Edition 475: June 25^th 2019

Analysing the rapture (Part 2)

Introduction:

These are words of life!

At the rapture, it’s a done deal, signed sealed and delivered! There is no going back. Every thought you have thought, word spoken and deed done is written in God’s great book of life. The cross of salvation will never required again, because you will have been saved by it, once and forever. But your eternal reward will now be decided.

Psalm 37:18 “The Lord knows the days of the upright and their inheritance shall be forever.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 “Our light affliction is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Do you know that glory has weight? The word used for “weight” above means a very heavy weight!

This is all symbolic, but don’t underestimate the powerful truth in it all as well. Note the two very real words – “forever” and “eternal”. It’s not a good idea to waste your life on stupid stuff and things that will amount to nothing – forever. That means a “nothing” reward forever!

The unbeliever, who has done extremely well in life and made it a great success, will go to hell. The believer, who gave a glass of cold water in His name, will receive an eternal reward, lasting forever!

The reward state is set, and delivered immediately after the rapture of the church.

Now let’s delve into some rapture secrets and living eschatology.

Just bear in mind, in terms of all end-time doctrine, to get your ducks neatly all lined up in a row, you need to get rid of all Catholic-based doctrine, as well as Calvinism.

Pre-tribulation rapture (Pre-trib), Mid-trib, or Post-trib?

These are the three main views for the timing of the rapture.

The Pre and mid-tribulation views both have compelling evidences, but only one can be right.

The Post-tribulation view is riddled with numerous inconsistencies and problems with other scriptures. It is also closely associated with Replacement theology. Obviously, I reject it.

Pre-tribulation rapture:

A very logical position:

2 Thessalonians 2:3-7 “Concerning our Lord Yeshua and our gathering together to Him, we ask you not to be soon shaken by a letter as if from us that the day of Messiah had come. Let no one deceive you by any means, for that day will not come unless the falling away (Lit=apostasy) has come first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition...and now you know what is restraining him that he may be revealed in his own time...He who restrains will do so until He has been taken out of the way and then the lawless one will be revealed.”

The general view is that the word “apostasy” in this verse above, simply means the “falling away from the faith.” But hang on a minute let’s dig a bit deeper.

There is no doubt that there is a general falling away from the faith in these days, amongst certain churches, especially the Spirit-less churches. That view though, would be better served by numerous other verses, like the “The lukewarm church being spat out.”

In the year 1611 the Catholic Church came up with the translation of the original word as “falling away.” Before this the word “departure,” was used. The presumption behind this change was that it was speaking of a falling away from the faith.

Most importantly, the words “from the faith” are not in the original at all and not in the Bible now either. So if the term “falling away from the faith”, is not in the Bible, what is being spoken of here?

A falling away from the faith would never ever occur in a “moment in a twinkling of an eye,” would it? It would occur over a much longer period of time. So, why then is falling away from the faith used here in association with the release of the antichrist and the rapture?

The correct translation of the original word “apostasy” should be “departure.”

If it is “departure” it changes things rather dramatically. The departure could mean “rapture”.

The original word, apostasy, is a combination of two words: “Apo” and “Stasis”. ‘Apo’ means to “move away from” and ‘Stasis’ means “standing or state.”

But when it has the definite article in front of it, as it does here, it adds extra insight. The definite article means “the departure” and not a general departure. In other words “the” departure is a reference to a particular event in a short space of time.

This would be like a crowd of people getting on a train. The departure takes place and they’re gone. You can’t use the definite article for a more general departure or falling away of the church from the faith. The train leaves at a particular point in time, not over a general time period.

The original words used here, are also used as a verb, meaning that the departure is referring to a spatial issue... in time and space. It would be not be appropriate for a general falling away from faith.

Also bear in mind that the church has already had its great falling away from the faith, thanks to Catholic - created dark ages!

Now, on top of all of this, we must keep things in context. What is the context of this “departure”?

The context of the departure is found in the same portion of scripture. It is “our being gathered to Him” (1 Thessalonians 4:1) It is not a falling away from the faith.

Don’t put undue emphasis on one interpretation or application alone. It does have weight when combined with other interpretations, but not on its own.

More pure logic:

Revelation 5:9-11 “They sang a new song saying: You are worthy to take the scroll. And to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands.”

Now we are going to see something astounding as we apply logic to these verses above.

Here we have a company of masses of people “redeemed out of every tribe, tongue and nation”. These are not angels as some maintain. Angels are not redeemed out of all the nations! Yes there is an angelic company here also, and there is a company of “heavenly creatures.” And we also have the 24 elders here in this company as well.

It is only human beings that are “redeemed by the blood of the Lamb”. Heavenly creatures and angels are not. So, this proves conclusively that these are human believers. The elders that are seen here are also always identified with the Church and not angels.

So, this massive congregation in heaven includes living creatures, angels, elders and redeemed believers. Here is the crunch:

This takes place before the opening of the seals and immediately after the messages to the seven churches.  (Revelation 1-3) These redeemed believers in heaven are saying to the Lamb that He is worthy to open the seals. The opening of the seals starts the tribulation!

Do you see that?

At this point in time the tribulation period is just about to start on the earth.

So what are these elders and multitudes of people doing in heaven just as the tribulation starts on earth?

The only way they could be there is by rapture!

Revelation chapters 1-3 contain 16 references to the church. All of these are in association with the seven messages to the churches, describing the church age. Then suddenly in Revelation 4:1, after John’s own rapture to heaven there are no references to the church on earth again.

From here on the saints seen on earth are the Jewish believers and Gentiles saved in the tribulation, but they are not part of the company called the church.

This also refutes a mid-tribulation rapture.

And some more logic:

Two very significant statements in the Revelation are worth taking note of:

• In Revelation 2:22 the Church of Thyatira is promised by God that it will be cast into the great tribulation. The description of this church makes it pretty clear that it is referring to the orthodox churches like the Catholics. But the language implies that if these go into the tribulation others won’t.
• In Revelation 3:10 the Church of Philadelphia is promised by God that it will be kept from the tribulation. Again the language implies that if these don’t go into the tribulation, others do. All true believers will not go through the tribulation. Many professing “Christians” will go into the tribulation!

Mid Tribulation rapture:

There are a number of verses used to propagate the mid-trib view, but the most compelling argument in favour of it, is this:

The children of Israel were captive in Egypt under the hand of Pharaoh. God spoke through Moses to him to “Let My people go.” Pharaoh did not, so God sent 10 sets of plagues against the Egyptians, with the Israelis being protected from them.

Then, half way through the plagues, Pharaoh relented, obeyed and let Israeli people go. They therefore escaped the last five of the plagues which were the worst.

These ten plagues again appear in the Revelation, now falling upon the world during the end-time tribulation period. This has reference to the judgements of God running right through the seven year tribulation and not just the last half. Yes, the last are the worst, but don’t think for a moment that the first half will be a picnic, as some teach.

The mid-trib view is that this Egyptian example refers to the rapture at mid tribulation.

That is a very logical and possible view. But for me it doesn’t quite work, because the Egyptian story is speaking of the children of Israel, the Jews and could not be a type of the largely Gentile church.

There are scriptures showing that the two witnesses will be taken in rapture at the mid-trib point. Again, for the reason above, you can’t extend that to the whole church. The two witnesses are Jews.

With all the verses put together, you see that the two witnesses have their ministry with the 144,000 Jewish males, in the first half of the tribulation, not the second. (Revelation 11)

Evangelism is the job of the church. Now in the tribulation, we see that evangelism is done by two Jewish witness and 144,000 Jews! Where is the church?  It is gone of course!

What is interesting is that this rapture of the two witnesses implies that they would be joining the rest of the God’s mob already in heaven – that would be us!

A major reason for the failure of the mid-trib view is that it divides Daniel’s seventieth week (of years) in half, meaning that the dispensation of the church age ends half way through the seven year tribulation, messing up dispensational times and seasons.

It just doesn’t fit that well.

Generally, I have no gripe with some of the mid-trib rapture proponents, I just respectfully disagree.

Post tribulation rapture:

The post-tribulation rapture position is a joy killer. It is a hope killer. It is a love killer. It is also scripturally unsound.

