Saturday, September 3, 2011

Subtleties

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.
Matthew 24:24-25

What if you had a great chasm to cross between two large mountains, what would you do?  Most would build a bridge of course.  Satan is no dummy and that is exactly what he would do.  Let's say that the large mountains were Judeo-Christian belief on a continent that has always had a history as such, and that the other mountain is a group of continents being controlled by Islam.  What will Satan do?  He needs to link the two into one false religion in the last days and also convince Jews worldwide that the main objective is peace and safety.  I think he would build a bridge that seemed to contain elements of both religions as a way of uniting them. It would be a subtle, close parallel to both.  



My wife and I watched a movie a few nights back that troubled me for a few days, and even today I was dwelling on it in prayer.  The movie is called The 19th Wife.  It is a story about a Mormon man that is murdered who had written in an e-mail that his nineteenth wife had just entered the room slightly prior to the moment he was killed.  This wife is then arrested for the murder while the local "prophet" and community seek to quickly close the case.  The murdered man had twenty-five wives.  The story also shares elements of the true life testimony of Ann Eliza Young, Brigham Young's nineteenth wife.  She actually divorced Brigham Young and toured the US protesting polygamy.  After sharing her story, she just simply disappeared one day with the speculation that she was abducted and killed to quiet her.  Our nation then enacted laws forbidding the practice of polygamy. This movie then brought about the question, which other world religion had "prophets" who were polygamists?  Islam!



Do you know how many parallels there are between these two religions?  Their founders both claimed visitations from angels who dictated their perspective "revelations".  Both claimed that true Christianity had failed, even though Jesus said hell could not conquer His true church.  The efforts of both teachings are to restore a long lost true faith to the world due to the failure of Christianity and Judaism.  Both founders claimed to be given their inspiration though they were illiterate.  They both teach that the Bible has been corrupted.  Both claimed that they were the persecuted believers of a true faith.  Both had teachings that were abrogated--God change his mind at a later date and gave new, contradictory information.  Both had sections of text that were removed:  Islam's Satanic verses and Joseph Smith's order that mandated polygamy. Both believed that they were the final great prophet sent by God.  Both taught that their new teaching was the actual teaching recorded in heaven.  Both teach that multiple marriages are legal and that heaven will be a place of eternal sex.  There are just too many strange parallels to continue listing, but I hope you get the point.  

However, it is their similar teachings on Jesus that are amazing.  Islam and Mormonism hold that Jesus was a great prophet of God.  Yet, their versions of Jesus are not the orthodox version of Christ.  Both also hold Mary as a special chosen vessel of God.  It is these and other "Christian" concepts that seem to offer the bridge to link them all.  Why would you need this?

  

There is another strange parallel between the two.  Both religions are awaiting a messiah type messenger and a prophet that proclaims the messiah figure.  Most of Islam is awaiting the Mahdi and Isa (Jesus) to return.  Isa proclaims that he was not God's only begotten and then calls the world to worship Allah, while proclaiming the one true prophet, Mohammed.  The Mahdi brings war between East and West but then brings peace that will eventually cause Islam to take over the world.  

Mormonism has a much smaller vision.  Joseph Smith's "White Horse Prophecy" claims that a Mormon savior riding a metaphorical white horse will save the US Constitution as it is hanging on by a thread, so it is more about the US only.  (Therein is another similarity, the Mahdi is said to ride a white horse as well. Funny, the Antichrist rides a white horse too.  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1 John 4:3)  

Here is a commentary on that prophecy.  "LDS attachment to the Constitution has been further encouraged by an important oral tradition deriving from a statement attributed to Joseph Smith, according to which the Constitution would "hang by a thread" and be rescued, if at all, only with the help of the Saints. Church President John Taylor seemed to go further when he prophesied, "When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States the Elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men" (JD 21:8). To defend the principles of the Constitution under circumstances where the "iniquity," or moral decay, of the people has torn it to shreds might well require wisdom at least equal to that of the men raised up to found it. In particular, it would require great insight into the relationship between freedom and virtue in a political embodiment of moral agency. (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.1, 1992)"



Isn't it interesting that we have a Mormon candidate running for the Presidency?  He is a bit behind in the polls, so what he needs is another public figure that has been an advocate for a new moral America and has even held out an olive branch of peace and support for Israel to speak up for him--such a "Christian" thing to do.  Most Christians are not as much interested in a true Holy Ghost, soul saving revival where the truth of Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, being the ONLY way to God is preached, so a good moral man that aids in restoring the nation to a more conservative position may be what is needed.  The well known possible mouthpiece of the candidate once said, "I feel the Constitution is hanging in the balance right now, hanging by a thread unless the good Americans wake up."  Wow!  How prophetic--if you believe in the White Horse Prophecy! 

