believers watch the world turn against us and observe the direction many churches today seem to be heading, the thought occurred to me that quite possibly we should consider something the apostle Paul had to say about the end of this age. In his letter to the Romans, Paul speaks of the rapture of the Church in a rather interesting way. He tells his readers that Israel will suffer from a temporary partial blindness until the full number of Gentile believers has <b><i>“come in”.</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Romans 11:25 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The interesting thing about this statement is that it is a nautical term used to describe the full number of crew and passengers aboard a ship. When the full number comes in, the ship then sails to its destination. As I thought about the true Church filling up, and the apostate church also filling, I couldn’t help but remember the old saying; “<i>ship of fools</i>.” Wikipedia defines it this way; <i>“The ship of fools is an allegory, originating from Plato that has long been a fixture in Western literature and art. The allegory depicts a vessel without a pilot, populated by human inhabitants who are deranged, frivolous, or oblivious, and seemingly ignorant of their course.”</i></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.” Proverbs 26:10 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Looking at the health of the Church today, and considering the description of the Laodicean church in Revelation, could you really call it healthy? Or might it be a better description to call it a ship of fools? While we might hesitate to call someone a fool, the God of this universe has no such qualms. The Word of God is full of passages which contrast the foolish and the wise, and also make it very clear what the destiny of each will be. Even though God has made the way of salvation so simple to understand and so easy to attain, man in his “wisdom” rejects the Gospel for a different way. </span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:20-21 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">What the leaders of these churches seem unable to admit is that although the way of salvation is made plain in the Gospel of Christ, when they choose to lead their congregations down a different path, they are in essence, arguing with the God who created everything out of nothing and implying that He doesn’t know what He is talking about! It also goes without saying that they are also somehow believe they are smarter than God because they possess a wisdom which shows an easier, better way to salvation than the one ordained by God. This, in my opinion, does nothing but create a ship of fools rather than a healthy church teaching the true gospel of Christ and the wisdom revealed by God's Word.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” 1 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Anyone who would choose to ignore the simplicity and clarity of the Bible is a fool. Unfortunately, the ship of fools is not only large; it’s getting larger at an incredible pace. Yet the ship of the wise, with Jesus as its captain, is the only one which will reach its destination at the rapture of the Church. Do you want to know if you are on the right ship? According to Paul, simply check the direction your ship is sailing.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The word “hold fast” is the Greek word <i>katechō</i> which is also used as a nautical term meaning <i>“to check a ship's headway i.e. to hold or head the ship”</i>. Our compass is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is this Gospel which we use to check our course. Does your church preach this gospel or another “seeker friendly” one? Be careful not to sail on the ship of fools.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:8-9 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If the rapture of the church is indeed based on the number of members in the body of Christ, then it is logical to assume that the rapture will occur at the moment the last person makes his or her decision to accept Christ into their heart. That said, it is entirely possible any one of us could be the person sharing the Gospel with that individual at that particular time. Many of us are disappointed to still be here given all the signs that the rapture is indeed imminent, yet if Paul is telling us that there is a number that has to be reached for the <b><i>“fullness of the Gentiles”</i></b> to <b><i>“come in”,</i></b> it is reasonable to conclude that it's our fault we are still here. As a body of believers, we need to remember our first love and share the Gospel with everyone we meet so God can “fill the boat” to completeness.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are reading this and have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ 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 praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered you by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-1919060259363147182024-03-02T06:34:00.000-08:002024-03-02T06:34:46.879-08:00Believers In Name Only<p> </p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:14-16 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Anyone knowledgable about the subject of politics in this country has quite probably become passingly familiar with the term RINO. It is more or less a derogatory word used to apply to those politicians who identify as belonging to the Republican Party but quite often take positions reflecting the ideology of the opposing Democratic Party. The result is that they are branded with the term RINO, which stands for “<i>republican in name only</i>”. This past week as I was reading a commentary on the seven churches of Revelation, it occurred to me that we could easily borrow and modify the RINO acronym and apply it to the members of the Laodicean church in the form of BINO; “<i>believers in name only</i>”.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Of the seven churches mentioned by Jesus in the beginning of His book of Revelation, I must confess that the church of Laodicea has been the most difficult for me to comprehend over the course of my study as a believer. That is, until now. You see (as I admit my age here) becoming a believer during the evangelical movement of the sixties and maturing during the Jesus movement of the seventies, I simply could not understand how a church could exist such as the Laodicean church described by Jesus. Yet today we find the “emergence” of exactly what Jesus foretold so many years ago.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">To make something lukewarm, you obviously mix together both hot and cold to arrive at a “compromise” temperature. This is something I am an authority on considering when winter arrives every year my wife and I begin our annual war over the thermostat. The result is always the same as while both of us might not get what we want; neither of us is uncomfortable to the point of demanding a change. As I thought about the state of the church today, and especially these words from Jesus concerning the Laodicean church, my thoughts continually returned to the words lukewarm and compromise.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—“ Revelation 3:17 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">A fact that many are not aware of is that the meaning of the word Laodicea is “rule of the people”. I would think that this is probably one of the first of many mistakes this church is making in that rather than looking to God for guidance on what He expects from them, they look to themselves for approval. Did you notice Jesus’ response to this? <b><i>“Because you say”. </i></b>How sad is it that a church can exist which simply tells itself that it is rich and in need of nothing because they are all comfortable doing what they want. The truth is, according to Jesus, they are <b><i>“wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked”.</i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:18-19 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Although the church at Laodicea believed it was rich and in need of nothing, it was in reality poor because the “riches” they were so confident in were a result of their own efforts, and not from God. Rich in the eyes of the world, they were poor in the eyes of God as a result of the absence of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in their church. The error of the Laodicean theology is that your eternal security can be assured by simply being a “follower” of Christ. Unfortunately, this is in direct opposition to the Word of God which states plainly that we must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to receive eternal life. The end result of this mistaken teaching is a church full of followers, but few true believers, hence the description believers in name only.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i> “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:20-21 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I learned this verse as a child in Sunday School, and like many of you, have never forgotten it. It has long been used as a tool in witnessing and sharing the good news with those who have not yet accepted the gift of eternal life, and presents a beautiful picture of the love that Jesus has for all of His children. Yet it was quite a long time before I personally understood the context of this verse, and exactly how Jesus was using it to send a message to a church almost empty of true believers. Although seemingly unaware of their need, Jesus stands at the door knocking to come in and anyone who hears and invites Him in will receive the free gift of salvation.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Most all scholars agree that the list of seven churches in Revelation, while portraying a complete picture of the Church itself, also give a chronological picture of the evolution of the Church throughout history. This of course means the last church, the church of Laodicea, describes the Church as it exists when Jesus returns at the time of the rapture. Considering that this church is described as lukewarm, with Jesus actually being outside knocking to get in, is it any wonder we are told it will be spit out of His mouth? Another question to ask is if we are as close to the rapture as most believe, is this an apt description of many of the churches which exist today?</span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">All of this said, the most important question today is have you opened the door of your heart and invited Jesus to come in? If not, you can do that right now wherever you are. Simply pray a prayer like this and begin a new life with Jesus, and know you will spend eternity with Him.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.</i></span></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i></i></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-22302534185235820262024-02-24T07:28:00.000-08:002024-02-24T07:28:44.718-08:00Seed of the Woman<p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:14-15. NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As the war between Israel and its enemies goes on, more and more the world witnesses acts of violent antisemitism in the daily news. Many have expressed surprise at these demonstrations seemingly unaware that hatred for the Jewish people and nation is very much alive and well at this point in time. I would suggest that it should not be surprising in that it is simply a physical manifestation of the war that began in the Garden of Eden and will conclude with the battle of Armageddon at the end of the Great Tribulation.</span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In the passage above we find the prophecy describing the hatred Satan will have towards God’s plan for the redemption of mankind which will unfold as history plays out through the coming ages. Hints of this plan became apparent through time and eventually Satan came to realize that the “seed of the woman” referred to God Himself coming to earth as mankind’s redeemer in the form of the Messiah. He also came to understand that this coming Messiah would be a product of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people.</span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Now the L</i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: 12.8px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i>ORD</i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i> had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3. NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The following is an excerpt from an article written by Dave Hunt that explains in no uncertain terms the root of antisemitism.</span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“That vicious anti-Semitism would pursue the Jews worldwide throughout history is one of many prophecies about Israel (Dt 28:37; Neh 1:8; 2 Ch 7:20; Jer 24:9; 25:11; 29:18-19; 44:8; Amos 9:9, etc.) that God points to as proof that He is the one true God, that the Bible is His Word, and that the Jews are His chosen people (Is 42:8-9; 43:10; 46:9-10; 48:5, etc.). From a human point of view, there is no rational ground for such persistent, widespread anti-Semitism; yet this prophecy has come true with a vengeance. The only explanation is found in the Bible: the Jews are God's chosen people and under His judgment for their rebellion against Him (Dt 28:15-68; 29:24-28; 30:17-20, etc.).</i></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>There is a further obvious reason for this universal anti-Semitism: hatred of Jews and Israel is inspired of Satan because his only hope to escape eternal doom is to destroy them. This he must do to save himself from God's wrath. Had Satan been able to destroy the Jews before Christ came, he would have prevented the birth of the Messiah, the salvation of mankind, and his own defeat through the sacrifice of the Son of God for mankind's sins. Moreover, for promising a Messiah and a salvation that never came, God would have been proved a liar and thus could not righteously have punished Satan.</i></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Of course, the Messiah came and defeated Satan, "tasting death for every man" (Heb 2:9) and bearing "our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Pt 2:24). Countless multitudes have been redeemed and will spend eternity in the Father's house of "many mansions" because of having received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. But Christ's defeat of Satan through His death and resurrection did not end the battle between God and Satan for the hearts, minds, and eternal destiny of mankind. That battle continues to rage--and Israel is at its center.</i></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>The battle over Israel is a battle for survival on Satan's part and a battle for the souls and destiny of mankind.”</i></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>https://www.ldolphin.org/huntislam.html</i></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The answer as to why this hatred is becoming more widespread and obvious at this present time is simply because the stage is being set for the beginning of the seven year period of time called the tribulation of which we have been told so much about in the book of Revelation. As we move ever closer to that period of time, we all should take note of a very important part of God’s words to Abraham that unfortunately, all too many people and nations seem to forget. “</span><span style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i>I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you;” </i></b>There are numerous examples in the Old Testament of what happens to those who fall under God’s curse and those examples should be a strong warning to any who would choose to ignore it.</span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">From all that I have heard, it would appear many are of the opinion this country has chosen to turn its back on the nation of Israel and that because of that, we are ripe to receive the judgment promised by God. While the decisions of our political leaders may go the wrong direction in regards to the nation of Israel, we as believers can and must choose to support and defend God’s chosen people. God has, is, and will continue to use Israel to advance His plan for this world, and His stated desire is for all to come to a saving knowledge of the gospel.</span></p><p style="color: #010c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I believe the reason behind the rampant antisemitism we are seeing all over the world today is a sign that Satan knows his time is almost up. That of course, also means the time of the rapture, when God chooses to send His Son to remove all those who have chosen to accept the blessing given to us by the coming of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ. If you have never made that choice, </span><span style="color: #1f242d; font-kerning: none;">You can do that by praying a prayer just like this one;</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen." </i></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep Watching</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-46149009241268131782024-02-17T06:19:00.000-08:002024-02-17T06:19:03.555-08:00They Know<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And beside the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, shall be the allotment which you shall set apart, 25,000 cubits in width, and in length like one of the portions, from the east side to the west side; and the sanctuary shall be in the middle of it. “The allotment that you shall set apart to the LORD shall be 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in width. “The holy allotment shall be for these, namely for the priests, toward the north 25,000 cubits in length, toward the west 10,000 in width, toward the east 10,000 in width, and toward the south 25,000 in length; and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in its midst. Ezekiel 48:8-10 NASB</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As most are by now aware, one of the largest flashpoints and point of contention between Muslims and Jews is access to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The movement to rebuild the Jewish Temple seems to grow stronger by the day, and lately it also seems that it has begun to evolve from a solely religious movement to a political one as well. As more and more Jews begin to express their desire to see the Temple rebuilt, we see anger and violence on the part of the Muslim community grow simply because they know the importance of a rebuilt temple in the minds of the Jewish people. </span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Many are yet unaware of the fact that recently a spokesman for Hamas stated that the attack on October 7 was response to the presence in Israel of five red heifers which are needed to complete the purification process necessary for the dedication of a new temple. The attack on Israel was named “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood by Hamas and their justification for it was to defend their claims of sole possession of the Temple Mount. Although there are no immediate plans in place to rebuild the temple, the simple presence of five cows in Israel was enough justification in their minds to launch a terror attack on an unsuspecting Israel.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Many scholars believe that the only person capable of solving the conflict surrounding a Jewish temple to the satisfaction of both sides is the coming world leader known as the antichrist. After the defeat of Israel’s enemies by God revealed in Ezekiel 38-39, it is believed that as part of the peace agreement enforced by the antichrist, Israel will be allowed to rebuild their temple and resume their worship according to Old Testament law. The generally accepted school of thought is that this temple will be built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem sharing space with the existing Muslim shrines, will be defiled by the antichrist after three and one half years, and eventually be destroyed at the end of the Great Tribulation when the Temple Mount is split in two by a great earthquake.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south." Zechariah 14:4 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This destruction will naturally require a fourth temple to be built, which is the one we find described by Ezekiel in chapters 40-48 which scholars refer to as the “Millennial Temple”. It is a massive structure much larger than the original temple, and according to the description given in the passage above, is located not in Jerusalem but north of the city “beside the border of Judah”. By studying scripture and comparing the geographical descriptions of the different areas revealed in this passage, many believe that the location of the temple will be where the ancient city of Shiloh was located. There is historical precedent for this location because this is where the Tabernacle stood for close to 400 years before the Israelites made Jerusalem their capitol.