Great to be done with the 2010 elections. We had good turnout in Upshur county Texas and I hope you did too where you live. I had the honor of being an election judge in Upshur county and my Mother was one in Rusk county. My mother reported lines all day long at her polling booth in Rusk County. I just had a steady flow. While I won the honor of being first to turn in my ballots in Upshur county, my mother was last in Rusk. My box was only two blocks from the court house while my mother had to drive 20 miles to deliver her's.
We saw a lot of good things happen with this election. Republican party gaining over 60 seats in the house and almost picking up enough for control of the senate. Republicans won all the state and local races in Texas. Picked up a huge number of seats in the legislature.
What does this mean for our country? First of all by my action I believe in the election process. I believe it is God's way of selecting a ruler over our country. I believe the founders did the right thing in dividing power between many powers. Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. We have a process in which we can quickly elect people to all levels of government to represent us at those levels.
At the same time it is a very corrupt system. Because many of us don't know who we are voting for, we are dependent on media to educate us. TV and radio can bring us advertising and news stories. But they are limited in time. Newspapers can give us stories but they are limited in space. The internet has become a great medium for learning about different candidates from many aspects. But we don't get that three dimensional feel of them. So most of us just do the best we can. Sometimes in local races we just have to talk to someone and find out if they know our local officials. As an Election judge, I have had the chance to meet some of the local candidates. I have had a chance to talk with my county commissioner and county party chairman. Both outgoing and incoming. I have had a chance to talk with two of the commissioners that were not in my precinct and the county clerk.
But because we have not had the chance to know a lot of these people, sometimes it is hard to vote on them. I know one person voted for someone because they knew where they worked. Even after getting to know my outgoing party chairman, I heard some stories over the weekend about that person that would make your hair stand on end. Then I heard stories about the person who told me those stories. So I don't know what to believe.
Where this is going. We have elected Republicans. The nice thing is the freshman class will have over 60 members. One thing we know about congress is the first thing they do with freshman is to put them in their place. We did not elect these freshmen to be put in their place. We elected them to go to Washington and make a difference. As I have pointed out before, this country is due a judgment from God. It is the job of the freshman to overt that judgment. If the establishment puts them in their place, then we have a big problem.
Then we have the problem of the senate. I have heard the stories of election fraud in two states that kept democrats in the senate seats there. Could that have been the difference between a Democrat and a Republican majority. It will make the process of repealing all the damage of the last two years very difficult. Then there is the man still in the white house. He can veto anything that he doesn't like coming from the congress. He has already shown that he cannot compromise with Republicans. He wants to them to compromise with him. Since Republicans still don't have the votes to override a veto in both houses, he does have the upper hand. We are looking at gridlock.
With all that is going on, the questions remain. Can we finish the job of transforming this country in 2012? Will the Republicans fall back into the malaise that they had in 2006 that caused them to lose congress. It is easy to say no to everything. Can you do something with the reigns of power that is productive? Will the media actually acknowledge what the Republicans are doing as positive? I still can't believe the media is talking about the Clinton Congress standoff that shut down government in 1995 as the Republicans fault. It was Clinton's fault for not signing the thing and keeping government open and working out a compromise later.
So does this postpone the rapture or accelerate it? Good question. I believe when Reagan was elected in 1980, God gave us a reprieve. Now that we have the mess in Washington, I don't think we do. I think the last two years set us up for the fall. When the Republican's win in 2012 and the nation collapses on its own weight the next year, the liberals will write in the history books about how the Republicans made the nation collapse.
So let's get the story straight. Since Eisenhower was president in the 50's, all but 12 years of it, the Democrats controlled congress. Reagan had a conservative majority for a few years when he came into office but Tip O'Neil was still the Speaker. During that time Nixon, GHW Bush and GW Bush were all moderate Republicans who actually accelerated spending during their time in office. Ford was a moderate Republican. Not in office long enough to do more then veto a few bills. The only conservative president was Reagan. He only got half of his program accomplished. Lower Taxes. He could not reign in Spending. Clinton got spending under control but look who was writing the budget. The Republicans. Bush talked about reigning it in but after 9/11 he spent billions on the military. With TARP, he showed his true colors and spent almost a trillion in one shot with the help of democrats in congress. Now our country is in a mess. The Democrats have never lifted a finger at any time to reign in spending. With the last two years, the country has seen their true colors with the massive stimulus bill, and the health care bill that together brought this country into trillions in debt. What is going to happen in the next two months as the lame duck congress goes into session. Hopefully all they do is extend the Bush tax cuts. But we all know better then that.
Will God delay his judgment? I hope so, but I don't think we did enough in Tuesday's election to do so. We are heading for a fall of the Republic.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Not all Christian Council is Godly.
I am going to get a little off topic because of something that was said in Facebook. Too bad this person so misunderstood me that she defriended me. Not all that is Christian is of God. The conversation was something like this. She had announced that she was doing something just because a councilor told her to. After discussing the situation with my wife, I jumped the conclusion that she was getting ungodly advice so I said as much. Her reply was how dare you question his salvation., you don’t even know him. She is right, I don’t know him, but I know the advice. The advice was never given in scripture. So is the advice from God?
We live in a day of apostasy. Not all that says it is of God is. Not all the proclaims Jesus is. There are liars. There are deceivers. There are tares sown with the wheat. There are Christians that have trained in secular settings and have not themselves properly discerned the difference between God’s wisdom and the world’s wisdom. This is one struggle that I deal with daily. I listen to a lot of different podcast, TV and radio talk shows. I listen to Jimmy Kimel and I know not to take any advice from him. But it gets grayer when I look at a John McArthur or Chuck Smith. Even though they come right and say that everything they say needs to be tested with scripture, you still want to take everything they say.
That is the admonition of God. Test everything in light of scripture. The Boreans in Acts were given commended for doing this. Timothy was instructed: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
It is important to realize that Dr. Phil and Oprah are just people who have an opinion. They are not getting their information from God. Froid, Skinner and Maslow were all prominent councilors who published their works but in the end they did not get their messages from God. Many of these were totally Anti God.
It is important to be listening to God. Rom 12:2, “Be not conformed to the image of this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. So you may be able to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Are you living according to the world or according to God? If you are living according to God, then you will be seeking Godly council. The next question would be how do we get that council? That is a great question. You can always go to the places you naturally would think are Godly. Pastor, Sunday School teacher, Christian councilor. Nice ideas but are they always Godly? I dare say they are not. You must be a fruit inspector. And I am not talking about how much money they make, or how many people come for church or how much they charge and how many weeks before they can see you. That is not how you get Godly advice. Like I said before, their training may be secular or they could be not saved themselves even though they put it on their business card. You have to spend some time in Galatians 3:22-23 and the surrounding passages to find out what the fruit should look like.
I have had people tell me that if they advertise in a Christian business yellow pages, then they won’t use them. This is an interesting theory but too many in these places do not use Godly principals in running their business. You can read how to do that by reading Larry Burkett’s book call “Business by the Book”.
The best way I have found to get Godly advice is to have a close circle of Godly councilors. It starts with my father and my father in law. My mother has been a wonderful source. After that, my wife has been good. But when you run out of Natural councilors, the next thing to do is to ask God. You will be surprised who sits next to you on an airplane, train, bus or at a sporting event or a business meeting. I can recall one day after discussing some problems with a friend asking him if he had been asking God for wisdom. He replied yes and I told him that what I was telling him was not coming from me. I believed God was speaking through me because I was not as smart as I was speaking.
