MANY TEARS

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Part Three

I am sitting outside here at StarBucks trying to get started on this third and final segment of Many Tears. The sky is overcast and it’s raining. Sorry Lord, it’s sort of a dismal day. Yes, I hear you God, it is a day that you have made; rejoice and be glad in it. I do rejoice Lord, but if I had my druthers. . .

As the Lord and I exchanged thoughts, He spoke to my hidden disappointment, “Not every day is filled with sunshine.” He continued to elaborate. I have filled my Word with sunshine, but I have also put in some rainy days as well. You have to take the bad with the good. I have held back nothing from my children, and neither did my servant Paul. It is all for your edification, encouragement, and instruction.

When the Lord said that He held back nothing, it all came into perspective, what He was trying to communicate to me on this rainy, dark, and cloudy day. It was as if He made it rain just for me to teach me something. So, for all you fellow sunshine lovers, I guess the rain is my fault.

Anyway, I am studying Acts 20:17-27 and verse 20 came to the forefront as I sit here reflecting on the text. Like Paul, when we share the Gospel, we should hold back nothing. However, as did Paul, we should share it over time [1] and not all at once by beating them up with the Amplified Bible. My next blog will be Rules of Engagement.

HOLD BACK NOTHING

In verse 20, Paul held back nothing. It has been my experience that some will accept it. . .and some won’t. However, it is not up to me to argue God’s truth, but only to give it, straight from God’s Word, and leave the convicting to the Holy Spirit. We only need to remember three words in the process: Love, nurture, and encouragement.

Paul told the Ephesians everything on God’s mind and heart, whether they hated him for it or not. What he told them may sometimes have been a little rain in their life but it was still profitable for their instruction and straight from the throne room of God. It was not Paul’s responsibility, nor is it mine, to decide for the people and/or the possible convert.

I learned something else from Acts 20:20 and that is, Paul did not let anything or anyone silence him with respect to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and neither should I. Paul held nothing back in this regard and he died for that mindset.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. [2]

Although Paul was addressing the pastors in Acts 20, just remember our position. We are also an ordained royal priesthood to the glory of God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord and by the power of the Holy Spirit. God has called all of us to go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel [3].

SHOW AND TELL

Paul’s life changed dramatically on the road to Damascus. His conversion was the ultimate “show me.” The Lord came in a great light and voice. After that experience, Paul lived an exemplary life. He went from the great persecutor of Christians to writing two-thirds of the New Testament and bringing thousands into the Kingdom of God.

Paul led by example and didn’t just teach the people but showed them how to live a righteous life. Paul went from house to house showing them by actions and by showing (teaching) them through Scripture and the meaning of same [4].

We might be the only Bible that someone might see, so before I try and teach others how to live, I’d better show them first. They will be able to see what a transformed life looks like. I need to show and do before I can teach others. Otherwise, I am a hypocrite in my faith. This is why Paul taught Acts 20:20b with the words “showed and taught” in the proper order. People might not always believe what you say, but they’ll always believe what you do.

Acts 20:21 presents the Gospel in a nutshell,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, hold back nothing and don’t let a little rain in your day ruin it. God works out all things together for those who love Him [5]. Let's get busy and take as many with us as we can into the Kingdom. Now we know how.

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[1] Acts 20:18
[2] Ephesians 20:27
[3] Mark 16:15
[4] In Paul’s day, many houses were churches
[5] Romans 8:28

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MANY TEARS

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Part two

Fifty-seven years ago, I was dying in my sins, until a little Baptist pastor sat me down and led me to Jesus Christ. I loved going to church and to Sunday school. I even went to Wednesday night crafts. I was 10 years old at the time. Everybody thought I was going to be a pastor when I grew up.

Four years later I started high school. Well I grew up in high school alright, and let peer pressure talk me out of sharing the Gospel. It was not their fault but mine, for not sticking with my guns. There is a saying that says, “Get out of the way and let God.” Well, I got out of the way all right but I forgot about the let God part. I have to take responsibility for much blood because of my lack of evangelism in my life. I refer you to the first Scripture of this three part series, Mark 16:15:

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Remember also John 15:16

". . .but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. . ."

I’d misplaced the ordination of Christ. When I did try and lead someone to Christ, I did it the wrong way. I ended up beating them up with the Bible. Oh, my heart was in the right place but my approach was a little Levitical in nature. I wish I would have taken Paul’s advice in Acts 20:19-21 instead of following John’s in your face approach. God anointed John to be that way. God anointed most of us to be like Paul, compassionate, understanding, full of love, forthright, and serving the Lord in everything.

SERVING GOD

Last week we got a glimpse of serving God. We need to know who God is to us and know why we serve HIM. That is number one and of the utmost importance. It was the first thing that Paul mentioned. When approaching others about the Gospel, remember that Christ wants to shine and work through us. This is where the serving comes in handy, not just being a friend of HIS. I want to be a bond slave (sold out) to Jesus Christ.

I serve Jesus, yes I do.
I serve Jesus, how about you-u-u?

HUMILITY OF MIND

Paul says to lift up the Lord for we are HIS body. Spiritually, the Lord literally sits on our shoulders. When I approach someone with the intent of sharing the Gospel, do people see me or the Lord? How am I acting? What is my countenance? Am I soft and compassionate? Am I forthright but mellow? The head guides, teaches, and tells us what to do and how to act. By using the words humility of mind, Paul is saying to esteem others and not self. Esteeming self is prideful.

We might be the only Bible someone might see. I do not want to beat them up with it anymore. When I approach anyone I just listen a lot and then tell my testimony. If I can tell them what God has done for me instead of telling them how God feels about a certain sin (one that they may have or confess), then they are more receptive. Now, I let God convict their heart. Christ called me to bring them to HIM, nothing more, and nothing less. I refer to Mark 16:15.

MANY TEARS

Paul’s emotions were very high when he spoke about Christ and preaching the Gospel. He had many tears toward the lost condition of mankind. He had a broken and contrite heart. Paul never laughed at any sin but developed tears over the people because he knew that they were dying in those sins.

Paul’s point, many tears, prompted the title and motivation of this three part blog series. Unless we develop tears over the lost and dying condition of mankind, it will be a sad commentary for history’s reflection and for our souls. Genesis 6:3 says that God will not always strive with man.

TEMPTATIONS, WHICH BEFELL ME

The Jewish people laid in wait to trap Paul constantly. He had to be on the guard at all times but he obeyed and followed the Lord everywhere HE told him to go. Paul never gave up no matter what the temptation was to not go or worry about what lay in store for him. He stayed the course and ran his race. It didn’t matter what the people thought as long as he was serving the Lord. Paul knew who and why he was serving God. It's what motivated him. We can never go wrong by serving and following the Lord.

A pastor once told me a very profound story about his dog. He was trying to teach his dog “Charlie” to be obedient and the meaning of the word “No.” He would lay down the dog’s favorite toy or piece of food and when the dog was tempted and went for it, the pastor would say “No.” Eventually, after a few lessons, reprimands, and a well placed "No," Charlie would come to a halt and look at his master and didn't take his eyes off of him. The pastor said that the dog was smarter than most humans in that the dog continued to look at him until he got the okay to go get what he wanted.