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As I studied the subject of the temple, and began to search the scripture for passages relating to temples past and present, I noticed a few things that made me wonder if there was something we might be missing if we follow the accepted school of thought concerning four temples. First of all, the Bible only speaks of three temples, not four. Nowhere are we told of a third temple being built on the Temple Mount, rather it has simply been assumed that one will be. The only temples revealed in scripture are Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’s or Herod’s temple, and the Millennial temple. </span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Now you might think that in itself may not be enough to cause those who advocate for four temples to rethink their position, and I would agree. So let’s look at something else that might be cause to reconsider. Most understand that the antichrist will defile the temple after three and a half years have elapsed after the peace agreement, an event referred to as the “abomination of desolation”.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"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></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">We also know that this has happened once before in 167 BC by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This resulted in a revolt by the Jews and eventually to a cleansing and rededication of the temple which is celebrated to this day by the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. So what is my point? There is a saying by biblical scholars which states; “pattern is prologue”. The study of typology in the scripture has shown that much of what has happened throughout the Bible was setting a pattern that would be repeated at a later date. My question is this; if the antichrist defiling the temple is a repeat of the first “abomination of desolation”, wouldn’t it be logical to assume that the future temple will be cleansed and rededicated rather than destroyed?</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I want you to look closely at a verse from this same chapter from Daniel, which contains a phrase that I believe may be overlooked by many.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place." Daniel 9:24 NASB</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This verse relates what has come to be known as the prophecy of Daniel’s seventy weeks. It reveals God’s plan for the nation of Israel from that time until the end when He will return to earth. It also lists six things which will be accomplished at the end of those seventy weeks. Did you catch that last phrase? “and to anoint the most holy place”. This phrase in the Hebrew is<i> “mashach qodesh qodesh”</i> , which is translated <i>“to Anoint; to smear, anoint, spread a liquid”.</i> Anoint what? Scholars and commentators agree that the most holy (place) is the temple. If this is the case, doesn’t it seem logical to assume that it is not destroyed, but rather consecrated for millennial worship? Are we being told here that there are just three temples, not four? This phrase was used in the book of Exodus as well and was also referring to anointing the Tabernacle.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy." Exodus 40:9 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Again, this might not be enough for some to change their belief in how many temples there will be, but I want to suggest that this scenario is a very believable one in light of the current situation that exists between the Muslims and the Jewish people. It seems much more believable that the antichrist could get the Islamic world to allow a temple to be built in Shiloh rather than on the Temple Mount. With the authority of the prophecy of Ezekiel, it seems reasonable that the Jewish people would agree as well. As I have studied this subject, I have found that there are others who have asked this same question and written their own take on this possibility. One whom you might be familiar with is Jack Kelley of <i>gracethrufaith.com</i>. I would highly recommend that if you are interested in this idea, visit his website and read his conclusions about the temple in Shiloh.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Whatever God’s plans for the temple mount are, it appears that we will know very, very soon just what they are. Of course, let’s not forget that as believers in Jesus Christ, and having accepted His sacrifice for our sins, we will watch these events from the comfort of our heavenly home. If you are reading this and have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ 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 praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered you by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Was-the-corner-of-Gods-altar-found-in-Shiloh-West-Bank-606477</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #081928; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://www.israel365news.com/386438/five-small-red-cows-that-rocked-the-world/</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-49709367787357418362024-02-10T08:44:00.000-08:002024-02-10T08:44:06.905-08:00Defending Their Investment<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, “and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. “I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army,”Ezekiel 38:1-4 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">One of the more interesting things I have discovered over my years as a believer is just how often you learn something new from a passage in the Word that you have already studied. Many in the body are familiar with this passage and have read or listened to expositions on its meaning and future fulfillment. Yet I have noticed that there is one particular fact contained in it which many, and myself included, have often failed to notice and that can be found in the word <b><i>“hooks”. </i></b>You see, while many speculate on what exactly causes Magog, known today as modern day Russia, to invade Israel they seem to miss the fact that the word hooks is plural.</span></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In other words, it is not just one reason which provokes this event to take place but several, which combined produce a compelling justification for an attempted invasion of Israel. I also believe there is another reason God chooses to use the word “hooks” to describe Russia being pulled into this conflict. </span><span style="color: #1f242d; font-kerning: none;">Something we can never overlook is that while a fish can be tempted to take the bait, it goes without saying that they regret it immediately when they feel the hook. Yet there will be no escape in this scenario as it is God Himself who is using the hooks to draw Russia into the conflict. </span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Considering all of this, and the fact that many believe this prophecy is about to be fulfilled, we would be wise to investigate if there might be reasons for Russia to unwillingly be drawn into this conflict. That might be best answered by looking at the verses which follow the passage above.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.” Ezekiel 38:5-9 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Notice if you will, that the first nation listed here is Persia, or better known in our present day as Iran. Considering how prominent Iran is in the news today, and the numerous reasons for it, I believe if we look closely at the relationship between Russia and Iran we can begin to see a few of the hooks God tells us about.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #262639; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Iran’s Deepening Strategic Alliance with Russia</span></p><p style="color: #262639; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 30px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">http://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/feb/24/iran’s-deepening-strategic-alliance-russia</span></p><p style="color: #313131; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Russia says it's working on major new agreement with Iran</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">reuters.com/world/russia-says-its-working-major-new-agreement-with-iran-2023-12-12/</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Russia becomes Iran’s largest foreign investor: Iranian finance minister</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/03/23/Russia-becomes-Iran-s-largest-foreign-investor-Iranian-finance-minister</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I could go on but the simple fact is that Russia has made a huge investment financially with Iran and as such, they are obligated to protect that investment at all costs. Much of the news lately has surrounded the recent attack by Iranian proxies on the forces of the United States. The world is holding its breath while speculating on the US response and if it will attack Iran directly. Add to that the knowledge of Iran’s involvement with its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon and the ongoing attacks against Israel by them, it seems entirely possible that the US and Israel might well work together to strike Iran proper. If that were to happen, it follows that Russia would defend its investment in Iran. </span></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“ ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan:</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’—“to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land.” Ezekiel 38:10-12 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Many who choose to study biblical prophecy and apply it to current events in the Middle East are quick to point out that it is evident that not only are we living in the end times as described in the scriptures, the pressure needed to produce the explosion of end-time conflicts described in these verses from Ezekiel is occurring right before our eyes. Especially intriguing is the fact that all of the countries mentioned in this passage, who in the past have not been on good terms with each other, are now aligned as allies and consider the nation of Israel as a target of opportunity waiting only for a plausible excuse to attack. </span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">My thought today is that the stage seems to be set for some sort of engagement with the country of Iran which will threaten the investment that Russia has made with them. When this occurs, Russia will be compelled to defend Iran in order to protect it. The coming weeks may well see these thing begin to play out before our very eyes.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If the thought of what is to come makes you uneasy, understand that God has provided a way of escape for those who choose to believe that He sent His Son to die for our sins. If you have never accepted that gift, I encourage you to do that today. Simply confess to Jesus you are a sinner in need of salvation, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Tell Him you believe that He died for your sins and that He has the power to give you eternal life because you believe.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us </i>our<i> sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-61661097043997116122024-02-03T07:07:00.000-08:002024-02-03T07:07:46.176-08:00Beware of the Medes<p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“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</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">What I want to share with you today is a subject I have shared before but considering some of the events which have occurred lately I have chosen to share it with you again. 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.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">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? While the news this past week focused almost entirely upon the attack on US forces in the Middle East and our response to it, other events occurred which may have an even greater significance.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Iran Executes Four Kurds Accused Of Bomb Plot Allegedly Linked To Israel's Mossad</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://menafn.com/1107779832/Iran-Executes-Four-Kurds-Accused-Of-Bomb-Plot-Allegedly-Linked-To-Israels-Mossad</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">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?</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">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.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">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.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">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.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">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. The book of Revelation tells us that this 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.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">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.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">To me, the simple fact that the Kurds are being mentioned more and more in the news suggests God is putting all the pieces in place in preparation for His coming time of judgment. Since He has promised to remove believers before this judgment takes place, now more than ever the decision to be included in that event is the most important one you could ever make. If you have never taken the step of accepting His gift of eternal life, I urge you to do it right now. Simply pray a prayer like this one and confess to God your need for salvation, and accept the gift He provided for you by the death and resurrection of His own Son, Jesus Christ.</span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Jesus I know I am a sinner. I have sinned against you, but I know you loved me enough to send your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins and then rise from the dead so that I may live forever with You. Lord forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to begin to live for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1f242d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep Watching</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-83644664399945064832024-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:002024-01-27T07:00:12.386-08:00Israel's Time to Defend<p> <span style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them.” Esther 9:1-5 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">My regular readers might recall the subject of this post as being one I have shared before, yet I believe the circumstances we see in the Middle East at the present time suggest it be revisited. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in the book of Esther, which recounts the story of how God arranged for the Jewish people to be saved from annihilation. I say arranged, because in His infinite wisdom He arranges for Esther, a Jewish girl taken in captivity in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, to somehow become the Queen of Persia. It is a wonderful story of palace intrigue, corruption, and ultimate justice which is worthy of a Hollywood movie. It has always been a staple in my years of teaching and was easily one of the most favorite in the Sunday School classes I taught.</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The plot, in a nutshell, revolves around the attempt by Haman, an official in the king’s court, to completely destroy all of the Jews because of a personal dislike of Mordecai, a Jew who had adopted Queen Esther when her parents were killed. Of course, Haman had no idea Queen Esther was a Jew, nor her relationship with Mordecai, which placed Esther in a perfect position to foil the plot. After Haman had tricked the King into signing a decree which called for all of the Jews to be killed, Esther revealed to the King the fact that she herself was a Jew, and exposed the entire evil plot of Haman for what it really was.</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The King was incensed, and ordered Haman to be hung on the very gallows he had built to hang Mordecai on, and because he could not rescind his own decree, wrote another which allowed the Jews to defend themselves from their enemies and anyone who intended harm to come their way. The annual festival of Purim is a celebration of this deliverance of the Jews from the plot by Haman to completely annihilate them. </span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who [were] in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor. So the Jews accepted the custom which they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them, because Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to annihilate them, and had cast Pur (that [is], the lot), to consume them and destroy them; but when [Esther] came before the king, he commanded by letter that this wicked plot which [Haman] had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them,” Esther 9:20-26 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you probably understand that I find it increasingly hard to believe in coincidence in a world created by an omnipotent God. I especially don’t believe it coincidence when major events relating to the nation of Israel occur on the anniversaries of their Holy Days and festivals, which, if you have studied at all, you know have happened with great regularity throughout Israel’s history. This brings us to the subject of Purim, which is only two months away and is my reason for discussing it today.<br />
</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This celebration in Israel is one of the most joyous, lasting three days which include the giving of gifts, wearing costumes, and singing, eating, drinking, and of course reading the Book of Esther in the synagogue. The fourteenth of Adar usually occurs in our month of February or March, and this year it lands on Saturday, March 23. Although the events surrounding this festival happened thousands of years ago, it appears that it might be a good idea to consider that God’s sense of timing, along with His love and protection of the nation of Israel, could well result in this being a day to watch considering Israel is currently at war with several of the nations which wish it harm, the primary one being Iran. If you haven’t guessed by now, the reason I am sharing this with you today is that the ancient country of Persia, is in fact, the modern day country of Iran.<br />
<br />
In late 2002, the United States began a building up of forces in the Middle East with the apparent intent of deposing the ruler of Iraq, Sadaam Hussein, who was pursuing the capability of weapons of mass destruction with the stated intent of using them on the nation of Israel. I had been invited to lecture on the situation in the Middle East in early 2003 and was in the process of preparing when I noticed the Festival of Purim on my calendar was just a couple of weeks away. Reminded of the story of Esther, the first thought that went through my mind was what if history was about to repeat itself with God's sense of timing thrown in for good measure? As the world was watching and waiting, I contacted a few friends in the ministry and shared my thoughts about the possibility that an attack on Iraq could occur on the very anniversary of the deliverance of Israel some 2500 years earlier. No surprise, the festival of Purim, the 14th of Adar, occurred on Wednesday March 19, 2003, the very day the first bombs dropped on Baghdad.</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I find it very hard to believe that the attack on Iraq during the exact time it happened once before in Israel’s history was simply a coincidence. Iran and it’s stated desire to wipe Israel off of the map, and the current conflict with Iran’s proxies Syria and Lebanon to the North along with Hamas in Gaza to the West, the future of Israel seems very clear. Is history about to repeat itself again with a major action, possibly against Iran itself, by Israel occurring this coming Purim? I have no idea, but I am a firm believer that where there's smoke there's fire and with the rhetoric we are seeing it would be no surprise if Israel chooses to take action. As the Bible says, we all need to watch, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">It seems lately that every week we are treated to more and more signs that the rapture of the Church 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.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p>