In actuality, when I think about it, I spent a lot of time in God’s word and listening to a variety of preaching and when it came down to it the Holy Spirit had brought to my remembrance the things that friend needed to hear. Jesus said in Matthew that you need to Ask, Seek and Knock. If you ask you shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.
So go ahead and get that council that you need. But test all things. Test it against what the scripture says. Test it against known Godly council. Proverbs says that in a multitude of councilors there is wisdom. But most important test it against the fruit of the spirit. Ultimately any council you take will be your decision. In the end, God will not ask you where you got your council but why did you do it.
We live in a day of apostasy. Not all that says it is of God is. Not all the proclaims Jesus is. There are liars. There are deceivers. There are tares sown with the wheat. There are Christians that have trained in secular settings and have not themselves properly discerned the difference between God’s wisdom and the world’s wisdom. This is one struggle that I deal with daily. I listen to a lot of different podcast, TV and radio talk shows. I listen to Jimmy Kimel and I know not to take any advice from him. But it gets grayer when I look at a John McArthur or Chuck Smith. Even though they come right and say that everything they say needs to be tested with scripture, you still want to take everything they say.
That is the admonition of God. Test everything in light of scripture. The Boreans in Acts were given commended for doing this. Timothy was instructed: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
It is important to realize that Dr. Phil and Oprah are just people who have an opinion. They are not getting their information from God. Froid, Skinner and Maslow were all prominent councilors who published their works but in the end they did not get their messages from God. Many of these were totally Anti God.
It is important to be listening to God. Rom 12:2, “Be not conformed to the image of this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. So you may be able to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Are you living according to the world or according to God? If you are living according to God, then you will be seeking Godly council. The next question would be how do we get that council? That is a great question. You can always go to the places you naturally would think are Godly. Pastor, Sunday School teacher, Christian councilor. Nice ideas but are they always Godly? I dare say they are not. You must be a fruit inspector. And I am not talking about how much money they make, or how many people come for church or how much they charge and how many weeks before they can see you. That is not how you get Godly advice. Like I said before, their training may be secular or they could be not saved themselves even though they put it on their business card. You have to spend some time in Galatians 3:22-23 and the surrounding passages to find out what the fruit should look like.
I have had people tell me that if they advertise in a Christian business yellow pages, then they won’t use them. This is an interesting theory but too many in these places do not use Godly principals in running their business. You can read how to do that by reading Larry Burkett’s book call “Business by the Book”.
The best way I have found to get Godly advice is to have a close circle of Godly councilors. It starts with my father and my father in law. My mother has been a wonderful source. After that, my wife has been good. But when you run out of Natural councilors, the next thing to do is to ask God. You will be surprised who sits next to you on an airplane, train, bus or at a sporting event or a business meeting. I can recall one day after discussing some problems with a friend asking him if he had been asking God for wisdom. He replied yes and I told him that what I was telling him was not coming from me. I believed God was speaking through me because I was not as smart as I was speaking.
In actuality, when I think about it, I spent a lot of time in God’s word and listening to a variety of preaching and when it came down to it the Holy Spirit had brought to my remembrance the things that friend needed to hear. Jesus said in Matthew that you need to Ask, Seek and Knock. If you ask you shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.
So go ahead and get that council that you need. But test all things. Test it against what the scripture says. Test it against known Godly council. Proverbs says that in a multitude of councilors there is wisdom. But most important test it against the fruit of the spirit. Ultimately any council you take will be your decision. In the end, God will not ask you where you got your council but why did you do it.
Friday, July 16, 2010
What in the World is going on?
I have been listening to several talk shows. Interesting listening. Michael Savage MichaelSavage.com and Alex Jones Infowars.com. Watch Alex Jones movie on the Obama Deception. That is interesting. What I am reading out of this is that the end is near. The question is whether or not this is stoppable.
I am hearing that we are under a depressions since February 2009. Everything that is being done is to drive this thing even further.
My Wife and I have gone over this and we are debating this. She thinks that the rise of home school children will be able to stop this. What I get from the Bible is that if you stop it now, it will come back later. I think that is what happened in 1980. The world was ripe to end but Ronald Reagan was able to delay the end. Reagan is dead. Obama is now president. Democrats are in in control of congress and the white house. Republicans are letting them do what they need to to bring about the end. We can elect a Republican majority but will that be enough?
I have spent a lot of time writing on this blog about the pretrib aspect of this sight but we are activist. Go out an Vote definitely. But find out who you are voting for. George Bush was a great vote at the time. We have learned that he was just a slow move to the End Days. Obama is a quick move. Can it be delayed again? I don't know.
The Post Mills says it can be stopped. I don't think so. God is going to let it run its full course. Then Judgment. If they truly believed their Bible, they would have to change their tack and say this is the time that Satan has been loosed so that he can be destroyed at Gog and Magog.
Second Timothy says that in the last days perilous times will come. This is scary times. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the accepted time. Now is the time to start pulling your friends, family and even your enemies out of the fire. The infowars people are saying we need to fight it. Michael Savage doesn't quite know what to do. I say we need to get our lives right with God and let him guide us to the truth.
This is not a time when we can debate this. This is a time of action. Now is the time. The Tribulation is just around the corner. This is a time when 2/3rds of all humans will die. This is a time when we will have signs in the heavens, Signs on the earth, Signs in politics. Signs in Wars and rummers of wars. Signs in diseases. I am telling you that this is the most important to have it right. The most important is to have it right with God. Get the oil in your lamp. Power of the Holy Spirit.
I am hearing that we are under a depressions since February 2009. Everything that is being done is to drive this thing even further.
My Wife and I have gone over this and we are debating this. She thinks that the rise of home school children will be able to stop this. What I get from the Bible is that if you stop it now, it will come back later. I think that is what happened in 1980. The world was ripe to end but Ronald Reagan was able to delay the end. Reagan is dead. Obama is now president. Democrats are in in control of congress and the white house. Republicans are letting them do what they need to to bring about the end. We can elect a Republican majority but will that be enough?
I have spent a lot of time writing on this blog about the pretrib aspect of this sight but we are activist. Go out an Vote definitely. But find out who you are voting for. George Bush was a great vote at the time. We have learned that he was just a slow move to the End Days. Obama is a quick move. Can it be delayed again? I don't know.
The Post Mills says it can be stopped. I don't think so. God is going to let it run its full course. Then Judgment. If they truly believed their Bible, they would have to change their tack and say this is the time that Satan has been loosed so that he can be destroyed at Gog and Magog.
Second Timothy says that in the last days perilous times will come. This is scary times. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the accepted time. Now is the time to start pulling your friends, family and even your enemies out of the fire. The infowars people are saying we need to fight it. Michael Savage doesn't quite know what to do. I say we need to get our lives right with God and let him guide us to the truth.
This is not a time when we can debate this. This is a time of action. Now is the time. The Tribulation is just around the corner. This is a time when 2/3rds of all humans will die. This is a time when we will have signs in the heavens, Signs on the earth, Signs in politics. Signs in Wars and rummers of wars. Signs in diseases. I am telling you that this is the most important to have it right. The most important is to have it right with God. Get the oil in your lamp. Power of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Gary DeMar is at it again.
