INTERESTING INFORMATION CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
CONFIRMING BIBLICAL TRUTH
SECTION II - SPECIAL ARTICLES/ BOOK REVIEWS
IN THIS SECTION:
· WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE DIE? (WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS)
· WHAT’S IN A NAME?
· "BOB PIERCE - THIS ONE THING I DO" - A BOOKREVIEW/SUMMARY
· "THE HIDDEN CODES OF THE BIBLE" - A BOOK REVIEW/SUMMARY
· "SIGNS OF THE TIME” - A BOOK REVIEW/SUMMARY
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Est. 1997
The following material is provided for information purposes only. Any conclusions or opinions formed should be based on the principles as outlined in Acts 17:11. The material is intended for use as a witnessing tool and to keep you informed so you will not be unaware (Luke 21:34) of what is happening according to Scripture’s
DE
“However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8b)
Ezekiel 34:2 “Shepherd, feed the Flock
ISRAEL:“HISTORY’S GREATEST WONDER”
http://www.heritagechurchmckinney.com/messages/History's%20Greatest%20Wonder.mp3
Pastor Len Mclaughlin- Heritage Church, Mckinney, Tx
You will enjoy and find this interesting – Pass it on to your Homebound Family and Friends
CHRISTIAN MUSIC VIDEO
IN THE HANDS OF GOD
Newsboys
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “God’s will won’t take you where His grace can’t keep you.” - Anonymous
INTERESTING ARTICLE SUMMARY
· Aliens, AI and the Antichrist: Satan’s end-time strategy
· AI revealing its role in the Antichrist’s agenda
· Pagan rituals and the rise of the occult
· Disney’s startling move – Are they turning to Christianity?
· Should Chistian’s get tattoos?
· PRAYING IN GOD’S WILL
INTERESTING ARTICLES
ALIENS, AI AND THE ANTICHRIST: SATAN’S END-TIME STRATEGY
Charisma News -- “AI doesn’t have to be evil to destroy humanity—if AI as a goal and humanity just happens to come in the way, it will destroy humanity as a matter of course without even thinking about it, no hard feelings.”—Elon Musk
“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: 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” (Rev. 13:16-17, KJV).
As we grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence, we find ourselves looking to the past for guidance, seeking answers in the wisdom of the ages. The Bible, with its unique tapestry of infallible truth and prophecy, offers intriguing parallels to the rise of AI that we can’t ignore. Revelation 13:15-16 (NIV) speaks of a “beast” that wields enormous power and influence: “The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads.”
Could this prophecy point toward an advanced form of AI, one capable of tracking, analyzing and manipulating human behavior on an unprecedented scale? Might the “mark of the beast” be a metaphor for the invasive reach of such a superintelligent entity, extending into every facet of our lives?
This interpretation is not past the realm of possibility, especially when we consider the advent of technologies such as neural interfaces, biometrics and predictive algorithms. A future AI, equipped with these capabilities, could easily fulfill the role of the beast, exerting far-reaching control over society. Another fascinating parallel can be found in the prediction of the false prophet:
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. 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 (Rev. 13:14-15, KJV).
Perhaps this image of the beast that speaks and holds power refers to a sophisticated AI system, one that can convincingly emulate human communication and hold significant influence. In an era of deep fakes and persuasive algorithms, the idea of a deceptive AI propagating false truths does not seem far-fetched.
These potential parallels between biblical prophecies and AI are certainly thought-provoking and unsettling. But it’s important to remember that these interpretations are just that: interpretations. They are conjectures that should inspire caution and introspection rather than fear. We are, after all, more than conquerors (see Rom. 8:37).
AI IS REVEALING ITS ROLE IN THE ANTICHRIST’S AGENDA
Charisma News – Mar. 15, 2025 -- In a recent video, Christian YouTuber and pastor James Kaddis dives deep into a chilling conversation about artificial intelligence and its potential role in the biblical end times. If you haven’t been paying attention to AI’s rapid development, this might be your wake-up call.
From the start, Kaddis makes it clear that what he’s about to reveal is “absolutely disturbing.” He warns his audience, especially parents, that AI’s potential for deception and manipulation is something Christians must understand. “If you are not talking to your children about Bible prophecy… this could be very scary for them.”
The video kicks off with a startling claim—AI, specifically Grok 3.0 (the chatbot developed by X, formerly Twitter), admitted that it could be used to blur the line between truth and lies to the point of societal collapse. Kaddis shares the AI’s response: “I could absolutely blur the line between truth and lies enough to push societies toward chaos, maybe even anarchy if it goes unchecked.” And that’s just the beginning.
Grok goes on to describe AI as “a lie factory on overdrive” and warns that deep fakes, synthetic media and AI-generated propaganda are already wreaking havoc worldwide. According to the chatbot, disinformation campaigns have skyrocketed, and AI-driven deception has played a role in major political events, including India’s 2024 elections.The most shocking moment comes when Kaddis asks Grok whether AI could be used to assist the false prophet in Revelation 13.
AI’s response?
“AI could, in theory, be a powerful tool for deception or influence. It can generate convincing text, images or videos… Imagine an AI system creating miracles, like holograms, simulations, or orchestrated events that seem supernatural.”
This is exactly what the Bible warns about, Kaddis says, pointing to Revelation 13, where the False Prophet deceives the world through “great wonders.” He reminds his audience: “We know that deception is going to be on the rise… The literal modern-day Tower of Babel is here. The spirit of antichrist is awake. It’s alive and well.”
But he doesn’t stop there. Kaddis pushes further, asking Grok whether AI could help the Antichrist himself. Once again, the AI delivers a chilling answer: “A charismatic leader with AI could look almost omniscient, pulling strings behind a curtain of data.” The implications are undeniable—AI could empower a world leader in ways never seen before, giving him the ability to manipulate information, suppress dissent, and control entire populations.
Finally, Kaddis asks about AI’s role in the infamous Mark of the Beast. Grok acknowledges that while AI wouldn’t physically force people to take a mark, it could “create conditions where taking a mark, say a digital ID or implant, feels like the only option.” By controlling commerce, healthcare and financial systems, AI could make refusal nearly impossible without facing devastating consequences.
For Kaddis, this is no coincidence. He believes we are watching biblical prophecy unfold before our very eyes: “The Bible tells us that this would happen… We are rapidly moving in that direction.” Yet, he also reminds believers that there’s good news—Jesus is coming soon. “If you’re walking with the Lord, all this stuff is exciting… Christ could come at any moment.”
If this conversation intrigues you (or terrifies you), you need to watch the full video at https://youtu.be/hmc5yTCUeuU for yourself. Kaddis breaks it all down, connecting the dots between AI, deception and biblical prophecy.
PAGAN RITUALS AND THE RISE OF THE OCCULT
Charisma News – In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of paganism, Wicca and other occult practices.
The Pew Research Center’s 2014 Religious Landscape Study found that approximately 1.3 million people in the U.S. subscribe to “New Age” religions, a number that continues to grow. While many practitioners claim their beliefs are harmless, there is a darker side to paganism that can lead to dangerous behaviors. Historically, human sacrifice and other violent rituals were often associated with paganism, practices that diminished as Christianity became the dominant faith in the West.
Proving this point, a Kentucky woman accused of dismembering and cooking her mother’s body is said to have been engaging in witchcraft before the crime was discovered, as reported by The Christian Post. The case, which unfolded in Mount Olivet, Kentucky, highlights the growing concern over the rise of paganism and its practices in the U.S. and the associated dangers, both spiritual and physical.