<p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-12267581768566938392024-01-20T07:05:00.000-08:002024-01-21T07:16:50.389-08:002024:Wars and Rumors of Wars<p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: #8a8026; font-kerning: none;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences,</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: #8a8026; font-kerning: none;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>and earthquakes in various places.“All these are the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:6:8. NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Most believers who are familiar with Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter 24 recognize that it is a description of events that He also compares to labor pains in a woman preparing to give birth. As most understand, labor pains grow in frequency and intensity the closer that the time of the actual birthing is set to arrive. So to, we should expect an increase in the frequency and intensity of the signs Jesus speaks about in this passage as a sign that the departure of His Church is near. </span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">I have often heard a familiar phrase repeated over the years concerning this passage that you yourself may have heard or considered. “There have always been <b><i>“wars and rumors of wars”</i></b> correct? While you could make that argument, let’s not forget to factor in the “increase in frequency and intensity” argument into the equation. I think virtually everyone reading this has noticed that 2024 has quite literally started of “with a bang”. What follows is just a very small sample of what I am talking about.</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #232a31; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>Israel readies for war on 7 fronts as attacks recorded in neighbouring countries</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://news.yahoo.com/israel-readies-war-7-fronts-182517175.html</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>US, UK airstrikes pound Yemen for first time after weeks of Houthi Red Sea attacks</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-uk-airstrikes-pound-yemen-after-weeks-of-red-sea-attacks-by-iran-backed-houthis/?utm_campaign=most_popular&utm_source=website&utm_medium=article_end&utm_content=8</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>Video: US strikes 60+ Iran-backed terrorist targets</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://americanmilitarynews.com/2024/01/video-us-strikes-60-iran-backed-terrorist-targets/</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>Turkey launches airstrikes against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria after 9 soldiers were killed</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/turkey-launches-airstrikes-kurdish-militants-iraq-syria-after-106346857</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>North Korea set to send new class of missiles to Russia, Seoul says</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://americanmilitarynews.com/2024/01/north-korea-set-to-send-new-class-of-missiles-to-russia-seoul-says/</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #202224; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>Ukraine war: What Russia's escalating air attacks mean</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67871729</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #404040; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>China's Xi says 'reunification' with Taiwan is inevitable</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-calls-taiwan-president-frontrunner-destroyer-peace-2023-12-31/</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: #1e1e1e; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Iran’s IRGC claims missile strike targeted Mossad ‘espionage headquarters’ in Iraqi Kurdistan</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/irans-irgc-claims-missile-strike-targeted-mossad-espionage-headquarters-in-iraqi-kurdistan/</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #232a31; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>Pakistan condemns deadly Iranian missile strike on its territory</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-says-children-killed-iranian-232500372.html</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #232a31; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>Iranian ballistic missiles strike near U.S. facilities in northern Iraq</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://news.yahoo.com/u-says-no-damage-injuries-025327298.html</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #303030; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>North Korea's Kim Jong Un preparing for war − citing 'unprecedented' US behavior</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/28/north-korea-kim-jong-un-war-preparations/72047125007/</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>As Iran Escalates, Rising Risk of a Wider Regional War</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/iran-pakistan-baluchistan-strike-tensions-israel-hamas/2024/01/17/id/1149961/</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>China Conducts Large Military Maneuvers Around Taiwan As Fears Of Invasion Loom</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://www.dailywire.com/news/china-conducts-large-military-maneuvers-around-taiwan-as-fears-of-invasion-loom</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>Expect a Chinese show of force against Taiwan soon, says INDOPACOM head</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2024/01/expect-chinese-show-force-against-taiwan-soon-says-indopacom-head/393418/</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>All Of A Sudden, Leaders All Over The World Are Warning That World War III Is Very Close</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">https://endoftheamericandream.com/all-of-a-sudden-leaders-all-over-the-world-are-warning-that-world-war-iii-is-very-close/</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">When I consider this passage where Jesus speaks of the signs of the end of the age, His comment on wars immediately focuses my attention on the wars that the Bible clearly tells us will occur. Most teachers and scholars, if not all, agree that these are Psalm 83, Isaiah 17, and Ezekiel 38,39. While there is some discussion on the possibility that the passage from Psalm 83 is simply what some describe as an “imprecatory” prayer, I believe that it does accurately predict and refer to the situation which we now see existing between Israel and it’s enemies at this very point in time.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">The opinion of the political leaders of Israel, as well as the military, believe they are currently fighting a multi-front war being orchestrated by none other than Iran, who the Bible identifies as the protagonist of the wars listed in these passages. While it is to be expected that not all would agree, I find it rather surprising then that at this point in time there is almost universal agreement in the body that we are standing at the door of seeing all these things come to pass.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">If you have chosen to study Biblical prophecy, I’m sure you have either heard or read that the most asked question concerning the end times is “Where is America?” in all of this? What I have always believed is that if the United States were relevant, it would be mentioned in scripture. The fact that it seems to be absent lends weight to the idea that for one reason or another, America as we know it is rendered irrelevant. Considering where we are right now as sentiment towards the conflict between Israel and its enemies seems to be wavering from our usual support from both the government and some of the populace, one has to wonder if we would come to their defense should an overt attack by Israel’s enemies were to occur.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">I have reasons to believe that in the coming months we will see “these things” mentioned by Jesus begin to take place. I will elaborate on that next week but the most important thing to remember is this; if these events are staring us in the face, so is the rapture of the Church when all true believers will be taken out of this world to live with our Father forever in His presence.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">I pray you are one of those who can truthfully say, I see and hear. The good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ, promises deliverance from this time of judgment by the gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. If you have never made the choice to accept that gift, I urge you to do it now by praying a simple prayer like this;</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><i>Jesus I know I am a sinner. I have sinned against you, but I know you loved me enough to send your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins and then rise from the dead so that I may live forever with You. Lord forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to begin to live for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-79709041513972418432024-01-11T15:36:00.000-08:002024-01-11T15:36:12.072-08:00Hanging In There<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.” Psalm 69:3 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">A question I have always had in regards to living in the end times is just how much discomfort are believers going to be subjected to as we get closer and closer to the return of Christ for His church? Lately it would appear that the answer to that may be uncomfortable as more and more I am hearing about situations where dedicated, committed believers being subjected to trials they never suspected would occur. Many are a direct result of the situation brought about this past year as I hear of Christians losing their jobs, having trouble paying their bills, and even struggling to put food on the table. Of course, it should come as no surprise that the natural question which results from these situations is simply "why"? As a believer, shouldn't we be able to expect God to spare us from these troubles? </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
The reality is, that question is not a new one. How many times in the Old Testament can you recall someone asking God "why"? By now most are aware of the conflict this past week between Israel and Hamas, and I believe it is safe to say there are many in Israel asking the same question. With so many in the world experiencing difficulties at this present time, it seems perfectly natural to wonder at times if God is aware of our struggles. With that in mind, I want to share something that Isaiah wrote about the subject of wondering if God is really paying attention.<br />
</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to [those who have] no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew [their] strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:27-31 NKJV</i></b><br />
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Obviously from this passage, we can see that Israel was complaining to God that He was obviously unaware of their suffering because He had not done anything about it. They were feeling as if God had abandoned them, and was either unaware or unwilling to do anything to alleviate their suffering. Especially interesting is the idea we see that the people felt that God was obliged to deliver them! Do you notice the words "just claim"? They felt as God's chosen people, they should somehow be immune to struggles. I am sure many today are experiencing those same feelings as they experience the hardships that seem so prevalent as a result of the events of the past year. Yet Isaiah goes on to answer those feelings by telling us three things we need to remember when we experience trials in our lives.<br />
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First of all, Isaiah reminds us that God is never asleep, or too tired to listen to our cries for help. He doesn't "faint" or get "weary", and believe it or not, He has a plan that we as humans may not "understand". His ways are not our ways, but Isaiah assures us that even though we may not understand, or agree, God's ways are not our ways.<br />
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Secondly, Isaiah assures us that God will give us the "power" and the "strength" we need to endure. It seems here as if we are being told that within the body of Christ there are three levels of maturity. The "youth" would refer to those who are new and relatively immature believers who would struggle the most when experiencing these kinds of difficulties. The "young men" would be those who have grown enough to endure a bit longer, but still struggle with circumstances they could not control. Those who are able to "wait", however, are those believers mature enough in their faith to understand that God is always faithful to provide the strength we need to endure.<br />
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Third, Isaiah uses a beautiful example of an eagle to picture what life as a mature believer can be. Can anyone imagine running and never getting tired, or walking forever without running out of gas? Fortunately for me, I live in an area where all I have to do to watch eagles is drive a mile to the river that runs through a canyon south of town and I can spend hours watching bald eagles fish and hunt for their food. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
It is common to see eagles with a wingspan of 6-7 feet, and when they fly by 20 feet or so away you usually feel like ducking. Of course, with wings that big it is amazing to see the size of fish they can take off with. It’s not uncommon to see them catch salmon much bigger than they are. The strength they possess is just amazing to watch, and to see them dive on the river and come up with a fish that size just takes your breath away, not to mention that they seem to be able to soar for hours without landing.<br />
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Is it any wonder God chooses to use the eagle as an illustration of His care and concern for His own? The power and strength and endurance is there for us when we need it, but what is required of us most is to wait. We are an impatient people who want answers and action right now, but our God is a God of patience and deliberation. <br />
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<b><i>"Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalms 34:19 NKJV </i></b><br />
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While the struggles many are facing may be diverse, I believe a constant that most all of us are experiencing is weariness. I know of so many who are tired, both physically and mentally after all we have been through this past year. Yet God tells us that as faithful, righteous believers we will suffer afflictions. However the proper response is to wait upon the Lord who is not only able, but promises to give us the strength we need to soar like eagles. Note in the passage from Isaiah that God does not promise to take away the suffering, but rather to give us "strength and endurance" so we can be delivered through it. When believers suffer, rather than growing tired or fainting, we need to ask for strength and wait for the promises of God as a witness to those around us that God indeed will provide what we need.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">God tells us that as faithful, righteous believers we will suffer afflictions. If we believe what Revelation says, the last ten days here on earth are going to be very, very uncomfortable for some. However the proper response is to wait upon the Lord who is not only able, but promises to give us the strength we need to soar like eagles. Note in the passage from Isaiah that God does not promise to take away the suffering, but rather to give us "strength and endurance" so we can be delivered through it. The following passage from Revelation says if we endure, we gain the “crown of life”. When believers suffer, rather than growing tired or fainting, we need to ask for strength and wait for the promises of God as a witness to those around us that God indeed will provide what we need.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw [some] of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">My thoughts have continually been drawn to this warning to the church at Smyrna, which you find is the only church of the seven found in the beginning of the book of Revelation that Jesus had no words of correction for. In Jesus' eyes they were “doing it right” which should to us be an example of how we should live. Yet Jesus also has a word of warning for them which we see in verse ten of chapter two, that has always intrigued me. Why is that? Well if we accept the premise that these letters apply to all of us, it becomes obvious that any church as a whole, and any individual believer fitting the description of the church at Smyrna, is going to have a time of tribulation just before the rapture of the Church.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">It is just my opinion, but I truly believe that when the rapture occurs it is the “Smyrna” type believers who will leave the biggest impact on the ones left behind because they were faithful to endure the tribulation they had to go through those last ten days. To me though, the best reassurance I have from this passage in Revelation is the very first words Jesus says to us; “Do not fear...”. As hard as we may struggle, we need not fear for God has promised to deliver us. Right now, anyone who chooses to take the Bible's position on anything sets themselves up for the definition of “tribulation” given in the letter to the church at Smyrna, yet our Lord says do not fear!</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? "I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:7-8 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are reading this and have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ 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 praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered you by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>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.</i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Please join me in praying for those who are struggling as we approach the end of this age. Never forget, God is faithful.<br />
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Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-76300114728049586762023-12-30T07:07:00.000-08:002023-12-30T07:07:05.366-08:00What to Expect in 2024<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“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. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:1-4 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">How many of us can truly say we rejoice in suffering? I expect the answer is not too many, which is certainly understandable from a human point of view. Nobody likes to suffer hardships, difficulties, temptations, or times of testing, yet if we look closely at the scriptures they make it perfectly clear that not only are we going to experience them, they should be expected. Now to many that might seem to be just the opposite from what we should expect since our God is a God of love, and it seems reasonable to presume that He should reward us for our faith by removing trials from our lives. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Yet not only do we find ourselves experiencing hardships, from the communications I have been receiving lately from many believers, it seems that more and more of us are finding ourselves in some extremely troubling situations, myself included. Also, from all that I read, many believe that 2024 will bring increasingly difficult circumstances if not outright calamity. Why? Well I believe it might not come as a surprise to you to find out I think it is because our time is rapidly running out! </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">From all accounts it would appear that even the most skeptical believers are now wondering if what we are witnessing is indeed the beginning of the end of our world. Even unbelievers are questioning events by using Biblical terms such as tribulation, apocalyptic, and even judgment. If we accept the premise that the end is near, does it not make sense for us to believe that we will experience more opportunities to exhibit our faith? After all, if we believe the signs are pointing to the end of the age, don't you think Satan has that figured out as well? If so, just what would you expect his reaction to be? It seems reasonable to expect he would go on the offensive with a vengeance!</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” James 1:13 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Although trials do not come from God, He certainly allows them to occur in our lives, so the question we must ask is "Why"? I may be wrong, but from my study I have come to the conclusion from my own life that God allows us to go through trials and suffering for at least three reasons.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">One; Testing is an opportunity to show God our faith in His promises.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Anyone who has experienced love in their life understands the difference between "saying" you love someone and "showing" you love someone. When I was a young believer I remember someone speaking on faith and using this illustration. You may say you have faith that the airplane can fly, but if you never actually get on one you have never demonstrated your faith. When trials come into our lives as believers we have an opportunity to show God we really do believe by exercising our faith in the promises He has given us to deliver us through them.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Two; Testing is a measure to show ourselves where we are and where we fall short.