There has been a lot of discussion about the elections of this past week. People have been asking me what my take is on the election and its outcome. Like so many others I had a hard time sleeping Tuesday night. At about one o'clock in the morning I got up and began to pray about the outcome of the election. What I share with you now is what I felt that God put into my spirit about this election.
God gave us four years to decide as a nation as to whether we want to be a Christian nation or not, whether to continue under God's protection and blessing or not. We have, as a whole, spoken--we no longer want God in our great nation.
Obama started his first term in a whirlwind. He went on an "apology tour" first thing. As he bowed to the Muslim Kings he announced that the United States was no longer a “Christian nation.” And our pulpits remained silent. He did all he could to denounce this great nation, tearing it down in the eyes of the world. He insulted our greatest allies while catering to the enemies of this nation, the Muslims. And our pulpits remained silent. He, along with his liberal lackeys in Washington DC, began an all-out assault on our freedoms and the Constitution of the United States of America. And the pulpits remained silent. He professed to be a Christian while making it unequivocally clear that he would promote same-sex marriage and fully support the right of women to murder the most innocent among us, the baby in the womb. And the pulpits remained silent. He has made it clear that he desires to level the economic playing field by making everyone equal financially--"equally poor" and totally dependent on the "big brother" of big government. And the pulpits remained silent.
He has signed more executive orders than all of the previous presidents combined that increase the power of his office designed to destroy our Constitution and our rights. And the church remained silent. Our government has passed legislation; i.e. hate crime laws, that will soon be used to silence the Christians and the conservative voice of United States of America. And the pulpits remained silent.
We, as Christians, are being led to the slaughter by our liberal government while all along singing, "Kum BaYa,” and remaining silent before our shearers. When Obama was reelected, along with a surge of more liberals added to our political arena at the federal, state and local government levels, we sent a word out to them, “We like what you are doing. We agree with your agenda and are in favor of your platform.” A platform that wanted no mention of God. A platform that supports all the gay agendas. A platform that desires to see the right to murder babies expanded to include the time just before delivery and shortly thereafter. A platform that wants the United States Constitution abolished or at best re- written to support liberal views and outlaws basic conservative rights. A platform designed to weaken our nation militarily. A platform designed to bring us under a one world government rule. A platform determined to unarm not only its citizens but its own military. A platform that supports opening our borders to "all" who want to come here. Those who desire our destruction are welcomed to live here and plan our demise. A platform that desires to have its citizens totally dependent on the government where laziness and the attitude of entitlement are rewarded at the expense of the hard work of others. A platform that favors socialism over capitalism.
Four years ago our government hit the road running passing law after law, many of which were never even read; but the liberals seized the opportunity to get as much done as possible to destroy our nation while they controlled all three branches of our federal government. Then they backed off to see how the nation would react. Again the pulpits were silent. Obama ran on the slogan of "change." He immediately set out to change our nation from a God-fearing, Christian, militarily strong, financially strong, world leading nation to a God hating, non-Christian, weak militarily, financially weak, follower of the world's opinion nation. Many "changes" came that have all but destroyed this great nation. Then he said he wanted to continue moving "forward" with the gutting out of our nation and the people said yes on Tuesday, November 6.
Now that the majority of this nation have spoken and have given their approval to our government to move "forward" with the "change,” as our pulpits remain silent, our government will now be emboldened to rapidly move "forward" with the destruction of United States of America. They now feel as if they have a mandate from the people to complete this task of destruction until this great nation is destroyed from within. All the while the pulpits remain silent
Where are the preachers like those who led the way in the civil rights movement? Where are the preachers like those that led the way in abolishing slavery? Where are the preachers like those that led the way in forming this great nation? Where are the preachers like those that led the way in the fight for religious freedom? Where are the preachers like those who were called on by presidents for advice in leading this nation in a godly manner in times of trouble? They are found "silently" hiding behind their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, cowering away in fear of losing their tax exemption thus losing their financial support and numbers.
I hear ministers on television prophesying all the judgments that are coming upon this nation and say, "I see so much more but I cannot reveal it." They are scared that they may cross a line in the erroneous interpretation of the separation of church and state clause in our Constitution and lose their tax-exempt status and thus losing "MONEY." These ministers believe their programs are "their" ministries and thus "they” must grow them and protect their financial base. If the ministry belongs to God one never has to beg for money or sale jewelry, miracle water, tribulation food, survival paraphernalia, etc. etc., God will provide all that is needed to bring glory to His name and maintain “His” ministries.
God gave the church four years to decide whether they wanted to take a stand for God and country or not. He sent record-breaking disasters to our nation. Record floods followed by record drought followed again by more record floods. He has shown us the instability of our financial institutions. Just days before the election he sent another warning to this nation in the form of hurricane Sandy, then another warning immediately following the election with a destructive nor'easter into the very same places. Man spoke on Tuesday, November 6 and now God is preparing to speak. He will now lift is protection off of this nation and the silent church.
Just what do I believe is coming to our nation? JUDGMENT!! And it will begin in the silent pulpits, pews and churches! Just as the Obama administration will hit the road running again to get as much done to destroy this nation further, I believe God is going to start pouring out his judgments on the silent church and this "not so great anymore" nation. We as a church and a nation have mocked God long enough and now comes the punishment.
Tragedy after tragedy is about to unfold. Man's hearts will fail for fear. This nation, as well as the rest of the world, is about to experience devastation, destruction, weather phenomenon, war and terrorism as never before. All of this is a precursor to the Tribulation and then the return of Jesus.
In the midst of all of this chaos the church will experience a revival like none other. She will become the glorious church that will be used for a great spiritual awakening and harvest of souls throughout the world. The world is headed for destruction but the church is headed for redemption.
LOOK UP FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR!!!!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
END TIME STUDY--Pt.25
Those who have a great disdain for the believers, those in covenant with Jehovah, shall be further corrupted in their hatred for the Jews and Christians alike with flattering words from the Antichrist. We can already see this occurring now. When a Muslim blows himself up to destroy infidels, particularly believers in God, he is seen as a great hero with guaranteed entrance into heaven. His family is rewarded for raising such a devout follower of Allah. We shall see this increase immensely in the last days and it shall rise to its pinnacle after the Mahdi, the Antichrist, rises to power. The Muslims will be invigorated by the words of authority with which the Antichrist shall use to flatter them. This will only embolden the Muslims to carry out every wish of their "Messiah" in ridding the world of the infidels. BUT in the midst of all this hatred, persecution and intolerance toward the believers of Jehovah, "---the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out GREAT EXPLOITS (Dan.11:32NKJV).
The true church will not be hiding in some cave, eating tribulation food, gathered around a kerosene heater, dirty, weak, shaking in fear; but, she shall be "a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she should be holy and without blemish"(Eph.5:27), carrying out GREAT EXPLOITS!! This is the church who is now being equipped for the end times. She is having everything that hinders her relationship with a pure, holy Father removed. She isn't worldly minded but eternal minded. She is preparing for a great harvest of souls. She is becoming Christ-like. She soon will look like Jesus; talk like Jesus; love like Jesus. She shall bear his burden for souls. She will settle for nothing that even has the appearance of evil ("abstain from all appearance of evil" I Thes.5:22). A glorious church--one full of his glory!!
"And they that understand among the people shall instruct many." (V.33). Those who understand the events of the last days, due to their knowledge of Scripture, shall be able to give an account of what they believe. They will teach many that they too may have understanding of world events as the history of mankind is in its final chapter. A church "doing great exploits" and "instructing many," after the "abomination that makes desolate," does not sound like an absentee church, one raptured before the seven years of tribulation begins. This doesn't sound like a bunch of "new believers" saved because of the disappearance of all believers. This is seasoned, well-equipped, mature, committed believers that have endured the shaking of all that can be shaken (Heb.12:25-29) and are standing in the gap between the Antichrist and the Christ declaring His truths that will save multitudes--THE CHURCH'S FINEST HOUR!!
Yes, there will be some who are martyred for their faith and testimony of Jesus (Rev.20:4), "---yet they shall fall by the sword, and by the flame, and by captivity, and by spoil many days." (v.33b). But just as the followers of the new world religion will be emboldened by the Antichrist, these martyrs shall inspire the true church to, "---press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil.3:14). After all, they have read the back of the book and they know they win! They have already apprehended, "that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in them. For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God." (Rom.8:18,19). God is cleansing His temples ("Do you not know that you are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" I Cor.3:16), that we may become just like the Son of God, thus, being "sons of God." The world is looking for the real Jesus, the Savior, and if the church doesn't show them the real Jesus by living like "sons of God," they may very well fall for the false Messiah, the Antichrist. The world is waiting for the "manifestation of the sons of God." For this reason judgment begins in the house of God (I Peter 4:17), to purify us and give us the same character of Jesus. The fields truly are "white for the harvest." (John 4:35),and its time for the real body of Christ to stand up and gather the souls of men.
In verse 34 the Messenger speaks a somewhat comforting word when He says, "Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help." The word "holpen" means aided. Even when the Saints are persecuted they will receive the aid of the comforter, the Holy Spirit and Angels. Just as Angels strengthened Jesus in the wilderness, (Matthew 4) and again in the Garden Of Gethsemane, (Luke 22), so they will comfort, strengthen and aid the Saints when their time of martyrdom shall come, just like with Stephen (Acts 7). But remember, not all will fall victim to the tormentors. I believe most of the Saints will be among those who will be doing great exploits and enduring "to the end." (Matt.24:13). What a time to be alive!
I have stated numerous times when addressing the church that if you were going to pursue any of the manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Cor.12:8-10) that you should pursue the manifestation gift of discerning of spirits. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:10 that, "Many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another." The Messenger is eluding to this in the latter part of verse 34 when He declares, "---but many shall cleave to them with flatteries." He is stating that there will be those who will use flatteries or testimonies in order to appear to be a part of the Saints but their words are deceptive. The enemy of our souls will sow false prophets, false teachers and false Christians into the church in order to spy on the Saints. Through this deception many will be turned in to the authorities betrayed by those professing to be Christians. We need to discern the spirits of those in our midst that we may not only survive but thrive during the Great Tribulation. The church today has already been infiltrated by the enemy. Through our adoption of the world's ways we have flung open the doors of the church to the Trojan horse of secular humanism. Everyone does what's right in his own eyes. Unless the church experiences a real Spirit-led revival she may very well become completely engulfed with the agents of the enemy. But I personally believe that a great revival is coming to the real church, but it will come through the outpouring of God's judgments on His people. He will shake the earth once more and the only thing that will remain is that which cannot be shaken (Heb.12:24). As the church encounters this shaking all that defiles will be removed and all that will remain will be those who were unshakable, clean, pure, righteous and holy.
Even the believers that are among those of "understanding" may fall into the grip of the enemy to be sifted, just like it was with Peter (Luke 22:31). "And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, to purge them, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed." (V.35). Remember that those who understand is referring to those who will have the ability to teach others what Scripture says about the times of the end (V.33). As these leaders are arrested, tortured and/or killed they will bear witness of the peace that passes all understanding. This will cause others to examine their lives to see if they have the spiritual fortitude to endure the same treatment. Many will examine themselves to see if they are pure and holy before God and man thus purging themselves of all uncleanliness.
