Praying For Caesar

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Timothy 1:1-2

So many are discouraged with the results of the recent election.  There may well be much cause for this as the party that won the Presidential election has an immoral platform.  From the murder of the unborn, the trashing of the Biblical definition of marriage, and the abuse of God's Covenant promises to Israel, there is much that America will be accountable for.  However, in the face of this is the above verse of Paul inspired by God the Holy Spirit.  Whether you agree or disagree with the positions and the leadership of Barack Hussein Obama you are still required to pray for him.  The Word sometimes puts us in that place of a priest or mediator.  This nation needs prayer.  There is only one name in which any prayer is received of God, and you, dear Christian, are called to pray even for those so opposed to God and His purposes in the earth.  You are to take that uneasy place of mediation and call for God's mercy on the land.



It is believed that this letter to Timothy was written around 56 or 57 AD.  If so, that would mean that a very evil man was ruling the Roman Empire when Paul wrote this command.  It was the insane last member of the Julio-Claudine Dynasty, Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.  Nero was a savage a brutal leader who even ordered the execution of his birth mother.  He was lewd and godless.  He was also the man who would later order the execution of the Apostle Paul under the first of the ten periods of persecution perpetrated on the church.  Was Paul serious, then, when he wrote for us to pray?  Very serious!  Are you praying for the President, the Congress, and the Supreme Court?  Remember, they have much to be accountable for before the eternal throne of the Lamb turned Lion.  

Nero the Decadent--Caesar of Paul's Day

When you take the time and research all of the leaders and elders that Paul may have had in mind, his injunction to pray was not to be taken lightly.  Pray, then for these leaders and for this nation.  Our time is short and judgement for the blood of the innocents is sure to be requited.  Pray, church pray.  Remember, Jesus Christ is Soon2Come.

Numbers of Dispensation?

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:19-20

Jesus gave John a great key to understanding the message delivered on Patmos.  It is found in verse nineteen of chapter one, "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;..."  What John saw was the glory of the resurrected Christ in His position as our Heavenly High Priest. John had walked for three years of his life with the Lord, but the full glory of Christ revealed that day literally knocked him off of his feet.  Next, Jesus mentioned for him to write the things that are.  This portion of Jesus' revelation was the next two chapters--the letters to the churches.  Finally, the things which will be hereafter speaks of what will come during the Tribulation after the completion of the church age.  This begins at chapter four throughout the end of the book.

Jesus then returns to His position as our Great High Priest and elaborates on His priestly work walking among the seven churches.  Since this is still happening, it has left some to assume that we are still in the period of "...the things which are".  Furthermore, it seems that Jesus' use of the word mystery indicates that there is depth to His instructions that needs to be prayed about.  Some see this mystery and the letters as an outline to the churches work on earth while He is in Heaven.  The idea that Jesus outlined the entire church age in these letters is controversial; however, there is a mysterious correlation to the letters then and the history of the church over the last 2000 years that needs to be considered.  Understanding that may well let us see the nearness of His return.  Again, the ordinal position of each church enhances the message to each and outlines the past two millenia as well. 

The first days after the resurrection saw the church being like the church in Ephesus.  They were in total unity with Christ.  It is to this age all look wish to emulate even today.  However, again hear the warning of Christ.  It is possible to have a whole lot going on for Christ and not be placing Him first!  Always lift Jesus up as number one.  He will then draw all men to Himself and the church will grow.

The second church carried that number that speaks of Christ's fellowship with suffering.  Sardis was the age of the suffering church.  Jesus said that they would have tribulation for ten days.  History reveals ten "days" of persecution under ten Caesars.  Here they are:  Nero beginning 67 AD, Domitian beginning 81 AD, Trajan beginning 108 AD, Marcus Aurelius Antoninas, Severus beginning 162 AD, Maximus beginning in 235 AD, Decius in 249 AD, Valerian beginning in 257 AD, Aurelian in 274 AD, and Diocletian beginning in 303 AD.  Amazing--ten Caesars brought exactly ten seasons of persecution.

After this came the time when the true doctrines of the church were heavily attacked by rampant heresy.  Of these, the Trinity (symbolically seen in the number 3) was one of the doctrines settled in conference.  Remember Pergamos?  They were warned of heretical teachings creeping in.

Then comes worldly Thyratira.  This also matches the time when the church became the state and God's church was too much like the world to the point that the two could not be differentiated.  It would take the Reformation to shake the church from the worldliness that had set in.

Five is the number of grace.  What was the main point of contention during the days of the Reformation?  Was it not the means of salvation?  Salvation was shown to be a work of grace during this time period.  Sadly, the majority of the church was dead as it was relying on the pathetic works of the flesh while not relying on the power of God's Word nor the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The church in Philadelphia was concerned with open doors to be a witness.  This matches perfectly in church history with the time period when the Great Awakenings and the missionary outreach of the church was begun.  This was the season when men prayed 24/7 for a hundred years as well.  No wonder there was an open door--Christ was first place!