Last trumpets and last days:

►Those who equate the rapture trumpet of 1 Corinthians 15:52 with the tribulation Seventh trumpet of Revelation 11:15-18, fail to take into account the fact that Paul could not have been referring to the seventh trumpet in Corinthians, because the book of Revelation had not yet been written. John wrote the Revelation 40 years after Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

Paul must have been referring to the silver trumpets or the trumpet of the Feast of Trumpets.

Numbers 10:1 “Make two trumpets of hammered silver to summon the community. When both are sounded with long blasts, the entire community is to gather...”

We have a “last trump” for the Church age and a “last trump” for the close of the tribulation, which is technically the end of the Old Covenant. 1 Corinthians 15:52 is the last trump of the Church era.

We also hear a trumpet’s voice as John is raptured to heaven to receive the revelation. (Revelation 4:1)We also have trumpet blasts of judgement upon the earth in Revelation 11:15-18 as well as in Revelation 7. And we hear a trumpet of war in Ezekiel 33:1-6.

My point is; you can’t lump all trumpets together. You need to go by context.

Post-tribbers claim that that the rapture will occur on the “last day”. They are right, but very wrong too! Which last day? Just as we can’t lump all the trumpets together, there are different “last days.”

There is a “last day” for the Church age and a “last day” for the tribulation.

And we also see, in the verse below, a “last day” for the unbeliever as well. They are not all the same day, you must go by context.

John 12:48 “He who rejects Me and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”

No empty earth:

There is almost universal agreement that at the second coming, all unbelievers are removed from this earth in judgement. There are numerous passages of scripture indicating this. The sheep and goat judgement is one of them. Here the goats are removed and the sheep (those saved in the tribulation, go into the Millennium. (Matthew 25:31-34.)

There has to be a clear distinction and separation between tribulation saints who go into the Millennium to re-populate the earth and saints in resurrected, glorified bodies.

The Bible speaks in a number of places of unbelievers being destroyed at the Second Coming. (Revelation 19:15-18)

So now, if unbelievers are cast away at the Second Coming as the post tribulation rapture occurs, it would leave an empty earth with no one going through to the Millennium to repopulate the earth!

Resurrected, raptured saints do not procreate.

God has two chosen peoples:

God has chosen the Jews for His purposes and plans. He has also chosen the church for His plans. The two are not the same, as the post tribbers claim.

The post tribulation rapture view claims that God has only one people – the church, who will go through the tribulation and be raptured at that Second Coming.

Bible prophecy is almost totally centred around Israel’s regathering to her land and soon coming spiritual birth as she recognises her Messiah.

As with all biblical error, it knocks on to other doctrines and at the end of the day does affect even your lifestyle!

You may have noticed that churches who believe this post-trib view have either no understanding on the place of Israel in prophecy. Due to the spirit of error at work in them, they come against Israel and rather support the Islamic / Palestinian claims to the land of Israel.

But be not mistaken, there is a post tribulation rapture, which you don’t want to be in, unless you are stark, staring, raving mad! It is the rapture of unbelievers – to hell. (Revelation 19:15-18.)

Amongst many other problems, the post tribbers: ●Deny the existence of dispensations. ●They deny any distinction between Israel and the church. ●They support replacement theology. ●They claim the pre-trib view is a modern doctrine. ●They say that the pre-trib view is escapism. (Of course it is!)

There are a million biblical reasons why this post-trib view fails miserably. Their fruit is rotten!

Where is it all going?

Ezekiel 5:5 “Thus says the Lord God: This is Jerusalem; I have set her in the midst of the nations and the countries around her.”

When Israel is at peace, the world will be at peace. When Messiah comes Jerusalem will be at peace. The world is headed for total destruction and a new world is on the horizon of magnificence and never-ending peace.

God’s two people, the church and Israel will finally be one, forever with our great King, Lord and Saviour in our midst. The King and His kingdom will be a universal force of His favour and glory.

Don’t mess with the church or Israel now in their embryonic form! The pressure is on!

Churches of replacement theology – get your rotten hands off Israel. If you don’t, you will eternally regret it.

Finally

The rapture and the surrounding events brings to those left behind, doom and gloom, darkness, devastation, terror, sadness, shock, horror, regret and an ocean of tears.

The rapture brings with it eternal peace, great reward, and the final incorruptible, completion of God’s plans and call for all true believers.

The teaching of the rapture brings with it the promised great escape from the wrath of man, Satan, nature and God. It is the promised great comfort and the great eternal victory of the true Church of our Messiah.

The teaching of the rapture brings and attracts the inspired, the inspirer, the visionary, the thinker, the idealist, the artist and those filled to the brim with wonderful hope. Above all it attracts the genuine truth-seeker with the living God in his heart.

The teaching of the rapture brings a loss of love for the fallen world, a new love for heaven, holiness and all the glory of God.

The rapture brings home one enormous spectacular truth and that is – God is a judge. His word is true and real!

Flower power alright! I combined the daisy picture which I took in Namaqualand, with a hefty Botswana sunset elephant.

Shalom and grow in His Grace!

Edition 474: June 18^th 2019

Analysing the rapture (Part 1)

Introduction:

These are words of life!

Lord willing and circumstances permitting, this will be the first in a few editions on the subject of the rapture of the church. I will look objectively at the three main views, which are: Pre-tribulation, Mid-tribulation and Post tribulation. Up front, let me say that the pre-tib view carries the winning ticket!

With this in mind - doctrine which is not Spirit breathed and interpreted is stone dead.

The rapture will be the greatest act of love we have seen, besides the cross, and a sure judgement, in that it will immediately show those left behind what salvation is and why they missed it.

Necessary study tools:

Firstly, without the baptism in the Spirit, you are on thin ice.

The revelatory gifts of the Spirit, which are exclusively linked to the baptism in the Spirit, are absolutely essential. These gifts in operation offer deeper revelation, understanding, warning, and give an “inner witness” in your heart when you are on the right track. They bring doctrine to life!

In this day particularly, like never before, you need all the spiritual equipment, armour, defence and spiritual weapons available. This increases and strengthens your faith.

You will never be able to defeat the enemies we face with doctrine alone. The arising enemy is a demonic , full of deceptive spirits and error. You need correct doctrine, spiritual input, warfare, the rebuke and removal of the spirit of error, and you need spiritual defence in prayer in the Spirit, normal prayer, fasting and agreement with at least a few fellow believers.

These are deadly times. ●Many believers will, and are already being shipwrecked. ●Many will fly high with our Lord using the opposition to strengthen themselves.

The character of the present time:

These end-times are characterised by a number of major factors:

• Most importantly is the return of Israel to her land, the drama around Jerusalem, and the Jews themselves beginning to awaken to their Jewish Messiah - our Messiah.
• We are seeing massive increases in anti-Semitism and replacement theology.
• We are seeing the fast approaching end of the times of the Gentiles. (The church age)
• We are seeing sin intensifying worldwide with a new aggression.
• We are seeing a massive increase in worldliness in the church.
• We are seeing a great many churches / believers falling away and into great error.
• We are seeing some churches / believers shine more and more brightly for our Lord.
• Jewish teachers who know our Lord are appearing all over the place. They of course have a special “in” with their own people.
• We are seeing prophetic ducks lining up in a row. Iran, Russia, China, Syria, Arab nations, Gaza, Golan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Israel are all in end-time prophecy and all revving up right now at the same time!
• Perhaps the greatest characteristic is the subliminal searing of the conscience of the world and many churches to moral sin and evil. (Psalm 119:53 Proverbs 28:4)

The biggest wrong the world has made is that it is right! How can you think modern morality is wrong when you think the world is right?

The world system and its ways are the new standard of the people, but tragically – for many in the church too. (2 Corinthians 10:12) The big lie is: Everyone does it. Everyone is like this – you goody two-shoes prude!

Well, my friend, your dirty shoes will soon burn more than your feet with unquenchable fire. O, I’m not trying to be dramatic; perhaps that’s a real big understatement – wait and see!