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As I have said before, one of the reasons I like Paul so much is that he constantly compares the Christian life to a race, and I had the opportunity to compete in track for many many years. Now I can truly say I never got to the point where I enjoyed working out, but I knew it was necessary if I wanted to get better. I very much enjoyed the actual races because it was an opportunity to measure my progress and see how much I was improving. Undergoing trials in the Christian life is not necessarily enjoyable, but without them we would never know if we were making progress and growing in our walk with God. Every time we suffer, we know from this verse that God is using it to produce patience, which in turn helps us to mature.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Three; Testing is an opportunity to witness to others.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 4:16 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you think about it, what better way to show the world we are different than to show them by how we react to troubles? I don't know about you, but every day I have opportunities to see how unbelievers react to trying situations. I think we could all agree that the common reaction is with anger, frustration, impatience, and most likely language unbecoming. I also think we could all agree that these are the complete opposites of what we, and God, would expect from someone who truly believes. Have you ever had an occasion to witness and glorify God because someone saw you experiencing trials or troubling situations and wondered why you reacted differently? Going through testing and trials may not be enjoyable, but what a wonderful way to show unbelievers that having faith in the promises of God produces a peace that is unexplainable according to the standards of the world.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As I said at the start, I have heard from many of you who are going through some very difficult times. If you look closely at the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 you might notice what Jesus says at the end of every letter; it is the phrase "To him who overcomes". The Greek word for overcomes is <i>nikaō,</i> which means to conquer, to carry off the victory, come off victorious. There is a promise of rewards for those who overcome, yet it would be impossible to be an overcomer if there were not trials to overcome. Rejoice in suffering for as believers the trials we face give us the opportunity to glorify God.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Faith is our spiritual muscle. We exercise our faith by believing the promises and choosing to follow God as He guides us through life. The more we rely on Him, the stronger our faith will grow. By choosing to follow, we allow God the opportunity to show us how much He cares by protecting us and providing for our every need.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Have you made the choice to follow? Have you have chosen to accept the gift of eternal life provided for us by God the Father? If not, I would urge you to do it today. Time to make that choice is indeed rapidly running out and Jesus returning to take His own back with Him to heaven could happen at any time. All you need to do is simply ask Him for forgiveness for your sin, invite Him to come into your life, and believe He died to pay the price for your redemption. A simple prayer like this is all that He wants to hear from you.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>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.</i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-68669601688021822782023-12-23T06:59:00.000-08:002023-12-23T06:59:14.070-08:00God's Gift to Us<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>Isaiah 7:14 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I'm sure with Christmas coming this week, most of us are considering the gifts we plan to give, and quite possibly the one's we might receive. Now that I am officially, according to my daughters, old, I find myself thinking about Christmas' past, and the memories I have about them. As I thought this past week, I was struck by how many times I remember receiving a gift much larger, or more expensive than I expected and my feelings when I realized that my gift in return was probably not as nice as the one I received. There were also a few occasions when I received a gift from someone that I did not expect, and felt bad for not getting them one in return. To be sure, our giving should not be measured by the dollar amount we paid, but I think we all can sympathize with the feeling that at times we may have received more than we gave in return.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As you might expect, at this time of year it is more than likely you will hear the words "greatest gift" applied to the birth of Jesus as the Saviour of the world, as well you should. Yet the more I thought about it, the more I wondered what feelings God may have had before making His decision to give such a gift to a sinful, unbelieving world. So let me share with you just a few things that crossed my mind while thinking about God's Greatest Gift.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Why did God give? Because He loved. At this time of year I'm sure most of us would have to confess that all the gifts we give are given to loved ones. Of course, that would probably be defined as family, friends, and those we have special feelings for. Yet God gave to the world, all of mankind, including those who have chosen, and will choose to reject Him! I'm sure something we all have in common is making a list of just who we plan on giving to, and just what we plan to give. Yet it is obvious God chose not to make a list, but rather to give to everyone. Now I think most of us would have to admit we would find it hard to give to someone we knew did not like us, or even hated us, yet even though God knew the majority of the world would reject His gift, He chose to give it anyway. Thinking about that made me wonder if I would be willing to give without reservation to people I knew wanted nothing to do with me. If I am to love as God has, and we have been commanded to do so, I should have no hesitancy at all to do just that.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">What did God give? Obviously the most precious gift He possibly could, and that was the life of His own Son, Jesus Christ. I'm sure I'm not alone in taking time after making the list to think carefully about what I plan to give, or how much I intend to spend on the gift for that particular person. Yet there was no hesitation on God's part to give the greatest gift He could. Now as a father with three daughters, this one really got to me. If you were to ask them, I'm sure they would readily admit I was the most overly protective father around. There wasn't much of anything I wouldn't do for them, and not a whole of anything I would let them do. I'm sure they grew tired of looking over their shoulders as they grew up to see if I was watching. School functions, social activities, you name it, I was around, and fortunately for you, time and space prevent me from talking about dating. Now that was a special time. So to even consider the possibility that I could be put in a position to choose to sacrifice one of my own, I really don't think I could do that under any condition. Do you think God had to think about it, or did He make that decision without any hesitation at all?</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Who did God give to? All of mankind. Us. Me. I don't know about you, but let me talk about me. A sinner. Someone who probably doesn't even deserve coal in my stocking, much less a gift like the one I received from the God of this universe. I don't even want to consider the possibility of losing one of my daughters yet God had only one Son, and He gave Him for me. Now here is where I start thinking about what could I possibly give to God that carries as much value as the gift He gave me? Unfortunately, I live with the knowledge that I can never give God anything that will compare with what He gave me no matter how hard I may try. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">One of the things I think of when I remember Christmas with my daughters is that I never cared at all what they gave me. No matter what it was, no matter how small, it was enough to know they loved me enough to want to give. All those years when I agonized over the "perfect" gift for each of them, my only thought was to make them happy and the thought of what I might get in return never even crossed my mind. Did God consider what He would get in return when He made the decision to give His own Son to us? I really rather doubt that. God chose to give the most precious thing He had as a gift to us, without thought of return. Yet we can make a decision to give God a gift in return, and I think that is the message for all of us as believers to consider at this time of the year. Have you given God the most precious gift you can in return, or are you holding back? My prayer is that all of us choose to give Him everything we can, and spare ourselves the embarrassment of knowing we could have given more, but didn't. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you have never made the decision to give your life to Christ, I would encourage you to do that right now. Confess your sin to God, ask for His forgiveness, and invite Him to come into your life and accept the greatest gift of all, eternal life with Him.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Merry Christmas from my family to yours.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-64586856782852785182023-12-16T06:33:00.000-08:002023-12-16T06:33:03.688-08:00What Does It Mean To Watch?<p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.“It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.“Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—“lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” Mark 13:33-37. NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Again today, I want to share an article from another brother, Todd Hampson, that speaks to a subject that you have probable come to understand is foremost in my mind, and that is Jesus’ command to watch. It is, unfortunately, a subject hardly ever taught from the pulpit today resulting in a church that has virtually no idea how close we are to going home. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Christmas Unseen</b></span></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Amazing Connection Between The First Christmas and Our Day</b></span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I read a devotion recently that talked about how messed up Jesus’s family tree was—humanly speaking. In it, the author mentioned that many <b>Jewish boys were named Jesus</b> and that the name means “Jehovah is salvation.” Culturally, <b>that entire generation of Jewish parents were waiting for the messiah</b>—so much so that it played out in naming trends.</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Reading that article made me think about what it must have been like to live in that culture at that time. It also made me think about how even though <b>everyone was waiting—very few were really watching</b>. Here’s what I mean. While many had embraced the cultural belief in a coming Messiah, few were actually watching for him or paying attention to the signs all around them. While the religious leaders of the day were familiar with history and the predicted time-frame for the arrival of the Messiah (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel+9%3A20-25&version=NIV"><span style="color: #00b7ae; font-kerning: none;">Daniel 9</span></a>), few were preparing the people. It’s almost as if the long-awaited arrival of the Messiah had become legend or myth in the minds of the average person. <b>They had become comfortable with the idea of the Messiah coming at some point, but not the idea that it could all play out in real time before their eyes.</b> The demands and familiarity of daily life tend to dull our senses to God’s activity all around us.</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Second Coming Unseen</b></span></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In similar fashion, would it be possible to make the same mistake with the second coming of Jesus? <b>We assume the 1st coming was crystal clear, but only a handful of people really knew about the birth of the Savior</b>—a few shepherds (seen as outcasts in their culture), Simeon and Anna at the temple, Mary and Joseph, and the Magi—who showed up about 2 years later after seeing the King’s star. These Magi were most-likely from the area of Babylon with connections to the prophet Daniel who was in exile there about 500 years earlier. Scripture tells us that Daniel became the leader of the Magi during his exile (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel+2%3A48&version=NIV"><span style="color: #00b7ae; font-kerning: none;">Daniel 2:48</span></a>) and he also provided the time-frame for the Messiah’s arrival (Daniel 9:25). It makes total sense that centuries later, the Magi would have been looking for signs of the coming Savior.</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Outside of those examples, nobody knew.</b> Three decades later when Jesus hung on a cross, still only a small handful really believed he was the Messiah. Even after the resurrection that number only grew slightly at first. It wasn’t until the church was born on the day of Pentecost that large groups of people began to understand the events of their day. <b>Hindsight is 20/20</b>. We look back at the first coming of Jesus with clarity and we assume we would have known it as it was happening. But the Biblical record tells us that’s not the case. <b>Only a few were truly watching</b>.</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">We view the events of Jesus’s 1st coming as if it were our favorite movie. We’ve watched it 100 times and know each line, but we still love watching it again. We don’t experience it in real time. We look back to it as a past event. For those who lived it, however, it was a much different experience. This is a very important fact to consider: <b>It was easy to miss what was right in front of them</b>.</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Just as there was a two-part 1st-coming of Jesus (birth and then later, the public triumphal entry), there will be a two-part 2nd-coming of Jesus (the rapture of the Church when we will meet Christ in the clouds prior to the tribulation, then His physical return to earth at the end of the tribulation while the whole world watches). <b>Are there things happening right in front of us related to the Lord’s return that we’re not seeing?</b> Are most believers missing the forest for the trees?</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Fast-forward To Today</b></span></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Scripture reveals that believers in Christ are supposed to wait and watch. <b>The church at large is good at waiting—we’re used to that. It’s been 2000 years.</b> We’re not so good at watching though. <b>Active waiting is only half of the equation.</b> For various reasons, the majority of <b>Christians have stopped watching.</b> Please hear my heart on this—I don’t mean for that to sound judgmental. I get it. Life is busy. Life is hard. There are distractions and daily demands. Furthermore, there has been a decades long push to sideline prophecy and eschatology in the Western Church.</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Scripture gives us the clear mandate to watch.</b> <b>Jesus gave us the clear mandate to </b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+24%3A42-44&version=NIV"><span style="color: #00b7ae; font-kerning: none;"><b>watch</b></span></a><b>, and to </b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A33&version=NIV"><span style="color: #00b7ae; font-kerning: none;"><b>know the season</b></span></a><b> </b>or understand the times. <b>There are several specific signs and sign categories we are told to keep an eye on</b> to inform us that His return is near. Over the years date-setters, scoffers, apostate teaching, and sensationalism have taken a toll on the psyche of the average Christian—to the point where many feel there’s no way to really know when the Lord will return. Therefore we continue to wait, defaulting to an assumption that the Lord’s return is still in the vague and distant future. <b>That is a deception from the enemy. We must be vigilant in watching!</b></span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Literally, every single sign or sign trend that Jesus (Olivet Discourse), John (Revelation), Daniel (6 of 12 chapters in Daniel deal with end-times prophecy), Paul, and other writers mention, are very factually at play in our day. <b>100 years ago, none of the signs were in place.</b> Even 10-15 years ago, only some of the prophecy puzzle pieces were in place. <b>Today, they are all in place.</b> There is nothing more that must occur before the rapture can take place, and the stage is 100% set for the great end-time drama to unfold.</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>What Signs?</b></span></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #171422; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Last but not least, <b>here is a brief list of signs that are in place today</b> that were not even on the radar 100 years ago: Russia, Iran, and Turkey in a coalition together with troops positioned just north of Israel’s border. Economic and political instability on every continent. Societal and family breakdown. Increased violence and selfishness. Rise of the occult. Cultural confusion and a rejection of logic. Increasing Apostasy in the church. Israel prospering financially and militarily while horrific antisemitism is on the rise globally. The 18+ conflicts against Israel since Her modern-day founding (including the barbaric recent events). America weakening. Internet and satellite TV. The nations of the world fixated o, religion, and government. A small handful of elite people controlling most of the worlds wealth. The rise of cults and atheism. A world-wide increase of sexual immorality and homosexuality. <a href="https://toddhampson.com/news/the-non-prophet-on-the-signs-of-the-times/"><span style="color: #00b7ae; font-kerning: none;">The list goes on and on. </span></a>Those are just off the top of my head. <b>Every single one of those was predicted in Scripture as an end-time sign or necessary condition. </b>Let that sink in a minute.</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year</b>. I pray that as you think about the signs and conditions that were in place for Jesus’s first coming, you’ll take time to wonder, contemplate, and study the Bible to understand the signs of our times. <b>Could it be that we are on the cusp of the next great intersection of God and man?</b></span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Lastly, if you want to know what it means to be a Christian, please contact me.</b> I would love to share a few Bible verses with you that clearly explain how we can accept Jesus’s free gift of salvation today. It’s the most important decision you will ever make, whether the rapture occurs in our lifetime or not. God promises abundant <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10"><span style="color: #00b7ae; font-kerning: none;">(John 10:10)</span></a> and eternal life <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV"><span style="color: #00b7ae; font-kerning: none;">(John 3:16)</span></a>. Don’t miss it!</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://toddhampson.com/news/christmas-unseen/</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">© 2023, Todd R. Hampson. All rights reserved. Originally published at www.toddhampson.com.”</span></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #545157; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep Watching!</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-3701438396777001642023-12-09T08:24:00.000-08:002023-12-09T08:24:23.236-08:00A Very Specific Sign<p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3. KJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>"abstain from meats"?</i></b></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The dream for King Charles and his fellow “climate change” fanatics is for meat to be removed from our diets, nitrogen fertilizer to be drastically reduced, and methane emissions from cows to be significantly curtailed. Such changes to our agriculture and diet will lead to “worldwide famine,” but the “climate change” zealots believe it is necessary to combat the dangers of taking no action.</p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://townhall.com/columnists/jeffcrouere/2023/12/04/the-cult-of-climate-change-convenes-church-in-dubai-n2631949</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The vegan eco-terrorists are waging a war on meat and demanding first-world countries reduce meat consumption to reduce carbon emissions. The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) <a href="https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/11/eat-bugs-live-pod-united-nations-tell-first/"><b>rolled out its food guidance</b></a> for first-world countries at this year’s COP28 in Dubai. If the climate change zealots succeed with their ‘net zero plan,’ the world will go dark and there will be famine.