Gary DeMar, a prominent leader in the culture wars has done it again. His fight to restore America to its roots is based on the belief that Christians need to rise up and take over government. In his quest to do so, he has alienated pretribs with yet another book. 10 Popular Prophecy Myths Exposed. While I haven't received a copy of it, I found the outline quite interesting.
1. The Myth of the ‘Israel-Church’ Distinction
2. The Myth that the Modern State of Israel is a Sign that the Rapture is Near
3. The Myth that only Dispensationalists Have a Future for Israel
4. The Myth of the Postponed Abrahamic Covenant
5. The Myth of ‘Replacement Theology’
6. The Myth that Animal Sacrifices and Circumcision are Everlasting Rites
7. The Myth that the Temple Needs to be Rebuilt
8. The Myth that the Gospel has Yet to be Preached in the ‘Whole World’
9. The Myth that Earthquakes are Signs of the End Times
10. The Myth that Oil in Israel is a Prophetic Sign
It is just one further book he has written trying to get dispensationist to quit buying books by LaHaye and Rosenburg and buy his and quit getting excited over the return of the Lord. I believe I read that there is a reward for those who are awaiting his return. So don't let guy's like this get you down. Keep looking up. For your redemption draweth neigh.
1. The Myth of the ‘Israel-Church’ Distinction
2. The Myth that the Modern State of Israel is a Sign that the Rapture is Near
3. The Myth that only Dispensationalists Have a Future for Israel
4. The Myth of the Postponed Abrahamic Covenant
5. The Myth of ‘Replacement Theology’
6. The Myth that Animal Sacrifices and Circumcision are Everlasting Rites
7. The Myth that the Temple Needs to be Rebuilt
8. The Myth that the Gospel has Yet to be Preached in the ‘Whole World’
9. The Myth that Earthquakes are Signs of the End Times
10. The Myth that Oil in Israel is a Prophetic Sign
He could have saved a lot of time with 1 -5 by making them one point. After all it is all about the Covenant/Dispensation debate. That I won't go into since I have covered it. Point five and six has to do with the rebuilding of the Temple and the reinstatement of animal sacrifices. This of course must happen to fulfill Matthew 24 and Daniel 9. Ezekiel 40-44 describes a rebuilt temple but ironically it is only open on Sabbaths and New Moons.
Point 8 is interesting to try to argue. I think the Gospel has made it to the end of the world. With Radio and internet we have been able to preach it everywhere. Good Job HCJB, Wycliff, New Tribes, Trans World Radio and many thousands of missionaries on the ground.
Point 9 is about the earthquakes that have been happening. It almost seems like a I can't read this chapter, the ground keeps moving. How diverse do the earthquakes have to be to qualify? Of course he is going to talk about the earthquakes of AD60-70.
Then finally Oil in Israel. I can give him that one. Ezekiel mentions Gold and Cattle and goods. Did you know that the number of millionaires in Israel rose 47% last year. Incredible wealth is growing even without the oil. So let's see how much Gold Israel has before we can determine that Russia is ready to march on Israel.
It is just one further book he has written trying to get dispensationist to quit buying books by LaHaye and Rosenburg and buy his and quit getting excited over the return of the Lord. I believe I read that there is a reward for those who are awaiting his return. So don't let guy's like this get you down. Keep looking up. For your redemption draweth neigh.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Touchdown Jesus Burned.
If you have not heard, the Solid Rock Church in Monroe Ohio, had a fire last week. Apparently a $250,000 statue of Jesus with a hands extended to the air was burned to the ground with a lightning strike. While I am sad that this happened, you have to ask what is God telling us with this happening. Well, I went to their web site to see what they believe and you will love this.
What We Believe
The Holy Trinity
There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Son of God
Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross, the complete and final sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
The Authority of the Scripture
The Bible is the mind of Christ and is the inspired, the only infallible and authoritative Word of God. It’s the guide and final authority in matters of faith and day-to-day life.
The Victory over Satan
The believer unlike the unregenerate man has victory over Satan through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
Our Life in Christ
The fall of man and his sinful condition makes necessary a rebirth through confession and belief in Jesus Christ.
The reconciliation of man to God is made possible by the substitutionary death and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All who repent from their sins and receive Christ, as Savior should be water baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, according to the command of the Lord Jesus. It is a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to a new life.
The Lord’s Supper, also known as communion, is a memorial service setting forth in sacred and symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; all true believers and only believers should share in it.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is subsequent to the new birth and the baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit. It is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit gives them utterance (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-8).
Divine healing and deliverance from sickness is provided for all in the atonement and is a privilege to all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:16-17).There will be a resurrection of believers to everlasting life and blessing in heaven, and there will be a resurrection of unbelievers unto everlasting punishment in the torments of hell.
What is wrong here? Have you noticed it is all on what Jesus has done for you and not what he will do. It says nothing about his return whether they are amillennial or premillennial, there is just no statement on this issue. Every church statement I have ever seen has something to say about end times.There is a talk about a resurrection but nothing about a judgment of earth or about a second return. Just one day there will be a resurrection.
The Bible talks about the Church of Laodiceans as being a luke warm church. They don't deny Christ but at the same time they don't take a stand for anything. They are rich but they don't have anything for the kingdom.
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Some of you say you get all that from looking at their statement. I don't really want to condemn them just from their web site. But there is a precedence out there. We are more interested in a large attendance, a grand building, large offerings, and high praise from certain people, than we are pleasing God. Let's just say that there are churches out there that need to hear this.
The answer is of course is Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
There are seven churches in Revelation. Each one represents an age of the church but all seven are alive and well today just like back then. It is a great study but you need to know that the predominate church of the end time is the Laodicean. So you need to know what you are in and you need to know what you are in. Become an over-comer and we will see you at the rapture.
What We Believe
The Holy Trinity
There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Son of God
Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross, the complete and final sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
The Authority of the Scripture
The Bible is the mind of Christ and is the inspired, the only infallible and authoritative Word of God. It’s the guide and final authority in matters of faith and day-to-day life.
The Victory over Satan
The believer unlike the unregenerate man has victory over Satan through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
Our Life in Christ
The fall of man and his sinful condition makes necessary a rebirth through confession and belief in Jesus Christ.
The reconciliation of man to God is made possible by the substitutionary death and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All who repent from their sins and receive Christ, as Savior should be water baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, according to the command of the Lord Jesus. It is a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to a new life.
The Lord’s Supper, also known as communion, is a memorial service setting forth in sacred and symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; all true believers and only believers should share in it.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is subsequent to the new birth and the baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit. It is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit gives them utterance (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-8).
Divine healing and deliverance from sickness is provided for all in the atonement and is a privilege to all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:16-17).There will be a resurrection of believers to everlasting life and blessing in heaven, and there will be a resurrection of unbelievers unto everlasting punishment in the torments of hell.
What is wrong here? Have you noticed it is all on what Jesus has done for you and not what he will do. It says nothing about his return whether they are amillennial or premillennial, there is just no statement on this issue. Every church statement I have ever seen has something to say about end times.There is a talk about a resurrection but nothing about a judgment of earth or about a second return. Just one day there will be a resurrection.