Finally, there is the church that thinks it needs nothing due to its wealth.  It is a worldly, materialistic, complacent church that is lukewarm with God.  Sound familiar? Is this not the current condition of the church?  Having said that, it reminds us to turn wholly to Christ as His is most certainly Soon2Come!


Related Posts:

It's All In The Name

What's Your Number

It Is All In The Name

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:8-10

In the post, What's Your Number?,  the thought that the ordinal position of each church was related to the message that Jesus shared with each congregation was explored.  While writing and studying that idea, it also became apparent that the name of each church chosen by the sovereign, omniscient Savior was also related to the message He shared with them thus enhancing the meaning for all generations.  The inspired and inerrant word of God is simply and utterly amazing!

Consider the meaning of the name of Ephesus.  It has two possible meanings.  The first is "permitted" as listed in the lexicon found on Blue Letter Bible and from other various sources.  How does this speak to the idea of unity or primacy since this church is the first one listed and these symbolic ideas are usually associated with the number one in scripture?  The more important question is, "how does one find unity with God?"  Abraham may be the person to ask.  In Genesis 22 he is seen taking his son, Isaac, to the summit of Mt. Moriah in obedience to God.  The LORD was testing the depth of his unity and whether God was first place (primacy) in his life.  As Abraham passed the test, the LORD placed a ram in the bushes nearby and gave us one of the greatest shadows of the sacrificial atonement of Christ in all of scripture.  It was faith in the promise of this future atonement of God's only begotten Son through which Abraham was proclaimed righteous--it PERMITTED him to be in unity with God by faith.  The LORD also revealed himself through the first special covenant name at this time--"The LORD will see to it" or "The LORD shall provide".  

Faith in the plan of God's salvation that He, Himself, oversaw is still what permits each and every believer to have unity with Heaven.  Christ and His sacrificial death permits us to boldly go before the throne of grace while His priestly intercession oversees our transformation as we walk in obedience to His purposes.  Maybe that is why the other possible meaning for Ephesus is "overseer" as is found on the Online Etymology Dictionary.  Grace permits us access with God who in turn oversees our life.  In His overseership, there are times when He must remind us that we have left our first love.

Let's briefly look at the position and the rest of the names of the churches:

Smyrna, as mentioned in the last post, means myrrh.  Myrrh is the Aramaic word for bitter and this is the church that was going through bitter trials.  Furthermore, myrrh was used as a pain killer.  That is also important for a church in severe persecution.  There was also the use of myrrh as an antiseptic.  Maybe this is why it is one of the two churches without condemnation?  Finally, myrrh is a perfume and was used to symbolize prayer.  When you are suffering, do you not want to hear from the One who understands your suffering and pain?  Jesus heard and comforted them with the word above, "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Pergamos is the Greek word for a watch tower.  This is also the church that was third--the place of divine completion or perfection.  Yet, they were not perfect as false doctrine was creeping in.  Maybe they needed to be more wary--to be on guard?

Thyratira's name is very fitting for a church wholly given over to godlessness and worldliness.  The name means, "odor of affliction."  When God's people allow worldliness to creep in to the point that the world and the church appear to be the same, it is certain that they look, walk, talk, and SMELL like the world.  Great affliction always come to those who are worldly!

Sardis was the church that was in the fifth place which is symbolic of grace.  Sadly, they were not alive in grace, they were dead in their works based foolishness.  What they needed was the one thing that gives all believers a right standing with God--the blood covering.  When judgement comes our way, God always passes over those who have the blood on the doorposts of their heart even as is seen in the picture of the Passover.  It is interesting to note, then, that Sardis means "red ones".

Philadelphia was the church in the sixth place, the place of man.  Six is the product of 2 and 3.  When believers fellowship (2) correctly with God and allow Him to bring divine perfection into their lives (3), they always produce saints and reach out to the world around them.  That is when they are living under the two greatest commandments which bring both fellowship and divine perfection and makes them the witness God wills.  They are directed by "brotherly love".  "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."  Romans 13:10

Laodicea, of course, was the church that saw themselves a spiritually perfect (symbolic meaning of seven) but to God they were not what they appeared to themselves.  Christ was left out of their church.  This is certainly the reason that this name signifies, "the justice of the people".  It was the people's church and not Christ's!  What a sad place to be.  Make sure you are His.  As you know, He is Soon2Come!

What's Your Number?

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Revelation 2:4

While looking at a synopsis of the messages of each of the seven letters in Revelation that John dictated for the Lord Jesus Christ, it became apparent that each church's commendation or rebuke was also related to the church's ordinal position.  To the first church there was/is a message related to their unity.  To the second there was/is a message related to their fellowship and so on.  These all encompassing letters also have a message for us.  The question dealing with your relationship is then, "what is your number?"

One is the number denoting primacy and unity as was mentioned in the last post, Unity and Fellowship.  Immediately, the correlation of the position of the church and its condition is seen.  Ephesus, the first church the Almighty addressed, had a unity problem.  This was the busy church filled with many good works.  The problem was that they had left their FIRST love.  Though their work for the Lord was praised, their heart was far from Christ.  Jesus must always remain first place in our lives, and we must maintain unity with Him no matter how much we do for His glory!  Christ our redeemer values our heart over our service.

