I’ve done some researching on what you’ve said about all the people inhabiting Israel being Edomites. As I researched it, I came to four important conclusions that I believe hurt the Church, rather than aid her in her mission. As followers of the one who said, “I am the truth” (Jn 14:6), we should be taken up with possessing and guarding the truth in all things. And as our salvation is a relationship with the Truth (Jn 17:3), all the more.
It does appear that the nation (ethnic group) of Edom (or Esau) has been absorbed into the Jewish race. But this is not a biblical conclusion, nor does it nullify the race of Jews. The fact that the Edomites were absorbed into Israel is a fact of historical, extra-biblical knowledge. And that this fact were true, it does not require that today’s Jews are no longer Jews but Edomites. Throughout OT biblical history, Gentiles were “grafted in” to the Jewish race and religion. We have the story of Ruth, who willingly joined herself to the people of Israel, and in fact is included in the Jewish Messiah’s genealogy.
We have the famous verse that is so often taken out of context and put on wedding cakes:
Ruth 1:16 16 But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
So the Edomites, being conquered by Israel, in no way dilutes the gospel promises to the Jewish nation. In fact, within the Torah, Yahweh gave pronouncements for what to do if such wanted to be included among the Jews.
Secondly, the Jews, or Israelites (descended from Jacob) were not God’s chosen people primarily because of their ethnic descent and purity. Amos 9:7 7 "Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons of Israel?" declares the LORD. "Have I not brought up Israel from the land of Egypt, And the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir?
The Jewish people are God’s chosen because of Yahweh’s free elective grace. The people born into Israel chose no more to do so than the people of Edom. And the Lord chose the place and the times where all men would live (Acts 17:26). So the qualities of being a Jew have to do primarily with the keeping of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 15:18, 17:2-9), and secondarily with the ethnic purity. Now a case could be made that the Jews were prohibited from taking a wife from among the Gentiles, in order to keep the Jewish tribes pure. True. But this was precisely the case because the Jews were the only nation on earth that had Yahweh’s truth in revelation. So in order to protect this truth, and the line through which Yahweh would bring the Messiah into the world, He made this prohibition to keep doctrines of false gods and demons out of Israel.
Thirdly, believers who view the people within Israel are missing what God is accomplishing in the world. He has prophesied that after a time of exile for their sins, God wold indeed bring Israel back into the land He had given them. And God made the land desolate for hundreds of years, until the turn of the twentieth century, when the Jews first began to return, the rains also began to return.
Leviticus 26:32-34 32 'I will make the land desolate so that your enemies who settle in it will be appalled over it. 33 'You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste. 34 'Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies' land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths
Leviticus 26:44-45 44 'Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God. 45 'But I will remember for them the covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD.'".
The land was made desolate, by the Lord, so that people could not inhabit the holy land until the return of God’s chosen, the Jews (Isaiah 35:7; 32:15).
Recently, when speaking at Auschwitz, Poland, to mark the anniversary of the end of the concentration camps, Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed to all the world that the prophecies of Ezekiel 37 had been fulfilled. Messianic Jews in America took note. Jan Markell recently made mention of this event, and also stated that the wars of Ezekiel 38 and 39 are expected soon to follow. But I thought this statement was key: "There is a degree of spirituality in Israel, recently with this Benjamin Netanyahu saying that Ezekiel 37 is now fulfilled," she notes. "So I'm encouraged when the top leader in the nation of Israel comes out and stands up for the Bible. This is absolutely tremendously good news." http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=898508
And lastly, I think by the teaching of this erroneous view, it will turn the attention or energies of well-intentioned evangelical believers away from, or maybe even against the current inhabitants of Israel. Having been there and traveled throughout the country, I met and interacted with many of the Jewish people there, and found that indeed, many of them were there now because of making ‘aliyah’ or there migration from the countries to which they’d been exiled. I encountered Russian Jews, which Russia had a large Jewish population. I spoke with some young Jewish men who had flown in for the summer from Germany. I lived in the Slovak Republic from two years, during which time I made several trips to Prague, where they have a walled-in, historic Jewish town, where the Jews were imprisoned under Communist control.