The Bible talks about the Church of Laodiceans as being a luke warm church. They don't deny Christ but at the same time they don't take a stand for anything. They are rich but they don't have anything for the kingdom.
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Some of you say you get all that from looking at their statement. I don't really want to condemn them just from their web site. But there is a precedence out there. We are more interested in a large attendance, a grand building, large offerings, and high praise from certain people, than we are pleasing God. Let's just say that there are churches out there that need to hear this.
The answer is of course is Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
There are seven churches in Revelation. Each one represents an age of the church but all seven are alive and well today just like back then. It is a great study but you need to know that the predominate church of the end time is the Laodicean. So you need to know what you are in and you need to know what you are in. Become an over-comer and we will see you at the rapture.
Monday, June 14, 2010
A correct way to live in light of Prophecy.
One of the biggest criticisms by those who do not hold our view of prophecy is that we are likely to do nothing and wait to get raptured. I am sad to report that is what most do. The sad part about both sides on this is that no one studies their Bible to know what is going on and how to react to it. Dr. David Jeremiah has been doing a series on his radio show on the book of the Revelation and he starts his series by giving what the correct response should be. There are ten places in the Bible that tell us what to do so if you will bear with me I will go over these.
I Cor 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
I am seeing many people passing judgment especially on our President. We don't know exactly what is going on there and we don't like what we are seeing. But God will judge it at the right time.
1Cor 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
We need to be participating in the Lord's supper. I won't go into that in detail because each Church does it differently but it needs to be done.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
I see a lot of Christians so upset with all the money they are losing in the markets. God doesn't want you worried about earthly things but heavenly.
1Th 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
1Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Our love should increase as we see the day approaching. Both for the saint and the sinner.
2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
We need to be preaching the word. I will go as far as to say that it is not just those called to preach. Teachers of all stripes need to be teaching the word more and more.
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Notice the admonition about seeing the day approaching. The day here is the Day of the Lord. We need to be in church more often as we see the day of the Lord coming. This is not the time to skip church. We need to be more diligent in our gathering together.
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
We need to develop patience. Jesus showed patience when he we was here. We need not rush the day of the Lord but we need to wait for the early and later rain as the passage continues to say.
1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
We need to purify ourselves. If we knew that Jesus was going to take us home this afternoon, what we be doing this morning? Who do you still have to make things right with?
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Why don't we do a lot of things the world wants us to do? Because we are looking for the blessed hope of his return.
1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Are you spending time in prayer and in the word? Someone asked what I would do if I know the Lord was coming tomorrow and my only response was from an old Joke I heard. An Old man was sitting on his front porch rocking and every time a young man walked by the house he saw him in his Bible. Finally the young man asked him what he was doing. The old man's response was, "Cramming for my finals". We should have to cram for the finals, we should be abiding in him so that when he appears we are already best friends.
Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jud 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
How is your witness? This is probably the critical one. If you know the Lord is coming and coming soon and Judgment is to follow, you would be pulling people out of flame. This is the awesome purpose of missions. We have to go tell the world and find that one soul before the Lord returns. It has driven more missionaries and evangelist then any other passage.
Finally
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The classic passage used for the rapture. Notice verse 18. Comfort one another. In midst of what you are going through. Comfort one another with the words of this prophecy. 1 Thes 5:9 says God hath not appointed us unto wrath. There is a lot of comfort in knowing the end. With all the tribulation coming, "for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Tim 1:12
We have an Awesome God who has an Awesome plan for your life. If you don't know him please write me and find out more about him. If you know him, then read over these verses again and again and understand where you need to live today. Everything I am seeing says that Jesus' return is very soon. We are in the birth pangs. Earthquakes, wars, pestilences, economic and political upheavals are all coming together like never before. It is time to get your life right. You might not have tomorrow.
I Cor 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
I am seeing many people passing judgment especially on our President. We don't know exactly what is going on there and we don't like what we are seeing. But God will judge it at the right time.
1Cor 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
We need to be participating in the Lord's supper. I won't go into that in detail because each Church does it differently but it needs to be done.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
I see a lot of Christians so upset with all the money they are losing in the markets. God doesn't want you worried about earthly things but heavenly.
1Th 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
1Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Our love should increase as we see the day approaching. Both for the saint and the sinner.
2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
We need to be preaching the word. I will go as far as to say that it is not just those called to preach. Teachers of all stripes need to be teaching the word more and more.
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Notice the admonition about seeing the day approaching. The day here is the Day of the Lord. We need to be in church more often as we see the day of the Lord coming. This is not the time to skip church. We need to be more diligent in our gathering together.
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
We need to develop patience. Jesus showed patience when he we was here. We need not rush the day of the Lord but we need to wait for the early and later rain as the passage continues to say.
1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
We need to purify ourselves. If we knew that Jesus was going to take us home this afternoon, what we be doing this morning? Who do you still have to make things right with?
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Why don't we do a lot of things the world wants us to do? Because we are looking for the blessed hope of his return.
1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Are you spending time in prayer and in the word? Someone asked what I would do if I know the Lord was coming tomorrow and my only response was from an old Joke I heard. An Old man was sitting on his front porch rocking and every time a young man walked by the house he saw him in his Bible. Finally the young man asked him what he was doing. The old man's response was, "Cramming for my finals". We should have to cram for the finals, we should be abiding in him so that when he appears we are already best friends.
Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jud 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
How is your witness? This is probably the critical one. If you know the Lord is coming and coming soon and Judgment is to follow, you would be pulling people out of flame. This is the awesome purpose of missions. We have to go tell the world and find that one soul before the Lord returns. It has driven more missionaries and evangelist then any other passage.
Finally
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The classic passage used for the rapture. Notice verse 18. Comfort one another. In midst of what you are going through. Comfort one another with the words of this prophecy. 1 Thes 5:9 says God hath not appointed us unto wrath. There is a lot of comfort in knowing the end. With all the tribulation coming, "for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Tim 1:12
We have an Awesome God who has an Awesome plan for your life. If you don't know him please write me and find out more about him. If you know him, then read over these verses again and again and understand where you need to live today. Everything I am seeing says that Jesus' return is very soon. We are in the birth pangs. Earthquakes, wars, pestilences, economic and political upheavals are all coming together like never before. It is time to get your life right. You might not have tomorrow.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Israel and Gaza
Much has been written about the Gaza incident this week where IDF commandos boarded a Turkish aid vessel and were attacked by "Activist". Three of the activist were killed and I do not have a number on the Israelis killed. That is not the point. The point is that some have had there say about prophecy from this incident. Will this lead to Gog and Magog? Good question. An article was posted by famous preterist Gary DeMar about the Rabbi's praying for the Gog and Magog incident. Of course his view is that Ezekiel 38 & 39 were fulfilled in Esther. So if he thinks it is fulfilled why is he writing on a modern event fulfilling a prophecy except to promote his book on the subject.
What is this incident saying? It is showing how Turkey is now onboard with the Anti Jewish community. In Ezekiel 38 it depending on who you read, Gomer or Meshech is Turkey. I personally think Gomar is Germany. So that part has to come on board. But it is getting closer. Iran is close to having a nuclear weapon and Turkey has an alliance with them.
