Memorizing the Word is our best preparation and prevention against all the wiles of the enemy. It is our protection and power.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.
That is a great verse to quote and claim. He is a shield, sort of like Captain America's shield made of some sort of titanium. Even Thor couldn't penetrate it with his hammer. Ok, that's a little tripped off, but, seriously, God is a much bigger and better shield than that.
How would one go about memorizing a verse? Here are a few suggestions:
Step #1
Begin by memorizing the reference. Repeat it over and over and use your fingers to show yourself the numbers. For example, Proverbs 30 = 3 fingers and a thumb/index finger zero, then 5 = five fingers. Repeat 10 times.
Step #2
Picture the placement of Proverbs in the Bible = Old Testament, after Psalms/ approximately the middle of the book. Think about the author, King Solomon.
Step #3
Write out the first letter of each word in order in the verse.
" EwoGip:HiasuttpttiH."
Try to get an idea of the pattern of the letters. (This may help to remind you later when you have the verse memorized and want to review it.)
Step #4
Read the verse, then, without looking at the verse, look at the letters you have written and see if you can remember what word each letter represents.
Step #5
Say the first four words of the verse three times. Then, say the first six words. Then say the first eight words, ten words and so on until you say the entire verse aloud to yourself.
Step #6
So that you will never "lose" it, you can write out your new verse on a 3x5 card. On one side, put the reference and on the other side, the verse. (Look at the reference side of the card and quote the verse without looking if you can.)
Step #7
If you're still weak on the verse, repeat steps 4 & 5. In the end, you will have hidden a verse of God's Word in your heart.
Once you have memorized the verse, you can put it in a file box or tape it to your bathroom mirror or keep it in your car. As a rule, you should review that new verse three or four times a day, including once before going to sleep.
God Himself uses His own Word to speak directly to our hearts! By memorizing the Word, we are learning how to speak "God". That's right!
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Revelation 19:13 And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God.
If we learn two verses per day, we can memorize 730 verses per year. Many believers have full chapters and books put to memory. What a strength in time of need!
We can speak "God" to God and remind Him of His Own Word, claiming His promises as our own. It shows Him that we have faith in it. It also helps us to have more faith because "faith comes by hearing the Word of God". The more you hear it by saying it out loud, the faster your faith will grow.
Psalm 119:11 Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.
Psalm 119:18 Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.
Psalm 119:72 The law (love) of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. (Btw, the law of God is love. We are ruled now by the Love of God, not the Old Testament laws.)
Here's an example of a chapter that can become part of your memory scriptures.
I John 4
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love Him, because He first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Death is Gain!
No matter what they do to us, the Lord can give us the grace when we do not deny His name. Remember, my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, "death has no sting" for us. Jesus took the sting out of death.
Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He also said, "In nothing be terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." (Philippian 1:21, 28 & 29)
So, where are we at now? Let's take a look: IS or ISIS are beheading Christians. (Without a lot of graphics, let's just say, there is an unholy war going on. They're even referring to Christians as "Crusaders".) Well, we are crusaders for Christ but not in the flesh. Ours is a war of the Spirit that can only be fought with spiritual weapons.
Let's suit up. Let's get our armour on and sharpen our spiritual sword, which is the Word of God. God knew that we would need it and He has made it sharp and alive. It will come to life under pressure.
We need to believe that anything we are called to go through is ordained of God.
Can you believe the Lord for that much? Can you believe that your life has already been foreordained of God? Do you believe that the Devil cannot touch a hair of your head without God's permission? And, why would God give the Devi permission to touch us if He hadn't already provided us with the grace and anointing for it?
I'm not saying it will "feel" good. It may seem scary. But, remember, the Devil's whole power is in what? FEAR.
Have you ever seen someone suffer needlessly simply because fear had gotten a hold on them? I have.
One time, I knew a dedicated Christian couple who were arrested while they were entering Morocco because they had Christian literature with them. It looked bad. They were put into a Moroccan prison. Now, Christians in a Muslim country are not in a good position. What a test of faith. But, here's the result.
They got out in two days without a scratch on them!
BUT, because they had heard other prisoners being tortured and screaming in agony, the wife picked up a spirit of fear. To me, looking at that situation, I don't believe that was God's desired end result. I was asking the Lord what she should have done and I thought that if she had prayed for those poor prisoners, she would have been able to bring some good out of her situation. Instead, she allowed the devil to scare her to the point where she only worried about herself and her husband.
This is probably not an unusual reaction. I'm not saying I would have done better. But, what IF? What if you and I were prepared for just such a situation as that?
Armed with God's Word in our hearts and believing steadfastly that whatever happens to us, God is in control, NOT the Devil, we could go into a prison suited up for battle, ready to face the enemy. (Most of the time, our biggest enemy is fear. The second biggest is OURSELVES. Am I right?)
So, how do we prepare for this kind of situation?
One of the things that makes imprisonment difficult is not knowing how long you will be a prisoner. Jesus is saying here, "ye shall have tribulation ten days". Maybe we can take that literally and claim it or maybe we can just figure that it's not going to be a long time. At the very worst, if we are taken prisoner during the Great Tribulation, we know that it will ALL be over in 31/2 years or less.
Sharing the Gospel with other inmates is a great way to ease the discomfort and bring down the grace and Spirit of God.
Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He also said, "In nothing be terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." (Philippian 1:21, 28 & 29)
So, where are we at now? Let's take a look: IS or ISIS are beheading Christians. (Without a lot of graphics, let's just say, there is an unholy war going on. They're even referring to Christians as "Crusaders".) Well, we are crusaders for Christ but not in the flesh. Ours is a war of the Spirit that can only be fought with spiritual weapons.
Let's suit up. Let's get our armour on and sharpen our spiritual sword, which is the Word of God. God knew that we would need it and He has made it sharp and alive. It will come to life under pressure.
We need to believe that anything we are called to go through is ordained of God.
Can you believe the Lord for that much? Can you believe that your life has already been foreordained of God? Do you believe that the Devil cannot touch a hair of your head without God's permission? And, why would God give the Devi permission to touch us if He hadn't already provided us with the grace and anointing for it?
I'm not saying it will "feel" good. It may seem scary. But, remember, the Devil's whole power is in what? FEAR.
Have you ever seen someone suffer needlessly simply because fear had gotten a hold on them? I have.
One time, I knew a dedicated Christian couple who were arrested while they were entering Morocco because they had Christian literature with them. It looked bad. They were put into a Moroccan prison. Now, Christians in a Muslim country are not in a good position. What a test of faith. But, here's the result.
They got out in two days without a scratch on them!
BUT, because they had heard other prisoners being tortured and screaming in agony, the wife picked up a spirit of fear. To me, looking at that situation, I don't believe that was God's desired end result. I was asking the Lord what she should have done and I thought that if she had prayed for those poor prisoners, she would have been able to bring some good out of her situation. Instead, she allowed the devil to scare her to the point where she only worried about herself and her husband.
This is probably not an unusual reaction. I'm not saying I would have done better. But, what IF? What if you and I were prepared for just such a situation as that?
Armed with God's Word in our hearts and believing steadfastly that whatever happens to us, God is in control, NOT the Devil, we could go into a prison suited up for battle, ready to face the enemy. (Most of the time, our biggest enemy is fear. The second biggest is OURSELVES. Am I right?)
So, how do we prepare for this kind of situation?
- Get things from God! If you are not in the habit of asking God for stuff, now is a good time to start. It will blow your mind how generous and bountiful God is and how detailed He is in answering our requests. It will build your faith.
- Converse with God! Tell Him everything. But, everything. Pour out your heart. Confess all your weaknesses and ask Him to point out more of them so you can work on them.
- Memorize Scripture! The Word is what has brought prisoners for Christ through the darkest times. We need the Bible. No other book will do. No other book IS God! Ask the Lord which verses you will need in your life.
- Pray for the Lost! Ask Jesus to reveal Himself to your friends and acquaintances who follow false religions. Remember, they will be the ones to suffer the most if they don't find Jesus! Pity them and warn them from falling into hell.
One of the things that makes imprisonment difficult is not knowing how long you will be a prisoner. Jesus is saying here, "ye shall have tribulation ten days". Maybe we can take that literally and claim it or maybe we can just figure that it's not going to be a long time. At the very worst, if we are taken prisoner during the Great Tribulation, we know that it will ALL be over in 31/2 years or less.
Sharing the Gospel with other inmates is a great way to ease the discomfort and bring down the grace and Spirit of God.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
FINALLY! Someone Got It Right!
Watching youtube, Shofar Ministries has a post about the POST Tribulation Rapture. I was thrilled to see that someone got it right at last. All scripture. Yes! Here's the link:
https://youtu.be/2_mwUn84yPw
I'm afraid there will be a lot of very disappointed Christians (Christians who do not know the Word) when they realize they are not going to be raptured out of the Tribulation.
God is not going to take us (those of us who are still alive) out of it. In fact, it was designed for us! God even gave the Antichrist permission to "wear us out". However, He will "keep us" through it.
Going through the Tribulation doesn't make the rest of the Bible null and void. It brings all the scripture to life! True Christians who know their God will come to life! They'll take action and perform "great exploits". It will be time to shine for the Lord! It will be time to help and teach others and to lead sheep to a knowledge of salvation.