</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/12/tucker-carlson-destroys-john-kerry-climate-change-zealots/</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">A lead United Nations agency <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/11/12/fed-up-farmers-why-us-government-will-put-us-out-of-business/">overseeing food and agriculture policy</a> is expected to issue a road map in the coming weeks which will call on the West, including America, to dramatically reduce its meat consumption.</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://nypost.com/2023/11/28/lifestyle/un-calling-on-americans-to-cut-down-on-meat-consumption/</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The ongoing United Nations COP28 climate summit in Dubai is offering a wide variety of gourmet food options from vendors who serve beef, even as it prepares a report that is expected to call for the West <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/united-nations-set-call-americans-reduce-meat-consumption"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">to reduce consumption of beef</span></a>. According to the summit's online portal, its food offerings include "juicy beef," "slabs of succulent meat," smoked wagyu burgers, Philly cheesesteaks and "melt-in-your-mouth BBQ" in addition to African street BBQ, fast casual Mexican fare and an Asian option that has a "touch of French flair." The revelation comes as the U.N. faces criticism for preparing a first-of-its-kind report that is expected to be published at the summit and call for lower meat consumption.</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://www.foxnews.com/politics/un-climate-summit-serving-gourmet-burgers-bbq-calls-americans-stop-eating-meat</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Just when you thought the world couldn’t get any stranger, God’s knowledge of the future as revealed by His prophecy tells us that it not only can, but will, as we approach His return for the Church. This prophecy given to Timothy by the apostle Paul reveals that in the end times, certain men will attempt to convince the world that it is wrong to eat meat. Sound familiar? I know I am not alone in my opinion of these people and their “conviction” concerning meat consumption but truth be told, do they really believe what they are saying? You did notice the article concerning the menu at the UN summit?</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Now I freely admit I am unabashedly a dyed in the wool carnivore, but putting the subject of a good ribeye steak aside, the fact that we see a two thousand year old prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes with such accuracy tells me just one thing. What more do we need to realize we are living in the very times God describes as the last days of this age? Understand that this is not a prophecy which could be generalized, but rather a very specific one that we see happening right now.</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.” Act 10:9-16. NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As always, God should have the last say about anything and His thoughts on meat consumption are pretty clear in this vision given to Peter. We have God’s permission to eat meat with His blessing, and what some are attempting to do is simply tell the world God doesn’t know what He is talking about. As for me, I choose to receive what God has given with thanksgiving, knowing I have His blessing to do so. I also choose to believe that this entire subject is a fulfillment of a very specific prophecy from God which He has given to us as a sign that our deliverance from this world is on our very doorstep.</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">It seems lately that every week we are treated to more and more signs that the rapture of the Church 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.</span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #1a0a53; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-52983524592886686692023-12-02T07:07:00.000-08:002023-12-02T07:07:29.026-08:00Approaching the End of the Game<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I will unapologetically admit that I very much look forward to this part of the year when the college football playoffs approach. While I also enjoy the professional game, I love the emotion and passion of the college game much more. Being passionate about football, as well as studying what the Bible has to say about the end of the age, my mind being what it is could not help but put the two together and think of an interesting correlation between football and what we can expect from Satan as the Church age approaches its end.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Let me attempt to explain what I am thinking here. If you follow football at all you are certainly familiar with how the game changes as you approach the last minutes of the game. In football, not only does the play calling get more aggressive in the fourth quarter, we normally see the two minute offense utilized, where the team that is behind stops using the huddle to call plays and does whatever it can to speed up the game and try to catch the other team off guard. To the uninitiated, what happens on the field in the last minutes looks like total confusion as two teams pull out all the stops and try anything and everything in order to win the game. In other words, if you are behind, the closer you get to the end, tactics change in order to try and pull out a win.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Consider if you will, that if we are approaching the end of this age as many believe, then certainly Satan knows that as well. If we think seriously about it, we should readily admit Satan probably knows the Bible a lot better than we do. This is, of course, the individual who tempted Jesus by using scripture to justify his arguments. There is no question in my mind that Satan is fully aware that his time is running short, so it should be easy to believe that he will change his tactics the closer we get to the end. He will do whatever he can to take as many down with him as he can. So as believers, is it too much to expect that attacks on believers will increase in frequency and severity?</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Knowing this, I thought it might be appropriate to look closer at what Paul had to say to us in the book of Ephesians about our fight against Satan and his forces of darkness. In this passage, Paul outlines all we need to know about defending ourselves from these attacks. Here we see that Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus and explaining God's purpose for the church, as well as outlining what God expects from His people. God knows what we can expect from Satan, so He goes to great lengths here to teach us how to defend ourselves. In verse ten Paul's tells us that our strength is from the Lord, and it is His strength that will fight our battles for us. How often do we fail because we think we can fight our own battles rather than let God do it for us?</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Paul then tells us that we need to <b><i>"put on the full armor of God".</i></b> Paul's point here is that to be successful we need to wear the whole suit. It may sound funny, but I remember something that happened when I was playing football in college back in the dark ages. I was a receiver, technically in that particular offense called a split end, and my job was to catch balls over the middle of the field rather than out by the sidelines. I had missed a few balls that were over my head, and I decided that it was my shoulder pads that were hindering my ability to stretch my arms as high as they could go. So I decided a little modification was in order, and after taking some of the "excess" padding off, I could then catch the passes that had up till then been a little out of my reach. All was well and good until the inevitable collision occurred which convinced me that removing part of my protection was a really bad idea. This is Paul's point. To succeed in defending ourselves from the <b><i>"wiles"</i></b> of the devil, (or tactics), we need to put on the complete armor leaving nothing off. Why?</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The answer to that can be found in verse twelve where he tells us we need to do this because of who and what we are facing. He tells us our struggle is not<b><i> “against flesh and blood". </i></b>You see, if it was, we would probably only need to be defended from our front where an attack by a person would probably come from. But we are facing a fight from two fronts; rulers, forces, and powers of darkness of this world, and spiritual forces of wickedness from the heavenly places. So there are at least two fronts to defend ourselves from, and these attacks can come from any direction. There is no way we are capable to defend ourselves in this kind of war. We need to put on the complete armor God has provided, and let Him do the fighting for us. If we do this, we are told in verse thirteen that we will be able to stand, and not be defeated in that <b><i>“evil”</i></b> day.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I think it is entirely possible that the events we are seeing not only in this country, but around the world are a sign that we are in the “fourth quarter” where we see Satan trying anything and everything to try and win the “game”. As disturbing as it is to watch the world devolve into what can only be described as outright hatred to such a degree that truly only could come from Satan, how reassuring it is for us to know that our strength comes from the Lord and our victory is already won. We can literally watch as God does our fighting for us and stand firm knowing that our deliverance, the rapture of the Church, is but moments away.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth for the sole purpose of sacrificing Himself so we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven. The signs of His imminent return for us are all around us. If you have never taken the step of accepting this gift of eternal life, I urge you to do it right now. Simply pray a prayer like this one and confess to God your need for salvation, and accept the gift He provided for you by the death and resurrection of His own Son, Jesus Christ.</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Jesus I know I am a sinner. I have sinned against you, but I know you loved me enough to send your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins and then rise from the dead so that I may live forever with You. Lord forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to begin to live for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-74207434952050462782023-11-25T06:03:00.000-08:002023-11-25T06:03:36.609-08:00Give Thanks for His Love<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.” Luke 10:21 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“What are you thankful for?” How many times have you heard this question, especially around this time of year when many gather together for the sole purpose of giving thanks? I’m sure that over the years most of us have thought about this and made mental lists of all the things we are thankful for, and more than likely if we compared our lists we would find that a great many of us are thankful for many of the same things. As I thought this week about thankfulness, I began to wonder if it would be appropriate to consider what it might be that God is thankful for, and to consider what, if anything, He would put on His list of things to be thankful for.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">There have been times in my life where I wished I was a lot smarter than I am, yet truthfully all I have to do at times like that is read this passage from Luke and give thanks that I am a simple minded soul. I understand the simplicity of the Gospel and the need I have for salvation, so it makes perfect sense to me that God created me, loves me, and has provided a way for me to spend eternity with Him. The one question I continually seem to ask myself, however, is I can’t help but wonder if God is thankful that He made me, especially when I think about all the times I have failed Him?</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Something God tells Jeremiah in this passage applies equally to all of us, and that is that in His omniscience God not only knew us before we were conceived, He also was the one who formed us in the womb. Before He ever made me, God knew exactly how I would turn out, the decisions I would make that would hurt Him, and especially all of the times I would disappoint Him. God still chose to create me. I think the question “ is God thankful He created me?” was answered when He made the decision to do so. My response should be to do everything in my power to please Him in thankfulness for what He has done for me.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; “that they all may be one, as You, Father, </i>are<i> in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. “And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare </i>it,<i> that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:20-26 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In this passage Jesus is praying to the Father just before He is to suffer the agony of the cross. Yet His prayer is for us, those who have made the choice to accept the sacrifice He is about to make on our behalf, and not for Himself. Have you ever thought about the fact that the Son of God has prayed for you? That His concern in the last moments of His life on earth was for us, and not Himself? Just thinking of that gives us all something to be eternally thankful for and something we should never forget. Of all the things we might consider giving thanks for, Jesus Christ loves us.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:13-15 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Sharing the message of the Gospel of Christ with others is the reason we are here, and the way in which we can thank God for what He has done for us. As we arrive at the time of the year for giving thanks, and giving presents, may we never forget the greatest gift we have been given, and the reason we have to give thanks. May we all commit to look for ways to share this joy with others in the short time we have left in which to do it.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-68447349416613493122023-11-18T07:14:00.000-08:002023-11-18T07:14:38.252-08:00The Earth Trembles<p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.” Jeremiah 10:10. NKJV </i></b></span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As the situation in the Middle East continues to rage with no signs of letting up, an article that many might consider irrelevant to current events showed up this past week that certainly caught my attention. </span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://www.newsweek.com/nearly-50-volcanos-erupting-same-time-1844365</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Now granted, many might think this has absolutely nothing to do with current events but I would submit that it quite possibly has everything to do with what we are seeing in Israel today. Truth be told, I believe strongly that God protects His chosen people and if you dare to instigate any harm to the Jewish people you are inviting a response from God Himself which in all honesty you will certainly regret. The passage from Jeremiah states plainly that the earth itself will tremble at His wrath. </span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Do you believe God is upset at what happened in Israel and the lack of support they are receiving from the rest of the world? Do you think God can and will make His feelings known? Is it possible the earth is reacting to the emotions of it’s creator as the world is seeming to turn against the Jewish people? The relationship between the earth and God is one that I have spoken about before and decided to share with you again today. I would suggest that you consider watching the earth itself as a possible sign that God is preparing to intervene as described in the prophecies of the end of this age.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled. The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about. The voice of Your thunder [was] in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. Your way [was] in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron." Psalm 77:16-20 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">A subject I have spoken of often has lately begun to make the news in a somewhat obvious way, especially if looked at in light of what Jesus warned about when using the example of signs increasing in frequency and intensity as they do in a woman’s labor. When I talk with people about the command to watch, the question naturally arises as to just exactly what are the sorts of things we should watch for? That is a very good question, and one that I believe every one of us should ask ourselves in light of what the Word tells us about signs of the end of the age and the nearness of Christ’s return.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In this passage from the book of Psalms, the author is troubled and in despair so he thinks back to the past and the times that God manifested Himself in human history by actions man could only describe as supernatural. The verses above refer to the time that God led the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt and through the Red Sea on their journey to the Promised Land. Now I think the important point to make here is that although Moses and Aaron were used by God to shepherd His people, it was God Himself who led them.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, [from] before the people." Exodus 13:21-22 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Now why do I think this is important? Look closely at the passage from Psalms and notice what the author says the reaction of the earth was to the presence of God. Do you see what I see? We are told the waters were afraid, the depths trembled, there was a downpour of rain, thunder along with lightning that lit up the entire world, and not to mention earthquakes that shook the earth. Yet to me, the most important part of this passage is the fact that it does not say God “caused” these things to happen, rather it was a response of the earth to actually “seeing” the presence of God. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Right about now some of you are probably thinking wait just a minute here; do you really believe the earth can “see”? Well, why not? Not only do these verses say it does, we are told elsewhere that the earth can talk too.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: " 'Blessed [is] the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." Luke 19:37-40 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">So if we are to believe what the Bible tells us, the earth has and can react to the presence of God in physical ways, some of which might surprise us. Is that really so hard to believe? After all, the earth was created by God just as we were created, so who knows what physical reaction could be produced by the approach of the power which created it? This is the question that I would like you to think about in light of some of the things happening in the world right now.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only [that], but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body." Romans 8:22-23 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Why does the entire creation groan? No doubt because of the changes brought about by the fall in Genesis where even the shape of this world was altered by the introduction of sin. Notice that Paul is telling us here that both nature and man are waiting for the exact same event; the return of Christ! And the reason we groan? We as believers know what we will receive when Christ calls us home to be with Him forever. The anticipation of leaving this earth grows every day as we watch the events around us which give evidence that the world is, like in Noah's day, moving farther away from God rather than towards Him.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Most of us would agree the Bible clearly teaches that there will be signs that precede the return of Christ, many of which are physical in nature. Events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis can explain many of the events described as occurring just before Christ returns. Many of these things are beginning to happen right now in various places in the world, and most of those who are watching and waiting for His appearing believe the time is very close. Jesus Himself said this about the signs that would appear just before His return.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." 2 Peter 3:5-7 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near--at the doors!" Mark 13:29 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">So here is my question for today; does God cause these things to happen, or just like the events in Exodus when God came to earth to lead His people away, is the earth reacting to His approach once again? Is it possible that the increase in frequency and intensity of physical events is because the closeness of Jesus returning for His church is causing a physical reaction by the earth? If we consider what the Bible has to say as being the true and faithful Word of God, I would suggest that we should, as well as understanding that by what we are told, this is only the beginning.