THE INTERESTING INFORMATION CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
CONFIRMING BIBLICAL TRUTH
9/27/2023
SECTION 1 – INTERESTTING INFORMATION WEEKLY ARTILCLES
SECTION 2 – SUMMARIES/BOOK REVIEWS/SPECIAL ARTICLES/CHRISTIAN LINKS
Blue Letter Bible: http://www.blueletterbible.org/
INTERESTING INFORMATION MINISTRY
9/27/2023
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
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Ezekiel 34:2 “Shepherd, feed the flock”
“WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMES, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH” (LUKE 18:8B)
https://www.christianpost.com/voices/revelation-10-the-little-book-that-is-sweet-and-bitter.html
CHRISTIAN MUSIC VIDEO
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “HOPE HAS A NAME: IT IS “JESUS” – Anonymous
INTERESTING ARTICLES SUMMARY
· The reason why Yeshua is the only way to Heaven
· Hebrew year 5784: God’s Kingdom arising in the year of abundance
· Noah should be the model for believers in these las days
· The Kosher red Heifer is the missing piece in the prophetic puzzle, and it could already be here!
· Your Hope lies in God’s Sovereignty
· JESUS, THE SON OF GOD
INTERESTING ARTICLES
THE REASON WHY YESHUA IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN
Charisma News – Sep. 24, 2023 -- Millions around the world recognize that Yom Kippur is "The Day of Atonement." It is the most solemn of Jewish religious holidays, and it is observed every year on the 10th day of the lunar month of Tishrei.
The purpose of Yom Kippur is to effect individual and collective purification by the practice of forgiveness of the sins of others and by sincere repentance for one's own sins against God.
Yom Kippur is the day that the high priest of Israel went into a chamber called the holy of holies, which Rabbi Kirt Schneider says first existed in the Tabernacle, or the Mishkan. Inside the chamber called the holy of holies, the ark of the covenant dwelt and inside the ark of the covenant were the Ten Commandments. There, placed near the ark, was something the New Testament refers to as the mercy seat.
On Yom Kippur, the high priest of Israel would bring with him the blood of a bull and the blood of a goat, and he would pour that blood on top of the ark of the covenant at the mercy seat.
"When he poured forth the blood and the Lord saw the blood, He covered over—it's called Yom Kippur—the sins of Israel for the year because of the blood," Schneider says. "The Torah tells us that the book of Leviticus 17:11, that 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' saith the Lord, 'and I've given it to you on the altar to make an atonement for your soul, for it is the blood by reason of life that makes atonement.'"
But many may not recognize that when Yeshua (Jesus) was crucified on the cross, it was no longer necessary for the high priest to perform such a ceremony, Schneider says.
"Understanding this helps us to grasp why Yeshua is the only way to heaven," Schneider says. "The Lord, in the Hebrew Scriptures told us point blank that the only way to have our sins covered is through a blood atonement. The children of Israel had to make an atonement with the blood of bulls and goats year after year. But when Yeshua was crucified, we read in the New Testament (Matt. 27:51) that the veil that separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple tore in half mystically and that signified that God had now made a way once and for all for sinful humanity to have a relationship with Him. The blood of the spotless Lamb of God, Yeshua, has been shed.
"And Because Yeshua is perfect and He's God in the flesh, there is never a blood atonement needed again. This is the point of the author of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament that it is no longer necessary to offer up the blood of bulls and goats. They were only shadows of what King Yeshua would ultimately do, shedding His blood so our sins can be atoned for once and for all."
HEBREW NEW YEAR 5784: GOD'S KINGDOM ARISING IN THE YEAR OF ABUNDANCE (Excerpt)
Hebrew New Year 5784: God's Kingdom Arising in the Year of Abundance
Charisma News – Sep. 24, 2023 -- The kingdom is arising. On Rosh Hashanah, which is September 15 at sundown to September 17 at sundown, we enter into a new Hebrew year, 5784. We declare the King is coming!
These numbers stand for grace (5), perfection (7), new beginnings (8) and creation (4). I believe we are entering into a year in which the King is calling His kingdom to creative order and miracles in Christ. Watch as God takes you to next levels of order and creativity in the kingdom in the earth.