Two represents Christ, the second man on the cross, and His fellowship and suffering on behalf of mankind.  Smyrna, whose name comes from the Greek word for myrrh used as a spice for burial, was in close fellowship with Jesus.  This fellowship also brought them great persecution.  They remind us that there are times when walking with the Lord will bring us trouble but great is the reward of the faithful.  Hear the words of Jesus on this.  "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Three speaks of things that are whole, complete, or entire.  To most outsiders, the church in Pergamum may have appeared to be a complete church.  They held tightly to the LORD and even had those who were martyred among them.  However, they were not whole nor complete.  There was a problem.  They were allowing false doctrine to be taught.  Jesus warned that a little leaven leavens the whole lump.  Brood on the fact that even the little foxes spoil the vine.  Deal with those "little" things in your life that the LORD reveals to you immediately before it eats at your wholeness in Him.

Four symbolizes creation or the world.  Thyatira, the fourth church addressed, was spoken to in a fitting position.  This group of believers began to be swamped with worldliness.  They were allowing perverse pagan teaching from a "prophetess" who was leading them astray.  Furthermore, some were worshiping idols, mere statues made from worldly materials.  It is important to remember that this world, controlled by the god of this world, is your enemy.  Any teaching that deviates from "Thus saith the LORD" needs to be cast out.  The Bible alone should direct our lives.

Five is the number for grace.  God's grace brings life!  However, Sardis was a works based mess.  Men's works apart from grace, no matter how noble, bring death as they are an affront to the redeeming work of Christ our Redeemer.  While good works are an important indicator of our faith and trust in the LORD, they are not the source of our salvation.  Christ alone saves.

Six is the number for man.  Usually this number is always associated with that which is negative.  In Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, we see this number representing what God wills for His church--to be a vibrant witness to mankind.  This church had an open door for ministry.  It was a door that allowed "whosoever will, come"!  It was a church where God and man were in close fellowship (2) and where the congregation stood complete in Christ (3).  Isn't 6 always the product of 2 x 3?  ;)  

Seven usually is a number that relates spiritual perfection.  Like six above, we see the opposite in this church.  Laodicea was anything but perfect before the LORD.  Yet, they were perfect in their own eyes.  They were so perfect, according to their pride, that they had need of nothing.  They didn't even need Jesus, so they left Him on the doorstep.  While Philadelphia had an open door to all men, Laodicea shut our the only Man that matters--Jesus Christ.

So what is your number.  Find out and hear the words Jesus spoke often, "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent (Revelation 3:3a)."  Also remember as always, Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!

Unity and Fellowship

And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it. A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about...And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.  And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.  Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.

Exodus 30:1-3 and 7-9

Like every other piece of the tabernacle God instructed Moses to build, the altar of incense is filled with shadows pointing to Christ and our relationship with God through His mediation.  With all that is going on in the world around us we need to stop and rest at this altar often.  The altar of incense is that special place of relationship with God in Christ that prepares us to go beyond the veil into His holy presence.  Chaos and confusion disappear in the face of God.  Come and see.

By now you know that even the measurements of the furniture of the tabernacle have something to teach us.  The dimensions of this altar which symbolizes daily prayer is no different.  The altar measured one cubit wide x one cubit deep x two cubits tall.  One is always a number that speaks of unity.  For God, this is His greatest goal for us as believers.  He wishes that we would live our lives in complete unity with Heaven.  What can we do for God if we are out of fellowship with Him anyways?  Absolutely nothing!  For this reason the LORD wants us to see this number that also denotes primacy as an important message.  First and foremost, there must be unity with God whether we move forwards, backwards, left or right (length and depth).  Our relationship with Him and with others through Him must be first place.  (Isn't that the first commandment?) When we have nothing else between us and Him we will bear the fruit needed to be a witness to a lost world.   On a similar vein, I was sharing with someone the other day about the letters Jesus addressed to the 7 churches in Revelation 2 and 3.  What was the problem with the first church?  They were doing much--but they left their first love.  Jesus was reminding Ephesus that there is nothing more important then your relationship with God in Christ.

Two also has an important message as we examine this incense altar.  Which dimension was measured as two cubits?  The height was.  All of us usually speak of reaching "up" to God.  It is for this reason that the height is two as this is a number that is related to Christ and His fellowship with suffering.  Two always speaks of Jesus.  What member of the Trinity is He?  What cross was His on the day He was crucified?  Which "Adam" is He?  The point is that Christ is the "middle man", the mediator, the daysmen, the go-between, our Great High Priest.  Two also speaks of fellowship.  Amos asked, "Can two walk together except they be agreed?"  Can there be unity with God without fellowship through Christ?  Absolutely not!  If you reach up to God it must be through the person and work of Jesus Christ the LORD.  There is no other way.  