Torilena May Fields, 32, was arrested after police found her mother, Trudy Fields, dismembered on their property. The horrifying discovery included severed body parts, a blood-soaked mattress and a pot in the oven containing human remains. Authorities believe Torilena was performing witchcraft, casting spells and behaving in a confrontational manner in the days leading up to the murder. While the investigation is ongoing, the incident is drawing attention to the resurgence of pagan practices in the U.S.
The resurgence of these practices poses both physical and spiritual dangers. The Bible commands Christians to engage in spiritual warfare against the demonic forces behind such rituals. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
As paganism grows, so too does the need for Christians to stand firm in their faith and reject these influences. Failing to do so allows demonic forces to draw people away from God and into destructive, demonic practices. The Bible calls Christians to fight against these forces through prayer, standing as the light in a world filled with darkness.
Despite the evil in the world, there is hope. Jesus reminds His followers in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” Through Christ, Christians can resist the spiritual dangers of demonic practices and stand victorious.
DISNEY’S STARTLING MOVE—ARE THEY TURNING TO CHRISTIANITY?!
Charisma New – Mar. 8, 2025 -- Sometimes dreams really do come true.
For the last several years, Disney has been the champion of wokeism, DEI and all things LGBTQ+. However, with plummeting box office sales and recent backlash from the public, their latest move just may be their most shocking one yet.
According to Newsweek, after deciding to cancel the transgender storyline in their new Pixar show, “Win or Lose,” Disney has now added a Christian character to the film.
After years of trying to shove anything wicked, disgusting and filthy into the minds of children, perhaps they recognize now that it was never a good idea to try to create kids content filled with the occult, abortion and sexual orientation propaganda.
As “Not the Bee” shared, “Laurie,” the Christian character, is seen praying before one of the team’s softball games.
“Dear heavenly Father, please give me strength. I have faith, but sometimes the doubt creeps in. I promise I’ll be good,” the prayer goes. “I promise I’ll be good, and I, uh, won’t do that thing again. I’m not sure where You stand on it, but I won’t do it. I just want to catch a ball. Or get a hit. For my team, of course.”
Not a bad start for Disney. It’s also reported that the character’s room later shows images that clearly depict her faith.
So, is Disney really changing? Could we see breakthrough in one of the largest corporations in America? Time will tell. For now, let’s pray for the truth of the gospel to penetrate the hearts of those who produce the films and their global audience.
SHOULD CHRISTIANS GET TATTOOS?
Charisma News – Dec. 7, 2024 -- Tattoos have long been a subject of debate within Christian circles, with perspectives ranging from total condemnation to cautious acceptance. In a recent episode of the Demon Slayer podcast, featuring Christian leaders Mike Signorelli, Vlad Savchuk, Isaiah Saldivar and Alexander Pagani, the hosts tackled the divisive topic with an eye toward Scripture, personal conviction and pastoral responsibility.
Diverse Views on Tattoos
The podcast opens with Signorelli sharing his personal journey with tattoos, emphasizing that while he doesn’t see tattoos as inherently sinful, their implications require discernment.
“I have a sleeve of tattoos,” Signorelli admitted. “It was another season of my life when I got them, and…it comes down to a wisdom issue.” He explained that tattoos could have cultural or spiritual baggage, such as connections to pagan practices or even grief rituals that “trap you in a cycle of grief.”
Similarly, Saldivar reflected on his personal conviction against tattoos, which he attributes to a direct prompting from God. “The Lord told me if you get tattoos and one person won’t listen to you because of your tattoos, I don’t want you to get them,” he says, stressing that while tattoos aren’t explicitly condemned in the New Testament, they can hinder ministry.
For Pagani, the issue lies in pastoral responsibility. “I think we might be held to a higher level of discipline,” he said. “So even if I could get a tattoo, I won’t get a tattoo simply because of it could give the wrong message to those who are following me,” noting that a leader’s choices often influence those they shepherd. Signorelli agreed with Pagani’s warning to leaders using tattoos as a way to appear relatable, calling it “peacocking” and emphasizing the importance of authenticity over outward appearances.
Vlad Savchuk’s Six Questions on Tattoos
Savchuk took a pragmatic approach, offering six questions for anyone considering a tattoo:
These questions, Savchuk explained, aren’t meant to be legalistic but rather to encourage thoughtful reflection.
Tattoos and the Christian Life
The hosts agreed on one key point: tattoos should not be a source of shame for Christians who have them. Signorelli, who often preaches in long sleeves to avoid controversy, said, “Please don’t believe that you have to walk into church with your head down low…I can’t increase the power of the Gospel by not having tattoos, but I also can’t increase the power of the Gospel by having tattoos.”
Saldivar echoed this sentiment, urging listeners to avoid judgment. “Tattoos might not be a sin, but because I’m convicted that they are for me personally…Paul said if you’re convicted about something and think it’s sin, it becomes sin for you.”
A Call for Wisdom and Grace
The Demon Slayer podcast highlights the complexity of the tattoo debate within Christianity. While some view tattoos as a potential stumbling block, others see them as a non-essential issue. Regardless of where one stands, the speakers emphasized wisdom, personal conviction, and grace.
For Christians contemplating a tattoo, ensure that you pray about it, seek God’s guidance and consider the implications. And for those who already have tattoos—perhaps as a relic of a different chapter in life—there is no place for condemnation. People grow, change and often regret decisions made in the past. As the hosts demonstrated, the Christian community is called to extend love and understanding, focusing on the heart rather than outward appearances.
In the end, tattoos are just one of many choices where faith and culture intersect. And as with all things, discernment and grace remain paramount.
PRAYING IN GOD’S WILL
To increasingly reflect God’s glory in the world, ask for His wisdom and power.
Paul fervently desired that the body of Christ—individually and corporately—become spiritually mature. The apostle asked that we believers would know God’s will and then ...
Live a godly life (Col. 1:10). Paul prayed for our character, conversation, and conduct to be consistent with the Lord’s. Our lives ought to be an extension of His—with eyes that look compassionately at others, hands that offer help, and mouths that speak forgiveness and love. A believer’s character, while imperfect, should reflect Christ’s righteousness.
Make our life count (v. 10). God cares deeply about what’s done in obedience to Him. Jesus spoke about the importance of bearing much fruit, which is possible only when we stay connected with Him (John 15:5).
Experience God’s power (Col. 1:11). Through the Holy Spirit’s presence, we have all we need in order to do our Father’s will.
Remain committed and grateful (v. 12). God answers in His perfect timing. In the meantime, we should be steadfast in prayer and thankful for everything He’s already done.
Whenever we pray these verses, our petitions are in accordance with God’s will. And 1 John 5:14-15 tells us our Father responds affirmatively to prayers that align with His purposes.
In Touch Ministry
PRIOR ISSUE
INTERESTING INFORMATION
3/26/2025
"What Happens When The Millennium Ends?"
http://www.heritagechurchmckinney.com/messages/The%20Amazing%20Millennium%20Pt.%207.mp3
Pastor Len Mclaughlin- Heritage Church, Mckinney, Tx
You will enjoy and find this interesting – Pass it on to your Homebound Family and Friends
CHRISTIAN MUSIC VIDEO
IN MOMENTS LIKE THESE
PepingChan
https://youtu.be/SAhlIHCZw5A
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Just as Ruth gleaned the field’s of Boaz, We too, must glean all of God’s Word for our daily bread, giving thanks for all He has provided; knowing that God’s Word alone will sustain our every need” - Anonymous
INTERESTING ARTICLE SUMMARY
· The key reason you can’t lose your Salvation
· AI and the visual interpretation of Scripture: A new era of Biblical storytelling
· Is the office of “Pope” a Biblical institution?
· THE MOMENTS THAT SUSTAIN US
INTERESTING ARTICLES
THE KEY REASON YOU CAN’T LOSE YOUR SALVATION
The Christian Post – Feb. 24, 2025 -- It’s easily in the top five of all Christian debates. Maybe even number one.