The world denies God and the Bible. But in so doing they also deny the devil! Ask Hitler if God is real and if the devil and hell are real? Ask Mussolini, Ask Stalin. Ask your dead unsaved friends!

Marching, advancing, consuming sin has a limit to it. God has set His time-stamp on it all.

Genesis 6:3 “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever.”

Genesis 6:5 “The Lord saw the wickedness of man was great in all the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

2 Chronicles 36:15-16 “The Lord sent warnings to them by His messengers...but they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.”

John 12:35-36 “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light that you may become sons of the light.”

How much longer?

The thing is that these end-time events are dovetailing together. This has never happened before just like it is now. Amazingly and shockingly, most can’t even see it. They can’t see the shaking and downfall of society because their standard of measure is Humpty Dumpty on his way down, and not the secure stable, immovable word of the living God.

So, how much longer do we have before the great wrapping up? I am doing this series now, because I feel an inner witness that we are very close.

People say that “no one knows the time”.  They are wrong! God always warns of impending judgement. God does not warn of normal natural catastrophes. It is when the judgements are directly from Him. These warnings are all over the Old Covenant. It is not in God’s character to bring severe judgement without warning.

The most classic warning, which the Bible compares with the world situation today, is the warning given to the world through Noah. God also warned before He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Jericho and others too.

So, will God warn again today? The answer is yes and no!

God will, and is warning Israel that the tribulation period is coming, just like the days of Noah. But, the rapture of the church does not have a whole lot of warnings ahead of it.

But the Bible shows that a pre-tribulation rapture will occur just as the Daniel 9:27 peace treaty is signed, the restrainer is removed, and the antichrist revealed, all within a day or so.

As we see and hear with our spiritual eyes and ears the trumpets warming up for their deadly concerto, we know that the tribulation is about to begin. That means that rapture is too.

(Again I need to warn against, and totally reject the teaching that the rapture and tribulation start may be separated by a long period of time, even up to 10 years. It has no scriptural backing. It is an error leading to other errors, as all error does.)

These end-time errors, which will become more frequent, do nothing but create confusion.

These are days the Bible calls “perilous times.” The original word is “stress.” People worldwide are more stressed out than ever before, but that does not need to be your lot.

1 Samuel 16:23 speaks of an evil distressing, worldly spirit tormenting David. But when he played his harp, the spirit would leave.

Today the noise, the clutter, the racket, the deception, the screams of Satan to his followers, are all demonic, tormenting bombardments from below. Many of these distressing messages, because they are spiritual, are subliminal, subconscious and require special gifts to see and hear them, and get rid of them. Others are out, in your face, eyes and ears.

The world today is a world in rebellion to God, and that is the aim of its god for you too.

We are about to enter a very noisy time. Trumpets, shofars, rockets and bombs will be the order of the day. And of course David’s harp will be sounding for those with tuned spiritual ears! The ones who hear the harp will be free from the end-time torment and stress. Can you hear David’s harp?

That’s a rather unique thing about David! He had a Spirit guided, small, round, smooth, stone, one of five, which brought down the giant enemy of Israel. He had a harp that sent demons, devils and spirits of stress fleeing, as God supercharged the vibes of the harp!

There are verses indicating that the sound of David’s harp was also a protection over the troops in times of war. I’ve heard of going to war with bagpipes sounding, but a supernatural harp – wow!

The trumpet dilemma:

We must see and understand that there are different types of trumpets in the Bible and they are used for many different purposes. You can’t lump them all together. You must go by context or the historic application in the Old Covenant.

There are silver trumpets used for the ingathering of the people. There are brass trumpets and shofars. There are trumpet blasts of military preparation. There are trumpets of war. There are trumpets of celebration. There is a “great trumpet.” There is a trumpet signalling a dispensation end and a new one beginning. There are trumpets signalling the new-year. There is a last trumpet for the church age and a last trumpet at the Second Coming.

Here are just a few of the many:

1 Corinthians 15:51 “Behold, I tell you a mystery, we shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. (of the church age)

1 Corinthians 14:8 “If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?”

Matthew 24:31 “He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet (Lit=great trumpet) and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord Himself ill descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel  and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Messiah will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

Revelation 11:15 “Then the seventh angel sounded (the trumpet), and there were loud voices in heaven saying: The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He shall reign forever and ever.”

In these verses above, note the different trumpets and usages.

Also bear in mind that you can’t lump together all the references to the “Day of the Lord” in the Bible. Some relate to the entire church age, or the entire seven-year tribulation or the last day of the tribulation – the Second Coming. You need to go by context.

Trumpets of the Feast of Trumpets. (Rosh Hashanah)

There may be some significance to the fact that this feast is the fifth of the seven feasts. Five is the number of grace and favour. Prophetically, this feast brings the age of grace (church age) to a close.

God led the children of Israel by way of the Red Sea in ranks into the Promised Land. (Exodus 13:18) But in the margin (original) it says in “ranks of five.”

Hebrew tradition maintains that the first blowing of trumpets at this feast is of the two silver trumpets. (Numbers 10:1-4)

The silver trumpets were blown to gather the great assembly for departure to the Promised Land. This has wonderful application to both the salvation of the Jews and the rapture of the church. The silver trumpets were also blown to gather the assembly for war.

Numerous other shofar trumpet blasts take place on this feast, each for powerful reasons.

Trumpet blasts represent: A new year (dispensation), praise, proclamation and coronation of the King, war, battle and victory.

There is no doubt that the Feast of Trumpets will be the great milestone marker of the end of the church age in rapture and the start of the tribulation period.

This feast takes place over two days because the sighting of the new moon, which begins the feast, may occur on either one of them. This feast is therefore known as the feast of which no one knows the day or hour!

Isn’t that a giveaway?

The mystery of the missing trumpets:

The Feast of Pentecost is often cited as the feast on which the rapture will occur - many believe that. Some have written books on it and Youtubes and produced many sermons. All are wrong – everyone. Many of them simply parrot out what the others say. They are wrong.

There’s nothing as good as a parrot for spreading error.

Now, consider this well, and note the trumpets:

 1 Thessalonians 4:16 “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God...”

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 “Behold tell you a mystery, we shall not all sleep, but we will be changed, in a moment in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound...” (Last trump of church age)

So, we see in these two verses above that the rapture is associated with trumpets blasts.

As we look at the seven feasts of the Lord (Leviticus 23) we see something very interesting, or should I say, we don’t see it! Remember that the feasts plot the prophetic course of spiritual history.

Passover (the cross) has no trumpets associated with that feast. Neither does Unleavened bread and Firstfruits. And here is the biggie: The feast of Pentecost has no trumpets associated with it either.

But as we come to the Feast of trumpets: - trumpets are everywhere!

Again, remember that the rapture is directly associated with trumpet blasts.

The Feast of Trumpets is the next in line for prophetic fulfilment. The Feast of Pentecost has already been fulfilled on the day of Pentecost and the start of the church age. The next gigantic spiritual, prophetic event to occur is the rapture and the close of the church age and start of the tribulation, all with trumpet blasts.

How plain simple, logical and reasonable that is! In fact, if you try to rearrange this, nothing fits properly in the big scheme of things. Besides being logical, this order of events bears inner witness.

The Feast of Trumpets clearly marks the new day / year / dispensation change. That is where the rapture should take place.

A Pentecost rapture has no trumpets with it! But the die-hards, married to their error will persist, and it’s always the same ones. They mess up the order of prophetic fulfilment totally, and that knocks on to many other doctrines, as all error does.

Why bother looking at the rapture?

If no one knows the day or hour or the time, why bother looking in the first place? Surprisingly, that is the belief of most!

As we have seen, the “day and hour” is a Hebrew idiom for the Feast or Trumpets, but even if you don’t like that, it refers to a very short specific time period. It is not a year or a month or even a week. It is shorter than that!

Let me say it again and again for the benefit of those ministers who either don’t know how to read properly or have little comprehension of language: The term day and hour is a very short time reference! The term day and hour is a very short time reference! The term day and hour is a very short time reference! That’s plain English.

Matthew 24:36 “Of that day and hour no one knows, no not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

Matthew 25:13 (To the foolish virgins) “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

Acts 1:7 (To the disciples at that time, not generally.) “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His authority.”