The Post Tribulation Rapture could also be called "The Pre-Wrath Rapture", because, thank God, we who are saved will not suffer the Wrath of God.
In the above post on Youtube.com, there was some discussion about the years being a different length because there were lunar years being used in the time of the prophecies. However, just so there's no mistake, we also know the number of days. Days are still the same with 24 hours per day, I believe.
Daniel 12:11 & 12 says, "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
(It is understood that when these two things happen, the last 3.5 years will begin. ---The Tribulation.)
12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
Not to worry, God is going to pour out His Spirit on those who refuse the Mark of the Beast and are not deceived by the flood of lies coming on the earth. Some of us will flee into the wilderness and some of us will fall. Either way, may God be with all His beloved children up to His return!
https://youtu.be/2_mwUn84yPw
I'm afraid there will be a lot of very disappointed Christians (Christians who do not know the Word) when they realize they are not going to be raptured out of the Tribulation.
God is not going to take us (those of us who are still alive) out of it. In fact, it was designed for us! God even gave the Antichrist permission to "wear us out". However, He will "keep us" through it.
Going through the Tribulation doesn't make the rest of the Bible null and void. It brings all the scripture to life! True Christians who know their God will come to life! They'll take action and perform "great exploits". It will be time to shine for the Lord! It will be time to help and teach others and to lead sheep to a knowledge of salvation.
The Post Tribulation Rapture could also be called "The Pre-Wrath Rapture", because, thank God, we who are saved will not suffer the Wrath of God.
In the above post on Youtube.com, there was some discussion about the years being a different length because there were lunar years being used in the time of the prophecies. However, just so there's no mistake, we also know the number of days. Days are still the same with 24 hours per day, I believe.
Daniel 12:11 & 12 says, "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
(It is understood that when these two things happen, the last 3.5 years will begin. ---The Tribulation.)
12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
Not to worry, God is going to pour out His Spirit on those who refuse the Mark of the Beast and are not deceived by the flood of lies coming on the earth. Some of us will flee into the wilderness and some of us will fall. Either way, may God be with all His beloved children up to His return!
It's a Privilege and Honour to go Through the Tribulation!
A Christian on Youtube was saying that only "back-sliders" would go through the tribulation and that they would probably receive the Mark of the Beast.
Not.
I beg to differ. For one thing, a back-slider is still saved. Once you have received Jesus and been truly born-again, it's almost impossible to lose your salvation. (In my own belief, you can't lose it, but if it's possible to lose it, it would be very difficult.) God saved us while we were in our sins. We cannot save ourselves. Therefore, how can we lose salvation?
Well, you say, "by denying the Lord." How many of us have slipped up and said something we didn't mean? How many times have we questioned the very existence of God? I know I have, especially as a newborn Christian. And, I admit to having backslid many times. Every day is a new day of a clean slate with the Lord and He has to continually forgive us. Yes, we backslide. We get lifted up in pride.
Our flesh causes us to sin every day. On a good day, when our life is hid with Christ, we can walk in the Spirit. On a bad day, we argue with God, disobey Him, do things our way, rebel and complain. Don't we? Or are you guys all different than me? And better than the Apostle Paul? He admitted to being weak and struggling with his flesh. No matter how hard we try, we fail! Because we are human.
So, I fear more for this guy who piped up about how he was going to get raptured and leave all us back-sliders behind to be deceived by the Antichrist.
That is NOT the way this is going down, ok? It's not like that. God's not sending the screwed-up, messed up, back-slidden Christians into the Tribulation to teach them a hard lesson. NO WAY. He doesn't want His children to be tempted to receive the Mark of the Beast. He has even provided a way of escape.
Revelation 12:6 And the woman (followers of Christ) fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (1260 days or the entire Tribulation period.) Also Rev. 12:14.
All that aside, it's the strong in faith, the brave, fearless, God-fearing elite that will go through the Tribulation.
Remember, "When I am weak, I am strong because His strength is made perfect in my weakness."
It's just the opposite of what the flesh would think. God chose the weak things of this world. Not, know-it-all, boastful, arrogant people who want to be in the limelight.
"The people who know their God" are the ones who will do great exploits. How do you "know" God? By spending time alone in the quiet place with Jesus and reading His Word. Right?
Is there another way? We read the Bible. We pray. We learn as much as we can about Bible history and prophecy. We study the book of Revelation, because it's relevant. Don't you have an insatiable appetite for the book of Revelation these days? Someone's always bringing it up on Youtube and you want to run and check it out in your own Bible.
We really have to pick and choose who to watch on Youtube. I like the humble little people who are just trying to be helpful and sweet. I also like the brave whistle-blowers who tell it like it is. But, when I hear someone slamming their fellow believers, that's disheartening. We're not meant to judge our brothers and sisters. False religions, yes! SLAM THEM. But, not those who love Jesus. Matthew 7:1 says, "Judge not..." That's a good attitude to have, because we are all at different stages of growth. We never know when that weak, sickly looking little guy is going to sprout wings of faith and take off for the Lord. He could be a leader when the chips are down.
Ok, so Revelation 20:4 is a verse that I believe shows plainly that those who go through the Tribulation are chosen, faithful and specially blessed by God! Not the other way around, my friends.
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
5 BUT the REST of the dead lived NOT again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 BLESSED and HOLY is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.*
*Capitals are put there by me for emphasis.
Now, I ask you; does that sound to you like these guys who refuse the Mark and go through the Tribulation are backslidden? These are not the slackers. These are the called and chosen ones. They get a huge blessing which is that they get to reign with Christ a thousand years. Can you imagine that?
The Devil really wants to discourage the believers that if they find themselves "still here" during the Trib, they must be real rotters who didn't deserve to get raptured.
When the Rapture happens, you will know it! Every eye will see Jesus coming in the clouds of Heaven. But, that will not happen until after the Tribulation!
#1 The Rapture is AFTER the Tribulation
#2 The Tribulation lasts for 3 1/2 years, not 7!
#3 The last 7 years will begin when the Antichrist confirms the 7-year Peace Covenant.
#4 The Wrath of God happens AFTER the Tribulation and (possibly) during the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
#5 Born-again believers will NOT be on the earth when the Wrath of God is poured out!
Get to know your God! Get to know the book of Revelation. That way, no man can deceive you, not even a Christian who thinks he's well-versed in Bible scripture. Get to know God in the secret place. He's the only One Who will be able to keep us through the days ahead and enable us (who are here during the Trib) to do GREAT EXPLOITS. (Daniel 11:32)
Not.
I beg to differ. For one thing, a back-slider is still saved. Once you have received Jesus and been truly born-again, it's almost impossible to lose your salvation. (In my own belief, you can't lose it, but if it's possible to lose it, it would be very difficult.) God saved us while we were in our sins. We cannot save ourselves. Therefore, how can we lose salvation?
Well, you say, "by denying the Lord." How many of us have slipped up and said something we didn't mean? How many times have we questioned the very existence of God? I know I have, especially as a newborn Christian. And, I admit to having backslid many times. Every day is a new day of a clean slate with the Lord and He has to continually forgive us. Yes, we backslide. We get lifted up in pride.
Our flesh causes us to sin every day. On a good day, when our life is hid with Christ, we can walk in the Spirit. On a bad day, we argue with God, disobey Him, do things our way, rebel and complain. Don't we? Or are you guys all different than me? And better than the Apostle Paul? He admitted to being weak and struggling with his flesh. No matter how hard we try, we fail! Because we are human.
So, I fear more for this guy who piped up about how he was going to get raptured and leave all us back-sliders behind to be deceived by the Antichrist.
That is NOT the way this is going down, ok? It's not like that. God's not sending the screwed-up, messed up, back-slidden Christians into the Tribulation to teach them a hard lesson. NO WAY. He doesn't want His children to be tempted to receive the Mark of the Beast. He has even provided a way of escape.
Revelation 12:6 And the woman (followers of Christ) fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (1260 days or the entire Tribulation period.) Also Rev. 12:14.
All that aside, it's the strong in faith, the brave, fearless, God-fearing elite that will go through the Tribulation.
Remember, "When I am weak, I am strong because His strength is made perfect in my weakness."
It's just the opposite of what the flesh would think. God chose the weak things of this world. Not, know-it-all, boastful, arrogant people who want to be in the limelight.
"The people who know their God" are the ones who will do great exploits. How do you "know" God? By spending time alone in the quiet place with Jesus and reading His Word. Right?
Is there another way? We read the Bible. We pray. We learn as much as we can about Bible history and prophecy. We study the book of Revelation, because it's relevant. Don't you have an insatiable appetite for the book of Revelation these days? Someone's always bringing it up on Youtube and you want to run and check it out in your own Bible.
We really have to pick and choose who to watch on Youtube. I like the humble little people who are just trying to be helpful and sweet. I also like the brave whistle-blowers who tell it like it is. But, when I hear someone slamming their fellow believers, that's disheartening. We're not meant to judge our brothers and sisters. False religions, yes! SLAM THEM. But, not those who love Jesus. Matthew 7:1 says, "Judge not..." That's a good attitude to have, because we are all at different stages of growth. We never know when that weak, sickly looking little guy is going to sprout wings of faith and take off for the Lord. He could be a leader when the chips are down.