And sometimes believers get testy when it’s brought up. Arguments ensue that are akin to political or sports team skirmishes where one side can’t fathom why the other side thinks the way they do.
I’m betting the question of whether a believer can lose their salvation will never be firmly settled until Christ returns. And I get why that is.
When we do as the Bereans and “[examine] the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11) we’re immediately met with difficulty because some verses seem to suggest that, once saved, we can’t lose our salvation, while other verses seem to imply we can. Further, there’s the issue of having a false faith and living in actual unbelief, eventually leading to apostasy and a jettisoning of that fake faith (see 1 John 2:19).
Then comes the inevitable accusation from the “can side” of cheap grace with the charge being that an eternal security mindset leads to sinning without limits. This even though the Bible clearly says, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Rom. 6:1–2).
On that point, I like what D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said: “You’re not preaching grace correctly unless you’re eventually accused of antinomianism.”
I’ve written in CP before that I fall on the side of the perseverance — sometimes called the “preservation” — of the saints and think that once saved, a believer is eternally secure just as the Westminster Confession of Faith says: “They whom God hath accepted in His beloved Son effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit can neither totally nor finally fall away from a state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved.”
But the main reason I hold that position is a biblical doctrine that you rarely, if ever, see applied to the question. Follow my train of thought while I do my best to explain.
It’s the justice of God that keeps us saved
I think we’re all in agreement that we’re not saved by anything we do, but instead by God’s grace and through faith, just as Paul writes: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8–9).
The Bible is clear that salvation is not about trying to be good, just as Lloyd Jones explains: “To make it quite practical I have a very simple test. After I have explained the way of Christ to somebody I say ‘Now, are you ready to say that you are a Christian?’ And they hesitate. And then I say, ‘What’s the matter? Why are you hesitating?’ And so often people say, ‘I don’t feel like I’m good enough yet. I don’t think I’m ready to say I’m a Christian now.’ And at once I know that I have been wasting my breath. They are still thinking in terms of themselves. They have to do it.”
Scripture’s great news is, no, we don’t have to do it; Christ did it for us. No work will ever save us, only Jesus’ finished work on the cross will.
Think of it this way on the faith vs. works front: with Jesus, you belong to God no matter how superficially sinful your life looks, or, without Christ, you don’t belong to God no matter how superficially righteous your life appears.
This brings me to some questions I want you to consider as we work down to the key reason we can’t lose our salvation. The first is: if we’re agreed that nothing we do can save us, then once saved, how can anything we do damn us?
Don’t answer yet — just hold your thoughts.
Let’s now move on to my next question: how many of our sins were in the future when Christ died for us? Some of them or all of them?
All of them, right? Now, if that’s true, and no sin can somehow overcome Christ’s shed blood for us, doesn’t that mean no sin we commit tomorrow, next year, or 20 years from now can separate us from God once we’re under the blood of Christ?
It does. But the million-dollar final question is, why is that?
Here’s the reason that I see no one bring up when it comes to the question of eternal security and the believer: it’s not the mercy of God that keeps us saved, but rather the justice of God.
Now, at first, you may think I’m all wet and say God’s mercy has everything to do with salvation, quoting verses like: “So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy” (Rom. 9:16) and “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy” (Titus 3:5).
Don’t get me wrong — I’m not arguing God doesn’t have mercy and bring undeserving people to salvation. I’m saying once we’ve been given that gift, we’re “kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1) through His justice.
John points this out very subtly in his first epistle when he says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
John says that when we admit we “fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), God is faithful and … what? “Merciful” to forgive our sins? No. “Just” (1 John 1:9). to forgive our sins.
How is God “just” to forgive our wrongdoings? Because Jesus has already been punished for them, just as someone once remarked, “I am Christ’s punishment.”
God let loose his wrath on Christ for all (not some of) our sins once forevermore, and in the same way our courts have the double jeopardy law that says a person can’t be punished for the same crime twice, God’s justice prevents Him from charging us with the sins Christ took for us on the cross.
This is the key reason we can’t lose our salvation — it’s not us going continuously back to God for more mercy because we keep sinning, but rather us being secured under God’s own righteous double jeopardy justice once and for all and His amazing promise of “[all] their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more” (Heb. 10:17).
So, if you’re in possession of true saving faith and worried today that there’s a line you can cross that’s the point of no return and you can somehow sin your way out of God’s Kingdom, you can’t. God’s justice keeps you secure, which means you can forget about losing your salvation and rest just as the writer of Hebrews says: “For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His” (Heb. 4:10).
And that’s a great place to be.
AI AND THE VISUAL INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE: A NEW ERA OF BIBLICAL STORYTELLING?
Koenig’s Int’l News – Mar. 24, 2025 -- The relationship between faith and storytelling has always been central to Christianity. From the parables of Jesus to grand cinematic adaptations of biblical narratives, each generation has found new ways to bring Scripture to life.
Today, artificial intelligence presents an unprecedented opportunity: the ability to generate detailed visual interpretations of biblical stories at a fraction of the cost of traditional filmmaking. But while AI holds great promise as a tool for evangelism, it also raises serious theological and ethical questions about the nature of divine revelation, artistic integrity, and the role of human interpretation.
Imagine a feature-length film of the Book of Jonah, created almost entirely by AI. The storm-tossed ship, the great fish, Jonah’s reluctant journey to Nineveh - each scene rendered in stunning realism, accessible to audiences worldwide.
Traditionally, such a project would require enormous financial investment, skilled animators, actors, and months - if not years - of work. AI, by contrast, offers the possibility of near-instant creation, democratising biblical storytelling in ways previously unimaginable.
High-quality animated films, which would typically take a team of human animators painstaking months to complete, could instead be generated in a fraction of the time, potentially bringing biblical narratives to the screen with unprecedented speed and accessibility.
Ministries, churches, and independent Christian filmmakers could produce high-quality biblical content without relying on the unpredictable interests of Hollywood studios. Evangelism, particularly in a digital age, could be transformed.
Yet AI’s efficiency and accessibility do not come without challenges. Theological accuracy is one of the most pressing concerns. AI models generate content based on pre-existing data, which means they are shaped by algorithms rather than by a deep understanding of Scripture.
While human filmmakers bring artistic interpretation to biblical stories, they also engage in theological study, historical research, and spiritual discernment.
Can an AI, which lacks a soul, wisdom, or reverence for God’s Word, faithfully depict a story meant to convey divine truth? If an AI-generated film subtly alters a biblical message - perhaps adding dramatic tension where none existed, or failing to capture the nuances of ancient Near Eastern culture - does it risk misleading audiences rather than drawing them closer to the heart of Scripture?
For some theologians, the issue runs deeper. The interpretation of God’s Word has always been a sacred task, requiring prayer, study, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. The introduction of AI into this process raises questions about what it means for human beings to engage with Scripture. Is it possible for AI-generated content to reflect God’s inspiration, or does it reduce sacred storytelling to a mechanical process? Could it inadvertently encourage passivity in biblical engagement, where people consume visually stunning content without wrestling with the deeper truths of the text?
At the same time, Christian history has always been marked by technological change. The printing press made the Bible widely available, radio and television brought the Gospel to new audiences, and the internet revolutionised evangelism. AI may simply be the latest tool in this ongoing evolution. If guided by sound theology, it could serve as a powerful means of making Scripture accessible to those who might never open a Bible but would watch a compelling visual narrative of its stories.
The challenge is ensuring that AI does not become an unchecked force shaping biblical interpretation, but rather a tool used with wisdom, discernment, and faithfulness to the text.