Whatever the prophetic significance of this is. Israel still must be defended. The fact that the world is turning on Israel is an indication of last days. Psalms 121:4 says "Behold, he that keepeth Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." So you can depend on Israel to stand when all else falls. Besides, God doesn't like a fair fight. If He can't defeat your millions with hundreds, then it is not his style. Just ask Gideon.
What is this incident saying? It is showing how Turkey is now onboard with the Anti Jewish community. In Ezekiel 38 it depending on who you read, Gomer or Meshech is Turkey. I personally think Gomar is Germany. So that part has to come on board. But it is getting closer. Iran is close to having a nuclear weapon and Turkey has an alliance with them.
Whatever the prophetic significance of this is. Israel still must be defended. The fact that the world is turning on Israel is an indication of last days. Psalms 121:4 says "Behold, he that keepeth Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." So you can depend on Israel to stand when all else falls. Besides, God doesn't like a fair fight. If He can't defeat your millions with hundreds, then it is not his style. Just ask Gideon.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
How close are we?
A lot has been made recently about how close we are to the end. The question is the end of what? The Bible refers to something known as the end of the age. The question is what age? Did it already happen? If not is it close? What is going on in the world of politics? In Israel? In Europe? In Asia? In the Americas? What about the natural catastrophes?
Matthew 24 mentions several things that need to happen before the "Great Tribulation."
There shall be many that come in my name saying I am the christ.
You shall hear of wars and rumors of war.
Nations shall rise against Nations
Kingdom against Kingdom
Famines, Pestilence and earthquakes in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
One of the things I looked at when I was a child was that the whole world was against Israel. Now with the current Britain and U.S. had always been pro Israel but in recent years, Especially Obama trying to dictate to Israel what to do I beleive that Israel has no friends. Britain I am not sure. I believe that the current government would be pro Israel but because they are part of the Anti Israel E.U. then we can't depend on them.
We have seen wars with Iraq and Afghanistan. We have heard of warfare in Africa as Islam is on the rise there.
Famines have come and gone all over the world. There is a threat of further famine with the advent of Engineered food. If it fails then we are looking at a strong famine.
Earthquakes I have nothing to say. Haiti, Chile, Japan, China, California and Alaska have all had strong earthquakes recently. Keeping up with the USGS is very much a challenge in this area. At any given time you can see 50 earthquakes of 2.0 or greater over the last week.
The scary part is a fallen away that I have already seen. Between Jonas Brothers performing an Easter services for a prominent pastor in Southern California. The attempts to bring the various churches together. To use marketing instead of preaching to build churches. The number of Bible believing churches without a full time pastor.
The drive for a one world government has gone above ground. It is no longer a stealth issue. We have smart people bundling with the finances when they know how to correct it but they do what is apparently stupid. I don't think they are stupid but they are manipulating things.
There is a growing rise of Islam. Now that we are beginning to get a picture from the Bible of what Islam is and it's role in end times we know that it is on the rise. With the threats from Islam, we know they will be the catalyst for last days persecution.
I am not going to argue the case for a pretrib rapture but I will tell you the signs that I am seeing, we are either ready to begin the seventh week of Daniel or have a rapture. As I promised earlier I am working on a fiction novel for Gog and Megog. I won't give much away but It has given me a chance to think about how close we are to all this. Iran, turkey and Rhodesia is in line. Russia is in line. All it has to do is get Israel at peace in order for the attack.
My challenge to the church is that our time is close. Now is the time to be full bore witnessing. Getting the gospel to the masses. It is time to snatch as many as we can from the flame. My church's memory work for the summer will be the Romans road. Rom 3:10, 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9 10:13. I will challenge all my readers to do the same and then share it with someone today.
Matthew 24 mentions several things that need to happen before the "Great Tribulation."
There shall be many that come in my name saying I am the christ.
You shall hear of wars and rumors of war.
Nations shall rise against Nations
Kingdom against Kingdom
Famines, Pestilence and earthquakes in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
One of the things I looked at when I was a child was that the whole world was against Israel. Now with the current Britain and U.S. had always been pro Israel but in recent years, Especially Obama trying to dictate to Israel what to do I beleive that Israel has no friends. Britain I am not sure. I believe that the current government would be pro Israel but because they are part of the Anti Israel E.U. then we can't depend on them.
We have seen wars with Iraq and Afghanistan. We have heard of warfare in Africa as Islam is on the rise there.
Famines have come and gone all over the world. There is a threat of further famine with the advent of Engineered food. If it fails then we are looking at a strong famine.
Earthquakes I have nothing to say. Haiti, Chile, Japan, China, California and Alaska have all had strong earthquakes recently. Keeping up with the USGS is very much a challenge in this area. At any given time you can see 50 earthquakes of 2.0 or greater over the last week.
The scary part is a fallen away that I have already seen. Between Jonas Brothers performing an Easter services for a prominent pastor in Southern California. The attempts to bring the various churches together. To use marketing instead of preaching to build churches. The number of Bible believing churches without a full time pastor.
The drive for a one world government has gone above ground. It is no longer a stealth issue. We have smart people bundling with the finances when they know how to correct it but they do what is apparently stupid. I don't think they are stupid but they are manipulating things.
There is a growing rise of Islam. Now that we are beginning to get a picture from the Bible of what Islam is and it's role in end times we know that it is on the rise. With the threats from Islam, we know they will be the catalyst for last days persecution.
I am not going to argue the case for a pretrib rapture but I will tell you the signs that I am seeing, we are either ready to begin the seventh week of Daniel or have a rapture. As I promised earlier I am working on a fiction novel for Gog and Megog. I won't give much away but It has given me a chance to think about how close we are to all this. Iran, turkey and Rhodesia is in line. Russia is in line. All it has to do is get Israel at peace in order for the attack.
My challenge to the church is that our time is close. Now is the time to be full bore witnessing. Getting the gospel to the masses. It is time to snatch as many as we can from the flame. My church's memory work for the summer will be the Romans road. Rom 3:10, 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9 10:13. I will challenge all my readers to do the same and then share it with someone today.
How close are we?
A lot has been made recently about how close we are to the end. The question is the end of what? The Bible refers to something known as the end of the age. The question is what age? Did it already happen? If not is it close? What is going on in the world of politics? In Israel? In Europe? In Asia? In the Americas? What about the natural catastrphies?
Matthew 24 mentions several things that need to happen before the "Great Tribulation."
There shall be many that come in my name saying I am the christ.
You shall hear of wars and rumers of war.
Nations shall rise against Nations
Kingdom against Kingdom
Famines, Pestilance and earthquakes in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
One of the things I looked at when I was a child was that the whole world was against Israel. Now with the current Britain and U.S. had always been pro Israel but in recent years, Especially Obama trying to dictate to Israel what to do I beleive that Israel has no friends. Britain I am not sure. I believe that the current government would be pro Israel but because they are part of the Anti Israel E.U. then we can't depend on them.
We have seen wars with Iraq and Afganastan. We have heard of warfar in Africa as Islam is on the rise there.
Famines have come and gone all over the world. There is a threat of further famine with the advent of Engineered food. If it fails then we are looking at a strong famine.
Earthquakes I have nothing to say. Haiti, Chile, Japan, China, California and Alaska have all had strong earthquakes recently. Keeping up with the USGS is very much a challenge in this area. At any given time you can see 50 earthquakes of 2.0 or greater over the last week.