Ok, so Revelation 20:4 is a verse that I believe shows plainly that those who go through the Tribulation are chosen, faithful and specially blessed by God! Not the other way around, my friends.
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
5 BUT the REST of the dead lived NOT again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 BLESSED and HOLY is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.*
*Capitals are put there by me for emphasis.
Now, I ask you; does that sound to you like these guys who refuse the Mark and go through the Tribulation are backslidden? These are not the slackers. These are the called and chosen ones. They get a huge blessing which is that they get to reign with Christ a thousand years. Can you imagine that?
The Devil really wants to discourage the believers that if they find themselves "still here" during the Trib, they must be real rotters who didn't deserve to get raptured.
When the Rapture happens, you will know it! Every eye will see Jesus coming in the clouds of Heaven. But, that will not happen until after the Tribulation!
#1 The Rapture is AFTER the Tribulation
#2 The Tribulation lasts for 3 1/2 years, not 7!
#3 The last 7 years will begin when the Antichrist confirms the 7-year Peace Covenant.
#4 The Wrath of God happens AFTER the Tribulation and (possibly) during the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
#5 Born-again believers will NOT be on the earth when the Wrath of God is poured out!
Get to know your God! Get to know the book of Revelation. That way, no man can deceive you, not even a Christian who thinks he's well-versed in Bible scripture. Get to know God in the secret place. He's the only One Who will be able to keep us through the days ahead and enable us (who are here during the Trib) to do GREAT EXPLOITS. (Daniel 11:32)
Monday, October 26, 2015
Vipers! (Another Clue to the Puzzle)
Back in 2013, I started writing out chapters from Matthew, but finished off at chapter 2, I think. Interestingly enough, chapter 3 contains a verse which (to me anyway) is very significant in tying things together. Ok, so here we go:
Matthew 3
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Wait a minute. Who is this guy? And if he's bringing people to God, why isn't he doing it at the temple? What's he doing out in the wilderness? What's with that?
Everybody's talking about this guy! Of course, the priests hear about it and probably want to find out what's going on. Is it some new cult? So, they probably sent out spies to check up on him.
John 1:19 says," ...the Jews sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" They still didn't get it when he told them he was the voice of one crying in the wilderness.
HOWEVER... if they had read their Torah (Old Testament) they would have found him right in there, prophesied about in the book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
It really seems to me now that "the wrath to come" is the Wrath of God poured out in the end. Here's John the Baptist warning ---not the common people, not the little guys, but the "holy" men, the Pharisees and Sadducees. No doubt he is questioning their motives for coming out into the wilderness all dressed up in their finery to get baptized. Why would they get baptized unless they accepted this wild-looking wilderness hippy as a sort of prophet?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: (John is telling them it's not enough to get water on yourself. You need to have a heart-change.)
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. (We cannot trust in flesh and blood, no matter who our ancestors are.)
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
12 Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
(Again, he's referring to the Wrath of God here as seen in Revelation 14:16.)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered Him. (Jesus had human flesh from his mother. There was that human part of Him that had to learn obedience to His Father. In getting baptized, he was obeying God and also setting an example for others.)
16 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
If any of the Sanhedrin heard that, it should have struck awe into their hearts. Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees that believed in Jesus.
The reason this is significant is because, when the Jews of Jesus's day missed the meaning of their holy books and didn't connect the dots that proved without a doubt that He is the Messiah, they missed a lot. They missed out on salvation by grace. They continued to hold onto their laws and temple worship and to teach their children that Jesus Christ was an impostor. Nowadays, when asked, "Who is Jesus to you?" they will answer that He is the "God of the Christians". How sad for them.
That is why Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Luke 19
41 And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
And THAT, my friends, is why God has to judge Jerusalem. She didn't know the "time of her visitation", the time when her Messiah came.
Though, of course, some Jews did know; mainly the twelve disciples of Jesus and many others, including Saul, who persecuted Christians but then became one.
Many Christians have been duped into believing that the Jewish religion should be reverenced and even follow the Jewish "Holy Days". These so-called Holy days do not exist any more in the eyes of God. And their sacrifices are a stench in the nostrils of God, sorry to say.
When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was ripped from the top to the bottom. It was a demonstration that the body of Christ, torn for us, is now the way into the "Holy of Holies" and "it is finished". The final and great sacrifice has been made.
Matthew 3
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Wait a minute. Who is this guy? And if he's bringing people to God, why isn't he doing it at the temple? What's he doing out in the wilderness? What's with that?
Everybody's talking about this guy! Of course, the priests hear about it and probably want to find out what's going on. Is it some new cult? So, they probably sent out spies to check up on him.
John 1:19 says," ...the Jews sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" They still didn't get it when he told them he was the voice of one crying in the wilderness.
HOWEVER... if they had read their Torah (Old Testament) they would have found him right in there, prophesied about in the book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
It really seems to me now that "the wrath to come" is the Wrath of God poured out in the end. Here's John the Baptist warning ---not the common people, not the little guys, but the "holy" men, the Pharisees and Sadducees. No doubt he is questioning their motives for coming out into the wilderness all dressed up in their finery to get baptized. Why would they get baptized unless they accepted this wild-looking wilderness hippy as a sort of prophet?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: (John is telling them it's not enough to get water on yourself. You need to have a heart-change.)
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. (We cannot trust in flesh and blood, no matter who our ancestors are.)
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
12 Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
(Again, he's referring to the Wrath of God here as seen in Revelation 14:16.)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered Him. (Jesus had human flesh from his mother. There was that human part of Him that had to learn obedience to His Father. In getting baptized, he was obeying God and also setting an example for others.)
16 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
If any of the Sanhedrin heard that, it should have struck awe into their hearts. Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees that believed in Jesus.
The reason this is significant is because, when the Jews of Jesus's day missed the meaning of their holy books and didn't connect the dots that proved without a doubt that He is the Messiah, they missed a lot. They missed out on salvation by grace. They continued to hold onto their laws and temple worship and to teach their children that Jesus Christ was an impostor. Nowadays, when asked, "Who is Jesus to you?" they will answer that He is the "God of the Christians". How sad for them.
That is why Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Luke 19
41 And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
And THAT, my friends, is why God has to judge Jerusalem. She didn't know the "time of her visitation", the time when her Messiah came.
Though, of course, some Jews did know; mainly the twelve disciples of Jesus and many others, including Saul, who persecuted Christians but then became one.
Many Christians have been duped into believing that the Jewish religion should be reverenced and even follow the Jewish "Holy Days". These so-called Holy days do not exist any more in the eyes of God. And their sacrifices are a stench in the nostrils of God, sorry to say.
When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was ripped from the top to the bottom. It was a demonstration that the body of Christ, torn for us, is now the way into the "Holy of Holies" and "it is finished". The final and great sacrifice has been made.
Israel's Men of Renown
From the beginning, God wanted a people He could call His own. His own nation. That nation is Israel, born of the grandson of the "Father of Faith", Abraham. But, Israel is a nation called out from its own nation.
Just as there are two sides to every coin, there are two kinds of Jews. It seems there are no neutrals. The Jews are either sold out, on-fire for God or they are Antichrist idol-worshipers.
Either they were obedient to God, like Abel, or disobedient like Cain. Let's take a look at some of the obedient ones: The One Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand.
Revelation 14:1
And I looked, and, lo a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand having His Father's name written in their foreheads. (These people have God's name written in their foreheads. In Rev. 22:3 & 4, the Lamb's servants will have Jesus's name in their foreheads.)
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. (In the Old Testament, idol worshiping has always been referred to as going awhoring after other gods, so this virginity could be a spiritual type of virginity, not physical.)
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Some of the men we read about in the O.T. have a very personal relationship with God!
Joshua 6:27 So the Lord was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country. In Joshua 10:12, Joshua made the sun and moon stand still.
Joshua 10:14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord harkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.
(I bet you any money that Joshua is going to be one of the 144,000! I bet he can't wait to get back in the saddle.)
How God loves Israel! I know He weeps for her children that are not saved.
So, here are these guys coming with Jesus to pour out the Wrath of God. The second time Jesus returns He's going to be angry. And, thank God, we won't be here. (That is, none of God's children, except for the 144,000 Jews He brings with Him on white horses.) They land on Mount Sion, and who are they coming to judge?
BABYLON
Throughout history, Jerusalem has been killing the prophets and ruling the world behind the scenes in every nation of the world. She made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Yes, other nations were wicked, but this one special nation, the nation of Israel represented by all the wealth and magnificence of Jerusalem and its spanking, brand new gold-filled temple must needs be judged by God.
Why?
Because they disobeyed God. God didn't want them to build that last temple. (It hasn't been built yet, but it will be, soon.) What God wanted was for them to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. But, they refused the cornerstone, Jesus and they have (now) hewn out cornerstones made of stone.
My beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, I pray that you have not been deceived by Israel and their temple worship. It is not of God. And that means it can only be of one other.
Now, I have pointed the finger at the Jews and the Catholics. And, also, the Muslims.