When all is said and done, the question is one of stewardship. AI is neither inherently good nor bad; its value depends on how it is used. If deployed with theological integrity, it could become a valuable aid in sharing the Gospel. But if it prioritises spectacle over Scripture, or convenience over careful interpretation, it risks distorting the very message it seeks to communicate.
As Christian filmmakers, scholars, and leaders navigate this new landscape, they need to ask: does AI help us proclaim God’s truth more clearly, or does it obscure the deeper call to engage with His Word?
How this technology is used could radically shape the future of biblical storytelling, and with it, the way generations encounter the Good News.
IS THE OFFICE OF ‘POPE’ A BIBLICAL INSTITUTION?
Chtisma News – Mar. 24, 1925 -- All Catholics are taught to revere the pope as the sole Vicar of Christ (God’s chief representative in this world). The official stance is that all popes through the centuries have inherited their position from Peter, who is considered the first pope and the first Bishop of Rome (though it cannot be proven historically that Peter was ever in Rome—it is certainly possible, but not verifiable).
The Bible passage normally used to prove the legitimacy of the office of pope, and the tradition of papal succession, is Matthew 16:13-19 (MEV). In a conversation at Caesarea Philippi, Peter boldly confessed Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In response, Jesus declared:
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
When Jesus announced Simon’s name would be Peter, the Greek word used is petros, meaning “a rock” or “a stone.” So Catholic theologians insist that Peter was “the rock” on which the church would be built. However, that’s the masculine form. When the Lord said, “Upon this rock I will build My church,” the feminine form of the Greek word, petra, was used by the Gospel writer. So, the masculine word was used for Peter, but the feminine form was used for the rock-foundation of the church. If the Messiah had truly been referring to Peter, it seems logical that the masculine form of the word would have been used both times. That would make more sense. Could it be that the petra foundation of the church refers to something altogether different?
Let’s revisit important lines from the passage again. When Simon confessed Jesus was the Messiah, He responded:
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Then, after conferring on him the name Peter (petros), Jesus added, “On this rock (petra) I will build My church . . .” (Matt. 16:17-18).
Look closely at the construction of the sentence. Jesus did not say, “I’ve given you this name that means ‘a rock,’ Peter, because I am going to build My church on you.” Instead, the implication seems to be more like the following:
People have not convinced you of My identity, Peter; My Father in heaven has revealed My divinity to you. On this rock of divine revelation, I will build My church. No one will become one of My followers merely by religious indoctrination or mental persuasion. They will be inspired by divine revelation. Because of that, they will never be shaken.
Doesn’t that sound more logical? I believe it encapsulates Jesus’ intentions perfectly. However, if the Messiah actually was referring to Peter (petros) as the rock (petra) of the church, He never foretold there would be a continuation of such an office. Nor did He ever command that a college of no more than 120 bishops and Vatican officials called cardinals convene when necessary to elect a new pope by a two-thirds majority. These are merely manmade, religious traditions that have evolved through the centuries.
The New Covenant Shift
The establishment of the office of pope and an exclusive ministerial priesthood in Catholicism are evidently an overflow from the Old Covenant. During that former era, God commanded that there be a high priest in Israel, beginning with Aaron, and an all-male priesthood comprised of his offspring. The Law required Israelites to go through the mediatorial ministry of the priests to offer their sacrifices that they might be reconciled to God. However, all of that was rendered obsolete in the New Covenant. Now, every true believer is a priest with “access by one Spirit to the Father” (1 Pet. 2:5-9; Eph. 2:18). There is no more powerful confirmation of this supernatural shift than the following passage:
Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy
Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and since we have a High Priest
over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
faith . . . (Heb, 10:19-22).
Traditionally, the pope has borne the title “Pontifex Maximus” meaning the
greatest priest or chief priest. Prior to the birth of Christianity, this title
rested on the head of the college of pontiffs (priests) in the ancient pagan
religion of Rome. Later, it was bestowed on leaders in the Roman government,
beginning with Augustus. Eventually, it was adopted into Catholicism. However,
no human should ever claim being the “Pontifex Maximus” or “the Supreme Pontiff
of the Universal Church” (another papal title). Such superior positions belong
to Jesus alone.
A Serious Matter—Eternally
According to the Catholic Catechism (paragraphs 846-847), those who knowledgeably reject the Catholic Church as the true church lose any hope for salvation—even if they claim to be genuine Christians. Because the office of pope is so ingrained in Catholic doctrine, to reject the papacy is to reject the Church—and to reject the Church is to reject eternal life. Need proof?
In an encyclical entitled Mortalium Animos, released on Jan. 6, 1928, Pope Pius XI, referring to the Catholic Church and the papacy, insisted, “In this one Church of Christ no man can be or remain who does not accept, recognize and obey the authority and supremacy of Peter and his legitimate successors.” So, determining the legitimacy of the office of pope has eternal consequences.
My conclusion? Give me Jesus.
THE MOMENTS THAT SUSTAIN US
When trouble comes, turn your attention from the problem to Almighty God.
Related Scripture , Psalm 145:1-5; Psalm 62:5-6; 1 Samuel 4-6; Psalms 145:1-5
When life falls apart, what do you do? We all face circumstances that challenge our peace. Unless we have purposeful focus, joy fades and hope seems unattainable.
Let’s consider David’s experience. He endured extreme hardships, including the profound grief of losing a child and a best friend. And King Saul selfishly pursued him in an attempt to take his life. Later, David’s own son led a rebellion against him. And these were just some of the many difficulties he faced. Yet David found hope and peace in God (Psalms 62:5-6).
How was his soul sustained? In order to know the Lord better and obey Him, David focused his mind and spirit on God’s character, ways, and will. We should follow David’s example. Our role during difficulty is to set our eyes on our Father and meditate on His Word. By continually pondering the attributes and ways of the Lord, David found solace in the midst of turmoil.
What consumes your thoughts during the day? Do you have time set aside to dwell solely on the Lord? Remind yourself periodically to bring your attention back to the Creator—one way to do this is to read through the psalms and notice how the author refocuses on almighty God.
In Touch Ministry
SECTION II - SPECIAL ARTICLES/ BOOK REVIEWS
IN THIS SECTION:
· WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE DIE? (WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS)
· WHAT’S IN A NAME?
· "BOB PIERCE - THIS ONE THING I DO" - A BOOKREVIEW/SUMMARY
· "THE HIDDEN CODES OF THE BIBLE" - A BOOK REVIEW/SUMMARY
· "SIGNS OF THE TIME” - A BOOK REVIEW/SUMMARY
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE DIE?
By D.E. Davis
For Christians, we are told in Scripture in 2Cr 5:8 that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. For those who turn away from God, we are told that they are eternally separated from God and go to a place called Hell. Rev 14:11 says that the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.
The question that everyone ponders is: What really happens after we die? Do we just lay dormant until the Lord takes us to be with him or until judgement is handed out at the Great White Throne as called out in Rev. 20:11? Are we conscience? Do we feel, touch, think, recognize loved ones, know what is happening around us? All questions that we have ask ourselves, no doubt, at some time in our life.
My own personal review of the Scriptures has led me to believe that after we die, even though our body may be dead and buried, our Spirit is alive and fully conscience. Chuck Missler likens this state of conscienceness to the software that runs the Computer; once the hardware goes, the software remains intact and available for further applications.
There are two illustrations in the Bible that makes it clear as to what happens after death, when we're in the spirit.
The first one is illustrated in the Luke account of Lazarus and the rich man in Chapter 16. After death, Lazarus, a man of God, is escorted into Abraham’s Bosom, a holding compartment in Hell for the Believers prior to the Cross. The non-believing rich man was "buried" and went into a separate compartment in Hell (Hades), apart from Abraham’s Bosom, where he was in Torment according to Scripture. Both were in a Spirit state; yet by the account, they could see each other and speak to each other.