Revelation 3:3 (To the dead church) “Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Hold fast and repent. If you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”

Zechariah 14:6-8 (The day of the Lord) “It shall come to pass in that day that there will be no light; the lights will diminish. It shall be one day which is known to the Lord – neither day nor night, but at evening time it shall happen that it will be light, and living waters shall flow from Jerusalem...”

So as we consider all these things, we dare not ignore rapture revelations, insight and teaching. We need it to make us strong and holy as well.

Destroying your faith:

Those who won’t touch eschatology are doing you a harmful disservice. I’ve seldom been one for telling people where to go spiritually, except of course when it comes to churches of replacement theology, which you need to get out of fast.

If I may extend that to the churches that won’t touch eschatology, especially those who are not Spirit filled, it may be time to pray about you continued fellowship with them. If they have a liberal worldly agenda, your options with them are even less.

There is always hope that these churches may see the light, repent and change, which is why I say pray about your future with them. But, I tell you – time is running out!

Many of these churches without eschatology are useless when it comes to God’s plans for Israel. They are offering you an incomplete, half-baked gospel and opening you up for spiritual shipwreck.

The three rapture views:

In the next edition (Lord willing) I’ll lay out the three views – with some exciting new material. I want to keep it together in one edition, so rather than start now – stay tuned!

Finally

Many of these things are not simply a matter of different views or unimportant. They will strengthen your faith or leave you vulnerable, or wreck your faith. These things are not just words they are alive with a godly Spirit. More and more, those who are Spirit filled feel the spiritual temperature and are getting ready fast!

Colossians 3:4-6 “When Messiah who is our life appears, you also (believer) will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on earth: Fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness which is idolatry. Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.”

Matthew 24:12 “Lawlessness will abound, and the love of many will grow cold.”

The Bible shows very clearly that the purpose of the wrath of God and the coming of the Lord is to finally destroy sin, finish all transgression and bring in everlasting righteousness. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of all of this! (Daniel 9:25)

This is a compilation of a few my pictures from the forests of the Okavango.

Shalom and grow in His Grace!

Edition 473: June 11^th 2019

The Rapture and replacement theology.

Introduction:

These are words of life!

Replacement theology is the erroneous teaching that the church has replaced Israel. Wherever you find Israel, or Jerusalem mentioned in the Bible, especially in a prophetic sense, you replace them with the church. It also presumes that all the blessings, promised to the Jews, now come upon the church, while the curses come upon the Jews.

This heretical teaching was first developed by the early Catholic church, to keep the Jews out. An extension to this was the replacing of the Saturday Sabbath with Sunday, and the replacement of the Feasts of the Lord with the pagan feasts of Christmas and Easter – again for the reason of keeping the Jews out of the church. (Look these things up if you don’t believe me.)

Replacement theology is of the same spirit as Nazism. The former gets rid of the Jews theologically and the latter physically. But it’s the same spirit at work. In fact it is of the same spirit as Judas and ultimately of antichrist, which is seen when you put all its workings and conclusions together.

Why replacement theology?

The reason is of course spiritual in origin. The word “antichrist” means to come against and replace with the false Messiah. In the same way, replacement theology must do both. It must come against the truth and replace it with error.

God’s great work of grace is the glorious church. But it’s not His only work. He has, is, and will complete His biblically revealed and promised work with the Jews. Many in the church, due to their pride can’t or won’t see that. They are blinded by their pride and hence deceived.

God’s final work of the ages includes regathering, saving and using Israel to bring salvation to the world in the tribulation and the defeat of Satan and the world's armies. Satan obviously does not like this and tries to stop it, especially as his defeat approaches.

The satanic purpose of replacement theology is to get rid of the God-chosen vehicle of Satan's defeat – Israel. (Jeremiah 51:20)

The Catholic desecration of the Jews:

A major purpose of the Catholic church from its foundation, has been to get rid of the Jews. It has had an obsession with domination of the world at the expense of the Jews. The reason is the same as that of the Nazis and Hitler, whose desire was world domination and to create a one thousand year Nazi-ruled millennium of peace.

The Catholic obsession with the removal of the Jews reached its climax in the inquisitions during which millions of Jews were murdered by the popes.

But the precedent began long before this.

In 170BC Antiochus arose to power with a satanic hatred for the Jews. His full name was Mithridates Antiochus which means: “Given by the deity Mithra”. Mithra is believed to be one of the angels cast out of heaven at the fall of Lucifer. He is closely associated with the satanic god, Zeus and also the popes. He is also believed to be linked to the coming antichrist. (That’s another story, which I’m not getting into now.)

For three years the temple was desecrated by Antiochus who also erected an altar to Zeus (a type of Satan) ordering that pigs be sacrificed on it. Antiochus hated the Jews and introduced other measures to humiliate them and prevent Jewish custom from spreading, including the burning of all copies of the Hebrew law.

Burning Bibles owned by Jews, the laity and other religious books was an active pastime of the Catholic’s in the dark ages.

The practises of Antiochus were a type in some respects of the coming “abomination of desolation” to be set up in the new third Temple in Jerusalem.

It’s interesting that the practice of sacrificing a pig to Zeus instead of a lamb is still seen today in the form of the Easter Ham and the Christmas Ham, instituted by the Catholics. There is much more on the sacrificing of pigs in many Babylonian customs too. That’s the origin of the glazed ham on the table.

So, the next time your piggy pastor instructs you to prepare the Easter or Christmas ham for the family table, you know the origin of the evil tradition. We need obedience to God and His word and not to Catholic deception.

By the way, this has nothing to do with the discussion of eating ham generally, just this specific custom and tradition born in hell.

Why now?

I have maintained before that replacement theology is about to mutate into a much more vicious, virile, dangerous beast.  We’re already seeing the manifestation of it in many churches.

But why now? The answer is simple: Soon and very soon it will be the time of Jacob’s trouble – the tribulation period. We are very close. This will be the time when Israel replaces the church, not the other way around, because the church will be gone.

There is no way theologically, that replacement theology can accommodate a pre-tribulation rapture, or even a mid-trib rapture. The only view that works doctrinally for them is post trib.

As the church disappears in rapture, Israel becomes the central focus of God’s work, as He brings them to salvation through glorious awakening, as well as many tribulation judgements. But if the church replaces Israel, that means that the church will be awakened to be saved in the tribulation! It does not make sense!

But a large part of the church has become pro-Israel and pro-God’s plans for them. The rapture is coming soon, with the big swing to Israel. So, these pro-Israel churches, many who will even put their own lives on the line for Israel, must be seen as a very great threat to the replacement crowd!

If you believe in replacement theology, you must get rid of Bible dispensations. You then have a problem with the verses themselves speaking of, and identifying dispensations. (Ephesians 1:10, Hebrews 1:1, Colossians 1:25) You then have a great problem with numerous end-time verses and cannot make them fit. This is why churches of replacement theology are absolutely useless in the area of eschatology.

Replacement theology is Spirit-less and spirit-full. (No Spirit of God and of the spirit of error.)

Replacement theology, because it is a giant error, will rob you of your alertness, awareness and kill your defences. It will in fact cause you to change sides, from God to the devil, further down the line.

Replacement theology is a powerful blinding force. It blinds you to a huge amount of Bible prophecy.

Replacement theology creates doubt in the uninformed and spiritually ignorant. In the tribulation period Israel will be of most importance and significance. The doubt created only plays into the hands of the enemy – just what he wants!

The way of replacement theology ends with acceptance of the antichrist. The pro-Israel view ends with a pre-tribulation rapture and a marriage feast with our Lord in heaven.

Error + repentance = the road to truth. Error +pride = the road to antichrist.

Replacement theology and its evil twin anti-Semitism:

The two portions of scripture below relate to the tribulation period and the Satan-empower antichrist. If ever there were two clear scriptures outlining end-time anti-Semitism, these are them.

Revelation 12:17 “The dragon was enraged with the woman (Jews) and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Yeshua the Messiah.”

Daniel 8:23-25 “In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power, he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive. He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper...he shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes, but shall broken without hand.”