We all would probably do well to emulate Charlie’s behavior. When the enemy tempts us, coming to a halt would be a prudent plan of action. Immediately look to our master and not take our eyes off of HIM until the temptation abates. Wait until HE either gives the okay or still says “No.” Instead of a fifth grader, we too can be smarter than a dog.

Next week, I’ll discuss the final three points of Paul’s encouragement: [1] Keep back nothing, [2] Showed you, and [3] Taught you publicly. Paul was a tremendous man of God. Oh, but to have known him personally. At least we have his story, exploits, and teaching via the Holy Spirit. See you next week. God bless.

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MANY TEARS

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Part One: Serving the Lord

There is a time coming when God will wipe away all the tears, all things will be reconciled, and the lamb will lay down with the lion. Human government will be over and the reign of Jesus Christ will begin. The fields are white unto salvation.

Before Jesus ascended, HE gave us only one thing to do, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature [1]." What an awesome responsibility. Man does not first have to ordain us to preach the Gospel because Christ said in John 15:16, "but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. . ."

Christ Himself has ordained us in the affairs of the Kingdom and HIS thoughts were that the fruit of our ordination would remain for many generations to come.

Luke’s second volume of Acts shows us how the early church coped with the pagans, Jewish thought, the Roman Government, and a Hellenistic society. The book of Acts still holds true today as a guide to Christian defenses, history, and for the purpose of conversion.

We can learn a great lesson from Paul about conversion as he speaks to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:19-21 [2].

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul sought to bypass Ephesus because he wanted to get to Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. So. . .from Miletus he sent word to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church (v17).

When they came unto Paul, he reminded them of the manner in which he preached to them in all seasons past (v18), and gave them seven attributes for not only their benefit and use, but for the furtherance of the Gospel for then and for the times to come [3].


Serving the Lord

The first thing that Paul said was that he always came to them serving the Lord. Those three words made me stop and think, What does it mean to serve the Lord? Who is it that I serve, and why do I serve HIM?

I would imagine that each of you out there is thinking that it is irrelevant why I serve the Lord. So, the question then becomes, who is the Lord to you and why do you serve HIM? We have to ask ourselves these and many other questions concerning whom God is to us and why we serve HIM.

In my quest to answer for myself I learned that the Greek word for "serving" is douleuo (doo-loo’- o), which means to be a slave or to be in bondage either literally or figuratively. The Bible uses the same form of the Greek word when saying "servant" in Romans 1:1.

In biblical times, it was customary for the owner of a slave, after seven-years, to release them from bondage. They were free to go. However, many slaves continued to serve their masters because of his kindness and fairness. The slaves stayed because of their love for their masters. Therefore, I am a bond slave to Jesus Christ.

So. . .who is the Lord to us? Why do we serve HIM?

The answers to these all-important questions will dictate our attitude toward those with whom we approach with the Gospel. Who and why we serve God should be very apparent. Like Paul, if the authorities arrested us for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us.

Next week I’ll discuss the remaining six attributes of Paul’s manner with which he presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ and HIM crucified wherever he preached.

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[1] The word creature refers to man. John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible has it as meaning "men" in accordance with many Jewish writings (i.e. gentiles and/or offspring’s of Adam etc).
[2] Luke probably wrote the Book of Acts while Paul was in prison and told of his many exploits.
[3] 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

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SIGNS OF A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT

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I have a passion for writing and sharing God’s Word with everyone. I love His Word. God has opened a few doors for me in my writing by placing a number of professional writing mentors in my path and they have helped me tremendously in my writing growth. Thank you Jesus.

It is very hard to keep silent when one can discern things when reading God’s Word. I don’t mean to imply that I see everything or profess to hold the office of the prophet, because I don’t. However, I have such a desire in my heart to reach out to the body that I feel compelled to teach and share what I have learned over my lifetime. I have been a student of the Bible, off and on, for over 50 years.

There are many people, let alone Christians, who are hurting and bound in any number of ways. Some are fresh converts and do not know the Bible that well. According to many Christians, Christ is still up on the Cross or we have put Him up there again by our actions or beliefs. I know that I have and continue to do so daily. Forgive me Lord. Help my unbelief. My heart goes out to these hurting people especially in these days.

In the process, my writing reflects what we need to do to be victorious “in Christ.” However, when I use statements like, we should, we have to, or we need to, I end up talking down to the reader. Without meaning to, it elevates my status above them. Sometimes my heart gets ahead of my pen. I want to give my readers their brains back and stop thinking for them. So, I am trying hard to eliminate the “superior writing” style.

The second sign of a religious spirit is: When leadership style is bossy, overbearing, and intolerant of the weakness or failure of others. By using should, have, and need to statements, I believe that my writing becomes a little like each of these traits, maybe not in the strongest sense of the word in which it infers but nonetheless, it does.

When we disseminate our writing, we are setting ourselves up in a leadership position, whether that is the intent or not. It is a huge responsibility. Therefore, we had better be as right as we can and then let the reader think for themselves. God will hold us accountable for their blood.

It would appear that I suffered from another religious spirit. God was teaching me more about myself in my writing, than I was while trying to teach others through my writing. God has a good sense of humor.

Again, my manual called this style “superior writing,” and here is an example from my second book of what they meant by this term. The first example is the original paragraph.

. . .

It is another thing to speak to identities “in Christ.” Our identities, destinies, and our perceived significance to God, are very important aspects of our personal and spiritual make-up. The body needs to get back to the basics. If we are ever to become a world in order, we need to understand these three aspects of our psyche. So. . .what is the definition of identity?

I edited this paragraph to read:

. . .

It is another thing to speak to who we are “in Christ.” Our identities, destinies, and our perceived significance to God, are very important aspects of our personal and spiritual make-up. Every time I revisit basics, they teach me something new and I remember something that the Holy Spirit is trying to impress on me at the time, to which I say, thank you Lord. Basics are foundational and our foundation is Christ Himself. If we are ever to become a world in order, it is crucial to understand these three aspects of our psyche. Therefore. . what is the definition of identity?

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:17,18)

When we write, peace, gentleness, mercy, impartiality, and humility are good objectives to adopt, for . . .the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. I have endeavored to remove most statements containing the words “we should, we need,” and “we have to.” There will be an occasion to use these words but we’ll know when that time will be. I pray that this has helped you in your writing presentation.

As a good writing friend of mine once said, ". . .the challenge to good writing is the writer's ability to get out of the way and let God's Spirit move the reader to a conclusion." To this I would add, that every peace should espouse hope, encouragement, and that they can make it.

Instead of telling the reader what to do, I try to tell them about the benefits of what I am asking them to do. In other words, instead of saying something like, "We need to get back to basics." I say something like, "Basics are foundational to our faith, and Christ is our foundation." Or something like, "Basics can benefit us all." Or, "Every time I revisit basics, I learn something new or remember something that the Holy Spirit is trying to impress on me at the time, to which I say, thank you Lord."