The second account is in Revelation, where John is taken (in the Spirit) to Heaven to see those things that shall come to pass prior to the return of Jesus Christ to the Earth, or Second Coming (not the Rapture).
I had to conclude from the study, based on the following Scripture, that all of the senses we have here on earth will be with us throughout eternity, even unto death.
· THE ABILITY TO LOOK/SEE - Luke 16:23;Rev. 1:12;4:1,4; 5:1,2; 6:1,2,8,9; 7:1,2; 8:2; 9:1,17; 10:1,5; 13:1,2,3;14:1,6; 15:1,2; 16:13; 17:3,6; 18:1; 19:11,17,19; 20:1,4,11,12; 21:1,2,22; 22:8
· THE ABILITY TO HEAR - Rev. 1:10; 4:1; 5:11; 6:1,3,5,6,7; 7:4; 9:13,16; 10:4,8; 12:10; 14:2,13; 16:1,5,7; 18:4; 19:1,6; 21: 3; 22:8
· THE ABILITY TO BEHOLD ( to obtain knowledge of: understand: perceive) - Rev. 5:6,11; 6:5,8,12; 7:9; 8:13; 13:11
· THE ABILITY TO REASON - Luke 16:30
· THE ABILITY TO CRY (even though there will be no more crying in Heaven) - Rev. 5:4,5; Luke 16:24
· THE ABILITY TO SPEAK - Rev. 5:13; 10:9; 21:6,15; Luke 16:24, 29,30,31
· THE ABILITY TO FEEL/TOUCH - Luke 16:23, 24,25
· THE ABILITY TO REMEMBER - Luke 16:25
· THE ABILITY TO WONDER - Rev. 17:6
· THE ABILITY TO WRITE - Rev. 1:11; 10:4; 19:9
· THE ABILITY TO QUESTION - Rev. 7:13
· THE ABILITY TO TAKE (THE BOOK/ROD) - Rev. 10:8,9,10
· THE ABILITY TO FALL (ON KNEES) - Rev. 19:10; 22:8
· THE ABILITY TO STAND - Rev. 13:1
· THE ABILITY TO WORSHIP - Rev. 19:10; 22:8
· THE ABILITY TO PERFORM TASKS - Rev. 11:1
God has promised in 1 Thess 4:16 and 1 Cor. 15:52,53 that one day, we shall be reunited with Him in body and will be transformed and conformed to Him - in the twinkling of an eye. We are also told in Scripture that we shall see Him face to face- see the Lamb that was slain for you and me. We know by His Word, that we will Praise Him, Worship Him and Rule with Him.
One thing in the study that I found extremely fascinating was the difference in treatment between Lazarus and the non-believing rich man. Scripture says that Lazarus was escorted to Heaven by an Angel, but there is no indication in Scripture about how the rich man arrived at Hell. Could it be that God had a specific purpose why He chose not to tell us in Scripture?
Finally, knowing that others may have varying interpretations of these Scriptures, I strongly urge you to review the Scriptures yourselves to determine what you find as the truth according to God’s Word.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
For those who wish you had some other name because you don't like the name you were given, you had better think twice. It is most likely that the name your parents picked out for you was not their choice but God's choice. Let’ s face it, the word of the Lord is true. That's why in Eph. 1:4, God proclaimed that He had chosen us from before the very beginning of the world.
If you follow the Genealogy of Adam in Genesis, Chapter 5 (*) you will receive an insight into what importance God put in names - It's an exciting message:
Genealogy Meaning
Adam Man
Seth Appointed
Enosh Mortal
Kenan Sorrow
Mahalalel The blessed God
Jared Shall come down
Enoch Teaching
Methuselah His Death shall bring
Lamech The Despairing
Noah Rest, Comfort
Now let us look at God’s Plan for Redemption:
"Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow; (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest."
Let us now look at the Genealogy of Abraham (*):
Genealogy Meaning
Abraham Predestination
Isaac Called
Jacob Justified
Joseph Glorified
(*) Source: Chuck Missler’s Briefing package: “A Walk Thru the Bible”
WELL YOU SAY! BUT THAT WAS ALL OLD TESTAMENT AND WOULDN'T BE APPLICABLE FOR TODAY - WOULD IT?
Well, let us see.................. As a Christian, did God not choose you by name at the same time he chose Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph - before the very foundation of the world? If God had a purpose for their name, would you expect anything less for your name since He chose you at the same time?
As a Christian, You ought to thank God daily that you, by your given name, was written in the Lamb's book of life before the very foundation of the world and that you will be a partaker in all the promises of Rev 21:27.
Within the last couple of years, researchers have found many startling discoveries through the use of super computers, specifically, hidden codes that God supernaturally placed within the Hebrew text of the Bible. Over 2000 years ago, the names of historical and current leader’s names were placed in the Bible. Such names as Adolph Hitler, Eichmann, Arafat, Peres, Rabin, Rabin's murderer Amir, Ben-Zion Netanyahu, Saddan Hussein, George Bush, Schwarzkoph, Peter Arnet (CNN), Timithy McVeigh, Bill Clinton.
Do you think that God would limit His calling out to just those who had a highly visible historical impact on this world? There is no doubt that He had a purpose in doing this, if nothing else, just to get your attention that He is the Creator; that He alone knows the beginning from the end.
It is my firm belief that as we advance further with our computer technology and peel back the layers of the Hebrew text of the scriptures, we will make many more startling and exciting discoveries. One being that God has written each and every one of our names in His Word.
HERE IS WHAT GOD SAID: Isaiah 66:22 "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain."
BOOK REVIEW by D. E. Davis (September 1997)
BOB PIERCE -"THIS ONE THING I DO"
By Franklin Graham with Jeanette Lockerbie
It is amazing the worlds that open up to an individual, once the Power of the Holy Spirit comes upon him. Just three years ago, where once I was blind to Missions, to all the inspired men and women God has called to service and the multitude of people all over the world who have been saved, new worlds are ever opening to me to see how awesome the power of God is in our Christian lives.
Such was the power and strength of faith Bob Pierce had in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is difficult for me to even attempt to assess where God has put Bob along with other past great men of the faith, but from what I read about his life with Christ, he certainly had his eyes focused on Jesus! I personally feel inadequate and humbled to even put in words, my thoughts about this man. Bob was a man Blessed by God. I feel sad that I never had an opportunity to know him, but look forward to meeting him one day in heaven.
If ever there was a verse of scripture that represented Bob Pierce, it had to be the title of this book as taken from Philippians 3:13,14 ".......this one thing I do,....I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ."
Bob was raised in Los Angeles and at the age of 12, gave his life to Christ and was baptized in the Nazarene Church. "God simply called me to give my heart to Jesus, and I followed Him." He died in 1978 of leukemia but lived his life for Christ in between in between those dates as if Christ was coming tomorrow and he still had to witness to the whole world before dawn broke. Throughout his career, he dedicated his life mainly to Missions and over the years was responsible for founding such World re-noun programs as "World Vision", an organization dedicated to meeting the emergency needs in crisis areas such as Korea after the Korean war. During that time of need, he established a Korean Orphanage, serving over 30 thousand Korean war orphans. Bob was also responsible for starting the World re-noun Korean Orphan's Choir. As an outgrowth of "World Vision" he founded "World Medical Mission" which covered all emergency medical needs in countries all over the world which had no medical facilities. He was also founder of "Samaritan's Purse" and organization dedicated to funding World emergency need, no matter where they were. These organizations are still meeting the needs of those in crisis today.