The scary part is a fallen away that I have already seen. Between Jonas Brothers performing an Easter services for a prominate pastor in Southern California. The attempts to bring the various churches together. To use maketing instead of preaching to build churches. The number of Bible beleaving churches without a full time pastor.
The drive for a one world government has gone above ground. It is no longer a stealth issue. We have smart people bundling with the finances when they know how to correct it but they do what is apprently stupid. I don't think they are stupid but they are manipulating things.
There is a growing rise of Islam. Now that we are beginning to get a picture from the Bible of what Islam is and it's role in end times we know that it is on the rise. With the threats from Islam, we know they will be the catalyst for last days persecution.
I am not going to argue the case for a pretrib rapture but I will tell you the signs that I am seeing, we are either ready to begin the seventh week of Daniel or have a rapture. As I promised earlier I am working on a fiction novel for Gog and Megog. I won't give much away but It has given me a chance to think about how close we are to all this. Iran, turkey and Rodesia is in line. Russia is in line. All it has to do is get Israel at peace in order for the attack.
My challenge to the church is that our time is close. Now is the time to be full bore witnessing. Getting the gospel to the masses. It is time to snach as many as we can from the flame. My church's memory work for the summer will be the Romans road. Rom 3:10, 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9 10:13. I will challenge all my readers to do the same and then share it with someone today.
Matthew 24 mentions several things that need to happen before the "Great Tribulation."
There shall be many that come in my name saying I am the christ.
You shall hear of wars and rumers of war.
Nations shall rise against Nations
Kingdom against Kingdom
Famines, Pestilance and earthquakes in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
One of the things I looked at when I was a child was that the whole world was against Israel. Now with the current Britain and U.S. had always been pro Israel but in recent years, Especially Obama trying to dictate to Israel what to do I beleive that Israel has no friends. Britain I am not sure. I believe that the current government would be pro Israel but because they are part of the Anti Israel E.U. then we can't depend on them.
We have seen wars with Iraq and Afganastan. We have heard of warfar in Africa as Islam is on the rise there.
Famines have come and gone all over the world. There is a threat of further famine with the advent of Engineered food. If it fails then we are looking at a strong famine.
Earthquakes I have nothing to say. Haiti, Chile, Japan, China, California and Alaska have all had strong earthquakes recently. Keeping up with the USGS is very much a challenge in this area. At any given time you can see 50 earthquakes of 2.0 or greater over the last week.
The scary part is a fallen away that I have already seen. Between Jonas Brothers performing an Easter services for a prominate pastor in Southern California. The attempts to bring the various churches together. To use maketing instead of preaching to build churches. The number of Bible beleaving churches without a full time pastor.
The drive for a one world government has gone above ground. It is no longer a stealth issue. We have smart people bundling with the finances when they know how to correct it but they do what is apprently stupid. I don't think they are stupid but they are manipulating things.
There is a growing rise of Islam. Now that we are beginning to get a picture from the Bible of what Islam is and it's role in end times we know that it is on the rise. With the threats from Islam, we know they will be the catalyst for last days persecution.
I am not going to argue the case for a pretrib rapture but I will tell you the signs that I am seeing, we are either ready to begin the seventh week of Daniel or have a rapture. As I promised earlier I am working on a fiction novel for Gog and Megog. I won't give much away but It has given me a chance to think about how close we are to all this. Iran, turkey and Rodesia is in line. Russia is in line. All it has to do is get Israel at peace in order for the attack.
My challenge to the church is that our time is close. Now is the time to be full bore witnessing. Getting the gospel to the masses. It is time to snach as many as we can from the flame. My church's memory work for the summer will be the Romans road. Rom 3:10, 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9 10:13. I will challenge all my readers to do the same and then share it with someone today.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Gog and Magog invasion.
In the case of Ezekiel 38 and 39 we have the Magog invasion. Depending on who you talk to will depend on whose opinion you get as to the timing of the event. Of the preterits bend you have two opinions. First one is that some event happened in the past and that event was this invasion. The prominent one put out by Gary Demar is that it occurred in the Book of Easter. He has some interesting research and I am looking for a copy of his book to investigate further. I do have several concerns about it though. First is that the cleanup of the battle doesn't match. Second the size of the army doesn't match. In Esther, the Jews were allowed to have swords and in Shushan, the capital of Pursian 500 were killed. First of all, the battle takes place in the Hills of Israel, so shushan can't be the battle field. Second where are the bodies and where is the seven months of barials? Also in looking at the Hebrew text, the word for Hamon is different. Not much but in the Strong's concordance it is words 1995 in Ezekiel and 2001 in Esther. Different last characters. So I am not putting much stock on it. Gary has asked me to come on his show and debate these points. It is a temptation.
The Second view that would be from a preterits point of view lines up a bit more Biblically. That is Gog and Magog is the next event on God's calendar. Revelation chapter 20 says that Satan is bound for a thousand years and then is loosed for a season to deceive the nations bringing them against the city of the saints, Gog and Magog. Since most preterits also allegorize most of the Bible, they also allegorize this. So there are questions as to what and where this is going to be based on someones interpretation.
Since I am futurist in my interpretation of the events, we have to look at the various views. First is pre Rapture. This is the view promoted in the books by Tim LaHaye(Left Behind) and Joel Rosenberg(The Ezekiel Option). It will happen sometime before the tribulaiton. The next view is the one promoted by Hal Lindsey, and many prominent prophecy speakers of the first part of the twentieth century. That is it is part of the battle of Armageddon. The third one has two divisions. That is it is right after the rapture. Many have tried to make this the second horsemen of the seal judgments. The biggest problem with that is that the seven years to the return of Jesus has already begun. The second option is that is after the rapture but before the tribulation. J.R. Church has a new series called the pre, pre trib rapture which puts a gap between the rapture and the beginning of the tribulation. This makes sense and this would be the time for this historic battle.
My personal belief is that the event is pre-rapture. Based on events currently going on in the U.S., Iran, Turkey, Russia and Israel right now. I believe we are prime for the event. My wife thinks I ought to write a fictional book based on the current situation that would show how the event could go down. I thought Joel Rosenberg did an excellent job but it left a few things out that could take place.
Two of the biggest challenges to what is going on is the fact that the armies line up with horses and the weapons are of wood, Yet the cleanup is of Army regulations for how to clean up a nuclear battle field. I may have a solution to why that is in which I would explore. Also why are there not a lot of aircraft in the picture? I think I know the answer. If you think of how evil Iran's president is, you can think of the answer too if you understand nuclear weapons.
Stay tuned. If I can get the writing keyboard going, I'll write the book and let you judge for yourself if I am right. Otherwise stay tuned and I'll post it here.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Why Preterism is Dangerous
After reading an article, "Why Dispensationalist want to wipe out the Jews" on the American Vision web site, I had to chuckle. When I responded to the post on Facebook, things got belligerent. The idea is that since we in the premil camp see most of revelation and much of the minor prophets as future events, then we are working to make it happen. That couldn't be farther from the truth.