To strengthen that point the Holy Spirit also shared that the incense burnt on the altar daily had to be burnt using fire from the brass altar.  Leviticus 10 relates the story of two sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, who offered strange fire before the LORD and were destroyed.  There is no great mystery as to what the strange fire was.  It was just that--strange fire.  They used a source of heat other than the brazen altar to ignite the incense.  Maybe they just used a branch from their campfire?  Who knows?  However, it was not the ordained source of fire clearly revealed by God.  Any prayer that does not originate from the altar of sacrifice was and still is strictly forbidden.  In other words, there is no prayer outside of the sacrifice God appointed for unity with Heaven.  That sacrifice is Jesus.  There is no acceptable prayer outside of Jesus Christ's name!

The incense itself is the symbol of prayer.  There is one more message as well associated with the acceptable incense.  As we are associated with Jesus the Lamb of God, we are to be a living sacrifice at His altar. Where do you begin (and end) your journey with God?  At the cross.  That cross speaks of repentance.  Prayer without a life lived at the altar is just as deadly as prayer offered in the name of another.  If there is to be true unity and fellowship with God--it must be in and through Christ in a spirit of total dependence on His atoning work.  When there is this agreement, then the power of our prayers will reach out to all of the world around us.  This is the message found in the four horns around the top of the altar.  They represent the power of prayer through Jesus name while in unity with Heaven that breaks every stronghold.  Is your prayer life in unity and fellowship with God in Christ?  Keep looking "up" in Christ as He is Soon2Come!

Refocus

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans 16:17-18

Where do false teachings originate?  Paul is actually pretty clear on their point of origin. They are a manifestation of the flesh.  Note this portion of Galatians 5:19-20, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;...hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,..."  Did you catch that?  False teaching is often manifested from and supported by the flesh. Think about it. All false teaching has roots in the original temptation used by the evil one in the garden.  That means they come from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The Apostle John also confirms this notion in 1 John 2:16 when he shares, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."  They are nothing more than demonstrations of worldliness and carnality.

Let's note a few quick examples.  Some latch hold of a teaching as if it is some new revelation--a secret knowledge hidden from the masses that they alone are privy to.  At times they even go on the offensive with their lie going everywhere sharing it as if they were the greatest Bible expert in the world.  Rest assured that the fleshly, corrupt  fruit of the pride of life is associated with this.  They are not trying to edify nor uplift Christ and His church.  On the contrary, they are actually causing the other carnal sins listed above: wrath, strife, sedition, and the like.  A specific example, there are those who in pride feel it is their duty to enlighten others with their sage understanding of the rapture.  They set dates or go to sites with a viewpoint other than theirs for the sole purpose of causing dissension.  Rather than build up others, they purposefully argue and bring chaos.  While they say that it is to share truth, their harsh, prideful, and unforgiving attitude is exposed. This example is pointed out because it happens continually.  Almost every time something that relates to the timing of the rapture is mentioned, it engenders a fight. Is this not a sin of the flesh?  Yes, there are differences of opinion, and there will be until Jesus comes and settles the issue.  We have a mission of winning a lost world even while putting away the pride that keeps us from our task--refocus!


There are many today who promote and follow the lust of the eyes; furthermore, there are also many who relish in this sort of teaching so they heap to themselves teachers with itching ears.  Jesus does want us to lift our eyes and take serious notice.  He wants us to see that the harvest of souls in the world around us is rotting on the vine even while teacher after teacher refocuses the church's attention from the lost and dying to the temporal blessings of the world around.  Jesus also reminds us that there is no profit if we gain the entire world of goods and services while we lose our soul!  Please remember that neither your house, car, boat, bank account, job, nor any other thing this world has to offer leaves this earth.  The baubles of this world also have a Divine appointment with the fires of judgment.  They will all, ALL, burn someday.  Only one work of man enters eternity--the scars on the body of Christ the King.  You are very limited in what you can take into eternity with you.  You can win family, friends, and loved ones you win to Christ.  They are the only thing that can enter eternity with you.  Get your eyes off of the fleeting, light, and worthless things that are redirecting your attention from eternity and the eternal task given to you by Heaven's Throne.  All the world has to offer is worthless trinkets--refocus!

 One of the saddest facts is that too many today are also following and promoting the lust of the flesh in the name of grace.  Does God extend grace?  Of course!  However, find me one passage where He allows us to use the mercy and grace He has given in the awful and awesome sacrifice of Christ as a cloak or license for sin.  It is not there.  It is in the satanic bible, "Do as thou wilt shall be the whole of the law."  Yet, it is not found once in the Word.  Quit making excuses for sin in your life and repent before God.  Take your shortcomings to Christ that He may cleanse you from all unrighteousness.  Find the grace that is greater than your sin and that begins the healing from sin's consequences God wishes you to experience.  Quit listening to the lust of the flesh teachers who act as if grace is a license to do wrong and hear what the Word God promotes--a sold out life that is transformed by the power of God.  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. "  Romans 12:1-2  Please--refocus!