Get ready to see God do some amazing things this year. Remember, the year 5783 was about the Resurrection, 5782 was about the double glory and 5781 was about opening our mouths in the decade of Pey (the 80's). "Pey" means to open your mouth and prophesy. You see, you prophesied the beginning, you prophesied double, you prophesied the Resurrection and now you now are stepping into the place of creative miracles and creative order in the power of kingdom. Yes! You are going to see some amazing, creative miracles happening this upcoming year. If miracles are to arise, then creative order is evident. The church is going to step into the abundance of the kingdom.
Supernatural Signs: Solar Eclipses Converge Over 'The Empty Cross' in Texas
In our current era, remarkable events are unfolding, alluding to the imminent fulfillment of biblical prophecies, including the rapture of the church (1 Thess. 4:16) and the return of Christ in judgment (Rev. 19:11).
Bible scholars widely acknowledge that a multitude of signs have come to pass, causing both concern and anticipation as we witness the rapid advance of evil against God's children, including Jews and Christians.
History bears witness to the rebirth of Israel as a nation on May 14, 1948, precisely as foretold in Isaiah 66:8. Jesus is anticipated to return as the conquering King, riding a white horse, prepared to wage war against those who have rejected His love and persecuted His followers (Ps. 9:8). This event, described as the "great and terrible day of the Lord," (Joel 2:31), will reveal a stern countenance, with "fire in His eyes," (Rev. 2:8).
Evangelist Kevin Zadai says that Satan was once the epitome of holiness, and that no one understands holiness more than the devil himself.
That is why, he says, Satan fights every day to keep believers from living a consecrated life of holiness, a life that sets them apart for God and apart from the evilness of this world. He wants to keep believers from the holy fire that will empower them to overthrow him and his demons.
"He fights God, he fights the saints in this whole thing about holiness," Zadai says. "It's because he knows what power there is in setting yourself apart for God, so he fights people not to be separate and to not live a holy life."
NOAH SHOULD BE THE MODEL FOR BELIEVERS IN THESE LAST DAYS
Charisma News – Sep.,8-2023 -- In recent sermons, Harvest Christian Fellowship Pastor Greg Laurie has been sharing valuable insights on how Christians should navigate the complexities of the end times. In his latest message, Laurie draws inspiration from the biblical account of Noah to help Christians live as "last days believers."
In a world that is quickly coming apart, with many bowing down and following the enemy, Laurie emphasizes that Christians should be armed with the knowledge of the Word of God and with kingdom purpose in their hearts
Laurie reveals four ways Christians can live as last days believers in the end times:
1. Following Noah's Lead: Laurie begins his message by stressing that Christians possess knowledge the world does not, compelling believers to read the words of Hebrews 11:7 (ESV), which reads: "By faith, Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear, constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness that comes by faith."
"God revealed secrets to Noah. ... Noah was divinely warned of things not yet seen," Laurie says. "Christians know things that the world does not know. People in culture today don't understand why things are unraveling. They don't understand why government is expanding its control. They don't know why people are so depraved and do the horrible things that they do. They don't know why culture is collapsing, but we do because we know we're living in the last days."
Laurie especially urges believers to recognize that judgment is imminent. This knowledge sets them apart as a beacon of hope and truth.
2. Have great reverence for God: Just as Noah did, we must show reverence for God, Laurie says. Noah's deep respect and godly fear led him to build the ark, an act of obedience and faith. Christians, too, must reverence God and trust in His ultimate victory. Laurie reminds us that we have read the last page of the Bible, and it assures us we will ultimately triumph. This reverence provides strength and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
3. We must walk with God: Noah's intimate relationship with God, as evidenced by Genesis 6:9, serves as an example for all believers. Laurie encourages Christians to walk with God in harmony, staying in sync with His plans. This means being attuned to God's timing and moving with Him rather than rushing ahead or lagging behind. It's a call to be spiritually attuned and obedient, trusting that God's guidance will lead them through the turbulent times of the end days.