I also believe that verse 35 is eluding to the use of persecution to cleanse the Bride. As with Israel, God's bride, in the Old Testament, God will use our enemies to cause us to cry out to Him for deliverance. It's in the midst of persecution and suffering that mankind is more apt to give themselves a thorough self-examination. It's when faced with suffering that we have a tendency to meditate upon eternal things. God used the enemy armies of Israel time and time again to get Israel's attention, which usually resulted in repentance. God will allow many believers who were not yet rid of their "pet sins or worldly ways", thus unfit for heaven, to endure suffering that they may "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil.2:12). It is out of His great love and desire that "none should perish but that all should come to repentance"(II Peter 3:9), that causes God to chasten us, to bring us to repentance. Through repentance he purges and cleanses us thus making us candidates for His eternal abode. This should cause all believers to examine their lives to see ourselves as God, as well as others, see us. Are we aligning ourselves with the Word of God? When others observe us can they honestly say that they see Jesus in us? Do our habits reflect the inward presence of a holy Being? Do we shun the very appearances of evil? Are we the personification of holiness and purity? Remember, we are in the world, not of the world. (John 17:15, 16).
The true church will not be hiding in some cave, eating tribulation food, gathered around a kerosene heater, dirty, weak, shaking in fear; but, she shall be "a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she should be holy and without blemish"(Eph.5:27), carrying out GREAT EXPLOITS!! This is the church who is now being equipped for the end times. She is having everything that hinders her relationship with a pure, holy Father removed. She isn't worldly minded but eternal minded. She is preparing for a great harvest of souls. She is becoming Christ-like. She soon will look like Jesus; talk like Jesus; love like Jesus. She shall bear his burden for souls. She will settle for nothing that even has the appearance of evil ("abstain from all appearance of evil" I Thes.5:22). A glorious church--one full of his glory!!
"And they that understand among the people shall instruct many." (V.33). Those who understand the events of the last days, due to their knowledge of Scripture, shall be able to give an account of what they believe. They will teach many that they too may have understanding of world events as the history of mankind is in its final chapter. A church "doing great exploits" and "instructing many," after the "abomination that makes desolate," does not sound like an absentee church, one raptured before the seven years of tribulation begins. This doesn't sound like a bunch of "new believers" saved because of the disappearance of all believers. This is seasoned, well-equipped, mature, committed believers that have endured the shaking of all that can be shaken (Heb.12:25-29) and are standing in the gap between the Antichrist and the Christ declaring His truths that will save multitudes--THE CHURCH'S FINEST HOUR!!
Yes, there will be some who are martyred for their faith and testimony of Jesus (Rev.20:4), "---yet they shall fall by the sword, and by the flame, and by captivity, and by spoil many days." (v.33b). But just as the followers of the new world religion will be emboldened by the Antichrist, these martyrs shall inspire the true church to, "---press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil.3:14). After all, they have read the back of the book and they know they win! They have already apprehended, "that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in them. For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God." (Rom.8:18,19). God is cleansing His temples ("Do you not know that you are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" I Cor.3:16), that we may become just like the Son of God, thus, being "sons of God." The world is looking for the real Jesus, the Savior, and if the church doesn't show them the real Jesus by living like "sons of God," they may very well fall for the false Messiah, the Antichrist. The world is waiting for the "manifestation of the sons of God." For this reason judgment begins in the house of God (I Peter 4:17), to purify us and give us the same character of Jesus. The fields truly are "white for the harvest." (John 4:35),and its time for the real body of Christ to stand up and gather the souls of men.
In verse 34 the Messenger speaks a somewhat comforting word when He says, "Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help." The word "holpen" means aided. Even when the Saints are persecuted they will receive the aid of the comforter, the Holy Spirit and Angels. Just as Angels strengthened Jesus in the wilderness, (Matthew 4) and again in the Garden Of Gethsemane, (Luke 22), so they will comfort, strengthen and aid the Saints when their time of martyrdom shall come, just like with Stephen (Acts 7). But remember, not all will fall victim to the tormentors. I believe most of the Saints will be among those who will be doing great exploits and enduring "to the end." (Matt.24:13). What a time to be alive!
I have stated numerous times when addressing the church that if you were going to pursue any of the manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Cor.12:8-10) that you should pursue the manifestation gift of discerning of spirits. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:10 that, "Many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another." The Messenger is eluding to this in the latter part of verse 34 when He declares, "---but many shall cleave to them with flatteries." He is stating that there will be those who will use flatteries or testimonies in order to appear to be a part of the Saints but their words are deceptive. The enemy of our souls will sow false prophets, false teachers and false Christians into the church in order to spy on the Saints. Through this deception many will be turned in to the authorities betrayed by those professing to be Christians. We need to discern the spirits of those in our midst that we may not only survive but thrive during the Great Tribulation. The church today has already been infiltrated by the enemy. Through our adoption of the world's ways we have flung open the doors of the church to the Trojan horse of secular humanism. Everyone does what's right in his own eyes. Unless the church experiences a real Spirit-led revival she may very well become completely engulfed with the agents of the enemy. But I personally believe that a great revival is coming to the real church, but it will come through the outpouring of God's judgments on His people. He will shake the earth once more and the only thing that will remain is that which cannot be shaken (Heb.12:24). As the church encounters this shaking all that defiles will be removed and all that will remain will be those who were unshakable, clean, pure, righteous and holy.
Even the believers that are among those of "understanding" may fall into the grip of the enemy to be sifted, just like it was with Peter (Luke 22:31). "And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, to purge them, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed." (V.35). Remember that those who understand is referring to those who will have the ability to teach others what Scripture says about the times of the end (V.33). As these leaders are arrested, tortured and/or killed they will bear witness of the peace that passes all understanding. This will cause others to examine their lives to see if they have the spiritual fortitude to endure the same treatment. Many will examine themselves to see if they are pure and holy before God and man thus purging themselves of all uncleanliness.
I also believe that verse 35 is eluding to the use of persecution to cleanse the Bride. As with Israel, God's bride, in the Old Testament, God will use our enemies to cause us to cry out to Him for deliverance. It's in the midst of persecution and suffering that mankind is more apt to give themselves a thorough self-examination. It's when faced with suffering that we have a tendency to meditate upon eternal things. God used the enemy armies of Israel time and time again to get Israel's attention, which usually resulted in repentance. God will allow many believers who were not yet rid of their "pet sins or worldly ways", thus unfit for heaven, to endure suffering that they may "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil.2:12). It is out of His great love and desire that "none should perish but that all should come to repentance"(II Peter 3:9), that causes God to chasten us, to bring us to repentance. Through repentance he purges and cleanses us thus making us candidates for His eternal abode. This should cause all believers to examine their lives to see ourselves as God, as well as others, see us. Are we aligning ourselves with the Word of God? When others observe us can they honestly say that they see Jesus in us? Do our habits reflect the inward presence of a holy Being? Do we shun the very appearances of evil? Are we the personification of holiness and purity? Remember, we are in the world, not of the world. (John 17:15, 16).
Saturday, March 24, 2012
END TIME STUDY--Pt.24
Verse 29 tells us that the Antichrist will attack the South again but not until the "appointed time." Again, God has a plan and He is working His plan. This attack will be nothing like the first attack where he plundered them, nor will this attack be like the "latter" attack where he conquers them. But in this attack he fails because the "ships of Chittim" (v.30) will turn his forces back.
Chittim is from the Hebrew word KITTIM from the root word KITTY which refers to islands or islanders. In this case because of its location toward the South it may well be referring to the island of Cyprus. Verse 30 may be referring to a fleet of ships out of the port of Cyprus. Due to the size of the fleet needed to turn back the onslaught of the Antichrist this fleet will probably be a Navy consisting of combined coalition forces or the U.S. Navy based out of and around Cyprus, Chittim. Because of this embarrassing defeat, the Antichrist will return to Jerusalem in a vicious rage. He will blame the religious Jews and Christians (those of the holy covenant) for his defeat. After all they will be opposing him because they have recognized him for who he is--the Antichrist. Not the long-awaited Jewish Messiah but the one who opposes all truth. He will show his true colors as well as his great disdain for the "holy covenant," or to say those of the holy covenant--the true believers in Jehovah. The Antichrist will see his defeat as a direct result of the opposition of those who claim to be in covenant with God. The very ones who have blasphemed his name by calling him the "Antichrist." All tolerance will now be abandoned. He will determine within himself to rid the world of this "religious" scourge.
He will return to Jerusalem with the "intelligence" or knowledge of those who share in his great disdain for those of the holy covenant and see them as those who prevent world peace. The religious Jews and Christians will be viewed as purveyors of hate and division. I believe that during this time if someone kills a true believer he will be deemed a hero and the law enforcement agencies will be more than happy to ignore the crime. The true believers will be seen as the only roadblock to the highway of world peace. As in Jesus's day, even many of the Orthodox Jews will be against the true believers. Even they will cry, "crucify them" or "kill them" when it comes to "those radical believers--those followers of the false Messiah, Jesus."
Even now, in the United States, Christians are viewed in a negative light. The entertainment industry through movies, television and other entertainment venues, most always portray Christians as hypocrites, very worldly, caught up in sin, weak, bigots, homophobic, prejudice, liars, etc., etc. They rarely ever portray Christians in a positive light. The sad truth is, they are only showing how many professing Christians really live. As a result of the worldly atmosphere that many professing Christian churches example, it is no wonder that the world's view of Christianity is so distorted. Christians are at the center of many jokes, hatred and mockings. Because the church has become so worldly, she can no longer impact the world. The Muslims call us infidels and persecute and kill the true believers. Yet if anyone would dare to call for this to cease they are considered intolerant. Anyone can say what they will against Christians or ministers and that's tolerated. If you let someone paint a negative picture of Islam or one of her religious leaders then you are guilty of hate crimes against humanity. The people of the world, especially in the United States, have been well programmed to receive the Antichrist as the world's only hope for the long sought after world peace.
The patience of the Antichrist have now run out and he discards his peace treaty with Israel. He returns to Jerusalem where he gathers those who opposed the ones called "believers", those of the holy covenant, as well as his military ("arms" v.31) and he storms the Jewish Temple. By sheer strength they shall enter the sanctuary and by so doing pollute it. He orders the daily sacrifices to cease because they were only a shadow of the coming Messiah, and the Jewish Messiah is now among them--the Antichrist who now declares himself to be God with them, incarnate. The time is now come for the abomination that makes desolate to occur.
The word "abomination" is from the Hebrew word, SHIGGUWTS, which means disgusting, filthy, detestable thing, especially concerning idols or idolatrous filth. The abomination is the Antichrist entering the holy of holies and declaring himself God and demanding worship. The word "desolate" is SHAMEN in the Hebrew which means to stun or devastate, lay waste, to ruin. The abomination of desolation will be the height of idolatrous, abominable filth that stuns with such devastation so as to cause total ruin. The Antichrist here is abolishing all Jewish law and ceremony because he declares himself to be its fulfillment.
This is the event that Jesus referred to in Matt.24:15,16. "When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand): then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains." This is when the Jews will flee to Edom (Petra) to escape the wrath of the Antichrist.