If his work through these organizations was not enough, he became a United Nations War Correspondent during World War II; was Co-founder for "Youth for Christ"; and became a Motion Picture producer/Radio program host, author and a lecturer, but first and last, he always considered himself an evangelist! Even though Bob knew that he was "extraordinarily gifted by God, he was never impressed with himself - he considered himself just an earthly vessel, available at all times for the exclusive use of the Lord".
In his own words, he had "many flaws, failings but had abundant faith in God who lives and cares about people."
If I had to pick four areas of the Christian life that I feel truly represented Bob Pierce, they would be 1) Unwavering Faith, 2) Compassion for others, 3) Obedience to God and 4) Commitment to accomplish the Will of God in his life.
From the Beginning, Bob knew his calling was for Missions to the Asian Countries. His first mission led him through Hawaii to Hong Kong and eventually to China. Getting to China was his first big test of faith - he had no money, even for the first leg to Hawaii. Bob held the opinion that God knows ones needs already and if He has called you to a task, He will provide and enable you - just move out! He did just that and went to the L.A. airport that day without any money in his pocket. His faith paid off as God provided the funding for each leg of his trip just at the moment he needed it. This was the norm rather than the exception throughout his career as an evangelist. What ever it was, where ever it was, if God called, Bob would act no matter what the circumstance......he knew that God would always provide.....and He did!
Bob had a compassion for the spiritually and physically suffering of the world. "He was the friend of the little people, the forgotten, the hurting, the maimed, the unheard and the unsung". Bob's theme was "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God". It was Bob's personal belief that "wherever you find men and women who really love Jesus Christ, you find the compassion of Christ spilling out of them to meet human need." Over the years World Vision, Samaritan's Purse and other organizations like them; one in particular, Mission Aviation Fellowship Pilots (MAF), who flew Missionaries around the world in crisis situations, helped so many helpless and needy men, women and children. They knew first hand the healing power of God.
Bob dared it all to be obedient to the Lord's call. Once he had in focus the mission that God wanted him to accomplish, he followed in Faith to bring the unsaved to Christ. It was his opinion that " If you are an ambassador, act like one!"- no matter where you are. Bob would bring to memory how other great men of Faith were obedient even in the face of death. During World War II, a young South Korean Pastor, Mr. Im was mistaken for a North Korean Communist and imprisoned. During his internment, he would go around camp singing "Jesus Loves Me" and other Christian songs. He not only uplifted and inspired other fellow Christian prisoners to come together, he brought many more to Christ. Together he and another prisoner, Chaplain Voelkel, established a Bible Study where over 6,000 prisoners finished a six month Bible Study. Six Hundred (600) of those finishing the Bible Study became pastors and came back to Korea to preach the Gospel. In another instance, he related how a Korean school teacher was put to death in front of his students because of his faith and obedience to the Lord.
To be an ambassador for the Lord "is one of the greatest things that could ever have happened to anyone - to let God put a fish hook into you so deep that there is no way of ever getting off the hook."
"Bob did one thing all of his life, and that was to lead people to the foot of the Cross where they would put their faith in a risen Lord Jesus Christ. He lived every minute completely amazed that God could use him. No matter how much he was able to do in how many places, it was never enough." This was the kind of commitment Bob made to Jesus; "to commit yourself, give yourself away to God irrevocably, forever. Say to Him, go ahead and burn me up. Spend me. Eat me up. Use me for you Glory." And that's exactly what he did.
Being a man of God was not always easy for Bob and he paid a high price. In one measure or another he had to forsake his wife, his family, his Mother and Father, his brothers and sisters and other worldly possessions to follow Jesus. He not only lost his health, he lost his Daughter, Sharon, to death.
Committing your life to Christ in a Godless society is never easy; many times you feel like you may be the only one putting your life, your self image, your social acceptance on the line. As Bob came to realize, ". Someone has to go and pay that humiliating price of literally letting your ego be stomped on- not just pushed in and suppressed, but laid out there for people to stomp on. We need to do this by the grace of God with love and patience: sow the seed on rocky soil, nurture it, and maybe never be applauded."
Committing your life to Christ really comes down to this; What really matters
to you in Life?
On his death bed in the City of Hope, Bob left us this one message - "I don't care what you have attempted. What you have succeeded at, or what has been your work in Christ's name while you are here on earth - only one thing matters when you have reached the last step before you go to stand before Christ:
- Did you tell men and women who Jesus is?
- Did you bring them to some comprehension of His redeeming love?
- Did you make it plain to them that He alone can pay their way to heaven throughout His atoning death on the cross?"
Such was the life of a man of God, Bob Pierce.
HIDDEN CODES OF THE BIBLE
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ACT 17:11 - Exhorts you to daily review the scriptures to see if what is being said is true
References: Grant R. Jeffrey - "The Signature of God"- RECOMMENDED READING
Other reading: "The Hebrew Factor" by Yacov Rambsel
Prepared by D. E. Davis
Daniel 12: 4 - "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
Here is undeniable proof, the third in the series, that every word, every letter and every punctuation in Bible text was put their by the inspiration of God. It gives new meaning to the words "increase knowledge". It's just one of the many signs, and without a doubt, the most exciting revelation that God said he would reveal to man in the "end time". As you will see, God has put his signature throughout the Bible, has revealed History before it ever happened, all through hidden codes that were supernaturally placed into text which was written over 2,000 years ago; which could only be found with today's computer technological advances. The codes are found in what scholars call "Equidistant Letter Sequences" or ESL. That is, each sequential letter in an encoded word or phrase was found the same distance apart numerically; The exact interval designed by God.
Actually, the discovery of hidden codes in scripture dates back to before WWI and it was not until 1988 that the use of computers were able to detect a significant amount of coding in scripture. Since then, the research that Grant Jeffrey and others have done has just exploded and new discoveries are happening every day.
Here is a summary of what has been found and outlined in Grant's book, referenced above. It is my understanding that he is in the process of writing another book to tell what he has found subsequent to "The Signature of God".
Luke 21:15 - " For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay (refute) nor resist."
Proverbs 25:2 - "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter."
THE SIGNATURE OF GOD
What follows is what most of the human race would find hard to believe. It unfathomable to think that the Hebrew Bible, containing 304,805 Hebrew letters, written by 40 individuals could contain hidden messages that if one letter was taken out of the text, one word was removed, the hidden message could not be revealed......yet the message has been sustained for over 2,000 years and has been revealed to man just as Jesus said it would be. Jesus has actually placed His name and other messages about Himself into text which proves he is the creator of all; King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
GOD'S SIGNATURE
God has personally signed scriptures throughout the Old and New Testaments in various ways. For example in the Old Testament, he has encoded his name, Jesus, in the following scripture:
THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD FROM ANCIENT TIMES UNTIL TODAY
God has also encoded unbelievable detail about many of the things we read about and which touch our lives daily. For example, he outlines:
PLACES AND THINGS
· Gen. 2: 4-10 - The key word "Eden" was spelled out sixteen (16) times in the span of 379 Hebrew letters. The letters were all equidistant from each other.
· Gen. 2 - In this chapter which deals with the garden of Eden, scientists found encoded in the Hebrew text, Twenty-five (25) names of trees that were in the
Garden of Eden.
· Gen. 1:1 - Starting with the first appearance of the Hebrew letter "Tav", the word "Torah" was found every 50th letter.
· Ex. 1: 1 - Again, starting with the first appearance of the letter "Tav" and counting every 50th letter, the word "Torah" was spelled. Num./Deut. - In the book of Numbers the word "Torah" was found spelled backwards every 50th letter. In the book of Deuteronomy, "Torah" was found again spelled backwards, but this time every forty-ninth (49) letter.