As premillenialist, we believe that that there will be a tribulation in the future. Of course the preterist see the tribulation as happening between AD 66 and AD 73 during the times of the Roman Jewish Wars. This was a turbulent time, but this was not the great tribulation. The great tribulation is followed by the literal return to Earth of Jesus. Of course this is where Post Mill or A mill comes in. The Kingdom was set up in heaven.
With a futurist perspective on the scripture we look at passages such as Zechariah 13:8 is still a future event. This passage indicates that two thirds of the people will die in the great tribulation. 13:9 indicated that the third that remain will be tried in fire and purified. What the preterist have accused us of is wanting to see this happen to the Jews by trying to get them to Jerusalem. This couldn't be farther from the truth. The truth is we want them in Jerusualm and we want to see them turn to God without this happening.
The problem is that only a third will turn to God before the "Great tribulation", second half of the final 7 years begins. Jeremiah 30:7 calls it a time of Jacobs trouble. It is a period not unlike a woman bearing children. Micah chapter 7 is almost an Allegory of these times. Where there is no one that is righteous left on the earth. When the true Christians are raptured, there will be no one left to defend Israel. They won't have a friend. This will open up the country for an attack.
If you have read "The Islamic Antichrist", by Joel Richardson, you will know that the Mahdi will come into the land and set himself up as God. At that time he will break his covenent with Israel, and will start killing Jews. At this time Jesus said flee to the mountains. Daniel says that the land of Edom, Ammon and Moab will escape control of the prince. This of course is Jordon. These two passages have left most scholars to believe that the only place of refuge for the Jew will be at Petra. Futurist have been stockpiling Petra for just such a day. Isaiah says that the messiah will come from Edom with blood stained robes.
This is a horrific time. What gets me is, where does prophesying an event meant wishing it to happen? Why do the preterist want to vilify us for even suggesting it is still future? If anything, I see the preterist as being anti Semitic because they won't warn the Jew of this event.
Of course we both agree on the solution, even though both sides won't admit they agree. The solution is to see the Jew come to accept Jesus as the Messiah. The preterist wants them saved because he thinks that the promises to Israel are now for the church, therefore he must be saved in order to claim the inheritance. The futurist wants him saved so he will miss this time of tribulation.
The futurist will point out that there will be a large turning to Jesus after the rapture. Revelation 7 talks about 144 thousand Jews being sealed of God. 12 thousand from each of the twelve tribes. This I know has been a debate that has spilled over into the cults. Who is this 144 thousand? Since there is a list of the twelve tribes that follow the description, the list must be literal Israelis who know what tribe they belong to. The end of the chapter talks about the large number of converts that die.]
Daniel 12:1 says that Michael will stand up in that day and fight. The ones that survive will be the ones written in the Book. The assumption is written in the book of Life. The problem I have with the preterist is how much do you trust God? They have all these nice little things that they feel like they have to do to save society. Do you trust God? Do you trust his word? Do you think that anything that is happening is catching God by surprise?
Matthew 24:24 says that there is coming a delusion that is so strong if it could, it would deceive the very elect. I don't think there was a deception that strong in AD 70. This has to be future. According the "The Islamic Antichrist", there is a man coming named Isa. He will call himself Jesus. He will have great power and will perform many signs and wonders. Many will turn from other faiths and become Muslim because of him. If this is really what happens then I can see many a Preterist turning to Islam because their messiah came to set up his kingdom.
First let me say, Trust Jesus. Get a personal relationship with him and get to know him. Second, study the scriptures. All of them not just the ones that fit your doctrine. Find out what he says and come to your own conclusions. Then love your brother. Just because he has a different conclusion then you do don't pigeon hole him into a corner where you want to accuse him of something he is not. Love all people. Whether Jew or Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu, all need Jesus. Finally Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Until the prince of peace comes, there will be no peace.
As premillenialist, we believe that that there will be a tribulation in the future. Of course the preterist see the tribulation as happening between AD 66 and AD 73 during the times of the Roman Jewish Wars. This was a turbulent time, but this was not the great tribulation. The great tribulation is followed by the literal return to Earth of Jesus. Of course this is where Post Mill or A mill comes in. The Kingdom was set up in heaven.
With a futurist perspective on the scripture we look at passages such as Zechariah 13:8 is still a future event. This passage indicates that two thirds of the people will die in the great tribulation. 13:9 indicated that the third that remain will be tried in fire and purified. What the preterist have accused us of is wanting to see this happen to the Jews by trying to get them to Jerusalem. This couldn't be farther from the truth. The truth is we want them in Jerusualm and we want to see them turn to God without this happening.
The problem is that only a third will turn to God before the "Great tribulation", second half of the final 7 years begins. Jeremiah 30:7 calls it a time of Jacobs trouble. It is a period not unlike a woman bearing children. Micah chapter 7 is almost an Allegory of these times. Where there is no one that is righteous left on the earth. When the true Christians are raptured, there will be no one left to defend Israel. They won't have a friend. This will open up the country for an attack.
If you have read "The Islamic Antichrist", by Joel Richardson, you will know that the Mahdi will come into the land and set himself up as God. At that time he will break his covenent with Israel, and will start killing Jews. At this time Jesus said flee to the mountains. Daniel says that the land of Edom, Ammon and Moab will escape control of the prince. This of course is Jordon. These two passages have left most scholars to believe that the only place of refuge for the Jew will be at Petra. Futurist have been stockpiling Petra for just such a day. Isaiah says that the messiah will come from Edom with blood stained robes.
This is a horrific time. What gets me is, where does prophesying an event meant wishing it to happen? Why do the preterist want to vilify us for even suggesting it is still future? If anything, I see the preterist as being anti Semitic because they won't warn the Jew of this event.
Of course we both agree on the solution, even though both sides won't admit they agree. The solution is to see the Jew come to accept Jesus as the Messiah. The preterist wants them saved because he thinks that the promises to Israel are now for the church, therefore he must be saved in order to claim the inheritance. The futurist wants him saved so he will miss this time of tribulation.
The futurist will point out that there will be a large turning to Jesus after the rapture. Revelation 7 talks about 144 thousand Jews being sealed of God. 12 thousand from each of the twelve tribes. This I know has been a debate that has spilled over into the cults. Who is this 144 thousand? Since there is a list of the twelve tribes that follow the description, the list must be literal Israelis who know what tribe they belong to. The end of the chapter talks about the large number of converts that die.]
Daniel 12:1 says that Michael will stand up in that day and fight. The ones that survive will be the ones written in the Book. The assumption is written in the book of Life. The problem I have with the preterist is how much do you trust God? They have all these nice little things that they feel like they have to do to save society. Do you trust God? Do you trust his word? Do you think that anything that is happening is catching God by surprise?
Matthew 24:24 says that there is coming a delusion that is so strong if it could, it would deceive the very elect. I don't think there was a deception that strong in AD 70. This has to be future. According the "The Islamic Antichrist", there is a man coming named Isa. He will call himself Jesus. He will have great power and will perform many signs and wonders. Many will turn from other faiths and become Muslim because of him. If this is really what happens then I can see many a Preterist turning to Islam because their messiah came to set up his kingdom.