Let the Truth expose the lies, fabrications, machinations and deceptions of the Devil. The New Covenant is not by works of righteousness nor of building temples of wealth. The New Covenant is born in our hearts by Jesus Christ Who alone shed His blood for the remission of sins. There is salvation in none other name under heaven.
Not even Abraham.
However, these 144,000 are called and chosen and faithful.
Revelation 17:14 These (the ten horns, probably Islamic nations) shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
It's kind of ironic that first Jerusalem gets judged by the ten horns and then Jesus and His Jewish army turn around and slaughter them! Let's face it, the Muslims are really asking for it. In fact,many of them believe that they will go to "paradise" if they kill a Christian! How ironic is that?
The names of the 12 tribes of Israel are written on the gates of heaven! (Rev. 21:12) And the wall of the New Jerusalem measures 144 cubits. And the city is pure gold, like unto clear glass. That's God's kind of gold. (Rev. 21:18)
Are you saved? It doesn't matter what nation you belong to, Jewish, Greek or Arab, you can have Jesus Christ as your personal saviour and become one of God's good buddies forever! He'll take care of you now and He'll provide all your needs. Then, He'll let you come into the wonderful New Jerusalem He is preparing for all those who love His appearing! I hope to see you there!
Just as there are two sides to every coin, there are two kinds of Jews. It seems there are no neutrals. The Jews are either sold out, on-fire for God or they are Antichrist idol-worshipers.
Either they were obedient to God, like Abel, or disobedient like Cain. Let's take a look at some of the obedient ones: The One Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand.
Revelation 14:1
And I looked, and, lo a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand having His Father's name written in their foreheads. (These people have God's name written in their foreheads. In Rev. 22:3 & 4, the Lamb's servants will have Jesus's name in their foreheads.)
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. (In the Old Testament, idol worshiping has always been referred to as going awhoring after other gods, so this virginity could be a spiritual type of virginity, not physical.)
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Some of the men we read about in the O.T. have a very personal relationship with God!
Joshua 6:27 So the Lord was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country. In Joshua 10:12, Joshua made the sun and moon stand still.
Joshua 10:14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord harkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.
(I bet you any money that Joshua is going to be one of the 144,000! I bet he can't wait to get back in the saddle.)
How God loves Israel! I know He weeps for her children that are not saved.
So, here are these guys coming with Jesus to pour out the Wrath of God. The second time Jesus returns He's going to be angry. And, thank God, we won't be here. (That is, none of God's children, except for the 144,000 Jews He brings with Him on white horses.) They land on Mount Sion, and who are they coming to judge?
BABYLON
Throughout history, Jerusalem has been killing the prophets and ruling the world behind the scenes in every nation of the world. She made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Yes, other nations were wicked, but this one special nation, the nation of Israel represented by all the wealth and magnificence of Jerusalem and its spanking, brand new gold-filled temple must needs be judged by God.
Why?
Because they disobeyed God. God didn't want them to build that last temple. (It hasn't been built yet, but it will be, soon.) What God wanted was for them to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. But, they refused the cornerstone, Jesus and they have (now) hewn out cornerstones made of stone.
My beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, I pray that you have not been deceived by Israel and their temple worship. It is not of God. And that means it can only be of one other.
Now, I have pointed the finger at the Jews and the Catholics. And, also, the Muslims.
Let the Truth expose the lies, fabrications, machinations and deceptions of the Devil. The New Covenant is not by works of righteousness nor of building temples of wealth. The New Covenant is born in our hearts by Jesus Christ Who alone shed His blood for the remission of sins. There is salvation in none other name under heaven.
Not even Abraham.
However, these 144,000 are called and chosen and faithful.
Revelation 17:14 These (the ten horns, probably Islamic nations) shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
It's kind of ironic that first Jerusalem gets judged by the ten horns and then Jesus and His Jewish army turn around and slaughter them! Let's face it, the Muslims are really asking for it. In fact,many of them believe that they will go to "paradise" if they kill a Christian! How ironic is that?
The names of the 12 tribes of Israel are written on the gates of heaven! (Rev. 21:12) And the wall of the New Jerusalem measures 144 cubits. And the city is pure gold, like unto clear glass. That's God's kind of gold. (Rev. 21:18)
Are you saved? It doesn't matter what nation you belong to, Jewish, Greek or Arab, you can have Jesus Christ as your personal saviour and become one of God's good buddies forever! He'll take care of you now and He'll provide all your needs. Then, He'll let you come into the wonderful New Jerusalem He is preparing for all those who love His appearing! I hope to see you there!
Sunday, October 25, 2015
The Difference Between the Wrath and the Tribulation
It seems that some people are confused about what happens during the "Wrath of God" and the "Tribulation". I was confused about it for a while but it's starting to become clearer as the time approaches for the fulfilling of these prophecies.
To make it simple, we can look at the entire book of Revelation and break it down into subjects.
Chapters 1 -3 are messages to the seven churches in what was called Asia.
Chapters 4 & 5 are visions of the Throne of God.
Chapter 6 is about the 6 seals being opened by the Lamb. (The sixth seal is the beginning of the Wrath.)
Chapter 7 is also the Wrath or the very beginning of the Wrath when the 144,000 are sealed in their foreheads. (The 144,000 show up again in chapter 9:4 and 14:1-5 and 17:14)
Chapter 7:9-17 is talking about the people who have gone through the Tribulation.
Chapter 8 is the opening of the 8th seal which continues the Wrath of God. (Born again Christians won't be here for this chapter!)
Chapter 9 is more Wrath. We'll miss this too. But, the 144,000 will be there. But, nobody repents, apparently.
Chapter 10 is the seven thunders and the mystery of God is finished.
Chapter 11 is about God's two witnesses who will die and come back to life. The same hour as their resurrection, "a great earthquake" kicks off the Wrath of God and the 10th part of the "Great City" (which I believe to be Jerusalem) falls.
Chapter 12 describes the Tribulation. (Revelation is not written in chronological order. It is made up of visions. Picture a camera focusing on different events and jumping back and forth in time.)
Chapter 13 The Great Tribulation and focuses on the two major players, Beast #1 and Beast #2.
Chapter 14 starts off with Jesus and His army coming down for the Wrath of God to Mt. Zion. It talks about the destruction of Babylon and the judgement of those who worship the Beast and his image, then describes the Wrath like Jesus thrusting his sharp sickle and reaping the earth. Also the last verse describes the Battle of Armegeddon.
Chapter 15 is about the seven last plagues of the Wrath of God.
Chapter 16 The vials of Wrath are poured out. (If you're saved, you'll miss it.) We may be able to watch from above. (Hundred pound hail stones. Wow!)
Chapter 17 Babylon the Whore rides the back of Beast #1 and is attacked (burned) by the ten horns of the Beast #1.
Chapter 18 is more descriptions of the fall of Babylon and that God has remembered her iniquities. (In verse 16, she was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls which really describes how the priests are dressed and what is in the temple. The temple is ready to be built soon and the cornerstones are just waiting as well as millions of dollars worth of golden chalices, etc.)
Chapter 19 is about the Bride of Christ, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the armies of heaven going down to pour out the Wrath of God. And the judgement of the beast and the false prophet. Poor guys.
Chapter 20 The devil is cast into the bottomless pit for one thousand years. (That ought to cool his heels. Or burn them.) Then he is loosed and apparently learned nothing so gathers an army to attack the beloved city. But, God is ready for them and just zaps them with heavenly fire. Poof!
Chapter 21and 22 My favourite chapters! A new heaven and a new earth, the holy city NEW JERUSALEM (This one is the REAL DEAL made by God Himself for all of us saved!)
To make it simple, we can look at the entire book of Revelation and break it down into subjects.
Chapters 1 -3 are messages to the seven churches in what was called Asia.
Chapters 4 & 5 are visions of the Throne of God.
Chapter 6 is about the 6 seals being opened by the Lamb. (The sixth seal is the beginning of the Wrath.)
Chapter 7 is also the Wrath or the very beginning of the Wrath when the 144,000 are sealed in their foreheads. (The 144,000 show up again in chapter 9:4 and 14:1-5 and 17:14)
Chapter 7:9-17 is talking about the people who have gone through the Tribulation.
Chapter 8 is the opening of the 8th seal which continues the Wrath of God. (Born again Christians won't be here for this chapter!)
Chapter 9 is more Wrath. We'll miss this too. But, the 144,000 will be there. But, nobody repents, apparently.
Chapter 10 is the seven thunders and the mystery of God is finished.
Chapter 11 is about God's two witnesses who will die and come back to life. The same hour as their resurrection, "a great earthquake" kicks off the Wrath of God and the 10th part of the "Great City" (which I believe to be Jerusalem) falls.
Chapter 12 describes the Tribulation. (Revelation is not written in chronological order. It is made up of visions. Picture a camera focusing on different events and jumping back and forth in time.)
Chapter 13 The Great Tribulation and focuses on the two major players, Beast #1 and Beast #2.
Chapter 14 starts off with Jesus and His army coming down for the Wrath of God to Mt. Zion. It talks about the destruction of Babylon and the judgement of those who worship the Beast and his image, then describes the Wrath like Jesus thrusting his sharp sickle and reaping the earth. Also the last verse describes the Battle of Armegeddon.