God bless you all in your writing and in your walk with the Lord. Again, you can find a list of religious spirits and a test at my Website: http://www.jameslindquist.net/htmfiles/free.htm

I heard a message the other day in a new church I tried out last Sunday. I love the pastor and his presentation. I may have found a new church home. It was a great message. He said that we should pass it around and preach it ourselves. So. . .next week, we’ll look into the Book of Acts. It is a pertinent message for this day and concerns the tools needed for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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SIGNS OF A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT

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Recently, I graduated from a journeyman’s level writing class at CWG (Christian Writers Guild) out of Colorado. They taught me more than this old brain could remember all at once. Although I did well, I will still be visiting my manuals frequently for the next several months [1].

In retrospect, I consistently had trouble in a couple areas. It wasn’t intentional but I just couldn’t seem to break out of the habit. The manual called it “superior writing,” and that does not mean that I write better than anybody else. Not even close. I would eventually learn that I had a little more than a writing problem.

During the year that I attended my journeyman’s classes, I had my mentor critique an article of mine. I'll paraphrase our comments from memory. When I received the article back, one of the things she wrote to me was: “You do not have any references from other sources. You used many Scriptural references, and that’s a good thing, but you have no other references.”

I replied to her, “Why would I use man’s references to give credibility to God’s Word? He is the ultimate, definitive, and final word to all things.” I was unprepared for the answer. She wrote, “You are absolutely correct, God is the final word on everything but when you don’t use other references, it makes you sound like you and God are the only ones with the answer.” Ouch! She was right.

The first sign of a religious spirit is: a philosophy that will not listen to man, but will “only listen to God.” [2]

After reading her reply and once I got off of the floor from cringing, I started seeking a solution to my problem. I had a religious spirit. I still struggle somewhat trying to correct it but I am getting better and incorporating other references from man.

Since God usually speaks through man, this philosophy is an obvious delusion, and reveals spiritual pride. This creates an elitism if you will, and makes us live separately from the body [3]. Boy did I blow it. My heart was in the right place, however. The enemy is real subtle and is very sneaky.

Also, God does nothing lest he first reveals it to His prophets [4]. This Scripture also talks about those who fear Him and serve Him, as well as the prophets [5]. I do not hold the office of the prophet but we all prophesy in part [6]. So the body that jointly fits together can receive from the head, which is Jesus Christ.

By using other references in my writing, my readers see that I am not shoving God’s Word down their throat or using God’s Word to justify my own interpretations, biases, or ideas. I am using the body to be jointly fit together with Christ as the head. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus.

We are all subject to religious spirits to some degree. Those who are completely free of religious spirits should have already been like Enoch - translated.

Religious spirits are the most destructive spirits in Satan’s arsenal. There are about 20-25 signs of having a religious spirit. Other stages and traits also exist, among which are pride, fear, and legalism, but I surmise that the aforementioned will keep us busy for quite some time. However, you may even know of more.

We all have probably battled most of them at one time or the other. The idea is to be cognizant of the problem and adjust ourselves accordingly.

I am taking one more sign from the list and sharing it with you next week. I had another problem in my writing. I am also enclosing a link to my Website for a free download for the others. This same link will contain a religious spirit test.

I wish you well in your battle, but know that I will be battling right alongside of you in the spirit. (In the spirit that God created, not the one the enemy created.)

God bless you all and I’ll see you next week when we discuss the second sign of a religious spirit.

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Signs of a Religious Spirit A link to my Website for this and many other freebies.

[1] If you are a writer and are serious about the same, I highly recommend CWG to you. They have a tremendous teaching and critiquing staff. I received the best critique I have ever had through their critiquing service. Bar none.
[2] The list of “Signs of a religious spirit” came from Rick Joyner and also Morningstar Teaching notes.
[3] Ephesians 4:1-16
[4] Amos 3:7
[5] John Gills exposition of the entire Bible
[6] 1 Corinthians 13:9

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END OF THE AGE TIMELINE

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I hope that these two series of blogs have sparked you into looking deeper at the end times and the soon coming Lord Jesus Christ. He is coming soon for a spirit-filled and prepared Bride [1]. Everything points to that moment when He touches down on the Mount of Olives. A Bride for Christ is the reason for which He created us [2].

These two series have just been an overview of the end of the age. However, many Scriptures prophesy about this time in history. Remember though, God says that we will not know the day or the hour of His coming [3] but we will know at the door. As I write this, that doorknob is slowly turning.

Sixth Trumpet War

Although Christ’s return is right around the corner, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that have to happen yet. It is my opinion that one of two things will happen next: either the sixth trumpet war [4] or the peace treaty with Israel [5]. However, I believe that it will be very hard to create and implement a peace treaty with Israel and then start a war that the Bible says will kill one-third of mankind.

The “Great War” (WWI) killed 8.2 million people. In 6000 years of world history, there has never been a war that killed one million people. In WWII, a staggering 52 million people died. When God releases the four angels from the Euphrates River [6], their army will kill (are you sitting down?) 2.2 Billion people (one-third of mankind). That’s billion with a “B.”

This war will be nuclear. How can it not be and have that many people die? Only three nations could produce a two-hundred thousand thousand (200 Million) man army: China, India, and the Muslim nations.

No one knows the trigger that will start the sixth trumpet war (WWIII). However, many believe that we are already in that war. President George W. Bush said that, “. . .the revolt of the passengers of Flight 93 was the first counter attack of WWIII.” You can find the six trumpet war in Revelation nine.

The Rapture

The rapture (Greek word harpazo meaning caught up or taken away suddenly) will depend on if we have a pre, mid, or post rapture. This will dictate whether we (believers) will even have to go through the tribulation or not. So, it may be academic. I believe in a pre-tribulation event, both in my heart and scripturally.

In my heart, I cannot believe that Christ would say to us, “You have followed my commandments and obeyed my precepts to the best of your ability. You have loved me with all your heart and have won many souls to me and the Kingdom. For your reward, I am going to make you go through the most horrifying time in world history.” [7]

Peace treaty

Providing that the sixth-trumpet war happens first, the next event will be the seven-year peace treaty with Israel. The Bible calls it the confirmation of the covenant. When they sign this treaty, it will be the beginning of the final seven years of human government. The first three and a half years after the signing will be a time that will build up to the tribulation.

The Great Tribulation

During the first three and a half years, after the signing of the peace treaty, Israel will rebuild the Temple and will, once again, begin animal sacrifices. At the end of that three and a half year period, the Antichrist will reveal himself by standing in the Temple and order that the oblations stop, no doubt due to the pressure from the animal-rights activists.

The Antichrist then breaks the covenant. The Bible calls this the abomination of desolation and you can find it in Revelation 10. The Antichrist will implement the mark of the beast during this three and one half year period. (Revelation 11.)

When the Antichrist stands in the Temple and declares himself the ultimate authority, it will mark the beginning of the great tribulation, which will be for another three and a half years. For those who believe in a seven-year tribulation, I wouldn’t even try and talk you out of it. However, the Bible teaches a three and a half year tribulation [8].

Armageddon and the 1000 Year Reign of Christ

The last trump will be when Jesus returns, Revelation 11:15.

Following the tribulation, the world will war with Israel [9]. This is the battle of Armageddon. Christ will then burst through the clouds with the called, the chosen, and the faithful [10]. If you are not with Him, you have missed the rapture.