During this time, when according to prophecies, we are living in the last days, the nations of the world are turning against Israel (according to their ruler/god- 1 Jn 5:19), the evangelical Christians are the last true friend and ally who will stand up for the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, through which righteousness and peace will be brought to the earth.
Of recent years, there have been more Jews recognizing Yeshua as their Messiah, than any other time in history. Yet they will not recognize him as a nation, until Yahaweh returns (Zech 12:10), at the battle of Armageddon, and they will look upon Him whom they pierced. And so shall all Israel be saved. This is when the truth of the teaching of Salvation by Grace will be seen in its fullness:
25 So that you will not be conceited, brothers, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery: a partial hardening has come to Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written: The Liberator will come from Zion; He will turn away godlessness from Jacob. 27 And this will be My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.
Romans 11:25-27 (HCSB)
Showing posts with label Jews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jews. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, October 26, 2009
Correction to my 'Immanency of Rapture/Muslim Attack' blog
I know that as the world governments install software to monitor blogs, talking about the soon return of our coming King endangers me to be considered a national threat... but I wanted to make some corrections that occurred to me a couple of weeks ago, but am only now getting to putting down.
First, let me recount a little of what I said...
Many think that the Rapture itself could happen, and cause catastrophic devastation, which would result in mass crime, looting, chaos, confusion… leading to martial law in the States, and effectively bring about the one world government spoken of in the book of Daniel. Another hypothesis is that we could come under attack by Russia, who has had her ships off the coast of Venezuela in S. America, or by N. Korea, who has threatened us with a nuclear attack for so much as “threatening” her. Or it could be a number of enemies to democracy and capitalism, seeking to bring down the U.S., but, that during these attacks we could be ‘caught up’ to be with the Lord forever.
If one has followed the news, we all know Iran has called for the destruction of Israel, whom it calls the little Satan. And these calls have not only continued, but probably intensified. And most media coverage of this is scant, and poorly represented. The reasons this Muslim nation wants to wipe Israel off the map, is that the Qur’an states that they resurrection of the dead won’t occur until Muslims fight and wipe out the nation of Jews. But the one in Islamic eschatology who is to do that is the Mahdi, their ‘savior,’ who won’t appear until there is a time of global chaos. Then the Mahdi, the ‘hidden imam’ who supposedly fell down a well a long time ago, will emerge, and set thing right, and rule from Jerusalem in ‘righteousness and peace.’
One thing that occurred to me after I had written this blog, is that it goes against what scripture teaches will happen. Scripture doens't teach that the church is taken or 'caught up' during an enemy attack, nor really does it lay down any conditions for the 'catching away' to occurr at all. But with the overall teaching of Old Testament scriptures on 'that day,' or 'the day of the Lord,' before that can happen, obviously the Antichrist has to be revealed, where he takes his seat in the temple. So the temple must be built. Okay... and we know that the Antichrist and false prophet cannot be revealed until the one who restrains them is taken out of the way(2 Thess. 2:7-8).
So before Antichrist is revealed the one restraining the man of lawlessness (Antichrist has other scriptural names) is removed. Most theologians think this is the Holy Spirit in the prescence of the true Catholic (Universal) Church. So this would indicate the catching away the inspired apostle writes about to the Thessalonians.
But since God's end-time plan focuses on the covenant promises made to Abraham, what must occur in Israel to have this take place? To be sure, they must have returned from diaspora, after their temple was destroyed in 70 AD, and the Jews later dispersed as their nation came under siege. God promised through the prophets that Israel would be brought back and have their forturnes restored after they had been scattered among the nations of the world. We saw (some of us did) this miracle take place in 1948, when this scattered nation was brought back from the dead, and their dead national language revived, in accordance to what we know most popularly as the story of the Valley of "t'em dead bones (Ezekiel 37)."
37:12 Therefore prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, O my people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. 37:13 And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have opened your graves, and caused you to come up out of your graves, O my people. 37:14 And I will put my Spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I will place you in your own land: and ye shall know that I, Jehovah, have spoken it and performed it, saith Jehovah.