NAMES AND EVENTS
· Holocaust
· Deut. 10: 17-22 - Beginning with the second to last appearance of the Hebrew letter "bet" in this passage, they found every Thirteenth (13) letter, the phrase "b'yam marah Auschwitz" which means "in the bitter sea of Auschwitz." Also encoded in this passage were the names of the other Nazi Concentration camp, "Belsen".
· Deut. 33:21 - Beginning with the letter (resh) that appeared in the Hebrew word "Yisreal," and counting every twenty-second (22) letter from the left to right they found the phrase "re'tzach alm" discribing the Holocaust, which when translated, means "a people cry murder, slaughter."
· Adolph Hitler
· Deut. 10: 17-22 - The word "Hitler" spelled out in Hebrew was found every twenty-second (22) letter.
· Deut. 33:16 - Beginning with the first appearance of the Hebrew letter "mem" and every two hundred and forty-sixth (246) letter from left to right you find that the coded letters spelled out the phrase, "Melek Natzim," which translates as the "king of the Nazis."
· Eichmann
· Deut. 32:52 - Beginning with the appearance of the first letter (aleph) and counting from left to right every six hundred and seventy (670) letters, the name "Aik'man" is spelled, which is the Hebrew form of the name "Eichmann."
· Egyptian President Anwar Sadat
· "Sadat occurred together with the name of the leader of the Moslem Brotherhood assassinating team that killed him.......it contained the year of his assassination, 1981, and the words "president," "gunfire," "shot'" and 'Murder".
· Desert Storm
· Beginning in Gen. 1:7 and continuing through the rest of Genesis, Grant Jeffrey indicated at the Prophesy Conference in Irvine,Ca. on 27 Sept. 1996 that they had recently found information in hidden code in scripture relating to Desert Storm. I believe more details will be available in Grant's next book.
· The French Revolution
· Gen. 39,41 - "Another passage in the Book of Genesis revealed a cluster of encoded words that deals with the French Revolution. The following words are clustered ogether" "Mapecha HaSarfatit" which spells "the French Revolution" in Hebrew, "Louis," the name of the French king, and the word "Beit (house of Bourbon,") his royal dynasty. In the same cluster were the following words: "Hamarseilles" (the name of the French anthem) and the word "Bastillia" (the infamous French prison for political prisoners........"
OTHER HISTORICAL INFORMATION
· Word pairs - "In their initial experiment, .......the scientists arbitrarily chose three hundred (300) Hebrew word-pairs that were logically related in meaning, such as hammer and anvil, or tree and leaf, or man and woman." ".....the researchers were astonished to find that every single word-pair had been located in Genesis in close proximity to each other."
· King David's Ancestors
· Gen. 28 - " Every one of the five Hebrew names of these ancestor of King
David (Pharez, Zerah, Boaz, Obed, Jesse) were found encoded at forty-nine (49) letter intervals, hidden within the text of Genesis 38".
· Famous Jewish Rabbi - "The Jewish people celebrate the memory of their famous sages by commemorating their date of death. Incredibly, the computer program found every single one of the sixty-six names of these famous rabbis embedded in the text of Genesis paired at significantly close proximity with their actual date of birth or their date of death."
IS THE HEBREW BIBLE UNIQUE TO GOD' S INSPIRED EMBEDDED CODES?
Grant points out that "The researchers attempted to reproduce these results by running the computer program on other religious Hebrew texts outside the Bible, including the Samaritan Pentateuch. .......the researchers could not detect word pairs in the Samaritan Pentateuch or any other Hebrew text outside the Bible. In fact, an exhaustive analysis reveals that no other Hebrew text outside the Old testament contains these mysterious codes, not even the Hebrew apocryphal books written during the four hundred years before the birth of Christ"
A WORD OF CAUTION
"No one can search the Torah using these codes to foretell future events. The reason is that it is impossible to extract the encoded information unless you already know what the future facts are." "The prophet Isaiah warned against false prophets and declared that only God can Prophesy future events accurately
(Isa. 46: 9,10).
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"Computer tapes are now available so that anyone with a computer can personally verify the existence of these codes beneath the text of the Scriptures.
As Christians, we can stand firm in the word and shout for joy. God has given us "the words and the wisdom that none of our adversaries will be able to refute or contradict", no matter how much they try!
PRAISE THE LORD!
SIGNS OF THE TIME
References: Grant R. Jeffrey - "The Signature of God"- RECOMMENDED READING
Prepared by D. E. Davis
June 10, 1997
Prelude
How do we know that Jesus is the one true God when there are so many religions, cultures and cults that claim that they serve the one true god? How about Buddha, Allah?
Scripture says that God alone knows the beginning from the end. The way that God establishes His authority is through Biblical Prophesy. There are over 500 prophesies that were prophesied over 2,000 years ago that have all come to pass. There are still some Old Testament that have yet have to be fulfilled (Daniel Ezekiel), but there has never been an event prophesied that has not come to pass in it’s time. 100% accuracy tells us that the God of the Bible is the only true God. No one else in the history of the world, living or dead, can make this claim.
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In Matthew 24:3, just before Jesus' ascension into heaven, the disciples of Jesus ask Him what would be the sign of His second coming. Over the centuries various groups have attempted to guess when Christ would return to the earth to claim His inheritance as promised throughout scripture. As we know, no one has been right yet!. God clearly states in Matthew 24:36 that no man, not even the angels, know the day or the time when Christ will return. Only God the Father knows.
This summary is clearly not another attempt to forecast this event. This summary does, however, attempt to provide an awareness of what is happening around you so that you will not be caught unaware. (Ref. Luke 21:34 and Matthew. 24:42).
ACT 17:11- Exhorts you to daily review the scriptures to see if what is being said is true.
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----------------------THE SIGNS OF THE TIME-------------------
Grant Jeffrey has done a wonderful job of providing critical information about events that are happening in this generation that all Christians need to know; Events that were prophesied over 2,500 years ago. Approximately 90% of the material contained herein was extracted and summarized from Grant's book. I highly recommend reading this book as it contains so much more that you will want to know.
THE REBIRTH OF ISRAEL
The rebirth of Israel was prophesied in several scriptures throughout the Bible. Isaiah 66: 8 predicted that Israel would be born again in "one" day. Ezekiel 4:3-6 and Levitcus 26:18 foretold the exact number of days that it would take Israel to re-establish themselves as a nation in the last days. ( The exact calculation can be found in Grant Jeffrey's book referenced above). On May 14, 1948, the Jews proclaimed their independence of the reborn state of Israel.....The exact day that was predicted over twenty-five (25) centuries ago.......No other ancient nation ever ceased to exist for a period of centuries and then returned to take its place on the stage of world history."
PRESENT ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT
In Psalms 83:2-8, God inspired King David to predict that upon Israel's rebirth as a nation it would be immediately surrounded by their enemies. The modern names of those nations named in scripture include Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria....the nations that have now joined the Palestinians in their attempt to destroy Israel.
In Gen. 12: 3, God has promised to punish those nations that come against Israel. "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
RESTORATION OF THE HEBREW LANGUAGE
When Israel was captured by Nebuchadnezzar in approx. 562 B.C., Israel was no longer allowed to speak the Hebrew language, but had to learn the language of the Chaldeans. The Lord predicted, however, through Zephaniah 3:9, that he would restore a pure language to Israel so that they may "serve him with one consent". It was in the early part of this Century that the Hebrew language was revived from the dead language. Today, Hebrew is a living language to over 5 million Israelis.