Then the world will war with Christ, which will be an exercise in futility [11]. It will be no contest and Christ will throw the Antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire [12].

Then the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ [13] and we will live with Him forever. Hallelujah!

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Epilogue

Remember what Christ said in the Olivet Discourse, verse 34, "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." The first obvious question would be, "How long is a generation?" The Bible gives us three answers. Numbers 32:13 says that a generation is 40 years, while Psalms 90:10 declares it to be 70 years. However, Genesis 6:3 teaches that a generation is 120 years. So which one is it? I have no idea and neither does anybody else and so the Scripture Matthew 25:13.

All we know is that the reference point is when Israel became a nation on May 14, 1948. So, according to the Bible, it could happen as early as 1988, (which is already passed), and as late as 2068. If it is 70 years then it will all take place before 2018. I am a 70 year believer. Things are happening too fast for it not to be. However,

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels in heaven, but my Father only.

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[1] Matthew 25:1-11. Parable of the ten virgins. Oil always represents the Holy Spirit. The lamp is symbolic of our physical temple (body). [2] Ephesians 1:9-11 [3] Matthew 24:42 [4] Revelation 9:14 [5] Daniel 9:27 [6] Revelation 9:14 [7] God wouldn’t destroy the people by flood until Noah and his family was on board the Ark. God said in Genesis 19:22, “Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither.” God spoke this to Lot before He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Revelation 3:10 says, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." The “word of My patience” is the Word of God and “from the hour of temptation” is the tribulation period. This three and a half year period, referred to in the Old Testament, is The Time of Jacob's Trouble of Jeremiah 30:7-11. There are more Scriptures but you get the drift. [8] 1. Daniel 7:25, Time equals one year; times equals two years, and half a time equals six months. Total equals three and a half years. 2. Revelation 13:5, 42 months equals three and a half years. 3. Revelation 12:6. 1260 days equals three and a half years. 4. Matthew 24:15, 21, Jesus even said in the last discourse of Matthew that when you see the abomination of desolation, then will tribulation come as never before. 5. Daniel 12:1, 2, 6, 7, V7 says time, times, and half a time once again (three and a half years). Then the tribulation will be finished. [9] Zechariah 14:2 [10] Revelation 17:14 [11] Zechariah 14:3 [12] Revelation 19:20 [13] Revelation 20:6

If there is something you’d like to read about scripturally or maybe about the end times, please feel free to ask through a comment and I’ll write about it. I don’t have all the answers, but I will do my best to research the question. At the very least, you will have food for thought and appetizers for further study.

There are many things in these series’ that I haven’t had the room to write about, I.E. trumpets, seals, Antichrist, false prophet, Abomination of Desolation, oblations, Armageddon, 1000 year reign of Christ (the millenium), and much much more. Have fun studying the end of the age and the best part - the return of Jesus Christ for His Bride - us.

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NOTHING BUT LEAVES

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When I look out over the yard and see all the leaves that I need to rake, it saddens me, but probably not for the same reason you may be thinking. A little work never hurt anybody, the least of which myself, with such a big middle.

God continually shows me that all truth is parallel. Most always, He shows me this through nature, which He created in the first place. So every time I see a leaf on the ground, I think of a lost soul; a leaf that had budded on the branch but ended up on the ground anyway.

Did that branch shake to the point that the leaf fell off or did it just wither, die, and then brake off in the wind. Nonetheless, there it lies. I immediately thought of Israel when they missed their time of first visitation by Jesus.


THE FIG TREE

Now that we have the nations identified that will be in existence when Christ comes, it begs the question, are we, in fact, in the end times. . .or not? These nations are over two and three hundred years old. Well, Jesus has the answer. (Are you surprised?) All end time prophecy depends on one Scripture, which we can find in the Olivet Discourse, a part of which is Matthew 24:32.

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. . .

Most Christians know that when Jesus [1] talks about the fig tree, He is talking about Israel. The subject of this blog is a lot deeper than we have room for here but a short recap of the fig tree is in order to be able to understand the prophecy.

The fig tree produces not only one but two harvests. The first crop, known as the breba crop, grows on the branch of the previous season. The second harvest is the main crop. The first crop produced by the branch is symbolic of the harvest of the church. Since Israel missed the first visitation, Jesus turned to the gentiles as Simeon says in Acts 15:14. Israel produces the righteous Branch alright, but the first crop of good figs [2] has been cultivated from the nations of the rest of the world (gentiles).

Jeremiah prophesied that Israel would be fruitless at the time of their first visitation and would lose their land [3].

Returning to the fig tree of Matthew 24:32, we find that God promised to restore a kingdom to the good figs (Israel) and He sent forth His Branch (Jesus) and while still tender, this Branch would be cut off (killed).

However, the Branch would sprout leaves (the church, a grafting to the Branch). The fig tree (Israel) would then re-bud (Putting forth leaves) and the second crop of good figs would be harvested (Israel’s salvation). Right now there is nothing but leaves. However, there IS coming - the main and second crop. . .hallelujah!


TIMELINE

The Old Testament prophet, Hosea, prophesied the very length of Israel’s seasonal re-budding in chapter six and verses one and two.

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Remember now that this is talking about God’s timing, which we find in 2 Peter 3:8,

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

It has been two-thousand years since the Cross and the dispersion of Israel [4]. Remember that Israel came home though, and became a nation on May 14, 1948. Israel has not been a nation since hundreds of years before Christ. Yet listen to Matthew 24:33, 34:

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Of course, all this things that verse 34 talks about is the preceding verses of pestilence, famine, earthquakes, wars, and rumors of wars. Read Matthew 24, the Olivet Discourse.

Now, maybe the teaching on Daniel two and seven and other end time prophecies will come into play. We all need to keep our eyes on Israel. Israel is the key to everything. Always has been, always will be. Jesus’ very death and resurrection served as a paradigm for the re-budding of the fig tree, which is Israel [5].

Come Lord Jesus, come [6].

* * *

What do we know now? We know that 2000 years after the Cross, Christ will return at the second harvest of the fig tree (when Israel comes back home from their second dispersion, and begins to bud). We know that Israel became a nation in 1948 and Christ Himself says that this generation will see the return of Jesus Christ, given the Olivet Discourse parameters. How do we know this? Because of the nations that will be in existence during that time. Everything is coming together folks. Let me ask again, "Are we in the last days?" I do not see how we can answer "No."

Next week we will look at a possible time line of events that need to happen before the 1000 year reign of Christ. There is a lot to happen yet before that time.

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1. And the Word, because Jesus is the Word
2. Read Jeremiah 24:5-7
3. Jeremiah 8:13. Also read Mark 11:12-14.
4. Diaspora
5. God’s elect and chosen people. Deuteronomy 7:6
6. Revelation 22:20

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BEAST NUMBER FOUR OF DANIEL SEVEN

Part Four

The fourth and final beast of Daniel Seven was unlike anything he had ever seen. These visions really bothered Daniel greatly [1] and I can only imagine what the poor guy must have thought and what went through his mind when he witnessed beast number four.