My friend, I too want a return to conservative Christian values in America!  Yet, I do not want that revival of values with the  exclusion of the work and person of Jesus Christ.  Revival in America will not come by the hand of a religion that denies He is God's ONLY Begotten Son filled with grace and truth.  Revival will come when Messiah's blood bought redeemed ones return to their prayer closets with all of their hearts.  A revival of morals makes no sense if the source of that morality is not God's whole counsel of truth rightly divided and found exclusively in the Bible.  All a Christless morality will do is cause complacent believers to fulfill Christ's other warning that they will be not watching when He comes as a thief in the night. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  1 Thessalonians 5:2-4  
   

As a final note, the only white horse Rider worthy of special note is not the Mahdi nor the metaphorical rider of Smith's prophecy.   The ONLY One of any consequence is described below!

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 
Revelation 19:11-13

Thursday, September 1, 2011

2011--A Year of Tragedy

Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
Hosea 4:1-3

Why does God allow tragedy?  Why would a loving and gracious God let bad things happen?  There are many reasons and sometimes there appears to be no reason.  One thing for sure, God ALWAYS has redemption in mind. Salvation and redemption are the central theme of the scripture with Jesus Christ being the only subject and source of all redemption.  As the Day of the Lord draws near, catastrophe will be a means by which God will attempt to draw men's attention from temporal, fleshly pursuits while turning their focus to their eternal destination.  Increasing disasters near the beginning of the Time of Jacob's Trouble is an act of true love as it warns of the nearness of this event and is meant to be a warning that Satan's last ditch effort to deceive and destroy is near.  It is an act of love to warn and an act of love to discipline.  God is trying to turn men from their selfish ways and focus them on the Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

This year seems to be a year of signs that the Tribulation is near--even at the door.  It is the costliest year worldwide for natural disasters and we still have four months left.  MSNBC noted this in June that this year was record breaking.  2011 already costliest year for natural disasters - World news - World environment - msnbc.com  Not only has it been the costliest for the world, but it is the costliest in the US as well. 2011 record year for US weather disasters: News24: Sci-Tech: News  It has a record number of billion dollar disasters.  List of billion-dollar U.S. disasters in 2011 so far | Earth | EarthSky 



The scripture above should remind us of the start of this new year.  In the first few weeks of the year animals were dying mysteriously worldwide.  Do you remember? God, in love, is trying to draw men to Him.  He says these things happen because there is no truth nor mercy in the land.  Since Jesus is THE Truth, trying to remove Him from all aspects of public life is foolish.  How many remember the dead birds in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Africa, Sweden, Japan, Canada, and Italy.  Most of these events were never explained.  Neither were the deaths of millions of marine animals explained.  Do you remember the pictures from Portugal, Brazil, New Zealand, England,  Vietnam, Canada, Qatar, Ireland, and elsewhere?  What about the millions of fish dying in Arkansas, South and North Carolina, Maryland, Florida, California, and across the US?  What about the death of 10,000 cows and water buffaloe in Vietnam. Not to mention the millions killed by fire, poisoned food, drought, flood, and other causes worldwide. 

Irene's devastating floods seem to have allowed us to forget the record flooding in the Mississippi River and across the upper Midwest.  Have we forgotten the most active tornado season ever?  Do we remember the dust storm engulfing Arizona or the drought destroying Texas?  What about the record flooding in Australia, China, and the terrible Mudslides in Brazil?  Maybe the mudslides in Uganda last week or the unusual tornado in Puerto Rico two weeks ago have caused us to forget?  Do you remember the 200 year record drought in Russia or China?  Recall the flooding in Sri Lanka or the devastating blizzard across the US Midwest?  Who can forget the Tsunami engulfing Japan or the maps showing radiation fallout crossing the Pacific?  Did you see the reports of radiation in the Ocean near Japan just last week?  