Note the course and the cause of the events:

In the Revelation verse, the cause is God’s protection upon Jews fleeing persecution. This enraged the antichrist and he went off to kill more Jews, and by implication, Gentile tribulation saints, who are have become believers.

In the Daniel verses we see that the time period is when sin in the world has reached a pinnacle. He turns on and makes war with the holy people. Note the contrast: It is the fullness of the world’s sin and the holiness of the trib saints.

Revelation 13:7-8 “It was granted to him (antichrist) to make war with the saints (trib) and to overcome them, and authority was given him over every tribe tongue and nation, and all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world.”

Who replaces whom?

The list below flies in the face of replacement theology – totally:

Israel is: ●Elected ●Rebelled ●Rejected ●Regathered ●Repented ●Accepted.

The rapture replaces the church with Israel and the Catholic church goes into the tribulation period, with other similar orthodox churches. (Revelation 2:22, 17:5)

As the church is removed from the earth at the start of the tribulation, Israel sees and recognises her Messiah and becomes God’s chief agent for His work in that time.

But at the same time, the compromising, and counterfeit church, which most certainly includes those of replacement theology, goes right into the tribulation period. Remember that replacement theology also claims that all the blessing come upon them and the all the curses upon the Jews.

This is what you call a grand oops!

Yes those in the tribulation do get the chance to be saved and become tribulation saints, but many actually become Satan’s workers killing the saints!

While the tribulation is on the go the true church are in fact spectators from heaven. (Revelation 3:10) 

Many have tried to replace Israel using their own demon-inspired intellect, just like all the clever idiots today. Israel still stands and thrives – with a few bullet holes!

The rapture:

Isaiah 18:3 “All inhabitants of the world and dwellers on earth: When He lifts up a banner on the mountains, you see it; and when He blows a trumpet, you hear it.”

There are a number of different trumpet types in the Bible and a number of different uses. You can’t lump them all together. In some cases the original words used differ, and in some cases you need to apply correct context and historic precedent in your application.

Here is an excellent example of what I mean:

Numbers 10:2-3 (Amp) “Make two trumpets of silver, of hammered, turned work (from one piece of silver), that you may use them, to call the congregation together and for the breaking of camp. When they both are blown, all the congregation shall assemble before you at the door of the tent of meeting.”

Two priests, who were sons of Aaron, were to blow the silver trumpets. 

The name “Aaron” means, “Light bringer.” (H 175) Today the sons of the light bringer are ready to sound the alarm! Can you hear them yet? Can you see the light? Can you understand their message?

The temple menorah was to be hammered from a single, piece of gold. Only Aaron and his sons could light the menorah. (Exodus 25:31-37 Numbers 8:1-2, Revelation 1:12-20, 4:5)

Here we see Aaron and his sons were involved in the construction of both the silver trumpets and the golden menorah, both out a single huge piece of pure silver and of gold. This symbolises unbroken holiness, righteousness and purity. It symbolises extremely great value.

Both silver and gold are precious metals, of great value. They are reflective of God’s glory and it represents righteousness in the Bible. (Proverbs 10:20, 12:6, 25:11)

Bear in mind that the two silver trumpets were initially used to call the assembly together for the journey to the Promised Land. That speaks symbolically of Israel entering her spiritual promised land of salvation beginning at a Feast of Trumpets.

The two silver trumpets are blown on Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets. They are the initial gathering call of the great assembly of God’s people.

Then as we go into the various celebrations and messages of this incredible significant and symbolic feast, the shofar trumpets are blown in sequence. I (I won’t go into all the amazing details now, but will keep it all for a later edition as we approach the feast.

The reason for sharing these things up to this point is because I and numerous other Bible teachers, scholars and analysts place the rapture right here at Trumpets.

We have the Feast of Trumpets coming up on September 29^th / Ocober 1^st

The Feast of Trumpets is the next in line of the seven feasts to find its prophetic fulfilment. It will mark the end of the church age, the beginning of the tribulation period and the rapture.

As always, the prophetic events on the ground all need to dovetail together before we can look at anything related to timing. What we can say now, is that we are close. Many things are in line, but some things are not.

I would safely say – we are close and it’s time to be ready one way or another. If we have to wait, so be it, (mutter mutter)

Psalm 130:5-6 “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning – I say, more than those who watch for the morning.”

A rapture note of interest:

As we get closer, the details of the rapture and surrounding events become more important. With this in mind, I am going to do a fairly in-depth look at the pre-tribulation rapture, the mid-trib view and the post trib view for a soon-coming edition or two.

I can tell you now that I have no belief at all in the post trib view. I reject it all. The mid-trib view has some very convincing arguments in favour of it, but for me the scale tips to the pre-trib position.

This entire area requires some hefty diligent, study, prayer and knowledge, and a head with some empty spaces that God can fill.

1 Corinthians 15:52 “In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

The peace treaty:

The coming peace “Deal of the century” has been thrown a curved ball by the upheaval in Israeli politics right now. I don’t believe that the Kushner / Trump plan is the Daniel 9:27 deal, but I do believe it may be a path to it.

However there is another very real possibility, which I have mentioned before.

The Kushner / Trump deal may end up being irrelevant.

If there is a big outbreak of war in the Middle East now involving Israel and her neighbours, that is always in itself, a call for peace. That could result in a peace deal being struck of which we know nothing right now, because it hasn’t happened.

So, what I’m saying is the “Deal of the Century” is not cast in stone, as the only one to look out for.

Finally

The cost of replacement theology is great. It knocks on to so many other doctrines, creating confusion and in fact nothing but a curse. It is a ‘glue’ from evil spirits, entrapping many.

Those of replacement theology will go into the tribulation period. Some will become persecutors of the tribulation saints. They are enemies of God’s ways and workings today and into the near future.

The rapture will replace the church with Israel as they fill out their prophetic destiny and ultimately become one with all true believers.

These are dangerous days of great deception. The ill-informed are most vulnerable.

The truth will bless you or crush you. Error will crush you or crush you!

Please bear in mind that history repeats itself, when written in the Bible, and modern man learns nothing from God’s history book. Israel wins!

You will be known by your fruits that remain. (John 15:16)

I took this picture of the fish eagle on a river bank nearby.

Shalom and grow in His Grace!

Edition 472: June 4^th 2019

Identifying end-time nations:

Introduction:

These are words of life!

Where is the USA in Bible prophecy? Where is Britain? Who are the nations of the end-times, and how do we identify them? How do they fit into the grand plan of the greatest drama ever?

The role the nations play in end-time prophecy is most important. Do they know that their destiny is here in the Bible? Do we see the overall picture of the giant jigsaw puzzle?

Nations in the Bible are identified by their biblical name. If that nation has changed its name to a modern name or the borders have changed, or it is a new nation, then we need to identify it by other factors. The Bible uses colours, metals, trees, animals, birds and beasts to identify nations.

Sometimes numbers, signs, symbols and other factors are used as well.

The Bible uses the following words for the nations. (Those with an “H” in front are Hebrew words and of the Old Covenant and the “G” is for Greek and from the New Covenant.)

Strong’s H1471 Gowy. Meanings: Gentile nations, people.

Strong’s H6440 Paniym . Meaning: Of similar face.

Strong’s H 523 Ummah. Meanings: Tribe, cultural community of people.

Strong’s H5971 Am. Meanings: Nation of kinsmen, countrymen.

Strong’s G1484 Ethnos. Meaning: Ethnic, same human family, people group.

Here are just a few of the many animals whose characteristics are used to identify nations.

●Bear = destructive power. ●Dragon = Satan and demons. ●Eagle = Speed, power, vision, height, protection. ●Goat = sin. ● Lion = Power. ●Wolf = disguised enemy, false teachers. ●Fox = cunning, deceit. ●Sheep = submissiveness, gentleness. ●Serpent = Satan, evil spirits. ●Scorpion = Evil spirits, evil people, pain.