Lions, bears, and leopards are bad enough but a ten-horned beast with iron teeth? WOE! This reminds me of another dream that Dorothy had a few years ago; “Lions and tigers and bears. . .oh my.” Anyway, back to Daniel seven.

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns [2].


Ten Horned Beast

As we can see, the beast's dominate feature was 10 horns. So. . .what do the 10 horns represent and who is beast number four? Remember though, that beasts always represent nations or kingdoms and the rulers of those nations. They must also be in existence at the time of the second-coming of Jesus Christ.

Again, we do not have to guess because the Bible explains to us what they are. This beast represents one kingdom but with 10 kings, a confederation or alliance if you will.

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings [3].


The Antichrist

The fourth beast is the dictator of the last days and 10 kings will subjugate themselves to the power of that dictator, which is the Antichrist. The little horn will arise from the 10 and subdue three kings. We can learn more about this in Revelation 17:12.

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast [4].

The hour spoken of in verse 12 is not 60 minutes but a figure of speech meaning, a very short time. This confederation will serve the Antichrist until Jesus touches down on the Mount of Olives at which time they will make war with the Lamb of God. We know this because of Revelation 17:13, 14.

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful [5].


Armageddon

This will be the Battle of Armageddon and the end of the age. Now this will not be the end of time like some are afraid of, but will be the end of human government and the beginning of the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ.

This is very important! Quite frankly, everybody wants to take note of the last part of Revelation 17:14 when it says. . . and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. If you are not with Him that means that you have missed the rapture. Now everybody is called because the Bible says that time and chance happens to all. But when Christ calls, you must choose to follow Him and make Him the Lord of your life. The word faithful here, means even unto death.


The Holy Roman Empire

One more thing about the end times scheme of things. Let’s go back to Daniel, only this time to chapter two and verse 44, which says:

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

This is at the end of the image prophecy, which is the head of gold; arms and chest of silver; belly and thighs of brass; legs of iron, and the feet and toes of iron mingled with clay. The legs of iron represent the Roman Empire but the feet and toes represent the Holy Roman Empire of around 800 AD.

The prophecy of Daniel two is the exact same prophecy of Daniel seven only with different symbols, toes vs horns. Since the European Union will exist in the last days before Christ’s return, we know that this will be the revival of the Holy Roman Empire spoken of in Daniel chapter two.


The Great Tribulation

The Holy Roman Empire is being built right now as we speak. Out of those 10 nations, the Antichrist and the false prophet will emerge. The Antichrist will uproot (subdue) three kings. This will give us a hint as to who he is. However, he will be revealed when he stands on the Temple Mount and causes the oblations to cease [6] and declares that he is the highest authority and the one in charge and in control. The Bible tells us the Antichrist declares that he is God.

Starting at that time will be great tribulation as the world has never seen or will ever see again [7]. The tribulation will last for three and one-half years and then Christ comes [8].

Daniel 7:21, 22 speaks of the great tribulation and Daniel 7:23 speaks of the one world government or world governance. We can learn more about that in Revelation 13. I have covered this somewhat in the three previous blogs before this series. If you haven’t read them, I invite you to do so. I not only give the problem, but I have some solutions for that time ahead of us.

That was the bad news.

You can find the good news in Daniel 7:27 [9].


The Second-Coming of Christ

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

How will this happen? Again, the Bible tells us.

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city [10].

All nations will come against Israel and when it seems totally hopeless for them, Christ will burst through the clouds with a shout, with the trump of God, and with all the saints. It will be over for the Antichrist and the false prophet who will end up in the Lake of Fire. Human government will end and the thousand year reign of Christ and His saints will begin.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

HALLELUJAH!!!

* * *

There are different interpretations of the symbols of Daniel seven and some you can immediately discount. However, you can judge them all (including this interpretation) by the criteria with which we have learned in these four blogs [11] and that is, 1) beasts always represent nations or kingdoms and the kings or rulers of those nations or kingdoms and 2) by context, they all must exist at the time of Christ’s return.

Point of interest though: since the nations of all these viable interpretations (again, including this one), have been in existence for over two to three hundred years or so, how do we justify or equate this fact in terms of being in the end times and the second-coming of Jesus Christ? Are we in the end time. . .or not!?

NOTE: All endtime prophecy hinges on one Scripture, and we will discuss that Scripture next week.

Thanks for stopping by.
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[1] Daniel 7:15, 28
[2] Daniel 7:7
[3] Daniel 7:24
[4] Revelation 17:12
[5] Revelation 17:13, 14
[6] Animal sacrifices
[7] Matthew 24:21
[8] The peace treaty with Israel marks the beginning of the last seven years of human government.
[9] Many other places as well, but we are studying Daniel seven right now.
[10] Zechariah 14:2
[11] I have taken these blogs and paraphrased them from my notes of a video of Irvin Baxter’s Endtime Prophecy ministry. I believe he has nailed the times in which we live, spot on. But. . .time will tell.

IS JESUS COMING SOON? Part Three

BEASTS TWO AND THREE OF DANIEL SEVEN

The remaining beasts of Daniel seven are the bear, the leopard, and the ten-horn beast. We will briefly go over the bear and leopard this time and then next week we will look at the ten-horn beast.

Remember, however, that beasts always represent kings, kingdoms, or nations and they must be in existence at the return of Jesus Christ. We know this by the context of Daniel’s seventh chapter prophecy.

Twenty-five hundred years ago through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Daniel saw that Great Britain and the United States of America would be two of those nations in existence at the time of the second-coming of Jesus Christ. Let’s look at two of the other beasts now and see if they make sense to you.

BEAST NUMBER TWO: The Bear
And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

Since Daniel 8:20, 21 says that the ram is Media-Persia and the he-goat is Greece, then the interpreters of Daniel chapter seven must be mistaken. Again, God picked symbols that the people living in the end-times could understand.

So. . .is there a nation today whose symbol is the bear? In fact, the bear is the official symbol of Russia and has been since the 17th century. So far, so good. We have identified two beasts, the lion and the bear, who are in existence today. We’re half way there.

BEAST NUMBER THREE: The Leopard
The third beast is the leopard. WOW! What’s with the four heads? The lion – one head, the eagle – one head, the bear – one head, but the leopard – four heads? What’s up with that?

After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

Before we look at the multiple heads, let’s see if there first is a nation whose symbol is the leopard. Then we can try and figure out what the four heads are all about. It may be academic if we can’t find one. However, it just so happens that the national symbol of Germany is the leopard.

FOUR HEADS?
Okay. . .so what about the four heads? Remember now that a beast represents a king, kingdom, or nation. A beast with multiple heads means the amount of times that that nation has risen and fallen. As it turns out, Germany has had the First Reich, the Second Reich, Hitler’s famous Third Reich, and the Fourth Reich [1], which is now growing very fast.

THE WINGS OF A FOWL
The eagle’s wings on the lion had significance so the wings of the fowl on the leopard must have some importance as well. Is there a nation who has the symbol of a fowl? You are way ahead of me on this one. The national symbol of France is the rooster. However, how does this help us in determining any significance to Germany or not, especially in terms of the end times?