Chittim is from the Hebrew word KITTIM from the root word KITTY which refers to islands or islanders. In this case because of its location toward the South it may well be referring to the island of Cyprus. Verse 30 may be referring to a fleet of ships out of the port of Cyprus. Due to the size of the fleet needed to turn back the onslaught of the Antichrist this fleet will probably be a Navy consisting of combined coalition forces or the U.S. Navy based out of and around Cyprus, Chittim. Because of this embarrassing defeat, the Antichrist will return to Jerusalem in a vicious rage. He will blame the religious Jews and Christians (those of the holy covenant) for his defeat. After all they will be opposing him because they have recognized him for who he is--the Antichrist. Not the long-awaited Jewish Messiah but the one who opposes all truth. He will show his true colors as well as his great disdain for the "holy covenant," or to say those of the holy covenant--the true believers in Jehovah. The Antichrist will see his defeat as a direct result of the opposition of those who claim to be in covenant with God. The very ones who have blasphemed his name by calling him the "Antichrist." All tolerance will now be abandoned. He will determine within himself to rid the world of this "religious" scourge.
He will return to Jerusalem with the "intelligence" or knowledge of those who share in his great disdain for those of the holy covenant and see them as those who prevent world peace. The religious Jews and Christians will be viewed as purveyors of hate and division. I believe that during this time if someone kills a true believer he will be deemed a hero and the law enforcement agencies will be more than happy to ignore the crime. The true believers will be seen as the only roadblock to the highway of world peace. As in Jesus's day, even many of the Orthodox Jews will be against the true believers. Even they will cry, "crucify them" or "kill them" when it comes to "those radical believers--those followers of the false Messiah, Jesus."
Even now, in the United States, Christians are viewed in a negative light. The entertainment industry through movies, television and other entertainment venues, most always portray Christians as hypocrites, very worldly, caught up in sin, weak, bigots, homophobic, prejudice, liars, etc., etc. They rarely ever portray Christians in a positive light. The sad truth is, they are only showing how many professing Christians really live. As a result of the worldly atmosphere that many professing Christian churches example, it is no wonder that the world's view of Christianity is so distorted. Christians are at the center of many jokes, hatred and mockings. Because the church has become so worldly, she can no longer impact the world. The Muslims call us infidels and persecute and kill the true believers. Yet if anyone would dare to call for this to cease they are considered intolerant. Anyone can say what they will against Christians or ministers and that's tolerated. If you let someone paint a negative picture of Islam or one of her religious leaders then you are guilty of hate crimes against humanity. The people of the world, especially in the United States, have been well programmed to receive the Antichrist as the world's only hope for the long sought after world peace.
The patience of the Antichrist have now run out and he discards his peace treaty with Israel. He returns to Jerusalem where he gathers those who opposed the ones called "believers", those of the holy covenant, as well as his military ("arms" v.31) and he storms the Jewish Temple. By sheer strength they shall enter the sanctuary and by so doing pollute it. He orders the daily sacrifices to cease because they were only a shadow of the coming Messiah, and the Jewish Messiah is now among them--the Antichrist who now declares himself to be God with them, incarnate. The time is now come for the abomination that makes desolate to occur.
The word "abomination" is from the Hebrew word, SHIGGUWTS, which means disgusting, filthy, detestable thing, especially concerning idols or idolatrous filth. The abomination is the Antichrist entering the holy of holies and declaring himself God and demanding worship. The word "desolate" is SHAMEN in the Hebrew which means to stun or devastate, lay waste, to ruin. The abomination of desolation will be the height of idolatrous, abominable filth that stuns with such devastation so as to cause total ruin. The Antichrist here is abolishing all Jewish law and ceremony because he declares himself to be its fulfillment.
This is the event that Jesus referred to in Matt.24:15,16. "When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand): then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains." This is when the Jews will flee to Edom (Petra) to escape the wrath of the Antichrist.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
END TIME STUDY--Pt.23
Now we turn our attention to verse twenty three of Daniel chapter 11. This verse gives us another subtle hint to the identity of the Antichrist. "---He shall come up, and shall be strong with a small people." I believe that this may well be referring to a small, seemingly insignificant tribe or political party. We know that there are 12 tribes of Israel and two or three major political parties in Israel. There are numerous Islamic tribes as well as many political groups so this twelveth Imam, the Mahdi, the Antichrist will more than likely rise up from a small political party. We need to be aware of the various groups of Islam (i.e. Sunnia, Shi'ites, Sufi, Hezballah, Hamas,etc.), that we may better be prepared to identify the Antichrist. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6). "But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." (I Thes. 5:4). As believers we should be able to declare to the world who the Antichrist is and what his true purposes are.
Verses 25-28 speak of the Antichrist invading countries to his South, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which will gain him military strength as well as a greater economic power. Though these countries attempted to defend themselves from this invasion, their efforts are unsuccessful. Even the kings own advisers will betray them "---they shall forecast devices against him." (v.25) And the very ones who eat at the king's table shall be the very ones who lead to his destruction. "They that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him." (v.26) These countries are being destroyed from within before they are defeated from without.
Are we not witnessing this already in these countries? The Muslim Brotherhood along with other radical Muslim groups have stirred up strife within these countries, as well as others, in an attempt to overthrow the existing governing power. All of this is setting the stage for the organization of the Islamic caliphate which will be the political structure that the Mahdi will head up that the Muslims believe is to rule the world. I also believe that there are those within our own country, including the far left liberals, who are setting in motion those things that will destroy our nation from within. There has never been such an all-out attack against our Constitution, our religious liberties, our right to bear arms, our rights to speak out against sin and injustice as there is right now (2012)in the United States. Our own political correctness is so weakening our nation that we may not be able to prevent an Islamic takeover of our blessed country. It is time for the church to rise up and sound the alarm.
Verse 27 is already being fulfilled in our present age. "Kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table." These leaders are to represent their respective countries, sit around negotiation tables and speak lies. They will (and are right now) brokering peace treaties, making promises of support, telling each other whatever is necessary for them to gain the upper hand in world power. Although these world leaders may think they are achieving their set goals, "it shall not prosper." We must be constantly reminded that God has a plan and He is working His plan. Until God says it's time to attack, conquer or retreat, all of the negotiations, plans and lies of man are futile. I think the irony of all of this is that the Antichrist and his lackeys will think they are so smart and powerful as they set out to conquer the world, and all along God is allowing this overconfident bunch of losers just enough rope to hang themselves.
After the Antichrist has been victorious in his military maneuvers, he then will "return to his land with great riches." (v.28) He will be riding on a natural high. He will be more confident of his power to conquer and to rule. He will feel that he no longer needs to tolerate those who oppose him, especially the Jews and the Christians. He will set "his heart against the holy covenant." All other religions will be outlawed that the world may worship the Antichrist. He now will "speak out against the Most High and wear down the Saints of the Highest One." (Dan.7:25) the Antichrist's true colors are now seen. He will attempt to destroy any who oppose him. This now begins the Great Tribulation that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:21. This is the beginning of the end. There will be only a little over three years before Jesus comes back and gathers his bride.
Verses 25-28 speak of the Antichrist invading countries to his South, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which will gain him military strength as well as a greater economic power. Though these countries attempted to defend themselves from this invasion, their efforts are unsuccessful. Even the kings own advisers will betray them "---they shall forecast devices against him." (v.25) And the very ones who eat at the king's table shall be the very ones who lead to his destruction. "They that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him." (v.26) These countries are being destroyed from within before they are defeated from without.
Are we not witnessing this already in these countries? The Muslim Brotherhood along with other radical Muslim groups have stirred up strife within these countries, as well as others, in an attempt to overthrow the existing governing power. All of this is setting the stage for the organization of the Islamic caliphate which will be the political structure that the Mahdi will head up that the Muslims believe is to rule the world. I also believe that there are those within our own country, including the far left liberals, who are setting in motion those things that will destroy our nation from within. There has never been such an all-out attack against our Constitution, our religious liberties, our right to bear arms, our rights to speak out against sin and injustice as there is right now (2012)in the United States. Our own political correctness is so weakening our nation that we may not be able to prevent an Islamic takeover of our blessed country. It is time for the church to rise up and sound the alarm.
Verse 27 is already being fulfilled in our present age. "Kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table." These leaders are to represent their respective countries, sit around negotiation tables and speak lies. They will (and are right now) brokering peace treaties, making promises of support, telling each other whatever is necessary for them to gain the upper hand in world power. Although these world leaders may think they are achieving their set goals, "it shall not prosper." We must be constantly reminded that God has a plan and He is working His plan. Until God says it's time to attack, conquer or retreat, all of the negotiations, plans and lies of man are futile. I think the irony of all of this is that the Antichrist and his lackeys will think they are so smart and powerful as they set out to conquer the world, and all along God is allowing this overconfident bunch of losers just enough rope to hang themselves.
After the Antichrist has been victorious in his military maneuvers, he then will "return to his land with great riches." (v.28) He will be riding on a natural high. He will be more confident of his power to conquer and to rule. He will feel that he no longer needs to tolerate those who oppose him, especially the Jews and the Christians. He will set "his heart against the holy covenant." All other religions will be outlawed that the world may worship the Antichrist. He now will "speak out against the Most High and wear down the Saints of the Highest One." (Dan.7:25) the Antichrist's true colors are now seen. He will attempt to destroy any who oppose him. This now begins the Great Tribulation that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:21. This is the beginning of the end. There will be only a little over three years before Jesus comes back and gathers his bride.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
END TIME STUDY--Pt.22
Chapter 11 of Daniel continues the dialogue between Daniel and the Messenger. Jesus tells Daniel about the near future then He takes Daniel on a journey to the rise of the Antichrist and the end of the age culminating with the gathering (rapture) of all those found in the Book of Life.
Messenger begins to disclose the power kingdoms that soon would rise to power. He states that there would be three more Kings rising up in Persia. The first of these would be Cambyses II who rose to power six years after Daniel received this prophecy after Cyrus dies in a battle in 530BC. Cambyses II would rule until 522BC when Darius I would rise to power, and he would rule until 486BC. Then Xerxes I would reign until 464BC. Then the Messenger speaks of a fourth King rising up who would be "far richer than" all the others. This king was Darius IV. His great wealth, great power and his lust for more power led to a delusion of grandeur which led him to "stir up all against the realm of Grecia" which would be against Alexander the Great.
Verse three is speaking of Alexander the Great who would rout the Persian army. He was the male goat with the "conspicuous horn" that would rule the world in Daniel chapter 8. He would rule from 334BC to 333BC until his untimely death due to a great fever. Then, as Daniel eight states, his empire was divided into four kingdoms, and none of his own would rule the empire. "His kingdom shall be broken and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven."(v.4) All of this happened some 200 years after the Messenger reveals it to Daniel. This proves the accuracy of Scripture. Everything happened just as Daniel recorded it would.
Verses five through twenty of chapter eleven deal with the nations of the South; Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia, as well as the nations of the north Iraq, Lebanon and Turkey. These verses also follow various intermarriages and wars between Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire. Since our subject matter is focused on the end times we will not go in depth in looking at these verses. But may I say that Daniel recorded these events that history has proven them to be exactly as he stated hundreds of years before they occurred. If he was accurate on these events, it only leads one to believe the end-time events he spoke of will occur with the same accuracy.