4. We must be a witness for God: Noah was a witness for God, and Laurie says Christians should be no different. While not everyone may have a large platform, each believer has a sphere of influence. Laurie acknowledges that not everyone will reach multitudes, but like Noah, individuals can impact their families and communities. He reminds us that God values faithfulness over success and that we are called to be faithful witnesses for Christ. Whether in large or small ministries, faithfulness to God's calling is paramount.
"Did Noah reach a lot of people? Actually, he did not," Laurie says. "Maybe you'll only reach a handful of people. Maybe it will be a child or grandchild. But Noah did reach his family."
Laurie also touched on the significance of supporting Israel, emphasizing that America's blessings have been tied to its support of the nation of Israel, in accordance with God's promise in Genesis 12:3.
"One of the reasons God has blessed our nation is because we have been a faithful friend to the nation of Israel since she became a nation," Laurie says. "I pray we continue on that trajectory."
These principles provide guidance and hope as believers navigate a world in turmoil, confident that their faithfulness will be honored by God.
"When we stand before God, He's not going to say to us, 'Well done, good and successful servant,'" Laurie says. "He's going to say, 'Well don, good and faithful servant.'"
THE KOSHER RED HEIFER IS THE MISSING PIECE IN THE PROPHETIC PUZZLE, AND IT COULD ALREADY BE HERE!
Koenig’s Int’l News – Aug. 23, 2023 -- Almost a year after five red heifers were found in Rockwall, Texas, and flown to Eretz Yisrael, how close are we to the animals being qualified for the critical sacrifice required to generate the ashes of a red heifer needed for purification at the time of the third Temple (Revelation 11:1)? It could be closer than we think!
Israel currently doesn’t have a Temple in Jerusalem. The remains of Herod’s Temple are all that’s left, and the foundation of that building is what is known as the Kotel or Western Wall. Are things about to change? The Bible speaks of a third and a fourth Temple or Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 40-48). The third Temple is a project that has been at the heart of the Temple Institute in Jerusalem for decades. A section of religious Jews is convinced that they will be rebuilding their Temple and once again resume the sacrificial system in Israel, and they are absolutely correct. Towards that end, they have painstakingly recreated all the implements necessary for the resumption of Temple life. Everything has been ready for a while now, even the priests from the tribe of Levi (remember that the tribe of Levi is the only one that can be identified since its identity was preserved in the name of its members such as Levy and Cohen and other derivatives). So, what remains to be done before the Temple is rebuilt? Well, not a whole lot.
Obviously, the location of the Temple remains a very controversial topic since the current Temple Mount is more of a Muslim site than anything. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is built on top of the Temple Mount, and that is currently the biggest hurdle to rebuilding a Temple at that location. I do believe that part of the peace treaty that the Antichrist will sign with Israel will include the possibility of rebuilding and that the Antichrist will be successful at making Arabs and Jews get along. The Temple could even be rebuilt through a collaboration of the two groups and including Gentile assistance (Zechariah 6:12-13). This would be a great example of world peace brought by the Antichrist, especially during the first half of the Great Tribulation. A false world peace that is!
Let’s assume that the Temple could be rebuilt today. That doesn’t automatically mean that Temple duties and the sacrificial system could resume because to resume Temple duties, a red heifer is needed. It is also important to note that the third Temple, while simply called the third Temple by its Jewish proponents, is also known by Yeshua’s followers as the Tribulation Temple. It is a building that never was and never will be condoned by God. It is needed for the end times agenda to unravel, but it is not the Temple that God wants. Sometimes God allows for events to take place for his plan for mankind to be possible. The Tribulation Temple is such an edifice, and yet, there is a critical aspect of Temple purification that remains unfulfilled, and it pertains to the ashes of the red heifer.
The reason why a red heifer is needed is that Jewish people at the Temple must present themselves in a state of ritual purity before they perform their duties. We get this from the Passover celebration in the wilderness in Numbers 9:5-7, “They observed the Passover in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, in the wilderness of Sinai; according to all that the LORD had commanded Moses, so the sons of Israel did. But there were some men who were unclean because of the dead person, so that they could not observe Passover on that day.” The 113th commandment of the 613 found in the Torah stipulates that “the ashes of a red heifer are to be used in the process of ritual purification.” (Numbers 19:1-22.)