In closing, I would like to share God's replacement for our pathetic works of the flesh which He has judged as worthless from an old post entitled Nine.  Nine is a number that symbolizes judgment as well as giftedness and fruitfulness.  In Christ, God deems our works void, but He gives a replacement.  "Our love is pathetic, and our goodness is corrupt.  If we strive to please him in selfish acts of flesh, we will be found to be empty, barren, and fruitless; however, God provided a replacement for our worthless fruit.  It is the 9 fruit of the Spirit.  When the substitutionary system based on the blood of animals was judged and ended, God opened up free access to the throne of grace through the person of Christ.  In the same way, God judged man's fruit as worthless and rotten to the core, but He provided a replacement cultivated by faith in Christ and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit.  He also judged the ministry works of man and replaced them with the 9 gifts of the Spirit.  The message is clear--the work of Jesus is all that God will accept.  Therefore, barrenness and fruitlessness in our lives is a clear sign that we are not appropriating the gifts and fruit of the Holy Ghost as God requires."

Have a blessed day in the LORD and keep looking up!  Jesus Christ is surely Soon2Come!

You Are Here

And thou shalt know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume.

Ezekiel 35:12

Even now many are asking questions about where we are in Bible prophecy.  Over the last few days I have personally been asked that numerous times by every available method of communication.  Ezekiel is one book that does give us a possible picture of where we are prophetically.  It seems that several chapters in the book are actually in a chronological order of sorts.  Let's look at chapters 35 through 40 as a an example.  However, we must also remember that some of these chapters do have dual fulfillment.  In Ezekiel's day Idumea, also known as Edom or the descendants of Esau, was celebrating the destruction of Israel and literally taking the land that was left desolate as their own.  As we shall see, this same scenario replayed itself in the reformation of the nation of Israel--God's prophetic stopwatch of prophetic events.

Chapter 35 of Ezekiel paints a desolate picture of the land of Israel.  The once great cities are gone.  The mountains are laid waste.  The land is utterly worthless.  This is actually the very scenario seen in the land just over a century ago.  Furthermore, "Esau's descendants" were in the abandoned land claiming it as their own.  Of the waste and empty land, Mark Twain wrote in Innocents Abroad, "...A desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds… a silent mournful expanse…. a desolation…. we never saw a human being on the whole route…. hardly a tree or shrub anywhere. Even the olive tree and the cactus, those fast friends of a worthless soil, had almost deserted the country.”

In Chapter 36 God speaks life back into the land of Israel "which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about (v.4)."  Small groups of Jewish people began to return, and since the land and the people are united in blessing, the land began to blossom in time.  Below is a picture of Tel Aviv taken in 1909.  Notice the desolation in the background.  Yet, there is Idumea again waiting to swallow up the land on every side.  This chapter was and is still being fulfilled.

The Jewish Settlers who founded Tel Aviv in 1909

It was the tragic events, the literal dried bones of the Holocaust victims mentioned in Ezekiel 37, that brought about the rebirth of the state of Israel.  The UN, in its first action as a body, gives the people of covenant the right of return. Notice that the order of Ezekiel's prophecy is what happened exactly. The land began to revive as a few Jews returned, then came the Holocaust and the nation (people) returned. Soon the land and the dead language of Hebrew was all resurrected. However, like chapter 36, this is still being fulfilled as the Spirit of God has not yet saved them wholly. The greatest portion of this prophecy is still future.  There will come a day when the Holy Spirit will breathe life into the people, but until then they are like a body without life in Christ.

Tel Aviv Today

Chapters 38-39 are the Battle of Gog/Magog. This has not yet happened but we can see it forming all around us. One main point--if you look carefully at the nations involved, you will notice that they do not border Israel. They are the second tier nations, nations that border the Psalm 83 nations mentioned in the last post. What happened to the neighbors? More than likely, they are already destroyed. All one has to do is listen to Persia's (Iran) leader as he spouts his venomous hatred for the people of Israel today at the UN.


Chapter 40 deals with the reconstruction of the Temple. This is the return of Christ and the building of Millennial Temple.  As Hosea prophesied, “After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight (Hosea 6:2).” The “two days” of the church age are just about finished.  It is now time for the LORD to return and build that temple in His Millennial Reign. In amazing detail these chapters are in order and being fulfilled before our eyes.  Are you ready--we are in the midst of great and glorious prophetic events?  You are here!  You are near the coming of the LORD Jesus Christ.  He is Soon2Come.  

Blocking Noise?

"Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee..."

Psalm 83:1-5

It is interesting that President Obama chose to use the word "noise" to refer to the request for a red line by Israel against the Iranian attempts at building a nuclear weapon.  This is a word that immediately gets the attention of many who know and understand Bible prophecy.  It is found in Psalm 83, verse 2 in reference to a war with Israel and its immediate neighbors.  Many see this as the next great Middle East war.  Is this use of "noise" a signal that this battle is nearing?  Only time will tell.  However, the region is perfectly set for this prophetic battle like no other time in world history.  It is a battle with a certain outcome--one that is settled in Heaven before it even begins.

So where is the word "noise" in verse 2 one might ask?  It is seen in the use of the word above translated tumult.  This Hebrew word, hamah, can be defined as: noise, sound, tumult, roar, growl, mourn, rage, or clamor.  In the text, Israel's immediate neighbors are roaring for one thing--the destruction of the nation.  Again, Bible prophecy is like no other in that it has a 100% accuracy rate.  Asaph, the author if this Psalm, was the chief musician in the time of King David.  That makes this prophecy around 3,000 years old.  In amazing detail, Asaph outlines a situation where the surrounding peoples call for Israels destruction.  This prophecy includes the very confederation of Islamic nations surrounding Israel today who are clamoring its annihilation.  Their enemies are literally saying, "let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance."