Old school thought attributes verses 21 through 34 to the reign of Antiochus IV (175-163BC)who obtained his rule by flattery (v.21). He desolated the Temple by boiling a pig and sprinkling the broth throughout the Temple in Jerusalem. He sacrificed a pig on the brazen altar. He then consecrated the Temple to Jupiter Olympious (v. 31). Now that "knowledge has been increased" (12:4), theologians now understand that these verses are referring to the end of the age and the Antichrist. We see in verses 21 to 24 that the Antichrist will come to power while speaking peace and safety--flatteries (v.21). Remember, I Thes.5:3 tells us that one of the signs of the end time is that there will be those who are proclaiming peace and safety when destruction is at the door. "For when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with a child, and they shall not escape (I Thes.5:3)."
As we have seen in Daniel 9:27 the Antichrist will make a seven-year treaty with Israel which begins the Tribulation period, and he breaks this treaty 3 1/2 years after it is ratified. He then will stop the daily sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem (v. 31).
When verse 24 says, "he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his father's fathers," I believe we are given another hint as to where the Antichrist shall come from. The language used here referring to "his fathers" is a terminology used almost exclusively among the Jewish people and the direct descendents of Abraham. For example, the Middle Eastern people always refer to the religious actions of their "fathers" by such terms as, "Return to the land of thy fathers." My fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." "The God of your fathers has sent me." "The Lord God of your fathers." "Which the Lord swore unto thy fathers." "For I spoke unto your fathers." "Which I commanded your fathers." "Covenant which I made with your fathers." "Because your fathers have forsaken me." "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus." Etc. etc.
Because of Jewish traditions, as well as those who descended from Ishmael, of referring to their "fathers" of their faith, the Antichrist is here referring to at least three generations in verse 24 and even further back in his family tree. This is a terminology of the descendants of Abraham, including those of Ishmael. We must remember that Israel is still looking for her Messiah to come and establish His kingdom on earth. A Messiah who will come from the root of David, from the tribe of Judah (Gen.49:10; Is.11:10; Rom.15;12; Rev.5:5;&22:16). Before they acknowledge someone as their Messiah he must prove that he is of the lineage of David, the tribe of Judah. Does this mean that the Antichrist will be Jewish? Not necessarily. This only means that he must have the ancestry of a Jew from the tribe of Judah. And remember this could be centuries back in his family tree. The Jewish Messiah not only has to prove his ancestry but he must also be perceived as a prophet sent by God.
"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your midst, from your brethern. Him you shall hear.---I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethern, and will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him." (Deut.18:15,17,18)
The Antichrist will appear to be speaking on behalf of God with great wisdom and signs, miracles and wonders confirming his words. The Jews will see this as proof that this is the long-awaited Messiah. He will speak flattering words to the Jews and with his ability to broker peace in the Middle East he will be received as the Prince of peace (Is.9:6). The Jews will see the "government upon his shoulders" (Is.9:6) as he becomes recognized as a world political leader. The Antichrist will appear to fulfill the prophecies pertaining to the Messiah right down to his establishing his kingdom on earth. He will convince the Jews that he wants only the best for them while all along plotting their demise.
For the Jews to accept the Antichrist as their Messiah he must also have a forerunner. "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Is.40:3) "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Mal.4:5).In these sriptures we see where a forerunner is prophesied to come before "the dreadful day of the Lord." In John 1:19-28 we see where the priests and the Levites questioned John as to whether he was the one prophesied to lead the way for the Messiah. He said he wasn't Elijah nor the Prophet but he said he was, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness: make straight the way of the Lord." (John 1:23) John was the one sent to prepare the way for the Lord's ministry among men. But since the Jews did not accept Jesus as their Messiah,they are still looking for a forerunner as well as their Messiah. Thus enters the false prophet (Rev.13:11-17; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). The false prophet will lead the way for the Antichrist to be worshipped and followed. Then the real spirit behind Antichrist will be revealed and the Jews will see him for what he is, but it will be too late. They have no recourse but to "flee to the mountains." (Matt.24:16)
Verse 37 of Daniel 11 further substantiates this line of thought pertaining to the Antichrist. "Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers." The word "God" is from the Hebrew word, "Eloyiym" which is the plural for God or gods. It is the name used for God in the creation story in the book of Genesis, "let us make man in our image." (Gen. 1:26). Again, this is language used among the descendants of Abraham. The Antichrist will respect no God, especially the only true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, "for he shall magnify himself above all."
So we see from the book of Daniel that the Antichrist will most likely come from, or come to power from, Shushan (Dan.8:2), which is modern-day Susa in Iran. He will be a direct descendant of Abraham. His family tree will include the tribe of Judah. Although he has Jewish roots he will be a follower of the Islamic faith. He will use Islamic radicals as his enforces. The Islamic faith will see him as their Messiah, the long-awaited twelveth Iman--the Madhi. The Jews will see him as their long-awaited Messiah. The true followers of God will know him as the Antichrist. Keep your eyes on the Middle East for this leader to rise up. I believe he is alive right now!
Messenger begins to disclose the power kingdoms that soon would rise to power. He states that there would be three more Kings rising up in Persia. The first of these would be Cambyses II who rose to power six years after Daniel received this prophecy after Cyrus dies in a battle in 530BC. Cambyses II would rule until 522BC when Darius I would rise to power, and he would rule until 486BC. Then Xerxes I would reign until 464BC. Then the Messenger speaks of a fourth King rising up who would be "far richer than" all the others. This king was Darius IV. His great wealth, great power and his lust for more power led to a delusion of grandeur which led him to "stir up all against the realm of Grecia" which would be against Alexander the Great.
Verse three is speaking of Alexander the Great who would rout the Persian army. He was the male goat with the "conspicuous horn" that would rule the world in Daniel chapter 8. He would rule from 334BC to 333BC until his untimely death due to a great fever. Then, as Daniel eight states, his empire was divided into four kingdoms, and none of his own would rule the empire. "His kingdom shall be broken and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven."(v.4) All of this happened some 200 years after the Messenger reveals it to Daniel. This proves the accuracy of Scripture. Everything happened just as Daniel recorded it would.
Verses five through twenty of chapter eleven deal with the nations of the South; Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia, as well as the nations of the north Iraq, Lebanon and Turkey. These verses also follow various intermarriages and wars between Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire. Since our subject matter is focused on the end times we will not go in depth in looking at these verses. But may I say that Daniel recorded these events that history has proven them to be exactly as he stated hundreds of years before they occurred. If he was accurate on these events, it only leads one to believe the end-time events he spoke of will occur with the same accuracy.
Old school thought attributes verses 21 through 34 to the reign of Antiochus IV (175-163BC)who obtained his rule by flattery (v.21). He desolated the Temple by boiling a pig and sprinkling the broth throughout the Temple in Jerusalem. He sacrificed a pig on the brazen altar. He then consecrated the Temple to Jupiter Olympious (v. 31). Now that "knowledge has been increased" (12:4), theologians now understand that these verses are referring to the end of the age and the Antichrist. We see in verses 21 to 24 that the Antichrist will come to power while speaking peace and safety--flatteries (v.21). Remember, I Thes.5:3 tells us that one of the signs of the end time is that there will be those who are proclaiming peace and safety when destruction is at the door. "For when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with a child, and they shall not escape (I Thes.5:3)."
As we have seen in Daniel 9:27 the Antichrist will make a seven-year treaty with Israel which begins the Tribulation period, and he breaks this treaty 3 1/2 years after it is ratified. He then will stop the daily sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem (v. 31).
When verse 24 says, "he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his father's fathers," I believe we are given another hint as to where the Antichrist shall come from. The language used here referring to "his fathers" is a terminology used almost exclusively among the Jewish people and the direct descendents of Abraham. For example, the Middle Eastern people always refer to the religious actions of their "fathers" by such terms as, "Return to the land of thy fathers." My fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." "The God of your fathers has sent me." "The Lord God of your fathers." "Which the Lord swore unto thy fathers." "For I spoke unto your fathers." "Which I commanded your fathers." "Covenant which I made with your fathers." "Because your fathers have forsaken me." "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus." Etc. etc.
Because of Jewish traditions, as well as those who descended from Ishmael, of referring to their "fathers" of their faith, the Antichrist is here referring to at least three generations in verse 24 and even further back in his family tree. This is a terminology of the descendants of Abraham, including those of Ishmael. We must remember that Israel is still looking for her Messiah to come and establish His kingdom on earth. A Messiah who will come from the root of David, from the tribe of Judah (Gen.49:10; Is.11:10; Rom.15;12; Rev.5:5;&22:16). Before they acknowledge someone as their Messiah he must prove that he is of the lineage of David, the tribe of Judah. Does this mean that the Antichrist will be Jewish? Not necessarily. This only means that he must have the ancestry of a Jew from the tribe of Judah. And remember this could be centuries back in his family tree. The Jewish Messiah not only has to prove his ancestry but he must also be perceived as a prophet sent by God.
"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your midst, from your brethern. Him you shall hear.---I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethern, and will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him." (Deut.18:15,17,18)
The Antichrist will appear to be speaking on behalf of God with great wisdom and signs, miracles and wonders confirming his words. The Jews will see this as proof that this is the long-awaited Messiah. He will speak flattering words to the Jews and with his ability to broker peace in the Middle East he will be received as the Prince of peace (Is.9:6). The Jews will see the "government upon his shoulders" (Is.9:6) as he becomes recognized as a world political leader. The Antichrist will appear to fulfill the prophecies pertaining to the Messiah right down to his establishing his kingdom on earth. He will convince the Jews that he wants only the best for them while all along plotting their demise.
For the Jews to accept the Antichrist as their Messiah he must also have a forerunner. "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Is.40:3) "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Mal.4:5).In these sriptures we see where a forerunner is prophesied to come before "the dreadful day of the Lord." In John 1:19-28 we see where the priests and the Levites questioned John as to whether he was the one prophesied to lead the way for the Messiah. He said he wasn't Elijah nor the Prophet but he said he was, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness: make straight the way of the Lord." (John 1:23) John was the one sent to prepare the way for the Lord's ministry among men. But since the Jews did not accept Jesus as their Messiah,they are still looking for a forerunner as well as their Messiah. Thus enters the false prophet (Rev.13:11-17; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). The false prophet will lead the way for the Antichrist to be worshipped and followed. Then the real spirit behind Antichrist will be revealed and the Jews will see him for what he is, but it will be too late. They have no recourse but to "flee to the mountains." (Matt.24:16)
Verse 37 of Daniel 11 further substantiates this line of thought pertaining to the Antichrist. "Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers." The word "God" is from the Hebrew word, "Eloyiym" which is the plural for God or gods. It is the name used for God in the creation story in the book of Genesis, "let us make man in our image." (Gen. 1:26). Again, this is language used among the descendants of Abraham. The Antichrist will respect no God, especially the only true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, "for he shall magnify himself above all."