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, Because He was angry." 2 Samuel 22:8 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">My feeling, along with many others, is that time is quickly running out for the Church to accomplish its work here on earth, and it would come as no surprise to hear the trumpet blow and our call to go home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at any time. 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.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>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.</i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Are the stones crying out?</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-27841830813533191592023-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:002023-11-11T08:02:23.510-08:00What Time Is It?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDlSG3Mn3V-b85JSnOLC1dcoqEEdSZpx66xuxfwYGxkEzg5q7YUm3IhlWbj6OFGgWG82hN1tW3HNa2eua79AhZwHREeKvZ_DaoUUfPBni_2M1GZe1oQ27cog6lXqKOQMb94cDbY5ayCNeOW5VPBHXdQG8-vzdJPww28DhYRLDofvJZjoZVE5ZZENAblE/s1234/Isaiah%2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1234" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDlSG3Mn3V-b85JSnOLC1dcoqEEdSZpx66xuxfwYGxkEzg5q7YUm3IhlWbj6OFGgWG82hN1tW3HNa2eua79AhZwHREeKvZ_DaoUUfPBni_2M1GZe1oQ27cog6lXqKOQMb94cDbY5ayCNeOW5VPBHXdQG8-vzdJPww28DhYRLDofvJZjoZVE5ZZENAblE/s320/Isaiah%2017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><i>“The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They will be for flocks Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid.” Isaiah 17:1-2 NKJV</i></b><p></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As we watch the events of the past few weeks unfold in Israel, speculation as to where we are on God’s prophetic clock has predictably exploded. On the one hand that would seem to be a good thing as many become aware that prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes. On the other hand, however, speculation can, and has, covered an increasingly large spectrum resulting in confusion and suspicion within the body. As someone who has spent many years studying and teaching Biblical prophecy let me share my thought as to where we are on God’s calendar. Close to the end.</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Surprised I’m not a little more specific? Well it might be just my opinion but in all my years of study of end times prophecy I’ve noticed God chose not to be all that specific about when it was going to occur. He simply said that we were to watch, and He would show us what to watch for when we were getting close to the end. So my opinion, for what it is worth, is simply that I believe we are seeing the run up to the fulfillment of the Isaiah 17 and the Ezekiel 38,39 conflicts we have been warned to watch for.</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This post is one I have shared before but certainly takes on new meaning in light of what is currently occurring in the Middle East and I wanted to share it with you again today in the hope it might bring some clarification to what we are witnessing in light of where we might be on God’s calendar.</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #473624; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-transporting-chemical-weapons-lebanon-help-iran-north-korea-report-claims">https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-transporting-chemical-weapons-lebanon-help-iran-north-korea-report-claims</a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Many biblical scholars are of the opinion that the prophecy above from Isaiah is a response by the nation of Israel to an attack using chemical or nuclear weapons against them. This report from a year ago opened the eyes of more than a few governments and in response, many prophecy teachers speculated that this may lead to the fulfillment of the prophecy we find in Isaiah 17 concerning the destruction of Damascus. While this may well be the beginning of the process which brings these things about, one question many have asked over the years is just what occurs that provokes Israel to do what it does.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">That too, was a question I considered at length when I first began my studies of the Isaiah prophecy and the conclusion I came to was the result of searching for the location of the <b><i>“cities of Aroer”</i></b> mentioned in the passage above. Although some might disagree, I believe it is a very strong possibility that, as you can see from the two maps above, what Isaiah may be telling us is that Israel responds to an attack by Syria on the nuclear research facility at Dimona. While this is certainly speculation on my part, considering the events that have occurred recently, I personally find it hard to believe it is coincidence that the location of Aroer and Dimona appear to be one in the same.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The area mentioned in the Isaiah 17 prophecy is described as "the cities of Aroer". Unlike Damascus, Aroer no longer exists, so we are left to try to identify its location by studying past references, and looking for archeological evidence that might support a conclusion as to its whereabouts. Aroer is mentioned three times in the Bible, and all occur in the Old Testament. Unfortunately for us, however, each describes a different location, so we are left to examine what the Bible says about each and see if we can decide which location Isaiah is attempting to describe. The first mention of Aroer is found in the book of Deuteronomy where it says;</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“From Aroer, which is on the bank of the River Arnon, and from the city that is in the ravine, as far as Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us; the LORD our God delivered all to us.” Deuteronomy 2:36 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This site has been identified as being on the northern bank of the Arnon ravine located in the modern country of Jordan, just east of the Dead Sea. The second mention of Aroer we find is in the book of Joshua, where Moses is allotting land to the twelve tribes and describing their boundaries. In this verse he describes;</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Their territory was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, which is before Rabbah,” Joshua 13:25 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joshua describes Aroer as being <i>"before Rabbah".</i> This city or any ruins of it have never been located, but by the description we know it would need to be situated be some twenty miles or so north of Jerusalem. The final time Aroer is mentioned before Isaiah’s prophecy is in the book of Samuel, where we find it listed among a group of cities that David is sharing spoil with from his defeat of the Amalekites. We find when we read that;</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“those who were in Aroer, those who were in Siphmoth, those who were in Eshtemoa,” 1 Samuel 30:28 NKJV</i></b></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This location has been identified as being in the Negev, twelve miles southeast of Beer-sheba. We also see from reading this passage that it was one of many cities located in the same area which helped and supported David in his battle with the Amalekites. Ruins of this city have been found, and you can even locate it on a map if your Bible has maps in the back. Simply look for a map of Israel in the time of David, and you should be able to see Aroer located in the south of Israel, southwest of Beer-sheba. So we have three different locations to choose from, and no help from the Isaiah passage to identify which one he is referring to. Is it possible to find a way to know for sure exactly which one of these locations is the one that Isaiah describes as being "forsaken"?</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">First of all, I think it may be logical to assume that Isaiah is referring to the location southeast of Beer-sheba for several reasons. The first is that if you compare the dates that these three books were written, you find that the Samuel passage was written closest to the time of Isaiah, as opposed to the others which were written much earlier in Israel’s history. Also, if you look closely at these three locations, you see one of them is in Jordan, not Israel. Since Isaiah is describing a conflict between Syria and Israel, I think we can dismiss the Jordan location as a possibility.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">So we are left to choose between two locations, one which has never been positively located, and one which not only has been located, but may have some military significance as well. If we look at a map of Israel during the time of the twelve tribes, we can easily see where Aroer is located. Now compare that map with a map of Israel today and you may be surprised to find that a very significant complex has been constructed in the same approximate location of ancient Aroer, and that is the nuclear research facility known as Dimona. Since Isaiah is describing a future conflict between Israel and Syria, obviously there must be a good reason that Israel chooses to completely destroy Damascus. Is it possible that it is in response to an attack of some sort on Dimona? </span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“The cities of Aroer are forsaken;”</i></b></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The word "forsaken" in the Hebrew is <i>"azab"</i> which means <i>"to depart, abandon, loose, relinquish, leave."</i> The first thing that crossed my mind when I read this was not what it does say, but what it doesn't say. It doesn't say that Aroer is destroyed; only abandoned. It also says “cities” which gives the impression of a very large area being affected. This scenario seems best explained by either the use of chemical weapons, or an attack that somehow damages the reactor and allows radiation to escape. Obviously the Syrian regime has no problem using chemical weapons on its own people, and Iran is more than happy to provide them with advanced missiles, so the question seems to be, which will they choose to use and will they be willing to use them against Israel?</span></p>
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</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>casus belli: </b>an event or action that justifies or allegedly justifies a war or conflict</span></p>
<p style="color: #956839; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casus%20belli">https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casus%20belli<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: #956839;"></span></a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The fact that the nation of Israel is surrounded by enemies who desire nothing more than to see their destruction is certainly not news to anyone even slightly informed about the world we live in today. This situation, obviously, then begs the question; “what are they waiting for”? It can be fairly said that Israel has made the attempt to live in peace with its enemies since the birth of the nation in 1948, fighting wars only to defend itself rather than being the aggressor. Yet, since God in His foreknowledge has told us that there are wars yet to be fought, it is logical to wonder what exactly is going to occur that provokes Israel’s enemies to attack once again. Now while some might argue that the nation of Syria has too many problems of its own to attempt to respond to Israel’s actions, I would say we need to consider another term from history which would seem, in light of recent events, to be extremely relevant, and that is <i>“proxy war”.</i></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>proxy war: </b>A war instigated by a major power which does not itself become involved.</span></p>
<p style="color: #956839; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.lexico.com/definition/proxy_war">https://www.lexico.com/definition/proxy_war<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: #956839;"></span></a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The relationship between Iran and Syria is complicated, but the one thing that remains clear is that Iran has invested a lot of money, materiel, and personnel to develop and upgrade Syria’s military capabilities. Much of Syria’s missile technology and armament has been provided by Iran, and at present it is reported as fact by many intelligence sources that members of the Iranian Republican Guard are in Syria helping develop and train Syrian troops. Iran has spent much of its time in the past few years attempting to establish bases of operation within the borders of Syria, while Israel has made a habit of blowing them up. Most of all, Iran has so far committed itself to support the president of Syria, Bashar Assad, in power. So the question must be asked, just what does Iran want from Syria in exchange for all of this help?</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The fact that the Isaiah 17 prophecy tells us that the city of Damascus is destroyed, rather than Tehran, obviously supports the conclusion that Israel is attacked either from Syria, or by weapons transported through Damascus to Israel’s enemies. While that is the case, one has to wonder, considering the situation there, who is really behind the attack on Israel? While the attack could easily be staged by Hezbollah, most at this point in time would agree that Iran is the country behind all that is going on in that region, and their hatred for Israel is well known. I believe, and many agree, that at this point in time Iran is simply waiting for a justifiable excuse to attack Israel and attempt to make good on the myriad of threats it has made in the past. Only time will tell if this is what Isaiah is telling us, but what we do know is that God has prophesied that Damascus <b><i>“will cease from being a city.” </i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I recently read an article which stated that some prophecy teachers believe the possibility exists that Isaiah 17 was already fulfilled in the past. While their reasoning may be sound in it’s scholarship, this is one of those times where I will borrow a saying by Chuck Missler regarding a disagreement he had with Hal Lindsey and say I will “agree to disagree agreeably” with their conclusions. I certainly would say that I might be wrong in my conclusion but if the identification of the location of Aroer is correct, I believe it throws a wrench into holding the position that this conflict has already occurred.</span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">When examining current events, most if not all prophecy scholars agree that the obvious conclusion is while the possibility of the events of Isaiah 17 as well as Ezekiel 38,39 seem to be clearly on the immediate horizon, so too is the rapture of the Church. The coming weeks and months appear to hold the potential to be very exciting times indeed for those who study prophecy.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are reading this today and have never made the choice to accept the free gift of salvation made possible by the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, I want to encourage you to do it today. Simply pray a prayer like this;</span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. I want to 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." </i></span></p>
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<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-26232856895368653552023-11-04T08:04:00.000-07:002023-11-04T08:04:12.365-07:00Everlasting Means Everlasting<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.“Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” Genesis 17:7=8. NKJV</i></b></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“God doesn’t lie”! </i> I don’t recall when I first heard those words, but it was something I heard in church when I was quite young and it has remained in my thoughts my entire life. I’m sure that most believers would agree wholeheartedly with that statement as the belief in God’s promises to us is the foundation of our faith. Yet despite that, it seems that some tend to forget the promises made to Israel in the Old Testament and the fact that no matter when they are made, God always keeps His promises.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As we watch the ongoing war in the Middle East unfold, the subject of Israel’s “right” to the land is often the main topic in many news reports. It amazes me that the ignorance of some is so complete that they are of the opinion that Israel never existed before 1948 when the UN passed the resolution which created the modern day nation of Israel. The uncomfortable truth for many, however, is that the nation of Israel was established long ago, not by man, but by God Himself.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The passage above reveals the covenant made between God and Abraham, and his descendants as well, which occurred almost four thousand years ago. In it God makes clear that His covenant is an “everlasting” one and one that He will not allow to be broken. The attempts by Israel’s enemies to destroy them and retake the land for themselves is by God’s own words a fruitless endeavor. The land was God’s to give and He chose to give it to Abraham and his descendants forever. It should also be an obvious and foregone conclusion that He will see that no one violates it.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">While the passage above reveals God’s covenant with Israel concerning the land, He also made other promises which should be taken into account as they reveal the purpose He had in doing so. God had a plan for humanity and the nation of Israel was to be the vehicle through which His plan was to be revealed. While the study of the Abrahamic Covenant is long and exhaustive, I want to share just four promises from God to Israel the following passage.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Now the LORD had said to Abram:“ Get out of your country, From your family </i></b></span><b><i>And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3. NKJV</i></b></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The promise of property. <b><i> “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.” </i></b>The first promise God made was to establish a place for Israel to dwell, and He chose the land of Canaan. As creator and owner of this world, God has the right to do with it as He wishes. When it came to creating a nation for His chosen people, He chose the place, set the boundaries, and moved His people there, </span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The promise of prosperity.<b><i> “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great”. </i></b>One of the most obvious conclusions one can arrive at when looking at the modern day nation of Israel is that this particular promise has been well kept. Israel is the jewel of the Middle East in so many different ways, and it’s economy is the envy of most if not all of the surrounding countries.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The promise of protection. <b> “<i>I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you”. </i></b>If history shows us anything about the nation of Israel, it shows that God’s protection has, since their inception, been on His chosen people. While allowing judgment to fall on the nation at times throughout history, the Jews have always been protected and preserved as a people according to God’s plan for them as a people.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The promise of purpose. <b><i> “And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed”. </i></b>The most obvious answer to this promise is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Messiah who came to save the world. Born as a Jew, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, God in flesh sacrificed Himself to save the world.</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Along with many, I believe we are seeing the fulfillment of the prophecies God has made concerning the end of this age. The nation of Israel is God's timepiece, and we can tell what time it is by simply watching what God allows to happen to them, and in that part of the world. God made an everlasting covenant with the nation of Israel and everlasting means everlasting. God doesn’t change and His promises never change. The attempts by Israel’s enemies to destroy them have been, and will continue to be, fruitless. By picking a fight with Israel, you are also picking a fight with God. You tell me, how do you think that’s going to work out?