DOMINION
Shortly after WWII, France and Germany worked together to rebuild Europe. Chancellor Adenauer and Charles deGaulle signed the Franco-German Alliance and together built the E.U. (European Union.) I don’t know about you, but that’s enough for me.

The last part of verse six says. . .and dominion was given to it. What does that mean? Let’s look at history.

Franco-German War 1870
WWI 1914-1918
WWII 1939-1945

What do these three wars have in common? Well, Germany plotted, planned, and started all three of them. In a Newsweek article, The German Malady, dated April 9, 1984, it said this:

Since the time of Charlemagne [2], the area that is now Germany has been the pivot of European history. In the past 120 years, the Germans have dominated Europe intellectually, industriously, and militarily.

Check out the word “dominated.” . . .and dominion was given to it.

Next time, we will look at the ten-horn beast.

Footnotes
[1] There is a book authored by an American called, The Fourth and Richest Reich: How the Germans Conquered the Postwar World by Edwin Hartrich.
[2] Charlemagne: founder of the Holy Roman Empire.

IS JESUS COMING SOON? Part Two

THE FIRST BEAST OF DANIEL SEVEN

This week is exciting in that we will learn something different about the first beast of Daniel seven.

As a reminder from last week, remember that beasts are symbolic of nations or kingdoms and their kings. When Jesus touches down on the Mount of Olives these nations of Daniel seven, by context, must be in existence at that time.

The commonly accepted explanation of Daniel's prophecy is that the lion is Babylon, the bear is Media-Persia, the leopard is Greece, and the ten-horn beast is Rome. I used to think that way myself until I came to Daniel chapter eight, which tells of another vision where Daniel sees a Ram and a he-goat fighting. In verses 20 and 21, the Bible declares that the ram is Media-Persia and the he-goat is Greece.

I had to stop and think for a minute. Did God change His mind somewhere between chapter seven and chapter eight? The interpreters just said in chapter seven that the bear was Media-Persia and the leopard was Greece.

According to Daniels prophecy in chapter seven, all kingdoms have to be in existence at the time of Jesus Christ's return. Do Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, and Rome exist today? Well, half of them do and half of them do not. I had to be missing something. Let’s look at the beasts again and see what we can find.

Is there anybody out there that does not believe that we are in the last days and close to the second coming of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ? Can we tell by Scripture if these nations exist now? Do we, in fact, live in the end of the age? Is Jesus Christ about to come again?

BEAST NUMBER ONE: The Lion

Our text will continue in Daniel seven starting at verse four with beast number one.

The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

Is there a nation today whose symbol is the lion? In fact, there is. The lion is the official symbol of Great Britain. Daniel would not have understood the words, Great Britain, and I suspect that this is the reason that God closed and sealed Daniel’s writings and sent him on his way.

God wanted the people living IN the time of the end to know that they were the chosen generation that would see the second coming of Jesus Christ. God also wanted them to know that one of the nations existing at the time of His coming would be Great Britain. In order to do this, God had to use symbols that the end time population would understand.

This is all fine and good but you might ask, "This isn’t Daniel’s complete vision of the first beast. What is the significance of the eagle’s wings?"

Well, that’s a good question.

Can you imagine what Daniel must have thought that after beholding the vision for a while he seen the eagles wings pluck themselves off of the lion’s back and turn into a man standing on its feet? Wow!

Daniel didn’t comprehend, at all, what he was seeing and it is why he prayed for understanding in chapter 12. So. . .why were the wings on the back of the lion and what is their significance? Is there a nation whose symbol is an eagle? You’re way ahead of me on this one.

EAGLES WINGS

There is a nation whose symbol is the eagle and it belongs to America. However, this isn’t the best part. We know that Great Britain is the USA’s mother country and approximately 2300 years ago Daniel saw the breaking away of America from Great Britain when the wings plucked themselves from the lion. That’s amazing to me. The Bible is so awesome.

In order to escape the tyranny and religious persecution of her mother country, 102 pilgrims and 25 crew members boarded the Mayflower and set sail across the Atlantic Ocean 380 years ago and formed what is now referred to as the most powerful, productive, prosperous, giving, and freest nation in the world. However, like the commercial says, "But wait, there’s more." The last part of verse four of Daniel seven says. . .and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

GIVEN A MAN'S HEART

America has a second symbol and that symbol is Uncle Sam. God gave America a heart: the heart of a free man spoken of in the Declaration of Independence.

To keep the length of this blog down, next week we will look at beast number two and three. In two weeks, we will look at beast number four; the one with ten horns.

God bless you all.

If you would like to see the original and full text of the Declaration of Independence, follow this link. At this site, the document is in the original spelling and words. This is an interesting site. There is much history to find there. You can also get the text of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution as well. Every patriot should all have one.

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IS JESUS COMING SOON? Part One

OVERVIEW OF DANIEL SEVEN

Part one

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the Disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3 NIV)

Like the Disciples, many of us have probably asked the same question, “What will be the sign of Christ’s coming and when will be the end of the age?” Are we living in the time of the end? The Bible tells us that of the day and hour, we know not but we will know even at the door. There are prophecies that explain when something is going to happen and yet others that tell what will happen and to whom and why.

DANIEL PRAYS FOR UNDERSTANDING
In Daniel 12:8, Daniel asks God for the understanding of a dream he’d just had. In verse nine, God answers Daniel.

. . .Go your way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

THE BEASTS
In Daniel seven, the first eight verses chronicle his dream, telling us of four beasts one diverse from the other: the lion, a bear, a leopard, and a beast unlike any other.

The first question is, what do these beasts symbolize? I should mention that God writes prophecy in symbols and almost without exception, interprets for the readers what those symbols mean. We don’t have to guess. We only need to read a little further. (Sometimes the Bible explains the symbols beforehand.)

Reading further, notice what the Bible says in verse 17:

These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

However, that is not all it says. Read further down to verse 23.

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Verse 23 tells us that the beasts represent kingdoms. These two verses allow us to conclude that the beasts of Daniel seven not only represent kings but kingdoms as well. We know that these kingdoms will be on the Earth at some time.

Since God gave this prophecy to Daniel 2500 years ago, maybe it has already come to pass, making it irrelevant to you and me. We also know that according to the Bible there will be another 1000 years of human occupation coming, so maybe it will come to pass 500 years from now. However, we have to consider the possibility that Daniel's prophecy was meant for today.

TRANSITION
Then, in verse nine the Bible says:

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

Verse nine tells us about the transition from human government into the 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ, when He casts down the rule of the kings in the kingdoms. The 1000 year reign is called the kingdom of God.

EXPLANATION
Daniel gives this account, in verse number 11:I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

Remember now, by reading further, the Bible will define the symbols given previously. Scrolling down to verse 24, we find out that the horns are kings:

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

One will come out of the ten kingdoms and will uproot three of them to become the Antichrist. This will be a clue as to his identity. (Many will not know the significance but believers will know.) Therefore, the horn of verse 11 is the Antichrist. We will learn later who are the ten kingdoms.

The Bible calls the Antichrist many other names in Scripture, one of which is just that, the Antichrist. He is also the man of sin, the son of perdition, the wicked one, and the little horn. Mostly, the Bible calls him the beast.