So we see from the book of Daniel that the Antichrist will most likely come from, or come to power from, Shushan (Dan.8:2), which is modern-day Susa in Iran. He will be a direct descendant of Abraham. His family tree will include the tribe of Judah. Although he has Jewish roots he will be a follower of the Islamic faith. He will use Islamic radicals as his enforces. The Islamic faith will see him as their Messiah, the long-awaited twelveth Iman--the Madhi. The Jews will see him as their long-awaited Messiah. The true followers of God will know him as the Antichrist. Keep your eyes on the Middle East for this leader to rise up. I believe he is alive right now!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
2012--THE END--Pt.3
As stated, God's judgment is coming to cleanse us of all of our clutter. Whatever it is that hinders our relationship with Him. It could be our jobs. If our jobs are consuming more of our time than He does or our jobs consume our thoughts more than He does, they may have to be removed. Maybe it's our recreations and our pleasures that are consuming more of our time than He gets. If this is the case He may have to remove the funds to maintain our pleasures and recreations. With some of us our relationship with God is hindered by our pursuit of houses, cars, and other possessions that we pursue more than Him. If this be the case they may have to be removed. Sometimes it's something as simple as our character or immature attitudes or sometimes just laziness in the word and prayer, or possibly we have a lot of spiritual pride. If these things hinder our relationship with God they will be removed beginning in 2012. Even our religious activities such as church services with no real true worship. Prayer that is self-serving. Bible reading and studies that show no maturing in our lives. All these religious activities do is lead us into a false sense of security, and they just clutter up our relationship with God. These too may have to be removed from our lives beginning in 2012.
It may be false experiences with God that are preventing us from having a relationship with Him. A lot of people in the church today are going around and stating, "God told me," just to validate their opinions. Many preface their opinions with, "Thus saith the Lord." And my favorite one that I'm hearing the most today is,"Let me tell you what God showed me." In the book of Ezekiel chapter 13 the Lord had a stern warning for those who just loosely declare,"Thus saith the Lord." Verses one through three say, "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Son of Man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord: 'woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!'" Then in verse six Ezekiel states, "They have envisioned futility and false divination saying, 'thus says the Lord!' But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed." We have a many self-proclaimed prophets and prophetesses in the church today who go around constantly saying,"Thus saith the Lord." They're speaking out of their flesh, out of their opinion or sometimes right out of Scripture, and yet it's not the Holy Spirit speaking through them. They are in hopes that once they've spoken it the Lord will confirm the word by letting it come to pass. I personally have received numerous prophecies over myself or my family that never came to pass through no fault of our own; and yet these prophets, though false, continue right own with their ministries. It's time that the church holds people accountable for what they say when they state,"Thus saith the Lord,"or"God told me," or "Let me tell you what God showed me."
In verses 10 to 15 of Ezekiel chapter 13 God again gives a stern warning against false prophets. He speaks here of bringing his judgment to the church which has been "plastered with untempered mortar" or, to say, with false word or shallow use of the word. Please take the time to read these verses for yourself. Many voices are speaking to the believers today, many of which are designed to draw us away from God. Some are deceiving us with the message of, "I'm okay you're okay." Many voices speaking today are imitating Jesus or the Holy Spirit all again designed to lead us away from God. We're in the last of the last days and we must hear only one, His. This is the purpose of the judgment of God coming to His house beginning at a much accelerated rate in 2012. He wants us to get rid of everything in our lives that is hindering our relationship with Him. When we are in a close father/child relationship with God, we will hear only one voice and obey it.
Jesus said in John chapter 10:2-5,"He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep, to him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, they do not know the voice of the strangers." And verse 17 says, "My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me." It was not uncommon in Jesus' day for shepherds to bring their sheep into Jerusalem and into the holding pens to be used for Temple sacrifices. Let's say that 25 shepherds would bring 50 head of sheep into the corral for holding. When it was time for the shepherd to bring his sheep in he would simply stand and call out to his sheep. The only ones that would leave the pen and come to him were those sheep that belonged to him for they knew his voice. All 25 shepherds could stand at different times and even speak the same command but only their sheep would come to them because they knew only the voice of their shepherd, and they would not come to a stranger. This is what Jesus is hoping to accomplish in His church beginning in 2012 by bringing judgment to remove the clutter out of our lives; that being, that we will hear only His voice and will follow Him and not yield to any strange voice.
Yes, 2012 will hold many things for the church. We will begin to see the end of the deception that has caused self righteousness. We will begin to see the practice of holy humanism brought to an end. Anything that has caused us to rebel against His set authority in the church will be removed. 20"12", (from its Hebrew meanings), we will see God's people, flowing in the perfect plan of God, being led by God's set authority!
Rest assured, judgment is coming. It will touch all of us! The consuming fire of God's glory will either destroy all of our clutter or it will destroy us! We will fear Him or be consumed by His judgments! When it seems like a lot of bad things are coming your way don't be so quick to rebuke demons, it may very well be God's judgments brought into your life to remove the things that are hindering your relationship with Him. God wants to give His people a holy visitation. He wants to reveal His glory to His church as well as empower it. But He must first cleanse His house, His Temple, His church(know you not that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit). Just as it was with Jesus when He entered Jerusalem for His triumphal entry, He first entered the Temple and He cleansed it. Then during His passion week He taught in the Temple, but it had to be cleansed first.
In times past God showed long-suffering with His children in that He would at times take years maybe even decades to deal with the clutter in their lives. But because the time is short and we are entering the end times and the church must the made ready for the harvest of souls, God will no longer be so patient. He's going to turn up the heat in the pressure cooker of life as He makes His bride ready for the soon return of Christ.
Are you ready for 2012? Are you ready for the purging that "is" coming? Maybe we ought to pray, "Lord, here I am. I submit to Your cleansing. Please reveal all my "clutter". Whatever hinders my relationship with You reveal it to me. Give me the strength to submit to the cleansing process and the courage to do Your will in 2012. Amen."
It may be false experiences with God that are preventing us from having a relationship with Him. A lot of people in the church today are going around and stating, "God told me," just to validate their opinions. Many preface their opinions with, "Thus saith the Lord." And my favorite one that I'm hearing the most today is,"Let me tell you what God showed me." In the book of Ezekiel chapter 13 the Lord had a stern warning for those who just loosely declare,"Thus saith the Lord." Verses one through three say, "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Son of Man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord: 'woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!'" Then in verse six Ezekiel states, "They have envisioned futility and false divination saying, 'thus says the Lord!' But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed." We have a many self-proclaimed prophets and prophetesses in the church today who go around constantly saying,"Thus saith the Lord." They're speaking out of their flesh, out of their opinion or sometimes right out of Scripture, and yet it's not the Holy Spirit speaking through them. They are in hopes that once they've spoken it the Lord will confirm the word by letting it come to pass. I personally have received numerous prophecies over myself or my family that never came to pass through no fault of our own; and yet these prophets, though false, continue right own with their ministries. It's time that the church holds people accountable for what they say when they state,"Thus saith the Lord,"or"God told me," or "Let me tell you what God showed me."
In verses 10 to 15 of Ezekiel chapter 13 God again gives a stern warning against false prophets. He speaks here of bringing his judgment to the church which has been "plastered with untempered mortar" or, to say, with false word or shallow use of the word. Please take the time to read these verses for yourself. Many voices are speaking to the believers today, many of which are designed to draw us away from God. Some are deceiving us with the message of, "I'm okay you're okay." Many voices speaking today are imitating Jesus or the Holy Spirit all again designed to lead us away from God. We're in the last of the last days and we must hear only one, His. This is the purpose of the judgment of God coming to His house beginning at a much accelerated rate in 2012. He wants us to get rid of everything in our lives that is hindering our relationship with Him. When we are in a close father/child relationship with God, we will hear only one voice and obey it.
Jesus said in John chapter 10:2-5,"He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep, to him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, they do not know the voice of the strangers." And verse 17 says, "My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me." It was not uncommon in Jesus' day for shepherds to bring their sheep into Jerusalem and into the holding pens to be used for Temple sacrifices. Let's say that 25 shepherds would bring 50 head of sheep into the corral for holding. When it was time for the shepherd to bring his sheep in he would simply stand and call out to his sheep. The only ones that would leave the pen and come to him were those sheep that belonged to him for they knew his voice. All 25 shepherds could stand at different times and even speak the same command but only their sheep would come to them because they knew only the voice of their shepherd, and they would not come to a stranger. This is what Jesus is hoping to accomplish in His church beginning in 2012 by bringing judgment to remove the clutter out of our lives; that being, that we will hear only His voice and will follow Him and not yield to any strange voice.
Yes, 2012 will hold many things for the church. We will begin to see the end of the deception that has caused self righteousness. We will begin to see the practice of holy humanism brought to an end. Anything that has caused us to rebel against His set authority in the church will be removed. 20"12", (from its Hebrew meanings), we will see God's people, flowing in the perfect plan of God, being led by God's set authority!
Rest assured, judgment is coming. It will touch all of us! The consuming fire of God's glory will either destroy all of our clutter or it will destroy us! We will fear Him or be consumed by His judgments! When it seems like a lot of bad things are coming your way don't be so quick to rebuke demons, it may very well be God's judgments brought into your life to remove the things that are hindering your relationship with Him. God wants to give His people a holy visitation. He wants to reveal His glory to His church as well as empower it. But He must first cleanse His house, His Temple, His church(know you not that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit). Just as it was with Jesus when He entered Jerusalem for His triumphal entry, He first entered the Temple and He cleansed it. Then during His passion week He taught in the Temple, but it had to be cleansed first.
In times past God showed long-suffering with His children in that He would at times take years maybe even decades to deal with the clutter in their lives. But because the time is short and we are entering the end times and the church must the made ready for the harvest of souls, God will no longer be so patient. He's going to turn up the heat in the pressure cooker of life as He makes His bride ready for the soon return of Christ.
Are you ready for 2012? Are you ready for the purging that "is" coming? Maybe we ought to pray, "Lord, here I am. I submit to Your cleansing. Please reveal all my "clutter". Whatever hinders my relationship with You reveal it to me. Give me the strength to submit to the cleansing process and the courage to do Your will in 2012. Amen."
Thursday, February 9, 2012
2012--THE END--Pt.2
This message about the end of many things coming to an end in the year 2012, came to me as a result of a dream that God gave me Jan.19,2012. In this dream my wife and I were looking at Pike's Peak from our dining room window. Dark clouds began to cover the top of Pike's Peak and they appeared to be rolling as it were and had a red glow to them almost like dripping blood. Then suddenly columns of white fire began to rise out of Pike's Peak, and then suddenly one by one they launched off Pike's Peak like arrows or missiles, and the number was too great to count. They landed all over Colorado Springs and vicinity as far as one could see. They fell all around us but never hit our house. This dream caused me to wake up at 3:30 in the morning, and I was able to immediately go back to sleep. Usually when a dream comes to me from God I have to get up and immediately write it down and seek the interpretation. But with this one I just went back to sleep. When I got up at 5:30, two hours later, and began my morning of seeking God's face and reading His word I received clarity as to what this dream was about.
In my morning devotions it just so happened I was reading Ex.19. As I read verse nine I began to understand what God wanted to show me my dream. Exodus 19:9 states, "And the Lord said to Moses, behold I come to you in the thick cloud that the people may hear when I speak to you and believe you forever." In the wilderness experience God was establishing his governmental authority among His people. He was showing that it is He who selects and sets leaders among His people. And on down in Ex.19:16-18 we read, "And it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thundering and lightning, a big cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly." Even with God's presence so real to the people and all the miracles that they witnessed that set them free from Egypt, they still rebelled against God and his chosen leader Moses.