Only nine red heifers were ever found in the entire history of Israel, so it goes without saying that they are extremely rare and valuable. So, the possibility of five new red heifers in existence today is extremely important. Much mystery surrounds the reason for using the ashes of a red heifer. It is even mentioned in the New Testament in Hebrews 9:13-14 as an example of Yeshua’s spotless, sinless sacrifice being greater than the ashes of the animal.
Recently, on the biblical site of Shiloh, where the Tabernacle once was (Joshua 18:1), a group of Levites went through a practice run. One of the five red heifers brought from Texas in 2022 was presented at that ceremony. The animal is just months away from being of age for the sacrifice, and if it continues to grow and not show more than two white hairs, IT WILL QUALIFY FOR SACRIFICE very soon. This means that Israel will have everything needed to rebuild a temple and resume the sacrificial system interrupted in A.D. 70. This is both exciting and terrifying. Let me explain.
This is exciting both for Jews and Christians. The idea that the Third Temple could be erected and functioning in this generation is very exciting to some of the Jewish people around the world, but especially in Israel. This being said, only about 15% of all Jewish people are religious and even less within that percentage long for a Temple to be rebuilt. Those who await that day, like the people from the Temple Institute in the Old City of Jerusalem, are very excited. To them, this announces the coming of the Mashiach, the messianic age, and peace on earth, so who wouldn’t want that?
To the Christians who study eschatology (the study of the end times), this coming temple is also very real. It is known as the Tribulation Temple and is required to be built and functioning during the seven-year Tribulation (Daniel 9:24-27). This is the Temple that the Antichrist will desecrate (2 Thessalonians 2:4) after the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation, so it has to be rebuilt soon. To Bible-believing followers of Yeshua, this confirms the veracity of the Bible and its flawless prophetic word. We know that the Third Temple will be rebuilt because God’s word says so, and God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18.) From the perspective of end times events and their biblical accuracy, this is very exciting, unfortunately, for Christians, there is another side to that coin.
As soon as the Tribulation starts and the Temple is fully functioning, the clock is ticking, and it is a short span of time in comparison to world history. The proverbial rubber will be meeting the road in a very bad way for all people on earth at that time. It is understandable when Christians get excited about the rebuilding of the Temple because it means that we are that much closer to the return of Yeshua the Messiah. The sad reality for many people is that around the time of the resumption of the sacrificial system in Jerusalem at the Third Temple, things will start going south very rapidly.
What first will appear as a beautiful Jewish Temple reminiscent of Herod’s Temple about 2,000 years ago, will become a place desecrated by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:4.) This coincides with the time when people will “willingly” take the Mark of the Beast and seal their fate as followers of the Antichrist. This will be an unprecedented time of great turmoil, as prophesied in Jeremiah 30:7 and Daniel 12:1.
The red heifers are getting really close to being kosher and ready for the sacrifice producing the ashes to be mixed with water for purification. All the Temple implements are ready to go and the Levites have been trained. It is 11:59 PM on the prophetic clock, and yet, so much can still be accomplished in the last minute before the prophetic midnite call. Our desire to share the message of hope with the lost should be boiling inside us.
I don’t know if I will witness the making of the purifying water in my lifetime, but I know without a doubt that it is coming and that once that part of God’s program is in motion, there is no looking back. I have been on God’s side for the last 40 years. I hope you are too, and I pray that you will be bold about the hope that you have in Yeshua. NOW IS THE TIME!
YOUR HOPE LIES IN GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY
Charisma News – Aug. 2, 2023 -- In a world where hope seems to be a scarce commodity, Pastor Jack Hibbs brings a powerful message of God's faithfulness and control in every situation. He shares the unparalleled honesty of the Bible and its real-life impact on individuals and nations, urging people to find hope and faith in the living Word of God.
"Hope is probably the most precious commodity we can have regarding our soul, our spirit and our thinking," says Hibbs, the founder and senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Chino Hills, California. "Our very existence in life now ... things have been reduced in a post-COVID world to what is simple. All around the world, people lost hope and that should not have happened.