</span></p><p style="color: #01103a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are reading this today and have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to do it right now. Simply admit to God that you need His forgiveness because you are a sinner, be willing to turn away from your sins, believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and invite Him to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit by praying a simple prayer like this;</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i></i></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-73760494157939159092023-10-28T06:41:00.001-07:002023-10-28T06:41:59.457-07:00Apostasy In These Last Days<p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As we watch biblical prophecy unfold before our eyes in the Middle East today, the subject of the rapture is on the forefront of many believer’s minds. That is exactly as I believe it should be considering all of the times we are warned to watch and be ready according to the Word of God. Yet despite these commands to watch, the subject of the rapture is hardly ever taught by the majority of churches today. I came across the following article by Jonathan Brentner this past week and wanted to share it with you as I found it to be an amazing commentary on this very subject.</span></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Rapture Has Become The Object Of Scorn In Many Churches. What Lies Behind The Scoffing?</b></span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">One of my favorite Peanuts cartoons pictures a troubled Charlie Brown seeking Lucy’s five cent psychiatric help. After Lucy provides several cautions about worrying, she says, “If you have to worry, you should worry about this very moment.”</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In response, a puzzled Charlie Brown asks, “This moment? Why this moment?” It’s then that a soccer ball comes flying through the air, bonks him in the head, and sends him flying to the ground. </span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Lucy then explains her diagnosis, “I saw this ball heading this way, see, and . . .”</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In his second letter, the Apostle Peter warns us about people who, unlike Lucy, fail to properly diagnose the moment in which they live. They see the same signs of the approaching Tribulation that we do, but interpret them far differently. Not only do they reject our diagnosis, but they also ridicule our hope.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2 Peter 3:3-4 KJV – </b>“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.”</span></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The apostle’s words accurately depict our day. The Rapture has become the object of scorn in many churches, even where it was once taught as a core belief. And of course, those outside of Christ give us much grief regarding our hope in Jesus’ imminent appearing, but that’s to be expected.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">What lies behind the scoffing of our day? As the apostle explains, it stems from a wrong interpretation of the day in which we live. Unlike Lucy, our mockers fail to recognize the imminent danger of the rapidly approaching Tribulation period.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">They misdiagnose our day by ignoring . . .</span><span style="color: #111111; font-kerning: none;">The Words Of The Apostles</span></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Before Peter warns his readers about the scoffers, he urges them to “remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles” (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/2%20Pet.%203.2"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">2 Pet. 3:2</span></a>). The term he used for “predictions” in the original is rhema, which denotes words.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I find it more than a little coincidental that at the end of 2 Peter, the apostle equates the “letters” of Paul with Scripture (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/2%20Pet%203.15-16"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">2 Peter 3:15-16</span></a>). He is the one that provides us with the most details of the Lord’s appearing in passages such as <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/1%20Cor%2015.50-54"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">1 Corinthians 15:50-54</span></a>, <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/Phil%203.20-21"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">Philippians 3:20-21</span></a>, and <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/1%20Thess%204.13-5.10"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:10</span></a>. These passages, along with many others, form the basis for belief in the Rapture.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Our hope is firmly grounded in the words of the apostles contained in the New Testament. The scoffers fail to consider the words that form the basis for our biblical expectation of Jesus’ appearing. Instead, they wrongly accuse us of relying on John Darby for our beliefs. Such a claim exemplifies their abject failure to understand the clear meaning of the passages cited in the preceding paragraph, which form the sole basis for our expectation.</span></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Biblical Warnings Of Judgment</span></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The second mistaken diagnosis is that of overlooking the certainty of Gods’ judgment.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2 Peter 3:4-7 KJV – </b>“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. 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: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”</span></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Though many of our critics deny the worldwide scope of the Genesis 6-8 flood, most simply “overlook” it as being an aspect of God’s character to judge sinful humanity. They see the same wickedness, lawlessness, deception, and bloody violence of our day, but fail to conclude that these things will bring God’s wrath. They either spiritualize the words of Revelation chapters 4-18, tell us they were a code for first century believers, or claim that the Lord fulfilled them in the distant past. They mistakenly ignore the biblical prophecies regarding God’s judgment of sin in the current realm.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The assertion that today is no different than any other time in history lies at the heart of their shocking miscalculation of the times in which they live.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This question remains a mystery to me: “Why is it that those who cannot see the signs of the rapidly approaching Tribulation period seem to be equally blind to the fact that the Lord must soon judge America and the world for its extreme wickedness?” The denial of the Rapture along with the nearness of God’s judgment on this world characterize many, if not most of those who ridicule our hope.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Fact That God Views Time Much Differently</span></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Another errant misdiagnosis of the times is that of a failure to grasp that God sees time much differently than we do:</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2 Peter 3:8 KJV – </b>“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”</span></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Lord has a vastly different perspective of time than we do. He exists apart from time, which is something we cannot fully comprehend.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The scoffers see words such as “soon” and “quickly” in the book of Revelation and errantly insist that the Lord has already fulfilled all its prophecies. Their misdiagnosis stems from not understanding the suddenness of these future events and from the spiritualization of events that clearly haven’t happened at any time in history.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">God’s Patience</span></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The errant verdict of those that scorn our hope also stems from a failure to understand the Lord’s patience in waiting for people to repent before He sends the horrific judgments of the tribulation.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2 Peter 3:9 KJV –</b> “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”</span></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">When we grasp the full extent of the death and destruction that will take place on the earth after the Rapture, it helps us better understand God’s wanting as many to come to Him as possible before the Day of the Lord begins (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/2%20Thess%205.1-10"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">2 Thessalonians 5:1-10</span></a>).</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">God is exceedingly patient, which is good because He has endured so much with me as He waited for me to mature in my faith. The Father knows when He will send His Son to fetch us, and we can be sure that His timing will be perfect.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Temporary Nature Of Their Lives</span></p><p style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The normalcy bias in the U.S. is exceedingly strong, which I believe causes the detractors of our hope to assume that what we see will last for the foreseeable future. They fail to fully recognize that this life is temporary, and that God’s judgment is on the way.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In the verse below, Peter looks beyond the Rapture, Tribulation, Second Coming, and Millennium to the culmination of the Day of the Lord:</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2 Peter 3:10 KJV –</b> “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”</span></p><p style="color: #2e4474; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Just before the start of the eternal state as described in Revelation chapters 21-22, the Lord will destroy our current world by fire. He does this to remove all the remnants of the past as well as to prepare for a new heavens and earth (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/2%20Pet%203.13"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">2 Peter 3:13</span></a>).</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Though certainly not true of all, many attack the Rapture out of a love for their current lives. They fail to grasp that regardless of their circumstances, what’s coming will be far superior to anything they will experience in this life.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">It’s ironic that the scoffing of our hope fulfills Peter’s prophecy of what will happen in the last days before the Rapture becomes a reality. Their behavior reveals the nearness of the very event that they mock and it’s a common response for those who speak or write about our joyous expectation of meeting Jesus in the air.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Lucy saw the imminent danger for Charlie Brown even though she did not warn him. The detractors of our hope see the same dangers and signs as we do, but they misdiagnose them and as a result remain unaware both of the threats to their wellbeing and the forthcoming joy of meeting Jesus in air.</span></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Jonathan Brentner</b> is an <a href="https://www.jonathanbrentner.com/the-books"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">author</span></a>, <a href="https://www.jonathanbrentner.com/"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">writer</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.jonathanbrentner.com/speaking"><span style="color: #c60021; font-kerning: none;">Bible Teacher</span></a> with a passion for encouraging believers with a sound biblical worldview and the nearness of Jesus’ appearing.</span></p><p style="color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://harbingersdaily.com/the-rapture-has-become-the-object-of-scorn-in-many-churches-what-lies-behind-the-scoffing/</span></p><p style="color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep Watching</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-13899108095280920142023-10-21T06:28:00.002-07:002023-10-22T06:47:53.225-07:00Coincidence Isn't Kosher<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: #fff3db; font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man </i>was<i> great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart </i>was<i> only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” Genesis 6:5-7 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">A question which has become all too common since the war in the Middle East has exploded is if the time has finally arrived where God will once again choose to judge the world as He has promised. I believe that is a fair and logical question to ask considering where we find ourselves today and quite possibly even more so when you examine where we are on the calendar in regards to historical biblical events. As one of my favorite bible teachers, Chuck Missler, often said, <i>“rabbi’s tell me that coincidence isn’t a kosher word”.</i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">The story of the flood of Noah is one of, if not the, most recognizable story related to mankind in the Bible. Surveys have shown over the years that virtually everyone, believer or not, are familiar with the account of a worldwide flood which destroyed mankind with the exception of Noah and his family. As I recall, even as a young child first hearing this story, it surprised me that the world could reach a point where God would choose to judge mankind so completely and powerfully. I also was left with the lasting impression that quite obviously, mankind deserved exactly what they got.<br />
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At this time of the year, when the rest of the world is preparing to celebrate Halloween, I am always reminded of the flood because the Bible tells us it occurred on the seventeenth day of the second month on the Jewish calendar. That puts it around the same time of the year as Halloween, also known as All Hallows Eve, The Day of the Dead, and many other names it has gone by throughout history. Of course, this particular holiday being celebrated at the exact same time of the year that the flood occurred, which was God's judgment on the world that resulted in the death of all mankind, seems just a little too coincidental to me.<br />
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The second thing that came to my mind as I studied the account in Matthew was a phrase we find in verse thirty-eight. If you look closely at the passage, notice something Jesus said. He said that people in Noah's day went about their lives doing what they did <b><i>"until the day that Noah entered the ark"</i></b>. After reading that statement, I believe we would benefit from looking more closely at the passage in Genesis that talks about that day.<br />
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<b><i>"Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. For after seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and I will destroy from the face of the earth all living things that I have made." Genesis 7:1-4 NKJV</i></b><br />
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What these verses tell us is that God told Noah to go into the Ark because in seven days the flood was going to begin. Matthew tells us that the normal, everyday life of the unbelievers of Noah's day continued until <b><i>"the day"</i></b> Noah entered the Ark. If the flood did not begin until seven days after Noah entered the Ark, what happened on that day that got their attention to the extent they changed what they had been doing? Since Noah had been going in and out of the Ark for 150 years while he built it means something different had to have happened on this particular day which garnered the attention of those left outside. Considering this, the only answer I could come up with is found in the following verse. <br />
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<b><i>"So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in." Genesis 7:16 NKJV</i></b><br />
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Putting it another way, after everybody went in, God shut the door! Now when I began to think about the door, the first thought which occurred to me was <i>"just how big was it"</i>? Obviously, it had to be big enough for the largest animals on the earth to walk through, so it follows that it must have been quite large. With a background in construction, my next thought was how was it engineered? Hinges? Sliding? Let's not forget the weight either. Made of wood thick enough to withstand the pressures it would face from the sea, and treated with pitch which would make it even heavier, it would have taken a massive effort on the part of Noah and his sons to put that door in place, much less close it.<br />
<br />The Bible tells us, however, that God shut the door. What exactly did the people outside see and hear when God shut it? Did they see it closing seemingly all by itself? Did it close slowly or slam shut with a loud noise? Maybe a little thunder and lightning thrown in for good measure? I'm willing to wager as well that the door, up until this point, had never been shut. Whatever happened, because we are told that life changed after the door shut, the obvious conclusion is that when the door closed there must have been a message that they heard loud and clear. What might that message have been? I wonder if it was the realization that no matter if they changed their minds or not, they had lost their chance to get in? Thinking about this led me to a couple of other passages where God talks about closing a door.<br />
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<b><i>"And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' " Matthew 25:10-12 NKJV</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where you are from,' " Luke 13:24-25 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Taking a good look around right now, especially at the war which has begun between Israel and its enemies,, do you think it is possible that we are approaching a similar time in the world’s history where God will once again choose to judge man for his actions? We as believers know from the Word that this going to occur again, so the obvious question is when?</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world </i>that<i> then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth </i>which<i> are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:5-7 NKJV</i></b><br />
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I think the message God intends for the world is clear. In order to escape the judgment that is coming, you must enter before the door is shut. In Noah's day, I believe the people of the earth had a good idea what was coming when they saw the door shut, and realized they had lost their chance to escape the coming judgment. When the world sees the church disappear in the rapture, they will know just as the people of Noah's day knew, that the door which leads to deliverance from God's judgment is shut. My prayer is that you have made the choice to enter in before that door closes. The same day that Noah entered the Ark, the tenth day of the second month on the Jewish calendar, will occur this Thursday October 26, and the anniversary of the flood seven days later on November 1. Have you made your choice? Jesus said this;<br />
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<b><i>"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20 NKJV</i></b><br />
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I pray you have asked Jesus to come into your heart, and have given your life to Him. If you have, we will walk through that door together and hopefully soon. Many of us believe we are fast approaching the day of the rapture of the church. As you can see, we are also fast approaching the anniversary of the time God judged the world the first time. Will something the world does not expect occur this coming week? With everything going on in the Middle East right now I certainly would not be surprised. If you consider all the examples throughout history of God choosing to use anniversaries of events in Israel's history to do other things, is it possible we will see the next judgment of God on this earth begin at the same time it did back in Noah's day?<br />