When Christ returns, He will throw the beast and the false prophet into the lake of fire. You can also read of this in Revelation 19:20.

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

ARE THE END TIMES - NOW
The next verse of Daniel is very important.

As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. (Daniel 7:12 KJV)

What this tells us is that Jesus Christ will return to Earth during the lifetime of these kingdoms. If we can prove who these nations are, we can check to see if they exist today. If they do, then that puts us smack dab into the time of the end and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Could it be that we are the chosen generation for His return. How exciting is that?

Verses 13 and 14 of Daniel, records Jesus' second coming when He takes dominion with the saints (His Bride).

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

At the end of the three and a half year tribulation Christ will come and the armies of the world will go against Christ and Israel in the battle of Armageddon.

Jerusalem will be a heavy stone burdening the world. And though all nations of the Earth unite in an attempt to move her, they will all be crushed.

For my plan is to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:3, 9 TLB)

I would not want to be on the receiving end of God's wrath.

Next week, we will learn of an interpretation of the identities of the four beasts. You will be surprised on at least one of them. I certainly was.

DO NOT FEAR

Part Three of Three

Nothing that is happening today has caught God off guard or by surprise. He is not perplexed or in a quandary as to what He should do next. The prophetic message of the hour is that. . .God is in control.

Before the foundation of the world, God’s original plan was a bride for Christ and children for Himself. Christ is coming soon for His Bride, and it is why things have to end like they are. A new heaven and a new Earth are coming. Gen 6:3 says that His Spirit will not always strive with man.

The Bible also says that we will not know the day or the hour of His return, but we will know at the door. We need to discern the lateness of the hour. The shofar is about to blow.

Four things must happen before the new world order can come to fruition:

1. The destruction of the monetary system
Do the words stimulus, bailouts, and the nationalizing of the auto industry, banks, mortgage companies, and student loans ring a bell? Then there is Obama care and etcetera. These create an astounding debt and high unemployment and destroys the dollar because of the lack of it.

2. The death of patriotism
Why do we think that the establishment is trying to discredit the Tea Party movement? What about the three young men the school sent home for wearing “T” shirts depicting the American flag. And the poor 14 year-old girl that the teacher castigated in front of the classroom for drawing a picture of an American flag with “God bless America” written across the top of it.

3. The destruction of the evangelical faith
Just the other day, a judge ruled that the National Day of Prayer was unconstitutional. The schools have removed prayer and God from the classroom. Then there’s the separation of church and state fallacy. Unity, at the expense of the truth, is the gospel of the new world order.

4. The destruction of the traditional family
The courts have allowed children to sue their parents. Young ladies receive abortions without the consent of their parents. The objective of the state is to remove and transfer the authority from the parents to the state. Then there is the push for homosexual marriages. The family is falling apart.

So far I have given you a taste of the enemy’s plan and a picture of the new world order. I hope that these three blogs have helped you in understanding the times that we are in. It is a lot deeper than this but this gives you an idea for your own research.

The Bible is very clear as to what we are to do and not do in these last days. I see three things:

Number One: (Matthew 24:6)
Jesus told us that in these last days that “. . .ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass. . .” The message here is: Do not fear! While the world is worried about the things that are coming upon them, we have the blessed hope of Christ’s return. So. . .do not fear!

Number Two: (2 Peter 3:10-13)
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

We are to get our eyes off of this world. God has not called us to restore or save the world. Our concerns should be for the lost in these last days as we discern the lateness of the hour. Colossians 3:2 says to Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Number Three: (Luke 21:28)
Set your eyes on the skies. And when these things (signs of the times) begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. The good news is that Jesus Christ is coming soon for His Bride. He has waited 6000 years for her.

The whole world is birthing right now and they see the same signs of the times as we do. However, they have rejected the only hope. They’ve determined to forget and reject God and build a man-made New Age of Peace and Prosperity here on Earth. So:

Do not fear
Get our eyes off of the world
and
Set our eyes toward the skies

Because our redemption draweth nigh.

A New Heaven and a New Earth

Part Two of Three

Unlike Christians, the world is not looking for the savior to lead them to heaven, they’re determined to forget God and build a man-made New Age of Peace and prosperity right here on Earth. They are not looking for a God-built new heaven and new Earth like Christians are.

It will be a pseudo-utopia, for people are different and diverse. The only way to get everyone to think the same way is through force and liquidation (or like in the series Nikita, “canceled”). People persuaded against their will, is of the same opinion still. As long as the elites get rid of those pesky Christians and their “only way to heaven” stuff, they’ll feel better.

Christ died on the Cross two-thousand years ago and the world is still rejecting and fighting Him. Everything that is happening today including the ‘one world government’ is solely for eradicating Christ’s memory from any vestige of human remembrance (and their darkness). That is power my friends. Even in death, Christ rules and controls the world.

Because Christ is the only way to heaven, we are a threat to the world system that they want to set up. Furthermore, we fly smack dab into the face of their unity of truth according to other religions and their new age of peace and prosperity movement here on Earth.

Hey. . .peace on Earth, how can anyone be against that? [Because we are a moral people, they try and use the moral argument against us (however twisted it is).] The question, peace on Earth sounds awful lofty, doesn’t it? DON’T BE DECEIVED [and the Bible says that many will be (Mark 13:22)], and here’s why.


SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Luke 21:25-27 KJV

v25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

v26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

These two verses are talking about the last days just before the second coming of Christ, which verse 27 states:

v27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

The world sees the same signs of the times as Christians do and that we could be approaching the end of this world and Armageddon. However, the world understands those times differently than we, as Christians, understand them. Verse 26 says that men’s hearts will fail them because of their fear of the calamitous times to which we are fast approaching.

Christians. . .do not let your hearts be troubled because the Lord has overcome the world (John 16:33) and we have that blessed hope (Titus 2:13), which is in Christ. Hallelujah!

What forms the basis of the New Age Movement is the rejection of the hope in Jesus Christ while we face the ever-increasing world crisis and the world’s determination to solve them without God. We must realize that as the true “prophets of God” tell us of a 'new heaven and a new Earth' that the false “prophets of peace” are telling us of a new age of peace and prosperity here on Earth.

The unfortunate aspect is that all who reject the prophetic hope of the church, whether they are a Christian or not, and who are proclaiming “Hope on this Earth,” have become an accomplice with the spirit of Antichrist in the world today.

We are in Revelation 13 as we speak. The world’s rejection of Jesus Christ and the fact that they want to build a heaven right here on Earth, is the very system that the Antichrist will rule over in the last days.

• World government: Rev 13:7; Dan 7:23
• World economy: Rev 13:16, 17
• World religion: Rev 13:3, 4, 8

There are those who are crying a false hope, “. . .peace, peace, when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14). There are also those who cry “. . .Peace and safety. . .” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). But they will have their reward as the remainder of verse three declares.

. . .then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Those who cry out are not only New Agers or global politicians but Christian leaders. This is sad. Just remember the message of Jesus Christ:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. . . (John 14:27).

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. . . (Titus 2:13)

We must cry out with the true prophet of God:

. . .I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war (Jeremiah 4:19).