"The Bible says the hope of God is not the hope of man. ... Human hope is almost wishful thinking. But God's hope is a hope that is certain. God's hope comes to us in ways we do not often recognize. ... God gets His hope inside of us by taking the living Word of God that has endured all of these millennia against scrutiny and attack by atheists and those that say they know more. This book continues to bring hope. Why? It's alive. But it's honest."
Hibbs reminds us about God's sovereignty (or supreme power and authority) in Jeremiah 17:9-10, which reads, "The heart is more deceitful than all things and desperately wicked; who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his deeds."
Instead of being offended by this truth, Hibbs encourages believers to seek God's help in transforming their hearts and instilling hope within them, no matter what the situation.
No matter who is President of the United States or who has majority in congress. No matter what evil and wickedness is happening around us, or if a pandemic should happen to strike again. No matter if you are persecuted for your faith or ridiculed for your kingdom values.
God is sovereign in every situation, and He is in control. Hibbs says we must come to Him to allow His will to be done.
"God knows your heart and he knows mine," Hibbs says. "The honest response to that is, 'Oh God, help me. O Lord, have mercy.' He knows our hearts are wicked. Don't be offended by that. By healed by this because God knows, as the great physician, how to touch your life and to instill with you hope."
To illustrate God's love and compassion for sinners, Hibbs points to the story of Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners in Mark 2:15. When questioned by the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes, Jesus responds with a parable, explaining that He came not for the righteous but for the sick, for those who recognize their need for salvation.
By recognizing His sovereignty, believers and the lost can take an honest self-assessment and will come to the conclusion that they need Christ in every situation in daily life instead of their own judgment.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
"Whatever we do, we cannot equate that as righteousness before God," Hibbs says.
Life is uncertain, and Hibbs stresses the need to place our hope and faith in Jesus Christ. He quotes Jeremiah 29:11, reminding listeners that God's thoughts toward them are of peace and hope, offering a future filled with His divine purpose.
In his compelling message, Hibbs reminds believers of God's unwavering faithfulness and control in every circumstance. Through the honesty of the Bible, he encourages individuals to find hope in God's promises, even in times of uncertainty.
By accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, they can experience the peace and assurance of a future filled with God's purpose and love.
JESUS, THE SON OF GOD
Some people don’t believe Jesus is God, so they claim He was simply a good person. Others may intellectually acknowledge Jesus as God’s Son but have no personal relationship with Him. His true followers, however, believe in their heart that Christ is Savior (Rom. 10:9) and they’ve been adopted into His family.
Ephesians 2:1-2 says that those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus are spiritually dead and living according to the sin nature. But when a person places faith in Him, spiritual birth takes place—he or she is made alive in Christ and becomes a new creation no longer enslaved to the “flesh” (John 3:3; Eph. 2:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Our position in the Lord affects everything about us—attitudes, emotions, conversation, and conduct. The status quo of society no longer fits us. Instead, believers grow in Christlikeness, embracing thoughts and deeds that are pleasing to God.
Jesus willingly took our sins upon Himself and experienced divine wrath in our place. God accepted His death as full payment for our sins and then raised Jesus from the dead to a position of divine glory (Eph. 1:20). Let the truth of who Jesus Christ is sink in and strengthen your commitment to follow His ways.
In Touch Ministry
PRIOR ISSUE
INTERESTING INFORMATION MINISTRY
9/20/2023
“WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMES, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH” (LUKE 18:8B)
URL - THE SIX DAY WAR: SIX FATEFUL DAYS FOR ISRAEL IN 1967
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-745705
CHRISTIAN MUSIC VIDEO
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.” - Ben Stein
INTERESTING ARTICLES SUMMARY
· Rosh Hashanah
· Do you feel time accelerating?
· A surprise awaits some Christians on judgment day
· Key signs Jesus is coming back: “we’re getting close”
· The priority of Prayer
INTERESTING ARTICLES
ROSH HASHANAH: THE SHOFAR IS BLOWING – ARE YOU READY?