Chapter 15 is about the seven last plagues of the Wrath of God.
Chapter 16 The vials of Wrath are poured out. (If you're saved, you'll miss it.) We may be able to watch from above. (Hundred pound hail stones. Wow!)
Chapter 17 Babylon the Whore rides the back of Beast #1 and is attacked (burned) by the ten horns of the Beast #1.
Chapter 18 is more descriptions of the fall of Babylon and that God has remembered her iniquities. (In verse 16, she was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls which really describes how the priests are dressed and what is in the temple. The temple is ready to be built soon and the cornerstones are just waiting as well as millions of dollars worth of golden chalices, etc.)
Chapter 19 is about the Bride of Christ, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the armies of heaven going down to pour out the Wrath of God. And the judgement of the beast and the false prophet. Poor guys.
Chapter 20 The devil is cast into the bottomless pit for one thousand years. (That ought to cool his heels. Or burn them.) Then he is loosed and apparently learned nothing so gathers an army to attack the beloved city. But, God is ready for them and just zaps them with heavenly fire. Poof!
Chapter 21and 22 My favourite chapters! A new heaven and a new earth, the holy city NEW JERUSALEM (This one is the REAL DEAL made by God Himself for all of us saved!)
Friday, October 23, 2015
Importance of Praise
Praising God is powerful! It is our most powerful weapon against the enemy of our souls. There's a saying, "The devil flees when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees."
Praise has the same affect. It puts the devil in his place, under our feet, where he belongs. It exults Jesus and puts Him in His place, over everything.
God's children were created to please God and how do we do that? We please Him by praising Him.
Praise invites and brings down the Spirit of God. There's almost a tangible presence of God that envelopes those who praise Him. After developing a habit of praising God for everything (even what seems bad) praise becomes addictive. We can't live without it. It's the breath of our spirit.
Praising God is obeying God.
We think of obeying God as some really sacrificial, complicated and difficult thing to do, to give up our will and yield to Jesus to obey Him. We imagine He has all these demands to make of us. But, really, what He has asked us to do is to praise Him! That's it! That's the first commandment or command:
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all they heart and with all thy soul.
Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
16 And said unto Him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?"
Praise is a manifestation of our faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty which was, and is, and is to come.
I think those four beasts were showing us an example of how we should be. That means we should be constantly praising God without stopping even when things seem bad.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
And when we learn to do this, we'll be learning how to please God. From this strength, Jesus will show us the next step, whether ministry or helping others or forsaking all to follow Him or whatever He asks us to do. But, whatever He asks us to do, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. If it starts to feel heavy, it means we're not praising Him enough.
If you don't know for sure whether or not you are saved (meaning: not going to Hell), here's a prayer you can use to ask God for salvation:
"Dear God, I believe that Jesus (Yeshua) is Your Son who died for me on the cross of Calvary and that His blood washed me from my sins so that I can stand blameless before God. I ask You, Jesus to please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and to forgive my sin. In Jesus's name, amen."
By praying sincerely to God with a prayer like this one, we receive salvation by grace. It is a gift of God. We don't deserve it. We can't pay for it. We can't earn it. It's a gift. And that is why we praise God and thank Jesus for His death and suffering to pay for our sins!
Praise has the same affect. It puts the devil in his place, under our feet, where he belongs. It exults Jesus and puts Him in His place, over everything.
God's children were created to please God and how do we do that? We please Him by praising Him.
Praise invites and brings down the Spirit of God. There's almost a tangible presence of God that envelopes those who praise Him. After developing a habit of praising God for everything (even what seems bad) praise becomes addictive. We can't live without it. It's the breath of our spirit.
Praising God is obeying God.
We think of obeying God as some really sacrificial, complicated and difficult thing to do, to give up our will and yield to Jesus to obey Him. We imagine He has all these demands to make of us. But, really, what He has asked us to do is to praise Him! That's it! That's the first commandment or command:
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all they heart and with all thy soul.
Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
16 And said unto Him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?"
Praise is a manifestation of our faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty which was, and is, and is to come.
I think those four beasts were showing us an example of how we should be. That means we should be constantly praising God without stopping even when things seem bad.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
And when we learn to do this, we'll be learning how to please God. From this strength, Jesus will show us the next step, whether ministry or helping others or forsaking all to follow Him or whatever He asks us to do. But, whatever He asks us to do, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. If it starts to feel heavy, it means we're not praising Him enough.
If you don't know for sure whether or not you are saved (meaning: not going to Hell), here's a prayer you can use to ask God for salvation:
"Dear God, I believe that Jesus (Yeshua) is Your Son who died for me on the cross of Calvary and that His blood washed me from my sins so that I can stand blameless before God. I ask You, Jesus to please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and to forgive my sin. In Jesus's name, amen."
By praying sincerely to God with a prayer like this one, we receive salvation by grace. It is a gift of God. We don't deserve it. We can't pay for it. We can't earn it. It's a gift. And that is why we praise God and thank Jesus for His death and suffering to pay for our sins!
Judgement Begins at the House of God
Some may
think that I’m a “Jew-Hater” for saying that Babylon is Jerusalem. But,
actually, I do not hate Jews and there are born-again Jews who have been my
brothers and sisters throughout the years.
We are all
as an unclean thing. Not just the Jews. We all need salvation.
There have
been wonderful men of God throughout Jewish history, men full of faith and love
for God, from Joseph to King David and the prophets. These Jewish men of God
led the way for us. But some Jews backslid.
"He came unto
his own and His own received him not." John 1:11
By the time
Jesus came, the Jewish hierarchy had gotten so far off track that they did not recognize their own Messiah and they crucified him. Even Jesus told them in Matthew chapter 23
34
Wherefore, behold I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some
of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your
synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon
you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of
righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew
between the temple and the altar.
36 Verily I
say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
37 O
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which
are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even
as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.
Hebrews 8:8
For finding
fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will
make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Not
according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the days when I
took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they
continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10 For this
is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,
saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their
hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.
11 And they
shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying,
Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I
will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities
will I remember no more.
Hebrews 9
11 But
Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more
perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither
by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into
the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
We are all hopeless. Whether Jew, Greek, African, Spanish, Arab or what-have-you. There is no righteousness in the sons/daughters of Adam. And that's why Jesus was crucified. He crucified us with Him. We are dead to the law through the body of Christ.
So, if you look at it the way God sees it, the judgement of Jerusalem is a blessing.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
The 144,000
I thought I wrote an entry about the hundred and forty-four thousand a while ago but I can't seem to find it on this blog. At any rate, I have changed my mind. (We're allowed to change our minds, right?) It's good to know that we are smarter today than yesterday and that we can be flexible enough to change our dogmas.
The mystery of the 144,000 who receive the seal of God in their foreheads has always been a thorn in my side until today, when I reread the book of Revelation from start to finish. I believe God really blesses people who read it, especially when we take the time to read it all the way through, constantly pausing and asking Him to explain it. That's what I was doing when it came to me.
It wasn't the first time that this thought came to mind, but I'd put it on the shelf. But, this time, it really hit me between the eyes! Let me explain from the beginning to show you the logic and how simple it all is.
It's like a puzzle and only one piece in the entire picture will fit exactly. And here's a part of the puzzle.
Revelation 6:17a For the great day of his WRATH is come;
There's the first clue. The last verse of Revelation 6 talks about the wrath of God. (We know that God's children will not be on the earth during the wrath of God because we will already have been raptured, before God pours out his wrath.)
Directly following "For the great day of his wrath is come" is chapter 7 which is about the sealing of the 144 thousand of the tribes of Israel. I believe that this is also during the wrath of God, because the four angels are getting ready to "hurt the earth and the sea" (part of the wrath).
Ok, so now, take a look at Revelation19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Why is Jesus coming down on a horse with His army? This is part of the wrath of God. The next verse, verse 15c says "and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."
Now, as the Commander in Chief, Jesus is wearing an "identity tag" on his clothing and on his thigh.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS.
It's going to be pretty hard to mistake who He is! And, I would think his army would also need to be identified. Perhaps with a seal?
Revelation 7
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
(The calm before the storm of God's wrath.)
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
(I had always assumed that the servants of God were people who were already here on earth during the Tribulation. Now, I realize this doesn't happen during the Tribulation! It happens after the Tribulation when Jesus is coming to pour out His wrath! So, timing is all important and makes a huge difference.
What is the seal for? Is it to protect these soldiers, these servants of God who most-likely lived hundreds of years ago and are ready to scrap it out with Satan's army? These are the "called and chosen and faithful ones" that have been hand-picked and trained for this mission and I believe it will be an actual physical battle because the blood is going to flow!
Perhaps the seal is for identification purposes so the soldiers will be able to identify each other. It could also be a communication device. I don't know but I do believe the 144 thousand are the armies that follow Jesus down from heaven. Jesus will have an army of 144,000 Jews!
They are not the Jehovah's Witness. They are not "the remnant" of Jews that will be saved in the End Time. They are probably not even people like us who have lived post-crucifixion, but men of renown. They are going to be those guys that fought battles in the Old Testament, people like Moses, Joshua and Caleb.