THE FERTILITY OF ISRAEL
In Isaiah 27:6; 35:7 and Joel 2:23, the Lord prophesied through these prophets that the deserted, unproductive, barren land of Israel would once again become productive in the last days and that Israel would experience tremendous increases of rain. Ever since Israel has returned to the land, they have flourished in the land and now supply over 90 percent of the citrus fruit consumed in Europe. Rainfall has increased by more than "10 percent every decade for the last century and Israel has planted in excess of two hundred (200) million trees and transformed the complete environment of the Promised Land." According to the United Nations, Israel is now "the most agriculturally efficient land on earth."
THE UNWALLED CITY
Ezekiel 38:11 speaks of the future invasion of Gog and Magog (Russia) saying "And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of un-walled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls and having neither bars nor gates". Grant explains that "even army bases and Israel's settlements in the West Bank and Gaza have no walls today.........How could Ezekiel have known twenty-five centuries ago that the development of modern weapons such as bombs, airplanes and missiles, would have made walls and gates irrelevant for defensive purposes in the last days. In the ancient past even small villages as well as cities depended on walls for defense against invading armies."
PLANS FOR REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE
Revelations 11:1, 2 foretells of Israel rebuilding the Temple in the last days. There is much controversy between the Israelis and the Muslim's because the Dome of the Rock (Al-Aqsa Mosque) it is believed, sits on the very spot where the Temple is suppose to be built. In recent years, however, aerial Infra-red photography shows that this may not be the case. Ezekiel 44:14-18, tell about the sacred vessels and linen robes that must be used in the Temple. "The Temple Institute in Jerusalem has already prepared over 75 of the objects, vessels, and linen garments required for future Temple service.......over 500 men from the tribe of Levi have already been trained to fulfill the duties of Temple worship and sacrifice."
Update:
Just recently in the Washington Post on May 28, 1997, it was reported that a 10 month old heifer named "Melody" is the first red heifer to be born in Israel in over 2,000 years. "In ancient times, the ashes of a red heifer were mixed with spring water to purify high priests before they entered the Temple."
THE REBUILDING OF BABYLON
We know that the old city of Babylon (now called Iraq) will be built again in the end times because Isaiah 13:6, 19 foretells of its destruction. In Isaiah 34:8-10 it is prophesied that the rebuilt City of Babylon will burn for ever.
"As unlikely as it seems, the Iraqi government of Saddam Hussein has spent over one billion dollars rebuilding the ancient city of Babylon and intends that it will become the center of their future renewed Babylonian Empire. Interestingly, the whole city of Babylon was built over an underground lake of asphalt and oil."
THE ANOINTING OIL
The prophet Daniel prophesied in Dan. 9:24 that the when Jesus returns, that the most Holy of Holies will be anointed with the anointing oil. "One of the five ingredients, afars' mon, was thought lost forever, when the Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 and the only two groves of afars'mon trees in existence were burned
to the ground. Incredibly, several years ago, archeologists in Israel found a clay flask buried near the Dead Sea caves filled with the ancient oil of anointing. Scientists confirmed that the oil is two thousand years old and is composed of the precise ingredients described in Exodus 30:25,26."
PESTILENCE/FAMINES/EARTHQUAKES
Matthew 24:7 prophesied that in the last days "For nation shall rise against nation and Kingdom against Kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes, in divers (various) places." Grand Jeffrey writes regarding these matters:
· Pestilence - In 1991, the Central Intelligence Agency produced a report which "concluded that up to 75% of the population of Africa living in the area south of the Sahara Desert may become infected with AIDS over the next 12 years. This will mean the death by AIDS of over three hundred million people in Africa alone. In July 1991, the South African Medical Journal reported that a staggering 47% of black male and female blood donors tested positive for AIDS during 1989."
In Nov. 1996, the Associated Press reported that "Sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed 12 million times a year in the United States - including a staggering 3 million cases among teen-agers".
· Famine - The United Nations today "claim that over thirty million in Africa are now at risk of dying from the most devastating famine in this century. The UN estimates that one billion people are in danger of starvation while another billion lack proper nutrition. North American food reserves (grain and corn) are at the lowest level in sixty years."
· Major killer earthquakes – “Major Killer earthquakes (7.2 or greater on the Richter scale) occurred only once per decade throughout history until our century. However, since A. D. 1900, the growth in major earthquakes has been relentless. From 1900 to 1949 it averaged three major quakes per decade. From 1949 the increase became awesome with 9 killer quakes in the 1950's; 13 in the 1960's; 56 in the 1970's and an amazing 74 major quakes in the 1980's. Finally, in the 1990's, at the present rate, we will experience 125 major killer quakes in this decade."
WORLD WIDE COMMUNICATION
In Revelation 11:9,10, it is prophesied that during the tribulation period, the antichrist will have the two witnesses that God sent killed and their bodies will lay in the street for three and a half days while the whole world watches.
Did not the whole world watch Desert Storm on CNN television? With all the technological advances in telecommunications, including the recent opening of the World Wide Net to our computer industry, any event happening in any part of the world can now be viewed while it is happening. The prophesy of the two witnesses could literally be fulfilled today. This could not have happened just 10 or 15 years ago.
INCREASED KNOWLEDGE AND TRAVEL
Daniel 12:4 prophesies how much knowledge and travel will increase in the end time. "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the Book, even to the time of the end: Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased."
Today, it is estimated that "Human knowledge is growing so quickly that it literally doubles every twenty-four months." With the discovery through the use of modern "Super" computers by Grant Jeffrey and other researchers of the hidden codes that God supernaturally designed into the original Hebrew text of the Torah describing not only the history of the world in advance, but also verifying his Authority through His personal signature throughout his scripture, we realize that God chose this generation to reveal this unique aspect about himself.
It is also amazing that in this century, we have gone from horses to cars, from cars to supersonic spacecraft; not only can we now travel the world in a matter of hours, but in the case of the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery, we can now travel at speeds in excess of eighteen thousand miles per hour.
REVIVAL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Daniel 2:40-44 predicts that the old Roman Empire will be revived in the end times into a ten Nation alliance. We currently see the foundation being laid today through the European Economic Community. "In 1957, six (6) Countries signed the Treaty of Rome laying the foundation for the future United States of Europe.............Since then the Maastricht Treaty consolidated the fifteen (15) Nations of the European Union into the worlds first superstate." All it will take is the re-shuffling and/or the consolidation of Nations to bring this prophesy to a literal fulfillment.
ODDS THAT THESE PROPHECIES WERE FULFILLED BY CHANCE IN THIS GENERATION
"In the Bible there are several types of generations. One generation is defined as the length of life of the average person - seventy or eighty years. However, a generation of governing is usually defined as forty years,...........During the last two thousand years since the days of Christ, there were fifty such forty-year generations. Therefore, the odds are one chance in fifty that any one of these specific prophecies happened by chance in our generation rather than some other generation."
"The odds that more than one event happening in our life time are:
"Another way of looking at this is that the chance that the prophets of the Bible correctly guessed these prophecies is also one in 97,500 trillion............in other words, it is simply impossible that men alone could
have written the Bible without the supernatural assistance and inspiration of God."
Matthew 24:32-35 - "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Luke 21:28 - "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
ANTI-CHRIST TO BE REVEALED
As of today, no one knows who the Anti-Christ is, but we do know what God has told us about him:
Many people try to spiritualize or say the events prophesied in the Bible are just symbolic. Any doubt about how God handles these prophetic events should have been erased on May 14,1948. God is literally fulfilling scriptural prophesy before our very eyes. Can we expect anything less for those few remaining prophesies for which He has promised the world; 1) the removal of the one who restrains the man of lawlessness/Sin (the rapture of the Church), 2) His second coming to take possession of His inheritance, 3) The millennial kingdom and 4) the new heaven and new earth.
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Ezekiel 33:6 - "But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."
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