Ezekiel 37:12-14
Now deciphering between the battle described in Zech 12, 14 and Ezekiel 38 is a little more difficult to figure out. But in Zech f12 & f14 describe the nations of the world, and the physical return of the Messiah, with his feet touching down on the Mt. of Olives (Zech 14:4). 'That Day' will be a day known only to the LORD, with day or night (v. 6), and the beginning of his millenial reign on earth. (This passage shows that Jesus' reign is not a long-period of time reign from heaven). The battle described here also speaks of all the nations of the world coming against Israel, and being judge by God in the valley of Armageddon, the war to end all wars where the LORD alone is triumphant, and His name alone reigns on earth (Zech 14:9).
Ezekiel 38 describes the battle known as the "Battle of Magog." In this chapter, certain nations are named (in Zech they are not) are all seen to be Islamic nations today (one of the main ones Iran~Persia). Verse 8 describes Israel as having been restored to the mountains of Israel, regathered from war, living in peace and safety. In this battle, the LORD also defends Israel, and decimates the enemy troops by pouring down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him (Ezek 38:22). The result of this war, described in Ezekiel 39-48 is much different from the outcome, in fact, the prophet tells us that the clean-up of this battle will take seven months to bury all the carcasses there in the valley of Hamon Gog (Ezek. 39:12), and seven years to burn up all the weapons as fuel (39:9).
This doesn't fit Zechariah's prophecies, because Israel's eyes will be opened to recognize Jesus as their Messiah (Zech 12:10). This is not mentioned in Ezekiel's prophecy. Nor in Ezekiel do we ever see the LORD come to the earth, or for that matter, appear to mankind apart from the forces of 'mother nature' that He holds in complete control (sorry global warming advocates). If we continue to read Ezekiel in a chronological sequence after their restoration (Ezek 36, 37), the battle of Magog (chs. 38, 39) and the building of the temple (Ezekiel 40-48), then after this tremendous battle where the entire world sees the LORD defend and magnify His name through Israel, then next logical assumption is that the next step is for Israel, in a national movement back to the Old Covenant system, will rebuild their temple. And we know from news on Israel, that they are even now making preparations to build the temple.
So we can see that in and after the battle of Magog described by the prophet, God resumes dealing with His people Israel. And this is what I lost sight of in my "Immanency" blog. I believe because of the scriptural teachings that the rapture will occur shortly before or in the battle of Magog, and after the LORD has brought the Church to dwell with Him, He focuses His dealings again with the people of Israel.
I have some who object to me focusing too much on the return of the LORD, though I can't understand quite why, when our Lord promises blessing for those who read and keep the words of the prophecies of Revelation. Jesus did indeed say that no man will know the day or the hour (Mt. 24:36), but just prior to this He does tell us that we will know the season! 32"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it[d]is near, right at the door.... 42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
We see from the signs the season is close. Are you ready to meet the Lord? Your good deeds cannot save you! "Our righteous acts are like filthy rags before the Lord" (Isaiah 64:6) You are saved by grace, through faith, and that not of yourself. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man shall boast" (Eph 2:8,9). If you have never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, ask him to forgive you of your sins, and surrender your life to Him the best way you know how. The LORD knows your heart.
First, let me recount a little of what I said...
Many think that the Rapture itself could happen, and cause catastrophic devastation, which would result in mass crime, looting, chaos, confusion… leading to martial law in the States, and effectively bring about the one world government spoken of in the book of Daniel. Another hypothesis is that we could come under attack by Russia, who has had her ships off the coast of Venezuela in S. America, or by N. Korea, who has threatened us with a nuclear attack for so much as “threatening” her. Or it could be a number of enemies to democracy and capitalism, seeking to bring down the U.S., but, that during these attacks we could be ‘caught up’ to be with the Lord forever.