First let me say, Trust Jesus. Get a personal relationship with him and get to know him. Second, study the scriptures. All of them not just the ones that fit your doctrine. Find out what he says and come to your own conclusions. Then love your brother. Just because he has a different conclusion then you do don't pigeon hole him into a corner where you want to accuse him of something he is not. Love all people. Whether Jew or Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu, all need Jesus. Finally Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Until the prince of peace comes, there will be no peace.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Haiti Earthquake
Last night I listened to a radio show talking about what is happening to various missions groups in Haiti since the earthquake occurred last Tuesday. It is a sad day for all since the earthquake was very devastating. The 7.0 earthquake was followed by hundreds of aftershocks, many getting into 5 and 6 range. Most of the capital city of Port Au Prince has collapsed including the presidential palace, legislature and the UN building. Many are dead and missing and the rescue effort has been relentless.
The great news for the Christian community is the fact we were already there. One of the first reports I got was from a local missions group called Youth with a Mission. They had thirty people in Haiti and all were accounted for. That was a great praise the Lord. Then the CBS story of a Missionary lady who was able to call her husband on a cell phone and he drove 100 miles to dig his wife out of the rubble. Of course we lost a lot of our missionaries. Our prayers are with them in this time.
The big story is now the relief effort. With so many building collapsed there are many who are on the street. Relief aircraft are flying into the International airport but it has a space problem. Like many third world airports, it has only one runway and it has limited parking. I am curious of the fuel situation. I am sure that pilots are being told to fuel up enough to return home with what is on board. I am sure if they need to a short hop to the Dominican Republic or to Puerto Rico would be a solution.
Leading the christian relief effort as always is Franklin Graham and Samaritans Purse. Mercies Ships as a hospital ship steaming to the area. The doctors and Nurses on the ground have had to use any and all of their third world training to set splints and do amputations with little or no medicine for the pain. I heard Bill Clinton on the first night say that even a $5 donation is useful in that it could pay for a bottle of Aspirin.
Speaking of Bill Clinton, I believe he is leading the UN effort in Haiti. George W Bush has been tapped by President Obama to lead the US effort there. Nice to see he is keeping one legacy from GW. The use of former presidents, no matter what party they were to lead US efforts in a disaster situations.
Much has been made about President Obama's response versus George W Bush's in Katrina. Apples and Oranges. Katrina took place in a state not in a foregn country. In a state, the state has to ask the federal government for help. The state of Louisiana was slow in asking and therefore the help did not get there quick enough when it was needed. The federal effort in New Orleans is still ongoing. We need to compare this to Indonesia and China where our relief effort was as swift as can be expected being that we did not have a lot of our own people already on the ground at the time of disaster and anyone coming from the US was thousands of miles away. We had a lot of US nationals already in Haiti ready to go to work for this disaster. Haiti is only 600 miles from Miami.
Since this is a Blog about eschatology and end time events. How does this event play in? Matthew 24:7 mentions that Earthquakes in diverse places are a sign that the end is near. Not that it is here. It is a sign that we are to start paying attention. In Haiti tonight they are.
Someone on the facebook page for ABC news said that God wouldn't kill 50 thousand innocent people for no good reason. And in a way he is right. But he doesn't know our God. There is always a good reason. Haiti has been one of the darkest countries in the Caribbean. It has practiced a form of Voodoo for centuries. It is a mixture of African paganism with Catholic symbolism. It is more paganism then Catholic let me say. The report I heard last night said that missionaries have gone to bed with the sound of Voodoo drums ever since he could remember. The last few nights they have been silent. What he is hearing is people on the streets singing christian hymns and choruses. I think we can safely say that tonight, Haiti is listening to the voice of God.
I cannot say how the end will play out for this island nation not too far from Guantanamo Bay. I will say that we need to keep them and all the workers there in our prayers. If you have something to give, I recommend Mercy Ships or Samaritans Purse. If you already support a missionary in Haiti, give a little extra this month. If you sponsor a child there, ask your organization how you can help out. Of course check on the condition of your sponsored child. Check the links below and get involved.
Mercy Ships
Samaritans Purse
Compassion International
Mission Aviation Fellowship
World Vision
A complete list of good sources to give to is at EFCA.
The great news for the Christian community is the fact we were already there. One of the first reports I got was from a local missions group called Youth with a Mission. They had thirty people in Haiti and all were accounted for. That was a great praise the Lord. Then the CBS story of a Missionary lady who was able to call her husband on a cell phone and he drove 100 miles to dig his wife out of the rubble. Of course we lost a lot of our missionaries. Our prayers are with them in this time.
The big story is now the relief effort. With so many building collapsed there are many who are on the street. Relief aircraft are flying into the International airport but it has a space problem. Like many third world airports, it has only one runway and it has limited parking. I am curious of the fuel situation. I am sure that pilots are being told to fuel up enough to return home with what is on board. I am sure if they need to a short hop to the Dominican Republic or to Puerto Rico would be a solution.
Leading the christian relief effort as always is Franklin Graham and Samaritans Purse. Mercies Ships as a hospital ship steaming to the area. The doctors and Nurses on the ground have had to use any and all of their third world training to set splints and do amputations with little or no medicine for the pain. I heard Bill Clinton on the first night say that even a $5 donation is useful in that it could pay for a bottle of Aspirin.
Speaking of Bill Clinton, I believe he is leading the UN effort in Haiti. George W Bush has been tapped by President Obama to lead the US effort there. Nice to see he is keeping one legacy from GW. The use of former presidents, no matter what party they were to lead US efforts in a disaster situations.
Much has been made about President Obama's response versus George W Bush's in Katrina. Apples and Oranges. Katrina took place in a state not in a foregn country. In a state, the state has to ask the federal government for help. The state of Louisiana was slow in asking and therefore the help did not get there quick enough when it was needed. The federal effort in New Orleans is still ongoing. We need to compare this to Indonesia and China where our relief effort was as swift as can be expected being that we did not have a lot of our own people already on the ground at the time of disaster and anyone coming from the US was thousands of miles away. We had a lot of US nationals already in Haiti ready to go to work for this disaster. Haiti is only 600 miles from Miami.
Since this is a Blog about eschatology and end time events. How does this event play in? Matthew 24:7 mentions that Earthquakes in diverse places are a sign that the end is near. Not that it is here. It is a sign that we are to start paying attention. In Haiti tonight they are.
Someone on the facebook page for ABC news said that God wouldn't kill 50 thousand innocent people for no good reason. And in a way he is right. But he doesn't know our God. There is always a good reason. Haiti has been one of the darkest countries in the Caribbean. It has practiced a form of Voodoo for centuries. It is a mixture of African paganism with Catholic symbolism. It is more paganism then Catholic let me say. The report I heard last night said that missionaries have gone to bed with the sound of Voodoo drums ever since he could remember. The last few nights they have been silent. What he is hearing is people on the streets singing christian hymns and choruses. I think we can safely say that tonight, Haiti is listening to the voice of God.
I cannot say how the end will play out for this island nation not too far from Guantanamo Bay. I will say that we need to keep them and all the workers there in our prayers. If you have something to give, I recommend Mercy Ships or Samaritans Purse. If you already support a missionary in Haiti, give a little extra this month. If you sponsor a child there, ask your organization how you can help out. Of course check on the condition of your sponsored child. Check the links below and get involved.
Mercy Ships
Samaritans Purse
Compassion International
Mission Aviation Fellowship
World Vision
A complete list of good sources to give to is at EFCA.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)