I believe God is going to make His presence known once again beginning in 2012! The clouds and the missiles of fire that I saw in my dream represented God's judgments that are going to begin in earnest in 2012. God said, "I am a jealous God." He also said, "I am a consumming fire." God is going to make these characteristic traits of His very visible beginning in 2012 for all to see. Ex.20:20 states,"for God has come to test you and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." God's judgments are not being sent to necessarily destroy us but to test us, to cause us to fear him and all of this is done that we may not sin. We are told all through the book of Leviticus that we are to fear God. All through Deuteronomy it says the same things, we are to fear God. I Sam.12:14,15 states "If you fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice and do not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God. However, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you." God is saying here that as long as His people serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against his commandments, or to say His word, then both the people and those who rule over them, the set leaders, will continue to follow God. But, if the people of God choose not to obey and rebel against Him, His word and His set leaders, that His hand will be against them. This is what I believe is coming in 2012. Those who are being stiffnecked and hardhearted toward God and rebelling against His authority, His word and refuse to obey Him are going to see His hand against them.
Even in the New Testament we read, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." The fear of God is something that is sorely missing in the church today, as well as in the world, yet God requires us to fear Him. It's not the kind of fear that one has of scary things but it's more of a wholesome fear like the fear we should have for electricity. I like the convenience of electricity and all that it can do for us but at the same time I fear it to the point that I would not put my finger into an electrical socket. This is a wholesome fear. God wants us to realize that it is He who determines our eternal destiny and that should cause us to fear Him. Yes we must accept the fact that God is love and we are in a period of His mercy and grace, but at the same time we must balance this with a wholesome fear of God.
How did the church grow when it was in its infancy? Through a wholesome fear of God. In fact Acts 9:31 says it this way, "Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied." Notice the early church had peace, were edified, comforted by the Holy Spirit, and multiplied when they were walking in the fear of the Lord.
In Rev.14:7 we read, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come." Notice this scripture says that the hour of God's judgment has come not the hour of His wrath. This is where many people go wrong when they state that the rapture will occur before the tribulation period. They see the entire seven years as the wrath of God. God's wrath is not poured out until the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which occurs at the end of the Great Tribulation. In fact I Peter reads, "The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"(I Peter 4:17) Notice Peter states this in the past tense, "has come." Upon Jesus's ascension everything had been given to man by which we would be judged, that being the word of God taught by Jesus Himself which would soon be recorded for every generation to have. The church is currently being judged by the word of God whether we are obeying it or not. This scripture is saying that if God is judging His people based on their obedience to His word, then where does that leave those in the church, professing to be Christians, and are not obeying His word?
God is going to bring judgment to His house at an accelerating rate beginning in 2012! This judgment is coming to cleanse us of all the clutter in our lives that is hindering our relationship with God and bring us to humility before God and man.
I will post Pt.3 of this teaching next week.
In my morning devotions it just so happened I was reading Ex.19. As I read verse nine I began to understand what God wanted to show me my dream. Exodus 19:9 states, "And the Lord said to Moses, behold I come to you in the thick cloud that the people may hear when I speak to you and believe you forever." In the wilderness experience God was establishing his governmental authority among His people. He was showing that it is He who selects and sets leaders among His people. And on down in Ex.19:16-18 we read, "And it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thundering and lightning, a big cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly." Even with God's presence so real to the people and all the miracles that they witnessed that set them free from Egypt, they still rebelled against God and his chosen leader Moses.
I believe God is going to make His presence known once again beginning in 2012! The clouds and the missiles of fire that I saw in my dream represented God's judgments that are going to begin in earnest in 2012. God said, "I am a jealous God." He also said, "I am a consumming fire." God is going to make these characteristic traits of His very visible beginning in 2012 for all to see. Ex.20:20 states,"for God has come to test you and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." God's judgments are not being sent to necessarily destroy us but to test us, to cause us to fear him and all of this is done that we may not sin. We are told all through the book of Leviticus that we are to fear God. All through Deuteronomy it says the same things, we are to fear God. I Sam.12:14,15 states "If you fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice and do not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God. However, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you." God is saying here that as long as His people serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against his commandments, or to say His word, then both the people and those who rule over them, the set leaders, will continue to follow God. But, if the people of God choose not to obey and rebel against Him, His word and His set leaders, that His hand will be against them. This is what I believe is coming in 2012. Those who are being stiffnecked and hardhearted toward God and rebelling against His authority, His word and refuse to obey Him are going to see His hand against them.
Even in the New Testament we read, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." The fear of God is something that is sorely missing in the church today, as well as in the world, yet God requires us to fear Him. It's not the kind of fear that one has of scary things but it's more of a wholesome fear like the fear we should have for electricity. I like the convenience of electricity and all that it can do for us but at the same time I fear it to the point that I would not put my finger into an electrical socket. This is a wholesome fear. God wants us to realize that it is He who determines our eternal destiny and that should cause us to fear Him. Yes we must accept the fact that God is love and we are in a period of His mercy and grace, but at the same time we must balance this with a wholesome fear of God.
How did the church grow when it was in its infancy? Through a wholesome fear of God. In fact Acts 9:31 says it this way, "Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied." Notice the early church had peace, were edified, comforted by the Holy Spirit, and multiplied when they were walking in the fear of the Lord.
In Rev.14:7 we read, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come." Notice this scripture says that the hour of God's judgment has come not the hour of His wrath. This is where many people go wrong when they state that the rapture will occur before the tribulation period. They see the entire seven years as the wrath of God. God's wrath is not poured out until the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which occurs at the end of the Great Tribulation. In fact I Peter reads, "The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"(I Peter 4:17) Notice Peter states this in the past tense, "has come." Upon Jesus's ascension everything had been given to man by which we would be judged, that being the word of God taught by Jesus Himself which would soon be recorded for every generation to have. The church is currently being judged by the word of God whether we are obeying it or not. This scripture is saying that if God is judging His people based on their obedience to His word, then where does that leave those in the church, professing to be Christians, and are not obeying His word?
God is going to bring judgment to His house at an accelerating rate beginning in 2012! This judgment is coming to cleanse us of all the clutter in our lives that is hindering our relationship with God and bring us to humility before God and man.
I will post Pt.3 of this teaching next week.
Friday, February 3, 2012
2012 --THE END!!!!--Pt.1
Before we continue our look at Daniel chapters 11 and 12 I would like to share with you what I believe God has revealed to me about some upcoming events for the year 2012. Is 2012 the year that all the world will end? I don't believe it's going to be the end of the world but I do believe it's going to be the end of the way we do some things among the body of Christ. The number 12 in the Hebrew has three basic meanings. The first one is it signifies the mystical number of God's people. The second meaning is it represents the elective purposes of God. The third meaning is the government perfection or rule of God. God is showing me that this is going to be a pivotal year for God's people for they are going to rise up to fulfill the purposes of God, and we shall see God's government of perfection reestablished in His church. For far too long the church has been ignoring the Scriptures founded in Heb.13:17,"Obey those who rule over you and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give an account. Let them do so with joy and not grief, that would be unprofitable for you." Due to the fact that so many leaders in the church have abused their leadership, have been fraudulent in their activities, have been caught in acts of immoral behavior, become very self serving, etc. etc., most people in the church no longer find themselves willing to be submissive to any leadership, especially in the church. Yet we are supposed to be the army of the Lord, a body built by Christ who is the head, unified in our quest to make disciples. Everyone desires to be the ruler of their own lives and destiny in the Lord. But if all we had in this army of the Lord are generals will we accomplish the purposes of God? We must once again see the reestablishment of God's government in his church, and I believe the year 2012 is going to see the beginnings of God's government restored to the church.
God has been showing me that in the year 2012 we will be seeing the end of doing God's will "our way." We declare that we desire God's will in our lives and yet we want to continue doing things our way whether it lines up with God's will or His Word. In the year 2012 we are going to see the end of church as we know it. Those in the church will no longer settle for anything less than God's presence and the fire of the Holy Ghost in their services. There will still be those churches who are so steeped in their religion and traditions of man, from which the Spirit of God has long since departed, that will still be in existence; in fact it will be these churches that will rise up to oppose the true church as the presence of God and the fire of the Holy Spirit begins to settle down upon them. Also in 2012 we are going to see the end of self righteousness in the church where we measure ourselves by ourselves or by those around us. 2012 will usher in the end of "holy humanism." This is where those in the church have their own plans of salvation all worked out; they have a claim to a righteousness that cannot be substantiated with Scripture. Their interpretation of Scripture is unprecedented and unmatched by any other, thus they are of the mindset that they are right and no one has the right to ever tell them that they are wrong. They are the ones that are always making the statement when you try to correct them with Scripture, "Everyone interprets the Bible differently; who's to say you're right and I am not?" This kind of a mindset will be exposed for the error that it is and will come under the full impact of God's judgment in the year 2012. In the year 2012 we are going to see the end of no authority in the church. We are going to see the fullness of the fivefold ministry brought back into the church starting in 2012.
Eph.4:11-16 states, "For He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, and may grow up in all things into him who is the head-Christ-from whom the whole body joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
It was Jesus Christ Himself, the head of the church, who set these five offices in the church. Not man. Not a church board. Not denominational leaders. But Christ himself. Until we reestablish these offices in the church we will not see the church equipped for the ministry of making disciples. The body of Christ will never truly be unified until the fivefold offices listed here in Ephesians are in place in the church and the people being submissive to their authority. It's due to the lack of these five offices in the church today that is causing so many people to be like "children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting." I have never witnessed so much unsettledness among the members of churches as I see today. They are easily offended giving them an excuse to leave that church and go to another. They claim that they never fit in. They claim to not being fed in the church that they are attending. There is such a restlessness in the body of Christ today. It's as though the church is lacking a multi-vitamin to bring it to the fullness of its strength and vitality. That vitamin is the fivefold ministry!
God has been showing me that He's about to bring judgment into His house. His presence will be known once again among His people. 2012 is going to be a pivotal year in the church as well as in the secular world.
God has been showing me that in the year 2012 we will be seeing the end of doing God's will "our way." We declare that we desire God's will in our lives and yet we want to continue doing things our way whether it lines up with God's will or His Word. In the year 2012 we are going to see the end of church as we know it. Those in the church will no longer settle for anything less than God's presence and the fire of the Holy Ghost in their services. There will still be those churches who are so steeped in their religion and traditions of man, from which the Spirit of God has long since departed, that will still be in existence; in fact it will be these churches that will rise up to oppose the true church as the presence of God and the fire of the Holy Spirit begins to settle down upon them. Also in 2012 we are going to see the end of self righteousness in the church where we measure ourselves by ourselves or by those around us. 2012 will usher in the end of "holy humanism." This is where those in the church have their own plans of salvation all worked out; they have a claim to a righteousness that cannot be substantiated with Scripture. Their interpretation of Scripture is unprecedented and unmatched by any other, thus they are of the mindset that they are right and no one has the right to ever tell them that they are wrong. They are the ones that are always making the statement when you try to correct them with Scripture, "Everyone interprets the Bible differently; who's to say you're right and I am not?" This kind of a mindset will be exposed for the error that it is and will come under the full impact of God's judgment in the year 2012. In the year 2012 we are going to see the end of no authority in the church. We are going to see the fullness of the fivefold ministry brought back into the church starting in 2012.