If one has followed the news, we all know Iran has called for the destruction of Israel, whom it calls the little Satan. And these calls have not only continued, but probably intensified. And most media coverage of this is scant, and poorly represented. The reasons this Muslim nation wants to wipe Israel off the map, is that the Qur’an states that they resurrection of the dead won’t occur until Muslims fight and wipe out the nation of Jews. But the one in Islamic eschatology who is to do that is the Mahdi, their ‘savior,’ who won’t appear until there is a time of global chaos. Then the Mahdi, the ‘hidden imam’ who supposedly fell down a well a long time ago, will emerge, and set thing right, and rule from Jerusalem in ‘righteousness and peace.’
One thing that occurred to me after I had written this blog, is that it goes against what scripture teaches will happen. Scripture doens't teach that the church is taken or 'caught up' during an enemy attack, nor really does it lay down any conditions for the 'catching away' to occurr at all. But with the overall teaching of Old Testament scriptures on 'that day,' or 'the day of the Lord,' before that can happen, obviously the Antichrist has to be revealed, where he takes his seat in the temple. So the temple must be built. Okay... and we know that the Antichrist and false prophet cannot be revealed until the one who restrains them is taken out of the way(2 Thess. 2:7-8).
So before Antichrist is revealed the one restraining the man of lawlessness (Antichrist has other scriptural names) is removed. Most theologians think this is the Holy Spirit in the prescence of the true Catholic (Universal) Church. So this would indicate the catching away the inspired apostle writes about to the Thessalonians.
But since God's end-time plan focuses on the covenant promises made to Abraham, what must occur in Israel to have this take place? To be sure, they must have returned from diaspora, after their temple was destroyed in 70 AD, and the Jews later dispersed as their nation came under siege. God promised through the prophets that Israel would be brought back and have their forturnes restored after they had been scattered among the nations of the world. We saw (some of us did) this miracle take place in 1948, when this scattered nation was brought back from the dead, and their dead national language revived, in accordance to what we know most popularly as the story of the Valley of "t'em dead bones (Ezekiel 37)."
37:12 Therefore prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, O my people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. 37:13 And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have opened your graves, and caused you to come up out of your graves, O my people. 37:14 And I will put my Spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I will place you in your own land: and ye shall know that I, Jehovah, have spoken it and performed it, saith Jehovah.
Ezekiel 37:12-14
Now deciphering between the battle described in Zech 12, 14 and Ezekiel 38 is a little more difficult to figure out. But in Zech f12 & f14 describe the nations of the world, and the physical return of the Messiah, with his feet touching down on the Mt. of Olives (Zech 14:4). 'That Day' will be a day known only to the LORD, with day or night (v. 6), and the beginning of his millenial reign on earth. (This passage shows that Jesus' reign is not a long-period of time reign from heaven). The battle described here also speaks of all the nations of the world coming against Israel, and being judge by God in the valley of Armageddon, the war to end all wars where the LORD alone is triumphant, and His name alone reigns on earth (Zech 14:9).
Ezekiel 38 describes the battle known as the "Battle of Magog." In this chapter, certain nations are named (in Zech they are not) are all seen to be Islamic nations today (one of the main ones Iran~Persia). Verse 8 describes Israel as having been restored to the mountains of Israel, regathered from war, living in peace and safety. In this battle, the LORD also defends Israel, and decimates the enemy troops by pouring down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him (Ezek 38:22). The result of this war, described in Ezekiel 39-48 is much different from the outcome, in fact, the prophet tells us that the clean-up of this battle will take seven months to bury all the carcasses there in the valley of Hamon Gog (Ezek. 39:12), and seven years to burn up all the weapons as fuel (39:9).
This doesn't fit Zechariah's prophecies, because Israel's eyes will be opened to recognize Jesus as their Messiah (Zech 12:10). This is not mentioned in Ezekiel's prophecy. Nor in Ezekiel do we ever see the LORD come to the earth, or for that matter, appear to mankind apart from the forces of 'mother nature' that He holds in complete control (sorry global warming advocates). If we continue to read Ezekiel in a chronological sequence after their restoration (Ezek 36, 37), the battle of Magog (chs. 38, 39) and the building of the temple (Ezekiel 40-48), then after this tremendous battle where the entire world sees the LORD defend and magnify His name through Israel, then next logical assumption is that the next step is for Israel, in a national movement back to the Old Covenant system, will rebuild their temple. And we know from news on Israel, that they are even now making preparations to build the temple.