So, that was a bit of an exciting revelation from the Lord. You don't have to believe it. It's really according to your faith. For me, it's another piece of the puzzle that just fits so accurately that it's very pleasing to get it finally!
I have always felt "not right" about any of the interpretations I came across for this 144 thousand. As we know, the Jehovah's Witness believe that only 144 thousand will make it into Heaven.
After 12,000 men are sealed from each tribe of Israel, the next verse says:
9 After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
(There's a big worship session going on here with a huge crowd of God's children.)
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
So, here's what I am starting to think. I think that the believers will go through the Tribulation and get raptured and invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and then Jesus is going to go down on His white horse with his army and avenge us on our enemies. And, you know, too, Jesus can be in two different places at the same time because He is omnipresent. Who knows?
At any rate, I believe we will be enjoying the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and that the Wrath of God will be part of the entertainment for the evening, maybe they'll have announcers calling out the moves play-by-play and we will applaud and clink our wine glasses in toasts to cheer on our winning team!
--- Even though, we already know who's going to win!
The mystery of the 144,000 who receive the seal of God in their foreheads has always been a thorn in my side until today, when I reread the book of Revelation from start to finish. I believe God really blesses people who read it, especially when we take the time to read it all the way through, constantly pausing and asking Him to explain it. That's what I was doing when it came to me.
It wasn't the first time that this thought came to mind, but I'd put it on the shelf. But, this time, it really hit me between the eyes! Let me explain from the beginning to show you the logic and how simple it all is.
It's like a puzzle and only one piece in the entire picture will fit exactly. And here's a part of the puzzle.
Revelation 6:17a For the great day of his WRATH is come;
There's the first clue. The last verse of Revelation 6 talks about the wrath of God. (We know that God's children will not be on the earth during the wrath of God because we will already have been raptured, before God pours out his wrath.)
Directly following "For the great day of his wrath is come" is chapter 7 which is about the sealing of the 144 thousand of the tribes of Israel. I believe that this is also during the wrath of God, because the four angels are getting ready to "hurt the earth and the sea" (part of the wrath).
Ok, so now, take a look at Revelation19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Why is Jesus coming down on a horse with His army? This is part of the wrath of God. The next verse, verse 15c says "and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."
Now, as the Commander in Chief, Jesus is wearing an "identity tag" on his clothing and on his thigh.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS.
It's going to be pretty hard to mistake who He is! And, I would think his army would also need to be identified. Perhaps with a seal?
Revelation 7
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
(The calm before the storm of God's wrath.)
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
(I had always assumed that the servants of God were people who were already here on earth during the Tribulation. Now, I realize this doesn't happen during the Tribulation! It happens after the Tribulation when Jesus is coming to pour out His wrath! So, timing is all important and makes a huge difference.
What is the seal for? Is it to protect these soldiers, these servants of God who most-likely lived hundreds of years ago and are ready to scrap it out with Satan's army? These are the "called and chosen and faithful ones" that have been hand-picked and trained for this mission and I believe it will be an actual physical battle because the blood is going to flow!
Perhaps the seal is for identification purposes so the soldiers will be able to identify each other. It could also be a communication device. I don't know but I do believe the 144 thousand are the armies that follow Jesus down from heaven. Jesus will have an army of 144,000 Jews!
They are not the Jehovah's Witness. They are not "the remnant" of Jews that will be saved in the End Time. They are probably not even people like us who have lived post-crucifixion, but men of renown. They are going to be those guys that fought battles in the Old Testament, people like Moses, Joshua and Caleb.
So, that was a bit of an exciting revelation from the Lord. You don't have to believe it. It's really according to your faith. For me, it's another piece of the puzzle that just fits so accurately that it's very pleasing to get it finally!
I have always felt "not right" about any of the interpretations I came across for this 144 thousand. As we know, the Jehovah's Witness believe that only 144 thousand will make it into Heaven.
After 12,000 men are sealed from each tribe of Israel, the next verse says:
9 After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
(There's a big worship session going on here with a huge crowd of God's children.)
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
So, here's what I am starting to think. I think that the believers will go through the Tribulation and get raptured and invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and then Jesus is going to go down on His white horse with his army and avenge us on our enemies. And, you know, too, Jesus can be in two different places at the same time because He is omnipresent. Who knows?
At any rate, I believe we will be enjoying the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and that the Wrath of God will be part of the entertainment for the evening, maybe they'll have announcers calling out the moves play-by-play and we will applaud and clink our wine glasses in toasts to cheer on our winning team!
--- Even though, we already know who's going to win!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Babylon the Whore
In Revelation chapter 14, we read about Babylon.
In the Old Testament, Babylonians set a siege against Jerusalem and captured many of its occupants. The book of Daniel tells us about his experience under Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. It was the first great empire of the world but it also has a bad reputation for persecuting the Jews and making some of them slaves. (Although, I think those slaves were treated pretty well compared to most.)
So, to be called by the name of that city has a pretty bad connotation.
Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. (spiritual fornication, like worship of false idols and gods)
The term: "great city" is found in another verse in Revelation chapter 11:8
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Here, the angel of God is likening Jerusalem to Sodom and Egypt, two kingdoms that were destroyed by God. Sodom and Gomorrah, the famous city of homosexuality, thus the term "sodomite" being used for gay men. Then, Egypt that enslaved Israel for 400 years and received on her the plagues of God at the hand of Moses and had her army drowned in the Red Sea.
In both cases, "that great city" is viewed in a very negative light. Babylon (most likely the same as "that great city") is described in depth in chapter 17.
Revelation 17
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
(Water is people. The Jews have been "sitting upon the waters" throughout history, ruling behind the scenes and controlling the world's economy and public media and movie production to spread their propaganda and the "wine of the wrath of their fornication". If anyone doubts that wealthy Jewish families are ruling this world, they should do the research. See: The Illuminati, the Protocols of Zion, and also look into who owns the world's biggest banking and financial institutions.)
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
(Hollywood, for example, has been probably the biggest movie production town in the world making movies to feed our lusts for materialism, power, sex and perversions. Hasn't it? -- Jewish owned and operated. New York, the same. --Jewish owned and operated TV studios and news media.)
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Ring a bell? It looks like the Antichrist and Jerusalem are hanging out together to the point that the Antichrist [or Beast #1] is giving the woman a ride on his back.)
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
(When the Jews rebuild their magnificent temple in Jerusalem, they will fill it with precious stones and gold. There will be goblets made of pure gold for the temple and the priests will wear purple and scarlet. And when you see all this come to pass, please remember these verses. God has been very clear in his warnings.)
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
(This is one of the FEW times capitals are being used in the Holy Scriptures. SO IT MUST BE IMPORTANT. God has to allow the judgement of Jerusalem. Not just because they had Jesus crucified but because they, who are God's chosen people from Abraham, have gone a-whoring after other gods. I'd say, mainly the god of Manna or money and materialism. It's also interesting to know that many presidents and leaders belong to underground satanic groups and "groves" where they are said to make human sacrifices and suchlike abominable practices.)
6 And I saw the woman, drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. (Throughout history, as Jesus said, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Thou who stones the prophets and messengers sent to thee..." She must give an account of herself to God as an example to the rest of the world. Whom God loves, He chastens.)
7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
(We know already that he was wounded by a sword and did live. This really impressed his fans.)
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. (Jerusalem sits on seven mountains.)
10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
(So there's a bit of an explanation for the ten horns of Revelation 13. Those kingdoms receive power. I wonder if Palestine is one of them? It has its own flag now, flying at the UN. Hmmm...)
13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (We could say that ISIS or IS or all the Muslim radicals waging a "holy jihad" against Christians are beginning to fulfill this prophecy. Yes, they may be American-aided and backed, but the driving force of these radicals is their religion that compels them to "kill the infidels". At any rate, many are dying by the sword for the name of Jesus Christ. Our brothers and sisters are laying down their lives for their faith. It's just the beginning.)
15 And he said unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (There is a deception among Christians that Israel is still God's chosen people and we should reverence her. And, although it is true that Israel is chosen of God, we should not be led astray of her back-sliding. Jews of the Jewish religion do not believe in Jesus and are still waiting for their "Messiah" to come. When the Beast #1 shows up, they may very well see him as their "Messiah" and welcome him with open arms.)
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Who is that Great City? Who is Babylon, the Whore?
I used to believe that it was America. But, when I started to study Revelation more deeply, the Lord showed me that America has only been a nation for 240 years. So, really how much blood of the saints has she shed? It's only in recent history that America has gone off the rails. In the beginning, the new world was a sanctuary for sincere Christians trying to escape from the persecution of (dare I say?) the Catholic Church!
Who has the most blood on their hands? Yes, the Catholic Church for one, but isn't Israel far more guilty? Israel has been a nation for about 4,000 years and that's a long time. They have been persecuting God's children even before Jesus showed up to judge them. Read Matthew 23; Mark 7:1-13; Luke 20:46, 47.)
If you happen to be one of those Christians that think Israel is a great place to visit and Jerusalem is the Holy City, please try to see it how God sees it. The reason we need to be careful is because Jerusalem is going to be the very heart and soul of the Antichrist's reign of terror. There is a great deception going on. But, when we were kids, they taught us,
"Everything that glitters isn't gold."