While the American President is saying that it is the Israeli Government and Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, making the noise, Israel's enemies are the ones calling for the decimation of the nation. Just today, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for the elimination of Israel again as he usually does during his annual rant before the UN General Assembly.  Yesterday, Iranian military leaders even threatened a preemptive strike against Israel.  Iran and all of those surrounding this tiny nation have forgotten one key element in their genocidal plans--The LORD will protect Israel.  His prophetic plans for the return of the LORD Jesus Christ and Israel's national acceptance of their Messiah will happen.  In that day they will see Jesus as the "brother" who is like unto Joseph who also was rejected by his family.  Who is there that can stand against the Most High when He rises out of His holy habitation?  To Him the nations are but a drop in the bucket! (Isaiah 40:15)

Many prophecies will more than likely be fulfilled during this battle.  Ezekiel 30, which gives a similar list of nations, says that Egypt will be abandoned for 40 years.  Isaiah 17 says that Damascus will become an uninhabitable ruinous heap.  Both of these prophecies seem to indicate the possibility of a nuclear confrontation.  Obadiah says that Israel will control land upwards to what is today Sarafand, Lebanon.  This would solve the problems with the current maritime border dispute with Lebanon and secure Israel's sole rights to the Leviathan gas and oil finds.   Zephaniah says that the Gaza will become a pasture land for the Israelis.  Furthermore, there will be no more problems with the West Bank as the Jewish state will also control the East Bank.  The amount of information on this single battle and its lead up to the Gog/Magog war of Ezekiel 38-39 are numerous.  Yet, there are two possible outcomes that assure us that the Day of the LORD is near that may be associated with this upcoming war.

The key consequences that are most significant may be mentioned in this verse from Daniel 9:27.  "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."  This great prophet gives us the one event that starts the final seven year countdown before Jesus physically returns with the armies of heaven in tow.  It is the signing of a covenant, a peace treaty, with Israel and the Antichrist.  It will be a covenant that will make a way for the Jewish temple to be rebuilt.  However, this is the temple that will be desecrated by the traitorous beast at the middle point of Daniel's 70th week.  This war, the Psalm 83 War, may just be the very battle--one so fierce that many will think it is Armageddon--that prepares the way for the rise of the Antichrist and the rebuilding of the temple desecrated by the abomination that causes desolation.  

You know I must ask!  Are you looking unto Jesus whose sacrificial atonement provides the only God ordained salvation?  Call on Him! Only His blood saves.  Remember, He is Soon2Come!

Pertinent News
Obama says Netanyahu's demands are 'noise' (and Romney blasts Obama for not meeting with Bibi)
In U.S., Obama's remark on 'noise' surrounding Iran issue draws Republican ire - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper
Syria's opposition parties call for halting violence - Xinhua | English.news.cn
In New York, defiant Ahmadinejad says Israel will be eliminated | Reuters
Iran commanders threaten Israel'... JPost - Iranian Threat - News
Iranian Defense Minister Threatens to Destroy Israel; Ahmadinejad to Meet With Occupy Wall Street Clowns | Jammie Wearing Fools
UN envoy Brahimi: Syrian war is threatening the region, but there may be an opening soon - 9/24/2012 3:52:48 PM | Newser
Syria Plotted to Pass Chemical Weapons to Hezbollah-The Israel Project
Israel's UN envoy walks out of Ahmadinejad speech on 'rule of law' | The Times of Israel
Iran says Israel is ‘threatening’ U.S. with allegations of Iranian nuclear weapon - The Washington Post

Jesus Had A Wife?

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 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 4:1-3

So, did Jesus have a wife?  Some claim that not only was he married to Mary Magdalene, but He also had children.  So you can relax,  the answer is NO!  Jesus did not have a wife.  However, He does have a fiance--His church.  He is about to shout loudly to her, "Come up here" and His church will rise to meet Him in the air.  The fact that men and women are working overtime to restore the lies of Gnosticism, the very spirit of Antichrist the Apostle John warned about above, is a very good sign that we are close to the church's home going and the beginning of the Tribulation.



Beginning in the second to the fourth centuries heretics began to rise throughout the church.  The Apostles had clearly warned that this would happen.  Not only did they begin to teach demonic lies and doctrines as truth, they also composed many writings--even calling some gospels--that denied the core doctrines of biblical Christianity.  It is important to see that the true writers of the New Testament finished all of their writings nearly a century before closing the New Testament canon with the writing of Revelation around 96 AD by the Apostle John.  The heretics should have listened to the closing warnings of the Apocalypse as it is the work that sealed the canon of scripture forever, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:18-19

To understand why a paper written at least 300 years after Jesus lived is even being regarded as truth (That would be like finding a paper fragment today claiming that George Washington denied being the first President--about the same amount of time.) one must understand the heresy of Gnosticism.  This word is derived from the Greek word commonly interpreted for knowledge which is gnosis.  The Gnostics claimed to have a special, secret, and hidden knowledge that God the Creator was keeping from humanity.  Using a technique of interpretation whereby the Bible is literally turned upside down, the Gnostics believed that the Creator (The Father) was evil and that all the physical universe is evil as well.  God was keeping something hidden from humanity. It was the serpent (Satan) who was actually the hero in the Garden of Eden during the fall.  He gave man the secret knowledge that the Creator was hiding from us--we all have a spark of divinity.  In essence, we all are gods!  