So we can see that in and after the battle of Magog described by the prophet, God resumes dealing with His people Israel. And this is what I lost sight of in my "Immanency" blog. I believe because of the scriptural teachings that the rapture will occur shortly before or in the battle of Magog, and after the LORD has brought the Church to dwell with Him, He focuses His dealings again with the people of Israel.
I have some who object to me focusing too much on the return of the LORD, though I can't understand quite why, when our Lord promises blessing for those who read and keep the words of the prophecies of Revelation. Jesus did indeed say that no man will know the day or the hour (Mt. 24:36), but just prior to this He does tell us that we will know the season! 32"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it[d]is near, right at the door.... 42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
We see from the signs the season is close. Are you ready to meet the Lord? Your good deeds cannot save you! "Our righteous acts are like filthy rags before the Lord" (Isaiah 64:6) You are saved by grace, through faith, and that not of yourself. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man shall boast" (Eph 2:8,9). If you have never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, ask him to forgive you of your sins, and surrender your life to Him the best way you know how. The LORD knows your heart.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Great Earthqaukes & Disasters foretold in the Bible?
This morning I was reading the Bible in part of my devotion time, and I was reminded again of you. I thought I might share some of my notes with you.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives. 31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful.
Prov 11:30-31 (HCSB)
· I just read this in light of the Islamic teaching of Jihad. The wicked (those who deny the testimony of the Lord Jesus - 1 John 5:10-11) are being repaid for their idolatry, and their rejoicing in the power and rage they feel when the commit these acts. The are having their earthly lives cut short, but sadly they are being taught that this is the way to paradise. And this is a sinister lie of the serpent, that sends them straight to hell.
Have you seen the news reports about the wildfires, the cyclones, the earthquakes? All of these are terrible human tradgedies. But you know, all of this was predicted by Jesus, and recorded in three different books of the Gospels (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).
Matthew 24:5-13 5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. 6 "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be bfamines and earthquakes. 8 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
The bible teaches us that God is a God who punishes unrihgteousness both now and for eternity. I think we agree on that.
Romans 1:18 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Romans 1:21-22 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
See, this is a part of Yahweh's plan, which He has told us about it from the beginning. He took his covenant people, the Jews, descended from Isaac and Jacob, and God, who always keeps His promises, promised through the prophets thousands of years ago to take away the sin of His 'chosen' people, through whom He wanted to bless the earth.
Zechariah 12:9 - 11; 13:1 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. 11 "In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem... Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
We see that the words of the prophets is coming true, namely because not only did the prophecies of the Messiah come true in Jesus (www.100prophecies.org), but Israel was restored in line with God's promises to Israel (Ezekiel 36, 37). And politically things are moving into position to fulfill Ezekiel 38 & 39, when Russia and her Muslim allies come against Israel. Then Yahweh Himself will fight for Israel to defend her.
Zechariah 12:8-9 8 "In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
I hope my friend, that you will hear God's Word.
John 1:14 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 5:9-12 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives. 31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful.
Prov 11:30-31 (HCSB)
· I just read this in light of the Islamic teaching of Jihad. The wicked (those who deny the testimony of the Lord Jesus - 1 John 5:10-11) are being repaid for their idolatry, and their rejoicing in the power and rage they feel when the commit these acts. The are having their earthly lives cut short, but sadly they are being taught that this is the way to paradise. And this is a sinister lie of the serpent, that sends them straight to hell.
Have you seen the news reports about the wildfires, the cyclones, the earthquakes? All of these are terrible human tradgedies. But you know, all of this was predicted by Jesus, and recorded in three different books of the Gospels (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).
Matthew 24:5-13 5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. 6 "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be bfamines and earthquakes. 8 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
The bible teaches us that God is a God who punishes unrihgteousness both now and for eternity. I think we agree on that.
Romans 1:18 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Romans 1:21-22 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
See, this is a part of Yahweh's plan, which He has told us about it from the beginning. He took his covenant people, the Jews, descended from Isaac and Jacob, and God, who always keeps His promises, promised through the prophets thousands of years ago to take away the sin of His 'chosen' people, through whom He wanted to bless the earth.