In the Old Testament, Babylonians set a siege against Jerusalem and captured many of its occupants. The book of Daniel tells us about his experience under Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. It was the first great empire of the world but it also has a bad reputation for persecuting the Jews and making some of them slaves. (Although, I think those slaves were treated pretty well compared to most.)
So, to be called by the name of that city has a pretty bad connotation.
Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. (spiritual fornication, like worship of false idols and gods)
The term: "great city" is found in another verse in Revelation chapter 11:8
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Here, the angel of God is likening Jerusalem to Sodom and Egypt, two kingdoms that were destroyed by God. Sodom and Gomorrah, the famous city of homosexuality, thus the term "sodomite" being used for gay men. Then, Egypt that enslaved Israel for 400 years and received on her the plagues of God at the hand of Moses and had her army drowned in the Red Sea.
In both cases, "that great city" is viewed in a very negative light. Babylon (most likely the same as "that great city") is described in depth in chapter 17.
Revelation 17
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
(Water is people. The Jews have been "sitting upon the waters" throughout history, ruling behind the scenes and controlling the world's economy and public media and movie production to spread their propaganda and the "wine of the wrath of their fornication". If anyone doubts that wealthy Jewish families are ruling this world, they should do the research. See: The Illuminati, the Protocols of Zion, and also look into who owns the world's biggest banking and financial institutions.)
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
(Hollywood, for example, has been probably the biggest movie production town in the world making movies to feed our lusts for materialism, power, sex and perversions. Hasn't it? -- Jewish owned and operated. New York, the same. --Jewish owned and operated TV studios and news media.)
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Ring a bell? It looks like the Antichrist and Jerusalem are hanging out together to the point that the Antichrist [or Beast #1] is giving the woman a ride on his back.)
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
(When the Jews rebuild their magnificent temple in Jerusalem, they will fill it with precious stones and gold. There will be goblets made of pure gold for the temple and the priests will wear purple and scarlet. And when you see all this come to pass, please remember these verses. God has been very clear in his warnings.)
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
(This is one of the FEW times capitals are being used in the Holy Scriptures. SO IT MUST BE IMPORTANT. God has to allow the judgement of Jerusalem. Not just because they had Jesus crucified but because they, who are God's chosen people from Abraham, have gone a-whoring after other gods. I'd say, mainly the god of Manna or money and materialism. It's also interesting to know that many presidents and leaders belong to underground satanic groups and "groves" where they are said to make human sacrifices and suchlike abominable practices.)
6 And I saw the woman, drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. (Throughout history, as Jesus said, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Thou who stones the prophets and messengers sent to thee..." She must give an account of herself to God as an example to the rest of the world. Whom God loves, He chastens.)
7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
(We know already that he was wounded by a sword and did live. This really impressed his fans.)
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. (Jerusalem sits on seven mountains.)
10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
(So there's a bit of an explanation for the ten horns of Revelation 13. Those kingdoms receive power. I wonder if Palestine is one of them? It has its own flag now, flying at the UN. Hmmm...)
13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (We could say that ISIS or IS or all the Muslim radicals waging a "holy jihad" against Christians are beginning to fulfill this prophecy. Yes, they may be American-aided and backed, but the driving force of these radicals is their religion that compels them to "kill the infidels". At any rate, many are dying by the sword for the name of Jesus Christ. Our brothers and sisters are laying down their lives for their faith. It's just the beginning.)
15 And he said unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (There is a deception among Christians that Israel is still God's chosen people and we should reverence her. And, although it is true that Israel is chosen of God, we should not be led astray of her back-sliding. Jews of the Jewish religion do not believe in Jesus and are still waiting for their "Messiah" to come. When the Beast #1 shows up, they may very well see him as their "Messiah" and welcome him with open arms.)
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Who is that Great City? Who is Babylon, the Whore?
I used to believe that it was America. But, when I started to study Revelation more deeply, the Lord showed me that America has only been a nation for 240 years. So, really how much blood of the saints has she shed? It's only in recent history that America has gone off the rails. In the beginning, the new world was a sanctuary for sincere Christians trying to escape from the persecution of (dare I say?) the Catholic Church!
Who has the most blood on their hands? Yes, the Catholic Church for one, but isn't Israel far more guilty? Israel has been a nation for about 4,000 years and that's a long time. They have been persecuting God's children even before Jesus showed up to judge them. Read Matthew 23; Mark 7:1-13; Luke 20:46, 47.)
If you happen to be one of those Christians that think Israel is a great place to visit and Jerusalem is the Holy City, please try to see it how God sees it. The reason we need to be careful is because Jerusalem is going to be the very heart and soul of the Antichrist's reign of terror. There is a great deception going on. But, when we were kids, they taught us,
"Everything that glitters isn't gold."
Two Beasts of Revelation 13
In the movie, "Sherlock Holmes", starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, Lord Blackwood quotes the first verse of the 13th chapter of Revelation.
Lord Blackwood has been arrested and is in prison for murder and for attempting to murder another on an alter of sacrifice during a demonic ceremony.
It's interesting that a movie would have an actor quoting the King James Version of the Holy Bible, but also interesting to note that the character quoting it is full of the devil and seems to think he can be the leader that this chapter describes, because he fakes his own death and resurrection. (Maybe he got the idea from verse 3 of that chapter.)
REVELATION 13
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Very simply, the beast rises up from the sea (the people) so that must mean he is elected by the people. He obviously didn't come to power through his blood-line or by appointment but rises up out of the "sea". He is popular and got the popular vote. He will probably be charismatic and charming.
He has seven heads and ten horns and each horn has a crown. Now, I'm thinking if he has seven heads, those seven heads must be just as evil as he himself because they are a part of him, maybe they have his face or at least they represent him identically in word and deed. Could this possibly be the G7 (Group of 7: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and US)?
Ten horns with crowns on them would probably be kingdoms that grew out of the heads so the heads are supporting the horns. And, horns are used to fight with.
All the heads are on the same neck and every one of them has the same name: "Blasphemy". There's a clue.
(Personally, to me, the biggest blasphemy of all is the attempt to unite all the world's religions--- as if they all worship the same God. That is blasphemy against the One True God and Father of our Lord Jesus. There is only one God and to suggest that everyone is praying to the same God is heresy. Any religion the rejects Jesus Christ as their Lord is a false religion.)
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
His what? His name.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
There is no other god who promises salvation through faith in his name. Names are important. This seven-headed beast bears the name of blasphemy. (To blaspheme God is to insult God. Not a good idea. That's worse than rejecting God.)
For example when someone says, "I am God", that is blasphemy. I have actually heard many people tell me, "I don't need God. I am God." Yike. People who think like that usually end up in situations where they discover that they are not in control of their own lives. Sorry to say, sometimes it takes an accident or bereavement or disaster to cause them to bend the knee and repent.
I hope this doesn't have to happen to you. I hope and pray that you have an open-heart relationship with the Lord and are able to humbly admit that you need Jesus and salvation and the Holy Spirit.
Satan is upping the ante. He's raising the stakes and pulling out his big guns. He can't wait to set his newest deception on display for all of mankind. And he has the means through "Smart" phones, and all that technology to broadcast his dramatic entry onto the world's stage all over the world, simultaneously.
Before the "Antichrist" comes to power, the "False Prophet" will prepare the way before him.
Let's take a look at the rest of the description of the "First Beast":
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
A leopard is fast (maybe he moves quickly into position and makes sudden changes internationally?) but his feet are like a bear (big heavy steps?) and his mouth is the mouth of a lion. (Either he roars something like how Hitler did? Or, he devours the world with his mouth and words. Or perhaps the Lion represents England and it means he speaks in English? I guess we'll find out.)
The dragon who gives him his power and seat and great authority, I believe now, is the "False Prophet" or the "Second Beast" we see further on in this chapter. They work in tandem with each other, supporting each other in their New World Order goals. After all, taking over the world is a big job for one man alone.
"Great authority" - What greater authority could there be than to rule the entire world?
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
(Later in the chapter it says he had a wound by a sword and did live.) Perhaps this head is the "main head" of the beast himself that is miraculously healed. I don't see how it could mean that the head is a nation because directly following this, it says, "all the world wondered after the beast" so there is wonder directed toward the beast himself and it seems the world is amazed that he did not die.
Again, this is all up for interpretation and I am guessing for the most part. But, we will all be sure of its meaning very soon! Because IT IS HAPPENING NOW.)
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
They (all the people of the world) worshipped the False Prophet. (Here I should note that there is a man who has been called a "prophet" in the news media and one who performs "miracles" and that is Pope Francis. He is a powerful man gaining power and popularity and taking front and center stage. I believe, as I have mentioned before that he could very well be the False Prophet. He fits the bill.)
And, they worship the "First Beast" and say, "Who can go to war against this dude? He has all the military power of the world." And, we all know that that is the US today. Nobody dare attack them.
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
12 months is a year. 3 1/2 X 12 = 42
Although the Beast or Antichrist comes on the scene with the 7-year peace covenant, it seems his greatest power will "be given him" in the middle of the 7 years when he breaks the covenant.