Eph.4:11-16 states, "For He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, and may grow up in all things into him who is the head-Christ-from whom the whole body joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
It was Jesus Christ Himself, the head of the church, who set these five offices in the church. Not man. Not a church board. Not denominational leaders. But Christ himself. Until we reestablish these offices in the church we will not see the church equipped for the ministry of making disciples. The body of Christ will never truly be unified until the fivefold offices listed here in Ephesians are in place in the church and the people being submissive to their authority. It's due to the lack of these five offices in the church today that is causing so many people to be like "children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting." I have never witnessed so much unsettledness among the members of churches as I see today. They are easily offended giving them an excuse to leave that church and go to another. They claim that they never fit in. They claim to not being fed in the church that they are attending. There is such a restlessness in the body of Christ today. It's as though the church is lacking a multi-vitamin to bring it to the fullness of its strength and vitality. That vitamin is the fivefold ministry!
God has been showing me that He's about to bring judgment into His house. His presence will be known once again among His people. 2012 is going to be a pivotal year in the church as well as in the secular world.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
END TIME STUDY--Pt.21
The Book of Daniel is now in its final dissertation. The 70 years of captivity are over. Daniel is now eighty-four or eighty-five years old, and he is seeking God for His direction as to what comes next in his life. He enters into a season of prayer and fasting. It is during this time that God reveals to him the last prophetic message that he was to receive and record. This message continues to the end of the book of Daniel. It is while he is mourning that a Messenger from God appeared to him by the Hiddekel (Tigris) River.
As we read Daniel 10:5-6, we see the description of this Messenger. It sounds uncannily like the descriptions that John in Revelation chapter 1 and Saul of Tarsus gave in Acts chapter 9 and 26 as they beheld Jesus in his glory. Most scholars agree that this is Jesus appearing to Daniel. Daniel sees Jesus in his glory before He becomes incarnate. John and Saul see him in His glory after His ascension. Jesus is introducing to Daniel the events of the very last days of the history of mankind just as he did with John as he spoke the Revelation of end time events in the conclusion of God's plan for all creation. Who better to announce the signs of the end times than the one who knows the beginning to the end? (Isaiah 46:10) In fact this appearing is much like the experience of John and Saul. When John saw Jesus on the Isle of Patmos he was alone and fell as dead at the presence of Jesus. Saul fell to the ground also and those with him heard a voice but saw no man. Those with Daniel saw no vision but a "great quaking fell upon them." (v.7) Daniel had been morning and fasting for three weeks, he was ready to receive from God but not so the others. Yet, even he fell to the ground as dead in the presence of the glory of Jesus. Then he is lifted up and the Messenger begins his revelation to Daniel.
The messenger sets Daniel's mind to ease by telling him that his prayers were heard on the "first day" that he set himself to seek God. Yet, Daniel prays and fasts for 21 more days because the Messenger was detained by the "Prince of the kingdom of Persia." (v.13) Then another "prince," Michael, came to help the Messenger. Remember, this occurs before Jesus became incarnate, died, resurrected, ascended and received "all power and authority." (Matt.28:18) Just who was this "Prince of the kingdom of Persia?"
A prince is a ruler of a principality, and this one ruled over the kingdom of Persia which was the next kingdom after Nebuchadnezzar or, to say, the Babylonian Empire. This prince would have been a demonic entity. One sent to oppress the children of God, the nation of Israel. Remember, Satan is referred to as "the god of this world" (II Cor.4:4), as well as, "the prince of the power of the air." (Eph.2:2) Satan believes that the Earth and the fullness thereof belongs to him. After all, Adam was given power and dominion over all the earth and he surrendered it to Satan, thus Satan has a right to feel that he has the right to rule the Earth and to be worshipped by its inhabitants. All that man was given by God was relinquished in the garden. Eternal life--gone. All needs supplied--gone. Peace and joy--gone. At rest in Him--gone. Father/child relationship--gone. Dominion over all the earth--gone. Satan became "the god of this world," "the prince of the power of the air." Until!! J-E-S-U-S!!!
Jesus came and conquered sin, death and the grave! He descended into the depths of hell and took the keys of death and hell from the devil's domain! He alone, the second Adam, took back all authority and now bestows it on all those who call upon His name. He put Satan to open shame as he hung on the cross and now "we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Rom.8:37)
Satan believes that the earth is his domain and neither God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit or the Saints belong here. This is why he gathers the nations in the last days to try to remove the Saints and the Jews from his domain, Earth. He has convinced himself that if all godly influences are removed that those who remain will be loyal to him and worship him as God, and he will rule the earth unopposed. How can he remove godly influences from the Earth? First, by infiltrating the family of God--the church. "For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness." (II Cor.11:14,15) Matthew 13:24 and following tells us that the wheat and the tares will cohabitate the church until the end. Satan places false prophets, teachers, pastors, evangelists and apostles in the pulpits to declare a compromised, people-friendly, watered-down gospel. The people are left to live according to the Word as they see and understand it. Many churches have been so deceived by Satan that they don't even realize that the Spirit has long departed their churches and Ichabod (the Spirit has departed) has been written over them. Satan has all but conquered the church, at least in the United States. But--there is a holy remnant of God's people in many of our churches, and God is about to bring a revival to His church and an awakening to the United States resulting in a great harvest of souls. He will first judge His own house to purify it and then bring judgment to those who oppose him. The church will rise up from the ash heap of the judgments of God and be the glorious church.
When the plan of Satan to destroy the Saints by infiltrating the church fails he then will stir up hatred against the Saints. Persecution and tribulation will be launched against the Saints in another attempt to rid the world of godly influence. Yet, in the midst of all the persecution the Saints will be miraculously delivered and have every need supplied. Then Satan will launch an all-out war against the Jews and the Saints called the Great Tribulation. In the midst of this onslaught Jesus returns. Satan will then seize the opportunity to rally the nation's to attack Jesus in an attempt to destroy Him and His followers. Bad idea!! Satan will find himself bound and cast into a pit for nearly 1000 years. And yet with all the setbacks he will once again try to overthrow Jesus and His kingdom at the end of the thousand years only to be dealt his final defeat and cast once and for all into the lake of fire.
Satan believes that he will rule and reign for eternity on earth--BUT--"to this end was the son of God manifest that he might destroy the works of the devil." (I John 3:8)
"The Spirit would convict the world of judgment because the prince of this world has been judged." (John 16:11)
"Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (John 12:31)
Until Satan is cast out of heaven in Revelation 12, he is still the accuser of the brethren.(Rev.12:10) Until his final defeat he will wage war in the heavenlies (the spirit realm) with the angels of God.
In verse 14 the Messenger makes it clear for Daniel as well as all who read this vision that it is the very last days of the history of mankind and all of creation. Being in the presence of Jesus was too much for Daniel. He lost all his strength, fell to the ground and was unable to even speak. Imagine how you would be affected if Jesus appeared to you.
Jesus concludes this portion of His encounter with Daniel by reassuring Daniel that he is greatly loved and then He strengthened him. He tells Daniel that He would return to His battle with the Prince of Persia and then the Prince of Grecia (the Grecian Empire, Alexander the Great) will rise up to afflict the people of God, but Michael, the guardian angel of the Jewish people, would join in the battles to accomplish the plan of God. Remember, God has a plan and He is working His plan.
Jesus here has come to explain "the Scripture of truth," (v.21), about the future of the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. The "Scripture of truth" is a book that has already been written, the history book of mankind. We will see this book again in Revelation chapter 5 and then again in Revelation chapter 10 when it is opened. Here in chapters 10, 11 and 12 Daniel was receiving the history of mankind from 536B.C.to the very end of time. He is seeing over 2,500 years into the future. The book has already been written. It contains the very plan of God to the end of the age.
As we read Daniel 10:5-6, we see the description of this Messenger. It sounds uncannily like the descriptions that John in Revelation chapter 1 and Saul of Tarsus gave in Acts chapter 9 and 26 as they beheld Jesus in his glory. Most scholars agree that this is Jesus appearing to Daniel. Daniel sees Jesus in his glory before He becomes incarnate. John and Saul see him in His glory after His ascension. Jesus is introducing to Daniel the events of the very last days of the history of mankind just as he did with John as he spoke the Revelation of end time events in the conclusion of God's plan for all creation. Who better to announce the signs of the end times than the one who knows the beginning to the end? (Isaiah 46:10) In fact this appearing is much like the experience of John and Saul. When John saw Jesus on the Isle of Patmos he was alone and fell as dead at the presence of Jesus. Saul fell to the ground also and those with him heard a voice but saw no man. Those with Daniel saw no vision but a "great quaking fell upon them." (v.7) Daniel had been morning and fasting for three weeks, he was ready to receive from God but not so the others. Yet, even he fell to the ground as dead in the presence of the glory of Jesus. Then he is lifted up and the Messenger begins his revelation to Daniel.
The messenger sets Daniel's mind to ease by telling him that his prayers were heard on the "first day" that he set himself to seek God. Yet, Daniel prays and fasts for 21 more days because the Messenger was detained by the "Prince of the kingdom of Persia." (v.13) Then another "prince," Michael, came to help the Messenger. Remember, this occurs before Jesus became incarnate, died, resurrected, ascended and received "all power and authority." (Matt.28:18) Just who was this "Prince of the kingdom of Persia?"
A prince is a ruler of a principality, and this one ruled over the kingdom of Persia which was the next kingdom after Nebuchadnezzar or, to say, the Babylonian Empire. This prince would have been a demonic entity. One sent to oppress the children of God, the nation of Israel. Remember, Satan is referred to as "the god of this world" (II Cor.4:4), as well as, "the prince of the power of the air." (Eph.2:2) Satan believes that the Earth and the fullness thereof belongs to him. After all, Adam was given power and dominion over all the earth and he surrendered it to Satan, thus Satan has a right to feel that he has the right to rule the Earth and to be worshipped by its inhabitants. All that man was given by God was relinquished in the garden. Eternal life--gone. All needs supplied--gone. Peace and joy--gone. At rest in Him--gone. Father/child relationship--gone. Dominion over all the earth--gone. Satan became "the god of this world," "the prince of the power of the air." Until!! J-E-S-U-S!!!
Jesus came and conquered sin, death and the grave! He descended into the depths of hell and took the keys of death and hell from the devil's domain! He alone, the second Adam, took back all authority and now bestows it on all those who call upon His name. He put Satan to open shame as he hung on the cross and now "we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Rom.8:37)
Satan believes that the earth is his domain and neither God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit or the Saints belong here. This is why he gathers the nations in the last days to try to remove the Saints and the Jews from his domain, Earth. He has convinced himself that if all godly influences are removed that those who remain will be loyal to him and worship him as God, and he will rule the earth unopposed. How can he remove godly influences from the Earth? First, by infiltrating the family of God--the church. "For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness." (II Cor.11:14,15) Matthew 13:24 and following tells us that the wheat and the tares will cohabitate the church until the end. Satan places false prophets, teachers, pastors, evangelists and apostles in the pulpits to declare a compromised, people-friendly, watered-down gospel. The people are left to live according to the Word as they see and understand it. Many churches have been so deceived by Satan that they don't even realize that the Spirit has long departed their churches and Ichabod (the Spirit has departed) has been written over them. Satan has all but conquered the church, at least in the United States. But--there is a holy remnant of God's people in many of our churches, and God is about to bring a revival to His church and an awakening to the United States resulting in a great harvest of souls. He will first judge His own house to purify it and then bring judgment to those who oppose him. The church will rise up from the ash heap of the judgments of God and be the glorious church.