Since the physical universe is the evil creation of an evil God, your body itself is evil.  One day, according to the heretics, you will break from the body and become a god.  The Christ consciousness, to the Gnostics, was a Spirit being who could not have came in the flesh but entered the body of Jesus the man at the baptism of John--remember, the flesh is a part of the evil creation.  The spirit Christ in essence escaped at the crucifixion and is now trying to enlighten us as to how to break from this evil body to attain our godhood.  The crucifixion and resurrection are not essential to salvation as true Christianity believes.  Jesus the man was more of less a re-enlivened corpse who went on to father children and such.  What a complicated mess!!

This is why John gave the test above!  If anyone teaches a "Christ" other than the one that the 1st century New Testament teaches, they are lying.  Their inspiration is demonic, and they are of the spirit of Antichrist.  Jesus did come in the flesh.  He was God and Man in one. John makes this as clear as crystal in the first chapter of his gospel and reiterates it often in his writings.  The fact that this heresy which more or less died out for centuries  is making a sudden resurgence means one thing.  The Antichrist is waiting in the wings, and Jesus Christ is soon to return to this earth bodily!  More on this later.  Keep looking up!  Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time....Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

1 John 2:18, 22-23

Did Millions Just Disappear? PRAY!

"And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."  

Revelation 6:9-11

Rest assured, there will be a day when millions mysteriously disappear from around the globe.  Since many countries have a rather small percentage of believers in the LORD Jesus Christ, you may need to listen for disappearances in countries where the percentage of believers is high.  Immediately, a demonic disinformation campaign will set in to cover up the event.  Many "plausible" explanations from UFO abductions, to opening a dimensional portal, to disappearance due to being out of harmony with humanity will be given.  It will be critical to forget all of these explanations and to turn to the only Book that has never been wrong--the Bible.  This event has been foretold thousands of years before it occurred in its pages.  It is a sure sign that the Day of the LORD is about to begin and the world is about to be thrown into great darkness and chaos.  So you find yourself here after this vanishing takes place--what do you do?  PRAY!

P--Pray  Your first and greatest need is to Pray.  The reason for the departure of Christians is clear--they trusted the LORD God for their salvation found exclusively in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross.  The Almighty is about to go to war with godlessness forever in this rebellious world, so He called His ambassadors home. God is not the author of chaos and confusion when it comes to salvation. In His mercy, He set His son apart from every man and "prophet" who has ever lived.  Jesus Christ was prophesied about in stunning detail, born of a virgin, anointed with the Spirit of God without measure, a miracle worker, one in command of nature to the point He walked on water, crucified cruelly for our sin, buried, but greater that death itself--for just three days later He arose as a testimony that His redemptive mission was completed.  The authorities will soon make Christian belief illegal and viciously pursue anyone going against the new one world state religion.  You need to pray to the only available means of salvation--Jesus Christ.  "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

R--Round Up  The important necessities of life are about to get scare.  Within three and a half years or so you will not even be able to purchase anything that pertains to living without a world state endorsed mark in your hand or forehead.  Run from that mark at all cost--you are forever cursed should you accept it.  Bibles will soon be illegal and will be gathered and will more than likely be gathered and destroyed.  This is one of the first things you need to secure as it is the road map to the next few years before Jesus physically returns.  Also, round up as much food, clothes, and other needed survival items.  Things are about to get rough.  Finding a good hiding place immediately may not be a bad idea.  Do this as quickly as possible.  War, famine, plague, and disease are sure to follow.   "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19 

A--Ask For Guidance  Again, finding a Bible should literally be the top priority!  The outline of events is found in its pages in such books as Daniel and Revelation.  You will notice that these books, as well as others, spell out the many tragedies that will be unfolding around you.  These will also help you to confirm that the God of the Bible is right and true and that He is in control.  Since He alone will fully understand the circumstances you as an individual will face, you need to continually seek His guidance through prayer and Bible study.  He will guide you if you are sincere.  Know this first and foremost, He loves you with a love you cannot fully grasp in this finite body.  He loved you so much that the penalty for your every sin was poured out on Jesus Christ, God with us.  If you seek His guidance and remain true, the afflictions that you will face cannot be compared with what you will receive in the glorious future He has prepared for you!  "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."  Romans 8:18 

Y--Yearn  Yearn for God and Heaven more than you have ever desired anything in this world.  Jesus once said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul (Mark 8:36)?"  It is highly probable that you will one day need to give your life for the LORD.  You will enter Christ's presence via martyrdom.  If you are concerned only with this temporary life here, note assuredly that all you know will be destroyed forever when Jesus returns in just a few fleeting years.  Christ will destroy the world leader you see rising to power and all of the systems he puts in place.  It will be his sidekick who is calling for a single religious system in which this first leader will be worshiped.  If your heart is yearning more for life here--you are in serious trouble.  Put Jesus first!  "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  Matthew 6:19-21

Since this event has not happened yet as of today--you have a chance to escape the nightmare ahead.  It involves the same instructions--PRAY!  Jesus shed His precious blood to secure your salvation.  Won't you accept His work on your behalf today so that you can enjoy being in His presence when He calls His ambassadorial staff home?  Make a decision quickly and rest assured--Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!