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Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-78028529296793755762023-10-14T07:13:00.001-07:002023-10-15T06:53:25.293-07:00Labor Pains or Contractions?<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Then behold, at eventide, trouble! And before the morning, he is no more. This is the portion of those who plunder us, And the lot of those who rob us.” Isaiah 17:14 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Did you know that labor pains, or contractions, are more likely to occur at night rather than during the day? Now don’t ask me why because I am not a doctor, but I do recall being awakened at night with those memorable words; “it’s starting”. Anyone familiar with what Jesus taught about the end of the age understands that He compared what many of us believe is about to occur with the onset of a woman’s labor pains. If you have followed my thoughts for any length of time, you probably understand that I believe the next major prophetic event on Israel’s calendar is the fulfillment of the Destruction of Damascus that we find in Isaiah 17.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap.” Isaiah 17:1 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">The horrific events of the past week have shown the world the level of evil many are willing to direct towards the nation of Israel. What many have expressed to me this week surrounds the reaction by many in this country to support Hamas and completely overlook the barbaric slaughter of innocents. This should be a sign to all that anti-semitism is much more prevalent than many believed and certainly helps us understand why the Word of God makes it plain that in the events leading up to, and during the seventieth week of Daniel, Israel receives no support from anyone.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">The question on everyone’s mind today though is are we seeing the run up to the Isaiah 17 destruction of Damascus. The past few days have seen threats and probing attack by Hezbollah in the north and Israel has already made it clear what they will do if they are attacked from that direction. This past week the IDF bombed the main airport in Damascus, reportedly just before a plane carrying the Iranian foreign minister was scheduled to land, forcing it to turn around and land in Iraq. It would appear that just about everyone agrees Iran is behind all of these events and is supporting, if not outright planning the attacks we have witnessed.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">One cannot help but wonder if we are seeing the beginning of an escalation which will culminate in the events foretold in Isaiah 17. If we consider the times we are living in, especially the presence of Russia in the Middle East, it would appear the stage is being set for all that the Word of God tells us will happen before the time of the end. After all of this, you might be wondering if I believe that the destruction of the city of Damascus is the beginning of the actual labor, as opposed to just another sign. Truthfully, I suppose I would have to confess that for quite some time I have thought exactly that. You see, while there are many signs for nine months or so that a woman is pregnant, it is the painful contractions which signal the onset of labor. So the question we should ask is what event could be the first contraction?</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">If we were to take a poll, I am reasonably sure the vast majority would say that the attempted Gog, Magog invasion of Ezekiel 38,39 is the conflict which gives the antichrist his opportunity to assume power, and begin the seventieth week of Daniel.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“ ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan: “You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’—“to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land.” Ezekiel 38:10-12 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Although Gog might have a plan in place, it follows that it would help him immensely if he were to be given an excuse to exercise it. As I have studied both the Isaiah 17 and Ezekiel 38,39 prophecies over the years it has become my firm belief that the destruction of Damascus by Israel is the excuse Gog is waiting for to implement his evil plan. So it has been with great interest over the past few years that I have watched Russia begin to move into the Middle East and assume a position from which it could easily fulfill what many believe to be its destiny concerning the future attempted invasion of Israel.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Of course, what I have found to be truly interesting is that Russia has done this by choosing to actively support the regime of Bashar Assad of Syria, and also the terrorist organization Hezbollah. Why interesting? Since Israel is foretold to be the instrument of Damascus’ destruction, they would certainly need a compelling excuse to do so. I have read on more than one occasion the opinion that the last person anyone would want to play a game of chess with would be Vladimir Putin. I would certainly agree with that sentiment, and it is with that in mind that I look at his moves in the region of the Middle East and especially Syria with great suspicion in regards to the future of Israel.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Any conflict with Syria could easily escalate to the point where the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 could take place. Assad of Syria and Nasrallah of Hezbollah have made it perfectly clear that they would like nothing better than to see a world without Israel or the Jewish people. An attack on the nation of Israel which threatens their existence would provoke an overwhelming response, thus putting into motion the evil plan of Gog by giving him the excuse he needs. I believe too, that when it does occur (and we know it will), in hindsight it will be seen to be the beginning of the “labor” we are watching for. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the Lord GOD, “that My fury will show in My face. “For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: ‘Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, ‘so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.’ “I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains,” says the Lord GOD. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. “And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. “Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.” ’ Ezekiel 38:18-23 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">While Israel wages war in Gaza, my attention right now is fixed on the north and watching to see if Israel’s enemies decide to open a second front and attack from that region. If so, considering Israel’s state of mind at the present time, it would come as no surprise to me that they would respond exactly as Isaiah tells us they will. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Only time will tell if what we are witnessing today is the lead up to the beginning of the labor pains Jesus taught about, but the one thing I believe all of us can agree upon is that the end is near. The violence we are seeing, the moves nations are making, the alliances being made and the threats being offered, are simply too many to be explained away by any other reasoning. We are at the point where the painful contractions which signal the onset of labor could occur at any time.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Have you made the choice to accept the gift of salvation made possible by the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus Christ? If not, if you are reading this you still have time to do so before the delivery of the Church to its eternal home occurs. Becoming a believer is simply accomplished by asking Christ to come into your life and help you live life as He directs. If you want to do that today, just pray a prayer like this to Him;</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><i>"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. I want to 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." </i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><i> </i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">If you make that choice, we have God’s promise that we will be delivered from this world first, spared from the terrible time of judgment that is coming.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.newsweek.com/israeli-official-calls-doomsday-nuclear-missile-option-1833585</p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-3339654763155978412023-10-07T08:03:00.002-07:002023-10-08T14:49:51.207-07:00Looks Good on Paper<p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“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></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Much of the news coming out of the Middle East lately has to do with the impending peace treaty between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Of course, this has occasioned questions within the watching community as to whether or not this is significant in light of the <b><i>“covenant with many” </i></b>that we are told about in the book of Daniel. We of course, have no way of knowing, yet I believe it is certainly possible that it will in some way be a significant part of the process which produces the events which will occur as Daniel foretold.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">While this proposal might look good on paper, my thought is just what actions will it produce from the countries who are committed to Israel’s destruction and will never accept any sort of peace. As it 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. <b><i> </i></b>What it does say is, “<b><i>he shall confirm a covenant with many”</i></b>. The word <b><i>“he”</i></b> refers to the coming world leader also known as the antichrist. <b><i>“Shall confirm” </i></b>is the Hebrew word <i>“gabar” </i>which literally means <i>“to enforce”. </i><b><i>“A covenant” </i></b>is the Hebrew word <i>“bĕriyth” </i>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, <b><i>“with many”</i></b> is the word <i>“rab”</i> which means <i>“a great many, multitude”,</i> and in the context of this passage is used as an idiom referring to the nation of Israel. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">I imagine most of us are familiar with the old expression, <i>“no deal is better than a bad deal”, </i>and I for one think that the situation Israel is soon to find herself in will be a perfect example of that saying. In the very near future, after the War of Ezekiel 38-39, Israel will acknowledge the supernatural intervention of God to defend them and rebuild the Temple in order to return to the Levitical system of worship. However, it is the antichrist which brings this to pass and as a result, they accept the man of sin as their messiah which sets the stage for all that is to come. You see, the antichrist does not allow Israel to rebuild the temple solely for themselves, but also because he needs it for an event he has planned for the future.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Therefore when you see the </i>‘<i>abomination of desolation,</i>’<i> spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. “Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. “And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! “And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matthew 24:15-21 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">How many of you have seen the classic old western movie “High Noon” starring Gary Cooper? The entire movie revolves around the climax, which is a confrontation between the town marshal and the outlaw and his gang who will arrive on the train at high noon. When the nation of Israel signs a treaty with the antichrist the clock begins on the seventieth week of Daniel. This is a period of time which the Bible teaches is seven years of three hundred and sixty days each for a total of two thousand five hundred and twenty days. Unfortunately for Israel, their “High Noon” will occur at the midpoint, or three and one half years into this period of time.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">What we are told will happen at that time reveals exactly who the antichrist is, and what his plan has been all along while allowing Israel to rebuild their Temple. The phrase <b><i>“abomination of desolation”</i></b> is found several times in the scriptures and is spoken of specifically by both Daniel and Jesus. What it refers to is an event which has occurred once before, and will happen once again at the midpoint of Daniel’s seventieth week. In 168 BC, Antiochus Epiphanes, who was a Greek king that had conquered Israel, erected an altar to Jupiter Olympus in the Temple and sacrificed a pig on the altar.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Most all scholars agree that what Jesus is telling us in this passage from Matthew is that at the midpoint of Daniel’s seventieth week, this scenario will be repeated when the antichrist stands in the <b><i>“holy place” </i></b>and proclaims himself to be god. We also find in the book of Revelation that he erects a statue there and commands all to worship it.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted </i>power<i> 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.” Revelation 13:11-15 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">This is the <b><i>“sacrilegious object”</i></b> Daniel refers to in the passage above, and it is at this point, after just three and a half years, that in Jesus’ own words a time of <b><i>“great tribulation”</i></b> begins, all because what the antichrist has been after all along is to be accepted and worshipped in place of the true God.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Let no one deceive you by any means; for </i>that Day will not come<i> unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Obviously the “Great Tribulation” begins because there are those on the earth who see the antichrist for who he really is, and refuse to worship him. He will then begin a persecution the likes of which this world has never seen. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“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.” Revelation 13:16-17 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">What we are told about this time is very clear, either you take the mark and worship the beast or you will be hunted down and killed. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” Revelation 13:6-10 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then </i>I saw<i> the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received </i>his<i> mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>Revelation 20:4 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Do you notice how black and white this time of Great Tribulation will be? There are only two sides to this conflict; those who choose to worship the beast, and those who reject his claims and chose to have their names written in the Book of Life by accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. How terrible will this time of persecution be? Consider what Jesus had to say about that question.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:22 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Unless God chose to intervene, eventually all would be killed. So in His infinite wisdom, God chose to limit the length of the Great Tribulation to only three and one half years. Then what will occur is something the entire world has been waiting for since Jesus ascended to Heaven forty days after His resurrection. So far the order of events as I see it are the Rapture, The destruction of Damascus, the Gog/Magog conflict, the confirmation of a peace between Israel and its enemies which begins the Seventieth Week of Daniel, and the Abomination of Desolation after twelve hundred and sixty days. </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">If the proposed peace treaty with Saudi Arabia and others comes to fruition, will it prove to be the spark that begins the events leading to the seventieth week of Daniel? So much is happening right now in this world that many find it hard to believe the Church will be here much longer. As there are no preconditions for the rapture, coupled with the signs we are seeing fulfilled before our very eyes, it certainly seems time is definitely running out. 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.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><i>Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-kerning: none;"><i>This article was written and posted before I was aware of the attack on Israel by Hamas which is now </i></span><span style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);"><i>being labeled a war by the Israeli government. Please join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem.</i></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);"><i><br /></i></span></span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227463966333236814.post-45079542314379941352023-09-29T05:22:00.000-07:002023-09-29T05:22:32.012-07:00The Great Feast<p style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it.” Leviticus 23:36 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This week we will be treated to an annual occurrence which for some reason I always look forward to and that is what is called the “harvest moon”. I live in an agricultural valley and believe it or not, you can see farmers’ still baling hay in the light of the moon in an effort to get it in the barn before it is ruined by rain, which lowers the value dramatically. Of course, there are many other harvests going on too, as many are picking over the last of their gardens before the first frost arrives to end the season. This time of year, however, always reminds me of just how often the subject of “harvest” occurs in the Bible, and especially as it refers to our expected rapture of the Church.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Of the seven appointed feasts of the Lord given to the nation of Israel, the last one, called the Feast of Tabernacles, is arguably the most festive and celebratory. It is a seven day celebration of the ending of the harvest, the forgiveness of sins on Yom Kippur, and a time of feasting as the people are allowed to eat of the tithes they brought to Jerusalem and it began this week.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year.</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the LORD your God has blessed you,</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the LORD your God chooses.</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.” Deuteronomy 14:22-26 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Originally, this feast lasted seven days, but it was later expanded to eight, with this last day given the name <i>“shemini atzeret”</i> which means “sacred assembly”. It is taken from the passage in Leviticus 23 where God institutes this eighth day and refers to it as such. This term is mentioned several times in scripture, and Jesus also chooses this day to make an interesting announcement.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”</i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37-39 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Why do I call this interesting? The Holy Spirit was not given to believers until the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two, which most consider to be the day the Church, the body of Christ, was created. So in truth, this statement by Jesus was a direct reference to the Church, which had yet to be created, given before His crucifixion and resurrection. Another reason I find this last day interesting is the following passage from Joel which refers to a “sacred assembly”.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, and the bride from her dressing room.” Joel 2:15-16 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Many have suggested the possibility that this passage might be a reference to the rapture of the Church when it talks about the bridegroom going out from his chamber to claim his bride. Although that may or may not be the case, Jesus, as well as Paul certainly taught that Christ returning for the Church will mirror the traditions of a Jewish wedding.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!” Matthew 25:6 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“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 NKJV</i></b></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">After receiving permission to fetch his bride from his father, the bridegroom comes with a shout and the blowing of a ram’s horn. It usually would occur at midnight, and he would call out for his bride to join him for the ceremony. When Paul tells us in his letter to the Thessalonians that Jesus will return in the clouds and call for the Church to join Him, it mirrors this tradition perfectly. At some future date, known only by God the Father, Jesus will receive permission to return for His bride, the Church, and He will call out with a shout and a trumpet blast, for us to join Him in the air.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Regardless of whether or not the eighth day celebration, the sacred assembly, proves to be the time of the Church being caught up to meet her groom in Heaven, we as believers have much to be thankful for and setting aside a day to celebrate the gift of eternal life which has been promised to those who have chosen to believe is certainly a great idea. If you have never given your life to Jesus and accepted His gift of eternal life which is free for the asking I would urge you to do it today. The time is short, and as we see the world in free-fall it is obvious to those who do believe that we could hear the trumpet blow and be caught up to heaven at any time.</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As we watch the world seemingly descend into darkness, the conclusion that the rapture must be near is virtually inescapable. How wonderful it would be for the Church to go home during this season of thankfulness and harvest. If you have never made the decision to accept the free gift of eternal life I encourage you to do so today. Simply ask God to forgive you of your sin based on your belief that Jesus died to pay the price for your sin, and turn over control of your life to Him. You can do that right now by praying a prayer just like this one;</span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen." </i></span></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Keep watching.</span></p>allan mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968467266012764429noreply@blogger.com