The world is crying out for leadership, for “prophets of peace” to lead them to this new age of peace and prosperity. So, understand the times. We will have to choose to believe the “prophetic Word of God” or the “prophets of peace.”


Next week we will look at the Christian's response to the "signs of the times."

CHRISTIANITY: The biggest threat to world peace?

Part One of Three

The Bible records that when Christ hung on the Cross 2000 years ago people hurled insults up at Him and reviled Him. Out of His love for us He suffered a horrendous death while they abused Him:

“. . .He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the Chosen of God.”

“. . .If you be the King of the Jews, save yourself.”

“. . .He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the Cross that we may see and believe.”

Christ is about to come again and I believe that those same sentiments will ring out once again just before His appearance. Although the people will still reject Jesus and while the world falls apart, they will hurl most of the insults at us, His disciples. Are we better than our Master?

“Where’s your Jesus at? Why doesn’t He come down and save you?”

“Has Jesus given up on you? You told us that He’d never leave you or forsake you. HA!”

“It’s just a little chip with info on it so you can buy things. My goodness.”

“You surely can’t be against identifying illegals in the land with an embedded chip, can you?”

The world is changing exponentially: management by crisis, economic collapse, nationalization of services, while government corruption abounds. I think there is one thing on which we can all agree: we live in some perilous times. So what is happening? I can tell you in two words: Revelation 13. (We are just about to the end of The Book. Fasten your safety belts.)

PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS
Recently, the Pentagon dis-invited Franklin Graham from a speaking engagement on the National day of Prayer because of his comments. During a Newsmax interview, Rev. Graham criticized President Obama’s praise for Islam. The Reverend warned of a coming repression against Christians, not just a persecution but a true Christian repression. (Italics added)

He also said that the President had “slapped” all evangelical Christians in the face by banning him from the Pentagon prayer service. He said the White House had approved the action. Newsmax Interview

I personally applaud Reverend Graham for taking a stand against the co-mingling of other religions. Christianity is diametrically opposed to other religions. Having said that, we can surely see the direction in which the world is going. What we need now is the Issachar’s to lead us in the understanding of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32). So why is it headed that way?

WORLD VIEW
Mortimer Alder once wrote that 1) world peace is impossible without world government. 2) World government is impossible without world community and 3) world community is impossible without unity of truth. Alder stated that unless there is a unity of truth in ALL areas of culture, there can be no world peace.

Therefore, Christianity which will not stop, will not compromise, and will not stop preaching a new heaven and a new Earth WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Remember that (to the world); Christianity stands in the way of the unity of the truth, which is necessary for world community, which is necessary for world government, which is necessary for world peace.

Are you starting to get the picture from where they are coming? The world thinks that Christianity is the biggest threat to peace. They are determined to build their New Age of Peace and Prosperity here on on Earth.

THE DAYS OF JOB
As Christians, we have had 2000 years to bring the world to Christ, and we have failed. I believe that we are now in the days of Job when God will allow the enemy to put forth his hand and all that we have is in Satan's power; only God will not allow Satan to put forth his hand against us. God will spare us and prepare us for the rapture. We are His. (That is, unless we take the mark.)

With this power, Satan is going to run amuck and many awful things are going to happen and in fact, have already started to happen. Then God’s elect will be deceived, hearts will fail, the abomination of desolation when the Antichrist will declare himself to be god, and the mark of the beast where no one can buy or sell, just to name a few. Revelation 19:19 even says that the kings of the Earth will war against Christ Himself.

GOD’S PLAN
From before the foundation of the world, God has had a plan: a Bride for Christ and children for the Father. It tickles me when the world thinks that it is in control. God is in complete control and things have to end the way they do because of that plan. According to Jewish marriage customs, Christ came the first time to purchase His Bride, and very soon, He will come again to abduct her in compliance with the same Jewish customs.

Christ gave His life for her and soon we will have to give our life for Him when they aim the chip at our hand.

NOTE: This week we looked at part of the Enemy's plan. Next week, we will look at the why.

Serving God

After listening to the pastor preach, the choir singing, the ushers ushering, and the helpers helping, I thought to myself, Hey, I love God just as much as they do. What can I do for God? When will the Lord give me something to do? I had those thoughts for quite a spell before I learned a good lesson.

After we accept the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, we are so on fire for Him that our first instinct is to do something for Him. The natural progression of things causes our focus to shift to serving Him instead of spending time at His feet. We are so excited about what God has done for us that we want to do something for Him in return.

Serving God is a sincere gesture in the beginning but it eventually leads into ministry as a main focus. As I look back at that mindset, I realize its futility. How could I possibly do anything for a God who has, by His spoken words only , created a universe? I am not saying that service is wrong or not needed, but sometimes we can get caught up in the works of Martha.

The good part of Mary is His love and grace for us, and our love, adoration, and worship for Him - at His feet. Besides obedience, this is all that God needs from us anyway. I have learned that it isn’t so much the doing things for God but doing things with God that is important.

God's Plan for Man in One Page

•God is love and wanted a Bride for Christ to share and give that love.
•God created the spirit of man in the image of Christ, which is righteousness and holiness.
•For the Bride to love Him with her own volition, she needed to have choice.
•God gave her the capacity for choice by giving her a physical body and a soul.
•Then God planted the serpent in the Garden of Eden to give her choices.
•The serpent beguiles Eve and Adam sins by also taking a bite out of apple.
•God cursed Adam and Eve and banned them from the Garden. He had to because He is holy and it was necessary for them to grow into being the Bride. Now man could accept or reject God. Without choice, you render love meaningless.
•The entire Word of God teaches man and woman the affects of sin, what that sin does to you, and also gives steps on how to get back to Christ along with the original intent of God in the Garden of Eden, which is a Bride for Christ and children for Him.
•Christ came to purchase His Bride through His death on the Cross.
•To enter into the Kingdom of God and to be part of the body of Christ, man had to be born again – in Spirit, just like God had first created him – as spirit. Only now, man had choice. The Bride could love Christ on her own volition.
•There is a time of preparation as man’s spirit grows “in Christ” and becomes mature.
•It will take hundreds of thousands, if not millions of spirits, to be strong enough to be the Bride of Christ each being a part of His body.
•Because Christ gave His life for His Bride, His Bride will have to give her life for Him when the mark of the beast comes upon the world. We will see who really believes when the man comes with the stamp for the back of the hand.
•We will then reign in heaven with Christ, as His Bride, forever.
•It will have come full circle and Christ has His spiritual Bride who loves Him of her own volition.

The Enemy's Strategy

I did not write this but thought it very worthy of passing on. It’s funny how we can read something and say, "Wow, that was powerful, true, and right on the money," and then go about our business as usual. It's only a page and a quarter long. Enjoy.

Do you know how satan deceives the children of God? Here are just some of his schemes that he uses for the Christian community. You can see how clever satan is and Christians must be aware of satan's schemes and cleverness. Be aware of it. You might already be a victim of satan's scheme. Be on guard always! Learn his schemes so that you are aware of his strategies.

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil: “Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.

"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. Keep the TV, VCR, CD’s and their PC’s going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.

"Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes…

"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death. Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted.

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy, busy!

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause. It will work! It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there, having little time for their God or their families, and having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is. . .has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?