Here are some of the end-time nations of the Bible:

●Judah, Israel = Israel ●Ammon, Moab, Edom = Jordan. ●Assyria = Syria, Iraq. ●Sheba= Saudi Arabia. Dedan = Yemen. ●Gomer = Germany. ●Magog, Rosh, Gog = Russia. Tubal= Turkey. ●Philistia= Gaza. ●Persia = Iran. ●Tarshish and islands = Britain, US and commonwealth countries.

The main end-time nations are:

●Israel identified as a lion. ●Britain also identified as a lion. ●Commonwealth nations, identified as the young lions. These are USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and a few others. ●The USA is identified as an eagle in many verses. ●Russia identified as a bear. ● Europe identified as a beast with ten heads. (Also ten toes of the giant)

End-time Babylon is a name for the collective (mixed together) nations of the world. Egypt refers to Egypt today, but with a double reference to the word as well.

Nations and Israel:

All nations are treated by God in relation to their treatment of Israel, as well as their tolerance and promotion of sin in their lands.

Today the nations are at their most important watershed ever.

The group of verses below show the end of nations who come against Israel and the nations of sin:

Zechariah 12:3 “I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away (divide it) will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.”

Zechariah 12:9 “It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all nations that come against Jerusalem.”

Amos 9:8 “Behold the eyes of the Lord are on the sinful kingdom (nation) and I will destroy it from the face of the earth.”

As the tribulation period nears, so does the antichrist empowered by Satan, with his fruits. These fruits are: killing, stealing, destroying, lying and bringing confusion. Of course Satan’s big ace is anti-Semitism in the nations, and replacement theology in the church.

Today we are seeing confusion of nations like never before, especially related to Israel.

Joel 3:1-2 “When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat (The Lord judges) and I will enter into judgement with them there on account of My people, My heritage, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations. They have also divided up My land.”

And just a few verses on:

Joel 3:12-14 “Let the nations be wakened , and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat (Lord judges).For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations...The winepress is full, the vats are overflowing – for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision...”

What never ceases to amaze me is how clear the Bible is on coming judgement and destruction on those who oppose Israel, and yet that evil force grows!

The further away from the truth the world moves, the more unacceptable the truth becomes, and the closer and more inevitable the world’s judgment becomes.

It can be well demonstrated biblically, that the entire anti-Israel force arises in parallel with general sin in the nation.

The kingdoms of this world are characterised by those who do their own will. The kingdom of God – by those who do His will.

Strong nations:

Today, like never before the world needs strong nations, just as it needs strong families and strong churches, standing securely, rooted in the Lord and His word.

Strong spiritual weapons of defence and offence are need for believers within nations.

The church is the door that lets the devil in or keeps him out. The spiritually armed church is the doorkeeper. The spiritually lit church is the light of the world!

The cultivated fear of the Lord produces wisdom in you, but also keeps you in all truth and awake to what is needed and when. It acts as a spiritual thermometer.

The fear of the Lord keeps you from all other fears, and gives you strong confidence, even while the nations are in upheaval.

Proverbs 14:26-27 “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to avoid the snares of death.”

The church has a powerful absolutely necessary role in these days. Consider these powerful verses:

Exodus 33:13-14 “I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You, and consider that this nation is Your people. And He said, ‘My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.”

1 Timothy 2:2-4 “Pray for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is god and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.”

Acts 9:31 “The churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were edified, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, as they were multiplied.”

Nations under curses:

There are many entire nations who have led themselves into and under strong generational curses by their witchcraft, rebellion to God, and anti-Israel position.

These curses are listed in Deuteronomy 28. They are so extremely relevant to today and so visible today in certain nations. The curses centre on poverty, ongoing failures, disease, crop failure, infant mortality, over population and more.

The most succinct few verses relating to nations under curses are found in Hosea 4:1-13

Here is a brief summary of the main points of those verses in Hosea:

►There is no truth, mercy or knowledge of God in the land. The land will mourn with lying, killing stealing, adultery, bloodshed and the beasts and birds and fish will be taken away. The people will question the priest (God) and stumble in the day, with the false prophet. They have rejected the knowledge of God, so God will reject them. The more the people increased, the more they sinned against God. They set their heart on iniquity and the people, like the priest will be punished. They shall eat but not have enough in their poverty. Their harlotry will give them no increase. They will be enslaved by wine and ask counsel from idols. They have played he harlot against God. They will be trampled down.

Today it is fashionable to question Gods authority, reject it, as seen above.

Questioning God legitimately is fine, but challenging God and replacing His word with your own is not. The problem is making God submit to, and fit in with modern man!

Who is to compromise, to whom, Satan to God or God to Satan?

Proverbs 24:15-16 “Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous. Do not plunder his resting place; for a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.”

Like Pharaoh’s magicians challenging the power of God, Satan’s servants in the modern nations are on the same course and the outcome will be the same!

Did you know that the world is on course? That is why it is futile to try to change that course. Yes we can and must create peace as much as possible and an environment for the gospel to go out, but don’t ever forget the course of the nations.

Ephesians 2:1-2 “You He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.”

Sheep and goat nations:

Leaders and those in authority need to know that they are sheep or goats leading their kind.

Matthew 25:31-32 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory (end of tribulation) and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory and all nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.”

Verse 41 speaks of the goat nations being cast into everlasting fire.

The word for “nations” above is “ethnos” and it is plural.

God does no condemn the righteous with the wicked. He reserves His wrath for His enemies.

There are no nations as such, in the rapture, only individuals. Nations as a whole cannot be born-again, but nations can be “under God” in a more general sense.

Sheep and goat nations are an exclusive reference to nations in the tribulation period. These nations would consist of individuals who have missed the rapture and are due to be cast into hell or saved through into the Millennium.

Nations in the Millennium:

There will none! There will be only one nation totally under God. It will be the ultimate one-world government under our Lord who will rule with a rod of iron. It will be the most successful world / nation in history.

Satan and all his sin and rebellion will be banished. It will be like Eden restored.

Revelation 11:15 “Then the seventh angel sounded, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He shall reign forever and ever.’”

Don’t go around like many do, claiming the kingdoms of the world for God now. Even if you could, you would get nations filled with evil and sin, which is not what the kingdom of God is. Read the verse above and note that the kingdoms become the Lord’s in the Millennium!

Fasting and prayer for a nation:

Isaiah 58:6-12 is the key chapter on fasting for a nation (many others too). Here are the main points of the chapter from verse 6 to 12:

“This is the fast, the Lord has chosen for His people to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and to break yolks of bondage...Then your light shall break forth, your healing shall spring forth and your righteousness will go before you. The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you will call and I will answer...Your darkness shall dawn. The Lord will guide you continually, and strengthen your bones. You shall be like a watered garden and spring whose waters do not fail. You shall build, and raise up the foundations of many generations, and you shall be called: The repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.”

Many ministries and Christian leaders today are sensing the urgency and seriousness of the time, and holding regular, corporate fasting initiatives for the lost, for the church, for the nations and for the lost.

The Bible talks a lot of prayer and fasting together. Don’t underestimate its power and value.

Moral degeneration today amongst Christians is purely a result of the mistaken teaching and belief that a Christian can be happily joined to the affairs of the world and the course of the world and not be serious about the things of God now.

The shocking story of Britain:

Today Britain is in chaos. The heart of the liberal left and its association with anti-Semitism is evident for all to see, just like in most of Europe.

But did you know that Britain has had a shocking history for which it just may be paying for now and will do so into the future?

Some eighty years ago the British “sent” millions of Jews to their deaths! The British Government passed a law refusing to allow Jews fleeing the German Nazi’s to return to the land of Israel, which was under the British Mandate back then. This led to their deaths at the hands of the Nazi’s. Exact numbers are hard to come by, but that’s the main story –look it up)

Who was responsible for those deaths? That’s an interesting question. It was the Nazi’s, but what is not in question, is that it was an act of massive British betrayal of Jews which cost them their lives.

A number of analysts and historians have made a connection with the Brexit mess today. Is this pay-back time?  Heaven help Britain if the Labour Party with its growing anti-Semitism comes to power now! Britain is heading for the curse of God upon them. (Genesis 12:3) Britain, wake up!

The USA in prophecy:

The US can be identified in some verses by an “eagle.” Bear in mind that eagles, lions and others are often used as symbols for other nations too, and other things besides nations, so you need to go by context.