Who else could rule the entire world except Satan himself? He offered the world to Jesus, but Jesus refused because Satan wanted Jesus to bow down and worship him. So, that's what it's going to take to be able to rule this world, obeisance to the Devil.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
In other words, "Consider yourself warned." If we don't read His Word, how will we be warned? If we don't make a habit of continual reading and re-reading of the Holy Bible, how will we know what's going on around us in this world full of deception?
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivitiy: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
(This is a little encouragement to say that, whoever puts us believers into captivity or kills us will also be taken captive or killed. It's not "vengeance" in the way man understands "getting even", but it is a spiritual law that "Whatever a man sews, he will also reap." So, I guess it's also up to us to warn our enemies that whatever they do to us, they will reap the rewards for either good or evil. Some call that "karma".)
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
This guy comes up out of the earth. Ooooh. I'm thinking his roots go down deep and he's coming from a very dark place. And I'm also thinking that the Roman Catholic Church has a history of generations of persecuting real believers and "excommunicating" heretics, burning so-called heretics at the stake and torturing those who don't bow down to Catholicism.
Also, this second beast has two horns "like a lamb"--- wow! Is he pretending to be Christlike? Is he using the cross of Christ to fraudulently represent God? But, in reality he wants the worship of God for himself?
He speaks like a dragon. How does a dragon speak? Don't dragons have a long, pointy tongue that's split in two?
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
We have seen Pope Francis catch a dove on his finger and walk under a rainbow that suddenly appeared on his arrival and "heal" children that he has held and (supposedly) cause a woman to be able to bear children... He is really garnering the kind of adulation that crowds gave to Jesus when he went about everywhere doing good. This pope is going about everywhere doing ...something.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Most of us believe now that this "Mark of the Beast" will be an RFID computer chip. And we know that we should NOT TO ACCEPT IT. That's the dividing point right there. Will you receive the Mark of the Beast or not?
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
His number? Could his name also be his number? The way numerologists "count your name" is to use a number for each letter and add them up. One number for each of your names. So if the Antichrist has 3 names (first, middle, last) the number his name adds to could be: 666.
That's just a guess. But, whatever his name is, somehow his number will be 666. Man's number is 6 and God's number is 7. So, numbers and names are important to God.
It's important to ACCEPT the right NAME of God and it's important to REJECT the NUMBER of the Beast and the Mark of his NAME.
Did you take notes? God bless you with the knowledge of the truth so you will not be deceived in these apocalyptic times we're living in!
Lord Blackwood has been arrested and is in prison for murder and for attempting to murder another on an alter of sacrifice during a demonic ceremony.
It's interesting that a movie would have an actor quoting the King James Version of the Holy Bible, but also interesting to note that the character quoting it is full of the devil and seems to think he can be the leader that this chapter describes, because he fakes his own death and resurrection. (Maybe he got the idea from verse 3 of that chapter.)
REVELATION 13
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Very simply, the beast rises up from the sea (the people) so that must mean he is elected by the people. He obviously didn't come to power through his blood-line or by appointment but rises up out of the "sea". He is popular and got the popular vote. He will probably be charismatic and charming.
He has seven heads and ten horns and each horn has a crown. Now, I'm thinking if he has seven heads, those seven heads must be just as evil as he himself because they are a part of him, maybe they have his face or at least they represent him identically in word and deed. Could this possibly be the G7 (Group of 7: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and US)?
Ten horns with crowns on them would probably be kingdoms that grew out of the heads so the heads are supporting the horns. And, horns are used to fight with.
All the heads are on the same neck and every one of them has the same name: "Blasphemy". There's a clue.
(Personally, to me, the biggest blasphemy of all is the attempt to unite all the world's religions--- as if they all worship the same God. That is blasphemy against the One True God and Father of our Lord Jesus. There is only one God and to suggest that everyone is praying to the same God is heresy. Any religion the rejects Jesus Christ as their Lord is a false religion.)
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
His what? His name.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
There is no other god who promises salvation through faith in his name. Names are important. This seven-headed beast bears the name of blasphemy. (To blaspheme God is to insult God. Not a good idea. That's worse than rejecting God.)
For example when someone says, "I am God", that is blasphemy. I have actually heard many people tell me, "I don't need God. I am God." Yike. People who think like that usually end up in situations where they discover that they are not in control of their own lives. Sorry to say, sometimes it takes an accident or bereavement or disaster to cause them to bend the knee and repent.
I hope this doesn't have to happen to you. I hope and pray that you have an open-heart relationship with the Lord and are able to humbly admit that you need Jesus and salvation and the Holy Spirit.
Satan is upping the ante. He's raising the stakes and pulling out his big guns. He can't wait to set his newest deception on display for all of mankind. And he has the means through "Smart" phones, and all that technology to broadcast his dramatic entry onto the world's stage all over the world, simultaneously.
Before the "Antichrist" comes to power, the "False Prophet" will prepare the way before him.
Let's take a look at the rest of the description of the "First Beast":
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
A leopard is fast (maybe he moves quickly into position and makes sudden changes internationally?) but his feet are like a bear (big heavy steps?) and his mouth is the mouth of a lion. (Either he roars something like how Hitler did? Or, he devours the world with his mouth and words. Or perhaps the Lion represents England and it means he speaks in English? I guess we'll find out.)
The dragon who gives him his power and seat and great authority, I believe now, is the "False Prophet" or the "Second Beast" we see further on in this chapter. They work in tandem with each other, supporting each other in their New World Order goals. After all, taking over the world is a big job for one man alone.
"Great authority" - What greater authority could there be than to rule the entire world?
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
(Later in the chapter it says he had a wound by a sword and did live.) Perhaps this head is the "main head" of the beast himself that is miraculously healed. I don't see how it could mean that the head is a nation because directly following this, it says, "all the world wondered after the beast" so there is wonder directed toward the beast himself and it seems the world is amazed that he did not die.
Again, this is all up for interpretation and I am guessing for the most part. But, we will all be sure of its meaning very soon! Because IT IS HAPPENING NOW.)
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
They (all the people of the world) worshipped the False Prophet. (Here I should note that there is a man who has been called a "prophet" in the news media and one who performs "miracles" and that is Pope Francis. He is a powerful man gaining power and popularity and taking front and center stage. I believe, as I have mentioned before that he could very well be the False Prophet. He fits the bill.)
And, they worship the "First Beast" and say, "Who can go to war against this dude? He has all the military power of the world." And, we all know that that is the US today. Nobody dare attack them.
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
12 months is a year. 3 1/2 X 12 = 42
Although the Beast or Antichrist comes on the scene with the 7-year peace covenant, it seems his greatest power will "be given him" in the middle of the 7 years when he breaks the covenant.
Who else could rule the entire world except Satan himself? He offered the world to Jesus, but Jesus refused because Satan wanted Jesus to bow down and worship him. So, that's what it's going to take to be able to rule this world, obeisance to the Devil.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
In other words, "Consider yourself warned." If we don't read His Word, how will we be warned? If we don't make a habit of continual reading and re-reading of the Holy Bible, how will we know what's going on around us in this world full of deception?
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivitiy: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
(This is a little encouragement to say that, whoever puts us believers into captivity or kills us will also be taken captive or killed. It's not "vengeance" in the way man understands "getting even", but it is a spiritual law that "Whatever a man sews, he will also reap." So, I guess it's also up to us to warn our enemies that whatever they do to us, they will reap the rewards for either good or evil. Some call that "karma".)
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
This guy comes up out of the earth. Ooooh. I'm thinking his roots go down deep and he's coming from a very dark place. And I'm also thinking that the Roman Catholic Church has a history of generations of persecuting real believers and "excommunicating" heretics, burning so-called heretics at the stake and torturing those who don't bow down to Catholicism.
Also, this second beast has two horns "like a lamb"--- wow! Is he pretending to be Christlike? Is he using the cross of Christ to fraudulently represent God? But, in reality he wants the worship of God for himself?
He speaks like a dragon. How does a dragon speak? Don't dragons have a long, pointy tongue that's split in two?
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
We have seen Pope Francis catch a dove on his finger and walk under a rainbow that suddenly appeared on his arrival and "heal" children that he has held and (supposedly) cause a woman to be able to bear children... He is really garnering the kind of adulation that crowds gave to Jesus when he went about everywhere doing good. This pope is going about everywhere doing ...something.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Most of us believe now that this "Mark of the Beast" will be an RFID computer chip. And we know that we should NOT TO ACCEPT IT. That's the dividing point right there. Will you receive the Mark of the Beast or not?
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
His number? Could his name also be his number? The way numerologists "count your name" is to use a number for each letter and add them up. One number for each of your names. So if the Antichrist has 3 names (first, middle, last) the number his name adds to could be: 666.
That's just a guess. But, whatever his name is, somehow his number will be 666. Man's number is 6 and God's number is 7. So, numbers and names are important to God.
It's important to ACCEPT the right NAME of God and it's important to REJECT the NUMBER of the Beast and the Mark of his NAME.
Did you take notes? God bless you with the knowledge of the truth so you will not be deceived in these apocalyptic times we're living in!
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