The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Zephaniah 1:14-18

Are You Ready For The Zombie Apocalypse?

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

Revelation 9:3-6

One of Many Center for Disease Control Posters

Last night I finished a prophecy revival in a nearby town and was standing around talking with folks at the front of the church after the service was over.  A young man came to me and told me about a friend who is storing guns and ammunition in his house. When asked what they were for, he said, "I am preparing for the zombie apocalypse."  It seems unusual statements and actions are occurring around us more and more pertaining to this bizarre topic. It is one of those things that has even been in the news in the past few months; furthermore, it was so strange that I tried to put it out of my mind for a while.  Preparing for a zombie apocalypse is just weird.  Yet, in the back of my mind was the above verses describing events after the sounding of the 5th trumpet of Revelation which occurs near the beginning of the Tribulation.  Many have made videos and discussed this topic over the past few weeks, but it was just too weird for me to address until a person I respect, John McTernan, also associated these events with the possible fulfillment of Revelation 9 in a blog talk broadcast. Also, consider some of the uncommon and recent news.  Here are some news items, upcoming movies, and videos reporting on this aberrant topic.   Jerusalem Is Truly A Cup Of Trembling 09/09 by NTEB | Blog Talk Radio 

Zombie News
7 disturbing new cases of alleged cannibalism - The Week

Miami Face-Eating Attack Lasted 18 Agonizing Minutes - ABC News

Virginia girl found eating herself in cage in mobile home; parents Brian and Shannon Gore charged - New York Daily News

Police: Woman killed her infant, ate part of brain - USATODAY.com

Zombie Apocalypse? Demon Activity? - YouTube

Zombie Virus Is REAL Develop By NATO - Dr. Rebecca Carley on Alex Jones - YouTube

What's the Deal with Zombies? | Revelation Now

Bible Prophecy - Signposts of the Times: CDC Warns Public to Prepare for 'Zombie Apocalypse' 

Zombie Apocalypse : Pictures, Videos, Breaking News 
8 suspicious events surrounding the Miami zombie attack | Pakalert Press 

What makes this whole topic even more unusual is that some of this fear has been fueled by a recent FEMA/CDC ad campaign.  Why would the US Government spend millions on posters, comic books, and websites in a "tongue in check" ad campaign with the slogan, "If your'e ready for a zombie apocalypse, then your'e ready for anything"?  No joke!

CDC Sites and News

Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response

CDC - Blogs - Public Health Matters Blog – Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse

CDC EPR | Social Media | Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse
FEMA warns of impending 'zombie apocalypse' - Law Enforcement News

Seriously? Government warns citizens of ‘zombie apocalypse’ to urge better emergency plans - The Washington Post

5 Scientific Reasons a Zombie Apocalypse Could Actually Happen | Cracked.com

I guess that is enough--you can search for more of this unorthodox news yourself!

Another CDC Poster

There is one possibility for all of this nonsensical news--it is not nonsense at all.  It may be a desensitization program designed for yet another upcoming prophetic event.  The LORD clearly warns about "strong delusion" in the last days for those who willfully ignore Him and His Word (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).  The enemy of your soul also knows that the coming of the LORD Jesus is nigh and that one of the first events in the Tribulation period is the demon locust invasion when men will seek death but death alludes them.  This is a foretaste of Hell by a merciful God who would rather have men repent and turn to Christ then have them suffer for eternity.  Hell will invade this planet for a short season so men will be prompted to choose life over eternal destruction.  Even as a child I remember with a sense of wonderment as preachers spoke on the verse that says death will flee those who are not marked with the seal of God.

If we are seeing all of this crazy news, it may just be a warning.  This strange news, then, is not so strange at all.  It is another merciful reminder that the Day of the LORD is near.  God is extending another chance for repentance before the hellish nightmare of the Tribulation comes upon the world.  There is an escape from the zombie apocalypse!  The LORD commanded that those marked with the seal of God would be spared this nightmare during the Tribulation.  That seal is the covering of Jesus Christ's saving blood over your life. Don't wait until then to wonder if this is all true--the Word of God is always true and all prophecy will certainly be fulfilled.  There is a chance at a prior escape and it is one of the next major prophetic events on God's prophetic time table.  It is the rapture of the church!  Have you repented of your sin against a Holy God and called for the only available means of salvation--the eternal blood of Jesus Christ?  Accept His atoning work today!  Strange things are happening and it will only get stranger as Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!