The verse below implies that Israel will be helped by the US in the tribulation period.

Revelation 12:14 “The woman (Israel) was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place where she is nourished  for three and a half years from the presence of the serpent.”

Many analysts identify Isaiah 18 with the US.

It is referred to as a nation with buzzing wings beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, which sends ambassadors by sea in the first few verses, but note the astounding development:

Isaiah 18:7-8 “In that time a present will be brought to the Lord of hosts from a people tall and of smooth skin, and from a people terrible from their beginning onwards, a nation powerful and treading down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the of the name of the Lord of hosts, to Mount Zion.”

Who could this end-time nation be? The Mississippi River in the US most certainly divides this militarily powerful land. And what is the gift being brought to Mount Zion (The Temple Mount)?

Is it the US Embassy move to Jerusalem? Is it the coming third temple? – Bingo!

We will soon see if we should ever play bingo again!

The word “present” in the verse above is also used here below:

Psalm 68:29 “Because of Your temple at Jerusalem, kings will bring presents to you.”

Do you see the connection?

The US is also identified as one of the “young lions” of Ezekiel 38:13 – the war of Gog and Magog. The young lions would be the commonwealth nations originating from the lion – Britain, of which the US is one. Here the young lions come to Israel’s aid in the war.

Many people say that the US is doomed because of its rampant sin. Let’s correct that: A nation is destroyed when the light goes out. The church is the light of the world / nation. Yes, I agree sin has gone crazy, crazy, but the reason is because a large part of the church has capitulated. That is the same reason a nation becomes anti-Semitic.

In fact, I challenge you to find me one nation on earth that is anti-Semitic and not filled with rampant escalating sin!

Today, we see many strong ministries in the US and a few other nations. Yes there are some churches that will pre-package you for hell, but there are some bright lights in the dark! In many cases it is just the few bright lights sparing a nation from judgement.

Pray for the bright lights to shine more brightly!

In His light we see light.

Finally

My classification for “shining lights” is: Evangelistic, growing churches and ministries excluding Catholics, who practice the new-birth.

Europe, your light has gone out. Russia, your light is almost out. China, your light is shining underground only. Britain, your light is going out! New Zealand, your light is going out. USA your light is shining. Canada, - shining but dimming. Australia, your light is shining, mate. India, your light is shining. Howzit South Africa, your light is shining. Israel, your light is about to shine brightly.

In nations where the biblical light is strong, there will be a backlash against the darkness! Those same nations will also have a high number of resident Jews, and a heart for Israel.

To the nations of the world: “It’s the final countdown.”  “If you injure the eye of My people with your finger, I will put your light out.” – says the Lord.

I took the picture of the beautiful brown eagle and merged it into a misty baobab tree.

Shalom and grow in His Grace!

Edition 471: May 28^th 2019

Two sides of the sword:

Introduction:

These are words of life!

The Bible reveals both sides of the sword!

It reveals The Lamb and the Lion, law and grace, mercy and justice, the bride and the army. The Bible reveals the goodness and severity of God. It reveals war that is of God and peace that is of God and war and peace that is of the devil!

The Bible reveals a number of swords. They are: ●The sword of the word, and of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:17) ●The sword of capital punishment. (Genesis 9:6, Romans13:4)  ●The sword of murder. (Genesis 4:14). ●The sword of war of God. (1 Chronicles 5:20, 2 Samuel 22:35, ●The sword of war of the devil. (Psalm 120:7, Psalm 55:21, Psalm 140:1-2)

There are no contradictions here. It’s about correct interpretation and application of scripture.

The sword of God’s word is the most is more powerful than any nuclear weapon!

World war is coming to the world because world peace is coming to the world. World peace without the cross is a misnomer, and will never last. Godly initiated war is coming to destroy ungodly peace and bring about true, deep godly and holy peace – His way.

The sword of godly war is in fact a peacemaker!

Goliath’s amazing sword!

Goliath: Strong’s H 1555. “Golyath.” Meanings: Splendour, to reveal.

The giant’s so-called “splendour” is much like most of the enemies of Israel today, who are “splendid” in their own eyes, doing a “splendid” job in coming against Israel. But the name also “reveals” the intent of their heart to destroy God’s work with Israel.

In many ways, the antichrist will be a splendid one too. Now look at this verse speaking of Lucifer at his fall:

Ezekiel 28:17 (Amp) “Your heart was proud and lifted up, because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendour. I cast you to the ground...”

The splendid giant, Goliath, filled with this spirit of Lucifer was cast to the ground in destruction!

The futility of the satanic sword of war was clearly seen in the hands of Goliath, the Philistine giant as he attacked David. The word ‘Palestinian’ is derived from ‘Philistine’. And David, of course, represents Israel today.

The Bible says that David “ran towards Goliath” before releasing the stone from the sling. That is a type of him not backing down when provoked. (1 Samuel 17:48) It has symbolic meaning for today.

Goliath was six cubits in height, his sword weight six hundred shekels and he had on six items of armour. (1 Samuel 17:4-7) That is 666!

Here is the fateful decree of Goliath:

1 Samuel 17:9-10 “If he (David) is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him, then you (Israel) shall be our servants. Then the Philistine Goliath said, ‘I defy the armies of Israel this day...” (This of course has many parallels today!)

The Philistines should have acted on the word of Goliath and submitted to Israel when Goliath was killed. Instead, today, they submit to the UN and others of the spirit of antichrist, “defying the armies of Israel.”

Do you see how the world has got this wrong? It’s just like Esau (father of the Arabs), who today are trying to reverse the effects of the sale of his birthright to Jacob (Israel)

But here is an interesting thing: David took Goliath’s own sword and cut his head off with it. Then, David said, ‘There is nothing like it, give it to me.’ He then took the giants giant sword and wrapped it in a cloth and kept it behind the ephod, which is the garment worn by the High Priest while performing his holy duty in the Ark of the Covenant. (1 Samuel 21:9)

Interestingly, the word used for “cloth” is the same word for military apparel. It is the word found in Isaiah 9:2-5 speaking of Israel coming to the “light of salvation” when the “cloth” garments of the enemies warriors will be rolled in blood and used for fuel of fire.”

This suggests an end-time application for the sword wrapped in cloth concealed behind the ephod. But most importantly, we must see the change in ownership of Goliath’s sword!

►Goliath’s sword at that point became David’s sword. It is now Israel’s sword!

This sword would put Excalibur to shame!

David’s slingshot killed Goliath and Goliath’s own sword made sure of it, when David used it to behead him. Here we see supernatural intervention of God in the defence of Israel (the sling and stone). God and David (Israel today) are a formidable force!

Is this a type of what is about to transpire again in Israel? – You bet!

Israel has a hidden, secret weapon! – It is Goliath’s sword! In type that means that the enemies of Israel will have only themselves to blame for their ultimate, soon coming destruction.

Think about this: Goliath’s sword was hidden behind the garments (ephod) used by the High Priest in the Tabernacle when he was conducting the most holy acts. What a strange place for David to store the sword of his enemy! But here is the amazing thing: This sword is now David’s sword and it is now holy! It has become an instrument of holy war for Israel and not against her!

There is great symbolism here in that all the weapons of war aimed at Israel are in fact behind God. Whatever happens to Israel has to go through the living God first! Do you see why the world at enmity with Israel is doomed? This also speaks volumes against all the churches of replacement theology and anti-Semitism.

Today Goliath’s sword is believed to be hidden in Ireland, but that’s another story! Oh, did you know that Ireland is trying to pass a bill criminalising any of its citizens that travel to Israel and buy Israeli goods in the so-called occupied territories? Shame on you, land of uilleann pipes!

Bear in mind that Goliath himself decreed that his own people were to be subservient to Israel if he was killed by David. This is still playing out today.

Deuteronomy 33:29 “Happy are you O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places.”

So, Israel now has the supernatural power of God behind its modern sling and the holy power of God behind Goliath’s sword!