Zechariah 12:9 - 11; 13:1 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. 11 "In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem... Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
We see that the words of the prophets is coming true, namely because not only did the prophecies of the Messiah come true in Jesus (www.100prophecies.org), but Israel was restored in line with God's promises to Israel (Ezekiel 36, 37). And politically things are moving into position to fulfill Ezekiel 38 & 39, when Russia and her Muslim allies come against Israel. Then Yahweh Himself will fight for Israel to defend her.
Zechariah 12:8-9 8 "In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
I hope my friend, that you will hear God's Word.
John 1:14 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 5:9-12 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The Unlettered Prophet
Periodically, I go to a site www.answeringislam.org and peruse through some of its contents. Well today I happened upon this article, and thought it quite impressive. Take a look and tell me what you think.
Who is the Unlettered Prophet?Sura 7 speaks of an "unlettered prophet" who is mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel. Muslims have traditionally understood this as a reference to Muhammad. This article presents a careful examination of the characteristics mentioned in Sura 7 and comes to a surprising conclusion.
Read on...
http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/unlettered_prophet.htm
Who is the Unlettered Prophet?Sura 7 speaks of an "unlettered prophet" who is mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel. Muslims have traditionally understood this as a reference to Muhammad. This article presents a careful examination of the characteristics mentioned in Sura 7 and comes to a surprising conclusion.
Read on...
http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/unlettered_prophet.htm
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Ezekiel 38 – God’s Plan
This past Sunday, I was able to preach on somethinkg I am passionate about. People world-wide are talking about the end of the world. People are talking about the Mayan prophecy of 2012, scientists of a global reverse of polarity coordinated with the sun's cycle of polarity reversal resulting in earthquakes, volcanoes, and the possible collapse of the earth's upper atmosphere. All these things are noteworthy, but how does God's own Word speak of these events? Ezekiel 36-37 speak of events that took place in 1948. It appears that todays geo-political events in the middle east are lining up with ch. 38. I didn't write out a sermon on paper, just an outline to go by. If you have a readable translation of God's word, it would be helpful to get the full effect of the outline.
May God bless you in seeking His Truth.
In Ezekiel 38 – we see names many of us are unfamiliar with, though some we know. These first appear in what is known as the
I. Table of Nations in Gen. 10:
Magog (Russia), Javan (Greece), Tubal and Meshech (Turkey and Central Asia) are sons of Noah’s son Japheth (Gen. 10:2)
Tarshish (England or Spain) is a son of Javan (maritime peoples ~ Gen 10:4)
Sheba, Dedan (Southern Arabia) (Gen 10:7)
A. The Sovereign LORD predicts He will bring them out. (v. 4)
B. Magog’s Allies - Perisa (Iraq & Iran), Cush (Ethiopia), Put (Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, North Africa) (v. 5)
C. invading a land gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel… now they all live in safety.(v.8)
II. Thoughts of Evil (vv. 10-13)
A. invade a peaceful unsuspecting people (v. 10)
B. plunder, loot and destroy (v. 12)
C. Friends or Foes? Question Israel’s allies, but do nothing about it (v. 13)
III. A Soon Reality?
A. when my people are living in safety (v. 14) – Leaders state that they want to sign Annapolis peace accord by 2008
B. confirmation of Russia (v. 15)
C. Magog and hordes like a cloud covering the land (v. 16)
IV. Yahweh’s Devastation
A. Anger aroused (v. 18)
B. Great earthquake –scientists now saying a major quake long overdue in Israel!
C. Chaos and Natural Disaster vv. 20-22
D. God’s glorification and magnification vv. 16, 23
V. Conclusions We Should Draw
A. Most Bible scholars assume this war happens at the beginning or before Daniel’s 70th week.
1. He (Satan~spiritual ruler in the 'heavens' 1 Jn 5:19) – will confirm a covenant for one ‘seven’ – 7 yr. peace treaty
2. Daniel 9:27 tells us there is a Temple in place and sacrifices have been resumed
- after war, Russia and Muslim nations are decimated, they will be in no position to refuse Israel their temple
B. In the 70th week, God returns his focus to Israel
1. The 70th week of Daniel begins God’s wrath on the world! Rev. 6 –Seal Judgments
2. In the middle of the week, Abomination of Desolation occurs (Dan. 9:27)
3. The Church is gone! “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”Rom. 11:15, 1 Thess 1:10; 2 Thess. 2:7
VI. HOW NOW SHOULD WE LIVE?
KNOW GOD!