Revive Israel – Sep.15, 2023 -- Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Day of Trumpet in the Bible, is a unique holiday marked by the resounding blast of the shofar, an ancient musical instrument with deep symbolic significance. While many might perceive it as a simple tradition, the blowing of the trumpet carries a profound meaning that connects it to pivotal moments in history and holds spiritual significance.
God’s Public Revelation
Exodus 19:16 states, “On the morning of the third day, there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.”
This event, when the Israelites received the Torah on Mount Sinai, featured a shofar blast that seemed to radiate from heaven. This trumpet, the shofar, symbolizes God’s public revelation to His people as if the sound of heaven were connecting to the earth. When we stand and listen to the shofar blowing, we can imagine the Kingdom of heaven touching the earth, as if the heavens open with a resounding signal of the veil between here and there being torn. So, think about it whenever you hear the sound of the shofar – the veil has been torn and we have free access to the heavens.
Symbol of Surrender
The shofar, typically made from a ram’s horn, recalls the story of Abraham’s sacrifice on Mount Moriah, where a ram was offered in place of Isaac (Genesis 22:13). This connection symbolizes a full surrender of oneself to God, demonstrating humility and obedience. In addition, when you take the horn of the ram, you’ll find it full of flesh, much like how God found each of us initially brimming with fleshly ideas and desires. However, a process of emptying oneself to God begins, just as Yeshua did when He emptied Himself and gave His life for us. We, too, empty ourselves so that when God breathes His Spirit into us, like the shofar, we can make His message clearer and serve Him more effectively. This journey with the Lord lasts a lifetime.
The Day of Redemption
Isaiah 27:13 prophesies, “And in that day, a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were lost in the land of Assyria and those who were driven out to the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain at Jerusalem.”
According to the book of Isaiah, the trumpet blast is also associated with the day of redemption, signifying the arrival of the Messiah. The sound of the shofar on the Day of Trumpet reminds believers of the seven trumpet blasts mentioned in the Book of Revelation, alluding to future prophetic events. It encourages us to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Messiah, Yeshua. We can prepare the way for His return by sharing the gospel with others, caring for the poor, and showing love to the people around us.
DO YOU FEEL TIME ACCELERATING?
Charisma News – Sep. 15, 2023 -- Things to Ponder
The older we get, the quicker time seems to pass. Why is that? When we were five, it seemed like an eternity as we eagerly counted days until Christmas. That represented about 20% of our life. When we're 50, it represents about 2%. Hence, the gap shortens and everything seems to come quicker with the pace ever quickening.
Additionally, Scripture speaks of the acceleration in pace of living in the book of Daniel, which is a prophetic book for the end times that Jesus cited. The last chapter alerts us to something interesting happening prior to His Return. "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase" (Dan. 12:4).
Is "He who changes the times and seasons" (Dan. 2:21) doing something supernatural in these last days? God stopped the sun and moon for 24 hours to alter a battle (Josh.10:12); super-charged Elijah to miraculously out pace a chariot (1 Kings 18:46); suspended laws of nature when Jesus walked on water, walked through a wall and arrived ahead of his disciples who arrived by boat! Also, Satan "knows that his time is short" (Rev. 12:12) and his end time emissary will work to "wear out the saints of the Most High and plan to change times and law" (Dan. 7:25)
The book of Daniel also alerts us that "there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time" (Dan.12:1).
The Bible teaches that the return of Jesus Christ to earth will be similar to a woman in childbirth (1 Thess. 5:3). Having been at my wife's side for three children's births we learned two characteristics of birth pangs preceding the baby's arrival: increase in frequency and increase in intensity. There's definitely a quickening of pace as the baby is about to be born.
Christ's Return
It certainly is good news in these turbulent times to reflect on His promised Return "as we await the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us..." (Titus 2:13).
During World War II, General Douglas MacArthur was forced to evacuate from the Philippines as Japan invaded. He promised, "I shall return!" When the war was finally over, he returned just as he'd said. Jesus pledged the same to us (John 14:3) and He will also keep His word!
In the meantime, whether time seems to go swiftly or slowly, we have a mission to carry out. The mandate of our Master is for us to be found not sleeping passively, but serving passionately, in these climactic days of history.