Then there are the signs that are in the heavens and the earth.  Did you see the unusual coronal mass ejection pictures in February and June?  What about the pictures of the super moon event or the longest lunar eclipse? Do you remember the pictures of the meteorite lighting up the Wisconsin sky or the weird green water in Goldstream, Canada?  What about the unusual spirals in the sky spotted over Norway in March or the unknown object streaking through space that was photographed by the Hubble telescope in February?  Do you remember the reports of the rapid magnetic polar shift that caused problems at a Florida airport?  How about the unusual two sun pictures taken in China?  Now there are conflicting reports and concerns about the approach of the nearing comet Elenin.


 I have not even got to the earthquakes yet! There was the devastating 9.0 in Japan.  The small quake in Virginia was only a tenth of a point from the largest on record for that state.  Who would imagine seeing the National Cathedral or the Washington monument damaged by an earthquake?  There was the awful quake that destroyed Christchurch, New Zealand and the large quakes in Argentina and Chile.  The little quake in Colorado was a 100 year event. What a year!



I should close with all the civil and political unrest worldwide.  Can you believe the March and August riots in London?  What about the overthrow of the Egyptian government or Arab Spring?  It seems that the sea of humanity is churning and that there is distress of nations.  Have you noticed?  It seems clear that this historic year is a loud alarm to cast your eyes upon Jesus!  Truly, He is Soon2Come! Won't you ask Him into your heart and request the forgiveness of your sin today?   

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Luke 21:28

Monday, August 29, 2011

A Cup of Trembling

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.  And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.  In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.
Zechariah 12:2-4

About three weeks from now, September 20th, a frightful prophetic event will take place.  The Arab League has endorsed a vote in the UN for recognition of a Palestinian State that encompasses the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.  This is a step closer to the day when all of the world's armies will surround the city of Jerusalem under the direction of the Antichrist.  What a day that will be!  King of Kings Yehsua Ha'Mashyiach will return to the earth and establish His 1000 year reign.  Jerusalem is the center point of all prophecy as it is the city of the Great King Jesus!







The vote is bringing the world a step closer to the great Battle of Armageddon.  It will make nations align themselves either for or against Israel.  Those who make the fateful vote against Israel can expect immediate long range salvos from the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Look for the number of natural disasters to increase over the next couple of months as these events and the Jewish feast days near.  Our government seems to be playing games with Israel and issuing threats about whether we are going to use our veto power in the UN Security Council.  This is playing with fire!  The God of true prophecy is a consuming fire!  Secretary of State Clinton recently required Israel to apologize to Turkey for the flotilla incident of last year.  Her demand seemed to carry a threat that we may not be able to stop the PA vote. 


The Lord is definitely trying to get people's attention.  This has been the costliest year in history for the US as far as natural disasters go.  It has also been the costliest worldwide.  There have been so many unusual and expensive disasters that listing them all has become a challenge.  From animals dying, fish floating to the surface, birds dropping from the sky, massive droughts, floods, earthquakes in unusual places, radiation poisoned water and earth from Japan, Hurricane Irene's massive flooding, and much more, God is trying to get mankind's attention.  Does he have yours?






Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!  Don't be surprised if a war breaks out soon. God will not allow Jerusalem to be overran.  The Tribulation temple will need to be in place and the Antichrist's peace treaty needs to be made.  There is much prophecy about Jerusalem.  We have a ringside seat.  It is the city of King Jesus and all who rise against her WILL BE CRUSHED!  God, himself, is defending her as the city is the hub of prophecy and the place of Christ's return.  Again, pray for the peace of Jerusalem!  Pray for peace but expect war, isn't that contradictory?  Not when you know the one who brings peace--Jesus Christ.  Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is also prayer for the return of Messiah Sar Shalom--Christ the Prince of Peace!


Today's Headlines 
Egypt Deploys More Troops in Sinai - Defense/Security - News - Israel National News
Israel will not apologize to Turkey, despite Clinton request | JTA - Jewish & Israel News
Iran's Thug-in-Chief: no room for Israel when Palestinian state is established; Iranian foreign minister threatens "crushed bones for the Zionist regime" - Jihad Watch
Signs of the Times: Israel Under Siege - Inside Israel - CBN News - Christian News 24-7 - CBN.com
www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4114255,00.html
Irene Flood Waters Threaten Vermont Towns | FoxNews.com
Abbas: P.A. won’t recognize Jewish state | JTA - Jewish & Israel News