When the plan of Satan to destroy the Saints by infiltrating the church fails he then will stir up hatred against the Saints. Persecution and tribulation will be launched against the Saints in another attempt to rid the world of godly influence. Yet, in the midst of all the persecution the Saints will be miraculously delivered and have every need supplied. Then Satan will launch an all-out war against the Jews and the Saints called the Great Tribulation. In the midst of this onslaught Jesus returns. Satan will then seize the opportunity to rally the nation's to attack Jesus in an attempt to destroy Him and His followers. Bad idea!! Satan will find himself bound and cast into a pit for nearly 1000 years. And yet with all the setbacks he will once again try to overthrow Jesus and His kingdom at the end of the thousand years only to be dealt his final defeat and cast once and for all into the lake of fire.
Satan believes that he will rule and reign for eternity on earth--BUT--"to this end was the son of God manifest that he might destroy the works of the devil." (I John 3:8)
"The Spirit would convict the world of judgment because the prince of this world has been judged." (John 16:11)
"Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (John 12:31)
Until Satan is cast out of heaven in Revelation 12, he is still the accuser of the brethren.(Rev.12:10) Until his final defeat he will wage war in the heavenlies (the spirit realm) with the angels of God.
In verse 14 the Messenger makes it clear for Daniel as well as all who read this vision that it is the very last days of the history of mankind and all of creation. Being in the presence of Jesus was too much for Daniel. He lost all his strength, fell to the ground and was unable to even speak. Imagine how you would be affected if Jesus appeared to you.
Jesus concludes this portion of His encounter with Daniel by reassuring Daniel that he is greatly loved and then He strengthened him. He tells Daniel that He would return to His battle with the Prince of Persia and then the Prince of Grecia (the Grecian Empire, Alexander the Great) will rise up to afflict the people of God, but Michael, the guardian angel of the Jewish people, would join in the battles to accomplish the plan of God. Remember, God has a plan and He is working His plan.
Jesus here has come to explain "the Scripture of truth," (v.21), about the future of the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. The "Scripture of truth" is a book that has already been written, the history book of mankind. We will see this book again in Revelation chapter 5 and then again in Revelation chapter 10 when it is opened. Here in chapters 10, 11 and 12 Daniel was receiving the history of mankind from 536B.C.to the very end of time. He is seeing over 2,500 years into the future. The book has already been written. It contains the very plan of God to the end of the age.
Monday, January 16, 2012
END TIME STUDY--Pt.20
In the next three verses Gabriel subdivides the 70 weeks into three distinct segments. He starts with a period of 7 weeks, then 62 weeks and then one final week, which equal 490 years. Why 490 years or to say 70 weeks? Second Chronicles 36:21 gives us the answer. "To fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfill threescore and 10 years." (70 years)
The Babylonian exile lasted for 70 years in order to atone for the 490 years during which Isreal lived in the Promised Land and failed to oberserve the sabbath year. God's law called for the land to have a rest every 7 years, a sabbath rest. Every 7 years the land was not to be plowed, no seed planted and no harvest taken; the land was to rest. One must ascertain from this commamd of God that He does care what mankind does to the earth. Maybe God's people should lead the way in caring for the environment.
God told His people in Leviticus 25:3-5, "Six years thou shall sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather thy fruit thereof; but in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath to the Lord: thou shall neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. That which grows up on its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes on the vine undressed: for it is a rest unto the land."
The Jews did not honor the law of the Sabbath rest for the land. For 490 years they violated this command of God, as well as others, so God allowed them to be taken into captivity for 70 years that the land may enjoy its sabbath rests.
Daniel now receives a timetable for the coming of the Messiah. Verse 25 states, "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks." Seven weeks plus 62 weeks (score equals 20, so threescore equals 60) times seven (sabbath years) equals 483 years from the time that the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem is given.
Many confuse the timetable of cutting off the Messiah by inserting that Cyrus, king of Persia, in 558 BC gave the command to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1,2). If at his command the prophetic timeclock for the cutting off of the Messiah was to begin, then the Messiah would have been cut off in 75 BC, which we know did not happen. Jesus was cut off from among the living in 33AD. But we see here in verse 25 of Daniel nine that its not the command to rebuild the Temple that triggers this prophetic timeclock but the command to "restore and to build Jerusalem." This was done by Artaxerxes in 450 BC (see Ezra through Nehemiah). With this command given in 450 BC this would put the time of the cutting off of the Messiah in 33 AD. Daniel's prophecy was perfectly fulfilled.
We must remember that the figures given by Daniel are prophetic figures that are referencing the sabbath years rest. So here in verse 25 we read about the 70 weeks of sabbaths and threescore and two weeks which equals 483 years. These add up to 69 weeks which are sabbath weeks (seven years), so 69 weeks multiplied by seven equals 483 years. The 70 weeks here represent the time it took to finish rebuilding Jerusalem which was 49 years or to say one sabbath week (7x7). From that time there would be threescore and two weeks until the Messiah would be cut off (v. 26). And when the Messiah was cut off, or to say died, it wasn't done just for Himself but He died for all, "but not for himself" (v. 26).
Even here in the Old Testament book of Daniel we see the promise of a Messiah that would take away the sins of the world, His time of death precisely foretold and his death would not be the normal death of a man but that it would be to benefit all of mankind.
As most theologians will tell you, prophecy has a current message, a near future message and usually a distant, or end time message. So it is with Daniel's prophecy. Here in chapter 9 verses 25 and 26 he has spoken of the current captivity that would soon end with the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Then he goes to a near future event, the coming of the Messiah and his death. Then he speeks of another near future event the destruction of Jerusalem and the sanctuary which occurred in 70 A.D. at the hands of Titus the commander of the Roman army,"And the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary." Finally, he addresses the distant future, or the end times. "And the end thereof shall be with a flood and unto the end of the war desolations are determined." Like an overflowing flood the anti-Christ shall come in power to sweep away all that is good and holy. He will do all he can to destroy God's people, Jew and Christian alike, like a mighty gushing flood. Then Daniel states that the carnage of the anti-Christ, including the desolation of the Temple and the war he wages against the saints, will come to an end with the desolations of God's wrath being poured out. This all taking place in the last week or to say seven years--the Tribulation Period (first 3 1/2 years) and the Great Tribulation Period (The last 3 1/2 years).
What we must ask ourselves is, "Are we entering the season of the last prophetic week of Daniel?" Personally, I believe so. I believe the anti-Christ is alive right now and will soon rise to international prominence. Keep your eyes on the Middle East for someone to rise up and for Islam to embrace him as the long-awaited Twelfth Imam, the Mahdi.
The lessons we can learn from this chapter are many but I believe the main theme here is that, like Daniel, we should have a sense of great sorrow over sin, especially our own and that of our nation. We are now in the gap between the 483 years and the 490 years--the time of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Romans 11). Is it time to write the final chapter in the history of Israel and mankind?
The Babylonian exile lasted for 70 years in order to atone for the 490 years during which Isreal lived in the Promised Land and failed to oberserve the sabbath year. God's law called for the land to have a rest every 7 years, a sabbath rest. Every 7 years the land was not to be plowed, no seed planted and no harvest taken; the land was to rest. One must ascertain from this commamd of God that He does care what mankind does to the earth. Maybe God's people should lead the way in caring for the environment.
God told His people in Leviticus 25:3-5, "Six years thou shall sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather thy fruit thereof; but in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath to the Lord: thou shall neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. That which grows up on its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes on the vine undressed: for it is a rest unto the land."
The Jews did not honor the law of the Sabbath rest for the land. For 490 years they violated this command of God, as well as others, so God allowed them to be taken into captivity for 70 years that the land may enjoy its sabbath rests.
Daniel now receives a timetable for the coming of the Messiah. Verse 25 states, "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks." Seven weeks plus 62 weeks (score equals 20, so threescore equals 60) times seven (sabbath years) equals 483 years from the time that the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem is given.
Many confuse the timetable of cutting off the Messiah by inserting that Cyrus, king of Persia, in 558 BC gave the command to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1,2). If at his command the prophetic timeclock for the cutting off of the Messiah was to begin, then the Messiah would have been cut off in 75 BC, which we know did not happen. Jesus was cut off from among the living in 33AD. But we see here in verse 25 of Daniel nine that its not the command to rebuild the Temple that triggers this prophetic timeclock but the command to "restore and to build Jerusalem." This was done by Artaxerxes in 450 BC (see Ezra through Nehemiah). With this command given in 450 BC this would put the time of the cutting off of the Messiah in 33 AD. Daniel's prophecy was perfectly fulfilled.
We must remember that the figures given by Daniel are prophetic figures that are referencing the sabbath years rest. So here in verse 25 we read about the 70 weeks of sabbaths and threescore and two weeks which equals 483 years. These add up to 69 weeks which are sabbath weeks (seven years), so 69 weeks multiplied by seven equals 483 years. The 70 weeks here represent the time it took to finish rebuilding Jerusalem which was 49 years or to say one sabbath week (7x7). From that time there would be threescore and two weeks until the Messiah would be cut off (v. 26). And when the Messiah was cut off, or to say died, it wasn't done just for Himself but He died for all, "but not for himself" (v. 26).
Even here in the Old Testament book of Daniel we see the promise of a Messiah that would take away the sins of the world, His time of death precisely foretold and his death would not be the normal death of a man but that it would be to benefit all of mankind.
As most theologians will tell you, prophecy has a current message, a near future message and usually a distant, or end time message. So it is with Daniel's prophecy. Here in chapter 9 verses 25 and 26 he has spoken of the current captivity that would soon end with the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Then he goes to a near future event, the coming of the Messiah and his death. Then he speeks of another near future event the destruction of Jerusalem and the sanctuary which occurred in 70 A.D. at the hands of Titus the commander of the Roman army,"And the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary." Finally, he addresses the distant future, or the end times. "And the end thereof shall be with a flood and unto the end of the war desolations are determined." Like an overflowing flood the anti-Christ shall come in power to sweep away all that is good and holy. He will do all he can to destroy God's people, Jew and Christian alike, like a mighty gushing flood. Then Daniel states that the carnage of the anti-Christ, including the desolation of the Temple and the war he wages against the saints, will come to an end with the desolations of God's wrath being poured out. This all taking place in the last week or to say seven years--the Tribulation Period (first 3 1/2 years) and the Great Tribulation Period (The last 3 1/2 years).
What we must ask ourselves is, "Are we entering the season of the last prophetic week of Daniel?" Personally, I believe so. I believe the anti-Christ is alive right now and will soon rise to international prominence. Keep your eyes on the Middle East for someone to rise up and for Islam to embrace him as the long-awaited Twelfth Imam, the Mahdi.
The lessons we can learn from this chapter are many but I believe the main theme here is that, like Daniel, we should have a sense of great sorrow over sin, especially our own and that of our nation. We are now in the gap between the 483 years and the 490 years--the time of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Romans 11). Is it time to write the final chapter in the history of Israel and mankind?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