There are numerous signs pointing to the end of the age and His return but the primary one remains our sacred responsibility: "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, then the end will come" (Matt. 24:14).
As the pace is picking up for all of us, the Bible tells us to be wise. "So, teach us to number our days (I'm at 27,010) that we may apply our hearts to wisdom" (Ps. 90:12). And how do we do it?
"He who wins souls is wise" (Prov. 11:30) and "Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse of heaven and those who turn the many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever" (Dan. 12:3)
I also want to encourage you to take a few more minutes to read and reflect on a pertinent passage for such a time as this.
Peter's Parting Shot
Peter was an apostle martyred for his faith who passed along these divinely inspired exhortations for us to ponder and put into practice in order to "hasten" (speed along) the day of Christ's return (2 Pet. 3:12).
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You are to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed it's coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with His promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found, spotless, blameless and at peace with Him" (2 Pet. 3:8-14).
A SURPRISE AWAITS SOME CHRISTIANS ON JUDGMENT DAY (Excerpt)
Charisma News – Sep. 8, 2023 -- Isaiah Saldivar has a message for many people in the church who call themselves Christians about their journey to heaven: You're not going to make it.
Speaking at a conference at Pastor Greg Locke's Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, a fired-up Saldivar says some people are only pretending to be believers, but have no relationship with Jesus. And, he says, the consequences will be dire.
"I'm going to tell you why some of you are struggling," Saldivar says. "It's because you have no secret history with God. ... I know I'm going to make tons of people mad when I say this. The Bible teaches that "God is not the author of confusion" (1 Cor. 14:33); but He certainly is the revealer of it!
One way to confuse people is to speak in a way that's unclear and conveys the idea that an issue is too complex to understand so it's best to just "leave it to the experts."
Progressives usually won't give you straight answers when asked simple questions like, "What is a woman?" Speaking plainly the answer is, "A female with the biological organs of a woman."
Burning Man Festival Flooding: Divine Warning or Natural Occurrence?
The recent historic flooding at the Burning Man festival has left many questioning whether it was a mere act of nature or a divine message in response to pagan activities during the event.
For Christians, understanding such events in the context of biblical teachings is essential to discern God's will.
Muddy roads in the northern Nevada desert trapped tens of thousands of festivalgoers for days, as torrential rains hit the Burning Man festival site just before the traditional torching of the iconic "Man" and the wooden temple. While the festival, known for its drug use, music and self-sufficiency emphasis, is a secular gathering, some are interpreting this flood as a possible act of God's judgment.
Pagan rituals, including the burning of a large wooden effigy shaped like a man and a wooden temple structure, have been a hallmark of the Burning Man festival's grand finale. However, this year, the fires were postponed to Monday night due to road closures caused by the unexpected rainfall.
This particular year saw the introduction of a new "sacrifice" made to a god of steel. Beset on all sides by a wooden-frame, the steel-figure of "Phoenix," an idol designed to resemble "the resilience of war-torn Ukraine," was set ablaze.
As reported by CNN, "the project's Ukrainian American lead producer, Ellen Lopatkina, said the artwork represented the 'rebirth of our identity.' She added that reaction from festival attendees had been 'extremely emotional.'
'The fire, the cleansing, the forging and seeing that there was something inside that is not just complete collapse ... resonated very deeply with people.'"
Sadly, this statement falls in line with the current administrations goals of rebirthing a new national identity in America as well. This is evident in the words of the President of the United States this past June when he declared America, "a nation of Pride."
According to the Bible, engaging in pagan practices and idol worship is abhorrent to God. In the Old Testament, God repeatedly warned His people against participating in idolatrous rituals, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 12:31: "You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods."
The symbolism of burning structures during the festival are reminiscent of ancient pagan practices condemned by God. While it's crucial not to jump to conclusions about divine judgments, it's equally important for Christians to reflect on the principles and practices outlined in the Bible.
At least one fatality occurred during the festival, although organizers have stated that the man's death was not weather-related. Nonetheless, the tragedy adds to the somber atmosphere surrounding the event.