Isaiah 6:66 “There is a sound of noise from the city! A voice from the temple! The voice of the Lord -who fully repays His enemies!” (Note the number)

Joel 3:4 “...Will you retaliate against Me? But if you retaliate against Me, swiftly and speedily I will return your retaliation upon your own head.”

Obadiah 1:15 “The day of the Lord upon all nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head.”

The Palestinians have brought upon themselves the loss of their birthright to the land of Israel, due to Esau’s sale of it to Jacob / Israel. They have the curse of Goliath upon them and the curse of God upon them. (Genesis 12:3, Joel 3:2)

The splendid sword of Goliath failed in its mission to destroy David and bring down Israel. Now that same sword, just as a sword of Damocles in Israel’s hands will succeed in bringing down modern Goliath – all the enemies of Israel!

Beware US Democratic Party, and those amongst you who say “Jesus was a Palestinian and not a Jew.” You are exalting Goliath again! Good luck with that!

Isn’t it interesting that the champions of the unsaved world always make the wrong choice!

The world has and is choosing wrongly! It has chosen Lucifer, Satan, Adam, Esau, Ishmael, Goliath, Delilah, Jezebel, and Barabbas, the popes, the religion of law and works, and soon the antichrist!

Our weapons are not physical but spiritual. Israel’s weapons are both. (2 Corinthians 10:4) We are to stand in the gap for Israel in her time of conflict, in prayerful support.

True biblically based Christians do not seek war or conflict, but we don’t become complacent pacifists and play dead to the devil. We don’t run, we stand!

Israel’s weapons:

Some say, ‘you Christians are always talking about war.’ The truth is that the purpose of war and conflict in the Bible is to bring in peace, holiness and eternal victory! Can you hear Beethoven’s 5^th (V-Victory) in the background?

Today, Israel is one of the most powerful military forces in the world, and most certainly in the Middle East. They have an amazing array of weapons.

• Israel had a weapon known as the Magic Wand. They developed it further, giving it new advances in missile technology and renamed it, “David’s Sling.” It is now operational.
• Israel developed its own missile defence system called the “Iron Dome.” Isaiah 4:5 “The Lord will create above every dwelling place in Mount Zion, and above her assemblies a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory, there will be a covering.”
• Israel and the US jointly developed the new, F35 Lightning jet fighter – the most advanced in the world, with multiple weapons systems. Psalm 144:6 "Flash forth lightning and scatter them; shoot out your arrows and destroy them,”
• Israel is believed to have nuclear weapons. (Zechariah 5:1-8)
• Israel’s symbolic sling is now loaded with the USA! Think about that, Iran!
• Israel’s secret weapon is Goliath’s now holy sword! We may see a surprise here soon, but for now this sword constitutes all the weapons collectively in Israel’s hands.

Israel’s rebellion to God:

We know from multitudes of verses that Israel is in rebellion to Messiah, but will repent. Much of the calamity that is still to come will be a result of her present rebellion.

When we as believers support Israel, we don’t come into unity with the sin of Israel’s rejection of Messiah, but we must come into unity with Gods plan and purpose to reveal Messiah to them and their ultimate grand purpose as fellow brothers and sisters to come.

►We don’t love others with our feelings, but with the Lord in us, based on His truth and not the opinions of man or the media. Our Lord is the lover of all lovers, and that must shine through.

We must see these things with spiritual eyes – God’s eyes and put away all our own opinions and especially those of the mass-media, the true Christian’s great enemy.

The reason so many can’t see God’s plans for Israel is because they have been spiritually blinded. They now become proponents, some in their silence, of violence and death to the Jews!

I heard one idiot on the way to demon possession by the spirit of legalism say, “I’ll be okay because I have my eyes open.”  How can you see anything when God has blinded you, and the devil has opened your eyes to his work?

To really see things objectively from God’s point of view (which is all that counts) you need to be born-again of God’s family, and awake to His word, by surrender and obedience to it.

Many unbelievers will find when they die, after a successful life, that every second of their lives was a waste. It was wasted on self, sin, the world, and the plans of the devil.

If any unbeliever battles all his life to be good and right, he would be wrong on judgement day, because he has entered eternity as a wrong person!

Biblical truth is the foundation and source of our spiritual awakening and growth. It is also Israel’s, but that is not the end. Truth is the active pathway to the presence of the King and even to the sharing of His throne! (Ephesians 2:6, Revelation 3:21)

Truth is addictive and contagious, most exciting, and deeply satisfying!

Standing with and for Israel is the right way, the logical way and the way of reward.

Defence strategy:

We must put up spiritual borders and defences today, and fortify them. Our spiritual lives are at stake! Borders and barriers are important. Our spiritual gifts at work set up these borders with reinforced armour.

Those who reject the gifts have no armour but their own foolish minds. They have no borders to keep the devil and his world on the outside.

Satan hates borders, because the greatest eternal border has him on the far side- locked out forever.

I’ve said many times and will continue to do so: We need a specific, active pray strategy today. It must begin with personal repentance for all know sin. It must include the use of the sword of the Spirit in defensive strategy and offense against spirits of wickedness.

We must pray confusion into the enemy.

Part of the reason for the fall of the world is the disunity in the church and its failure to fully preach and teach the word of God. This leads to a compromised, weak, ineffective church.

The true church of God must be in unity for prayer to be effective. That does not mean all churches must be included. There are very many that must be excluded and severed from any idea of unity.

Knowledge of eschatology (end-times) today is more important than ever. Many Christians are as dead to eschatology as the unsaved. They are products of their pastors and leaders who don’t touch eschatology.

As a believer if you have no sword of the spirit, you have no spiritual authority and the spirit world knows that. You are then an ordinary inconsequential believer, no different to the world. Your authority is as significant as that of the media.

Here are two verses filled with the magnificence and majesty of God:

Revelation 1:16 “He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining  in its strength.”

Revelation 19:15-16 “Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God and He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Peace on earth:

Many believe that our Lord came to bring peace on earth now and everything is going to be just fine. The famous song (which I despise) “Glory to God and peace on earth.” even goes a long way to promoting that lie.

Here is what the verse really says:

Luke 2:14 (Amp) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased – men of good will, of His favour.”

The truth is, peace on earth is most certainly coming, but only to a select, exclusive group – the saved! So the unsaved ho, ho, ho crowd can sing that song all they like, world peace is not coming to them.

Matthew 10:34 “Do not think I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”

Add to this the misconception which is cast in stone-sculpture on the side of the UN building in New York: “They beat their swords in plowshares...”

There are two important verses. One comes first and then the other:

Joel 3:9-11 “Prepare for war, wake up the mighty men...Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’ Assemble and come, all you nations...”

Isaiah 2:4 “...They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation anymore. (Micah 4:3)

So yes, as I said earlier, war against all that is not of God creates world peace.

More powerful verses on swords:

Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17-18, Joel 3:9-10, Jeremiah 47:5-7, Proverbs 12:18-19, Psalm 59:7.

Finally

Keep in mind as you note world headlines, that the David (Israel) and Goliath (Palestinians) story is far from over. The only new thing is that the nations of the world, particularly Europe, have joined the Palestinian cause against Israel!

And on a personal level, keep in mind that true biblical Christianity is not for sissies!

The sword of God cuts and divides between what is of God and what is not in our own lives and also in the world out there. It is just the same for Israel. As we willingly submit to our Lord and merge into His ways, these swords become less painful, for which we will be eternally thankful.

Tough times are coming, but I see with my spiritual eye that very many will fly high, very high in wonderful shining glory forever. Many of your lives will stand as an eternal living monument to our Lord and His glory. Don’t lose heart!

Psalm 57:4-5 “My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men who are set on fire, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted O God, above the heavens; and let Your glory be above all the earth.”

Isaiah 49:1-3 “...The Lord has called me from the womb; from the matrix of my mother He has made mention of my name and He has made my mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of His hand He has hidden me and made me a polished arrow. In His quiver, He has hidden me. And the Lord said to me, ‘you are My servant, Israel, you who strive with God...in whom I will be glorified.’”

Serious and severe times are here, for many they are the tools of glory.

I took this picture from a chopper flying over the Cathedral Peak and Bell in the Drakensberg.

Shalom and grow in His Grace!