A. knowing = obedience 2 Thess. 1:8,
B. hear & DO (knowing = doing) James 1:19-25
1. get rid of moral filth so prevalent
2. humbly ACCEPT the word planted in you
C. knowing = relationship (Jn. 17:3, Jn 15:5,6)
This past Sunday, I was able to preach on somethinkg I am passionate about. People world-wide are talking about the end of the world. People are talking about the Mayan prophecy of 2012, scientists of a global reverse of polarity coordinated with the sun's cycle of polarity reversal resulting in earthquakes, volcanoes, and the possible collapse of the earth's upper atmosphere. All these things are noteworthy, but how does God's own Word speak of these events? Ezekiel 36-37 speak of events that took place in 1948. It appears that todays geo-political events in the middle east are lining up with ch. 38. I didn't write out a sermon on paper, just an outline to go by. If you have a readable translation of God's word, it would be helpful to get the full effect of the outline.
May God bless you in seeking His Truth.
In Ezekiel 38 – we see names many of us are unfamiliar with, though some we know. These first appear in what is known as the
I. Table of Nations in Gen. 10:
Magog (Russia), Javan (Greece), Tubal and Meshech (Turkey and Central Asia) are sons of Noah’s son Japheth (Gen. 10:2)
Tarshish (England or Spain) is a son of Javan (maritime peoples ~ Gen 10:4)
Sheba, Dedan (Southern Arabia) (Gen 10:7)
A. The Sovereign LORD predicts He will bring them out. (v. 4)
B. Magog’s Allies - Perisa (Iraq & Iran), Cush (Ethiopia), Put (Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, North Africa) (v. 5)
C. invading a land gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel… now they all live in safety.(v.8)
II. Thoughts of Evil (vv. 10-13)
A. invade a peaceful unsuspecting people (v. 10)
B. plunder, loot and destroy (v. 12)
C. Friends or Foes? Question Israel’s allies, but do nothing about it (v. 13)
III. A Soon Reality?
A. when my people are living in safety (v. 14) – Leaders state that they want to sign Annapolis peace accord by 2008
B. confirmation of Russia (v. 15)
C. Magog and hordes like a cloud covering the land (v. 16)
IV. Yahweh’s Devastation
A. Anger aroused (v. 18)
B. Great earthquake –scientists now saying a major quake long overdue in Israel!
C. Chaos and Natural Disaster vv. 20-22
D. God’s glorification and magnification vv. 16, 23
V. Conclusions We Should Draw
A. Most Bible scholars assume this war happens at the beginning or before Daniel’s 70th week.
1. He (Satan~spiritual ruler in the 'heavens' 1 Jn 5:19) – will confirm a covenant for one ‘seven’ – 7 yr. peace treaty
2. Daniel 9:27 tells us there is a Temple in place and sacrifices have been resumed
- after war, Russia and Muslim nations are decimated, they will be in no position to refuse Israel their temple
B. In the 70th week, God returns his focus to Israel
1. The 70th week of Daniel begins God’s wrath on the world! Rev. 6 –Seal Judgments
2. In the middle of the week, Abomination of Desolation occurs (Dan. 9:27)
3. The Church is gone! “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”Rom. 11:15, 1 Thess 1:10; 2 Thess. 2:7
VI. HOW NOW SHOULD WE LIVE?
KNOW GOD!
A. knowing = obedience 2 Thess. 1:8,
B. hear & DO (knowing = doing) James 1:19-25
1. get rid of moral filth so prevalent
2. humbly ACCEPT the word planted in you
C. knowing = relationship (Jn. 17:3, Jn 15:5,6)
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