In the end, whether the flooding was a message from above or a natural occurrence, it offers us an opportunity to reflect on our faith, our actions and our commitment to living aligned with God's will. It serves as a reminder that in all circumstances to seek God's guidance and wisdom, trusting in Him as our ultimate source of strength and peace.
KEY SIGNS JESUS IS COMING BACK: 'WE'RE GETTING CLOSE'
Koenig’s Int’l News – Aug. 14, 2023 -- Harvest Christian Fellowship Church Pastor Greg Laurie recently shared with his congregation key signs Jesus is coming back and provided tips on how to prepare for the momentous occasion.
In a July 30 sermon titled “Is Jesus Coming Back Again?” Laurie said the New Testament mentions Christ's return over 300 times or about one of every 13 verses. He highlighted that the Bible heavily emphasizes Christ's return, with 27% to 33% of it being prophecy, and that many of the predictions have already happened.
“We can look in retrospect at prophecies that were once in the future but are now in the past and realize that God predicted those things with 100 percent accuracy. Therefore, we can be safe in concluding that He will fulfill the other prophecies that are yet in our future," he said.
Laurie said there are "signs of the times" showing Christ's imminent return. He cited "the emergence of China as a superpower," "the lessening of the United States as a superpower," "the repeated threats against Israel spoken of in the Bible" and "statements from our world leaders about a potential Armageddon" due to the war in Ukraine.
“I would add to this the explosion of technology, especially artificial intelligence, increasing government overreach in our lives, where the government is seeking to gain more and more control of what happens to us,” he continued.
“I would also add the dramatic increase of drug use decimating American cities, international financial instability, mass shootings, the disintegration of the family, the calculated attacks against the family. The Bible says, ‘In the last days, there will be satanically energized times and things will go from bad to worse.”
Christians puzzled by global events over the past 15 years, especially the last three years, should see them as indications of Jesus' imminent return, Laurie added.
“Things that are happening right before our eyes, the blatant pushing and promotion of immorality on every single platform, the redefinition of what a man and a woman are, including child gender mutilation, where young children think that they're transgender and the parents actually encouraging these surgeries,” the pastor said.
“I would add to this the aggressive marketing of this evil on mainstream platforms, including stores and streaming services. It's just crazy. These are signs of the times.”
Laurie noted that while many of the signs he listed pointing to Jesus' return are predominantly negative, there are also some positive indicators of the End Times.
He referenced Acts 2:17, which states that, in the last days, God “will pour my spirit out on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams and your young men will see visions.”
“When I came to Christ during the Jesus Movement, I was dreaming the dreams. Now, I'm the old man seeing the visions. But it's on all flesh, the Holy Spirit being poured out. So many exciting things,” Laurie said.
As an example of this outpouring, Laurie cited the Asbury University revival in Kentucky, where thousands of students engaged in prolonged prayer, attracting global attention. He also emphasized the influence of the "Jesus Revolution" film, which has led to numerous conversions and spontaneous baptisms.
He advised Christians to ask themselves two questions: “What does this all mean to us?" and "How should we be impacted by this teaching from Scripture that Christ could come back at any time?”
Continue reading at: https://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-greg-laurie-lists-key-signs-jesus-is-coming-back.html
THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER
Prayer is not optional for a Christian. In fact, Jesus considered it essential, even for Himself. Though He was God’s Son, He still took time to be alone with His Father in prayer. His disciples saw this and asked Him to teach them how to pray. The prayer Jesus taught them is a model for every believer. It shows us how to:
• Come with a focus on the heavenly Father. When you praise the Lord, your mind lets go of earthly concerns and centers on His desires and glory.
• Surrender to Him as Lord and King. The goal of prayer is not to get God to do what you want but to align your desires and requests with His will. Such prayers are the ones He promises to answer.
• Approach the Lord with a humble, dependent spirit. Recognize that He is the one who provides for your needs and sustains your life.
• Seek His forgiveness and protection from temptation. Ask God to uncover anything unholy in your life and replace it with righteousness.
Developing a consistent prayer life takes commitment. Daily activities will crowd out time with the Lord unless you reserve a segment of each day to pray.
In Touch Ministry
THE GRACE THAT WE STAND IN IS MORE THAN WE DESERVE
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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