Author: jdwvaw2

It’s that time of year again when your new year’s resolutions should include reading through the bible in the coming year. You can select many options, such as chronological, mixture of old and new testaments each day, or straight through from Genesis to Revelation. Currently, we are finishing up 2022 reading a mixture each day. We used Bible Gateway as our source, but there are many helpful tools available. You might list reading the complete bible as your #1 accomplishment of 2023. It only takes 10-15 minutes daily. After all, the bible is God’s direct communication to you personally. Don’t forsake His Word!

Maranatha, Jim

This article from CMI describes me quite well. How do you line up?

I am in the minority, the majority of the time (creation.com)

Maranatha, Jim

Our Los Amigos bible studies have resumed this fall. We will be studying the book of Romans. The first session was completed and posted on our you tube website. The Book of Romans Introduction and Chapter 1 – YouTube

The first ten minutes of this session is audio only, as we forgot to turn the camera on! Hopefully you will benefit by this introduction to Paul’s letter. Regularly check the permanent link to “Los Amigos Bible Studies” on you tube to view continuing sessions.

The Los Amigos Bible Study – YouTube

Maranatha, Jim

A good summation of where we are on the “Great Reset”.

Viganò to Medical Doctors for Covid Ethics International. Pandemic is Only the First Step. (stilumcuriae.com)

You might have missed an item of prophetic significance that took place in the United Nations on December 1st. The general assembly voted 90 to 30 to commemorate with a high-level event the day after the 75th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel next year May 15,2023 as “Nakba Day”. Nakba is Arabic for “catastrophe” or “disaster”. In other words, a day set aside to declare the reestablishment of Israel as a sovereign nation a disastrous disgrace. In doing so, the world’s so-called governing body is in effect calling down a curse from God on itself. Here’s why.

God said to Abram (and his descendants) “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.” (Genesis 12:3). This blessing and curse concerning Jacob (Israel) is confirmed in the book of Numbers: “Blessed is he who blesses you and cursed is he who curses you.” (Numbers 24:10)

The setting aside of this day is a direct affront to God Himself; a ‘spitting in His face’ if you will, as God Himself is undeniably the principal architect behind the establishment of the modern state of Israel as much prophecy has predicted. (Ezekiel 36: 24-48, Isaiah 11:11). The fact that this anti-Israel position is not just a “Palestinian” one, but now a world -wide one places it in the realm of last days significance. World-wide judgment from God is on the near horizon.

Fortunately, there were some countries who voted against the observance and, hopefully avoiding this curse, including the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The proposal was sponsored by Egypt, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Yemen, and the “Palestinians”.

This UN action is demonstrative of what we can expect as we near the onset of Daniel’s 70th week, the culmination of which is Armageddon when the armies of the world are arrayed against Jerusalem.

Maranatha, Jim

I’m sure most Christians have heard the term – Daniel’s 70th week. It’s a term that describe the last seven years of human government on this earth. It’s taken from chapter 9 of the book written by the prophet Daniel. Verse 27 in this chapter describes a “week”(7-year period-Hebrew- “heptad”) coming at the end of the second Jewish exile which is currently nearing its conclusion. It is often referred to as “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7, Daniel 12:1). This seven- year period is when the individual known as the antichrist makes his appearance. Occurring mid-week, (at the 3.5-year mark) his unveiling is known as the abomination that causes desolation. (Daniel 11;31, 12:11), (2Thessalonians 2:3,4). (For more on this AOD scroll back to my earlier post “The Abomination of Desolation”). These seven years are also spoken of familiarly as the tribulation of which the last half (final 3 1/2 years) is termed the “great tribulation”. (Matthew 24:21, Daniel 7:25, 12:11).

This seven- year period is jam-packed with prophesied end-time events that will be challenging for the Christian. The four horsemen are released causing havoc on the earth through wars, famine and disease causing the death of 1/4 of the world’s population. (Rev. 6:8). Not only will the antichrist be given his time to reign on the earth, but two witnesses (prophets) from God will also be on the earth. We must be able to determine their legitimacy so that we can follow their God-given advice while resisting the antichrist and his economic system that will require allegiance in order to buy and sell. Yes, the mark of the beast. There also will be at least two horrific wars, the sixth trumpet war that will kill up to 3 million people (Rev. 9:13-21), and, of course, the final war Armageddon. (Rev. 16:16, 19:19). Add to these the judgments (plagues) from God on evil mankind described by the trumpets and bowls in Revelation detailing other wars, monster earthquakes, large hail, demonic infestations, fire, huge meteor impacts, cosmic turmoil, and it becomes a truly grim outlook.

It’s not a pretty picture, is it? As Christians we should be prepared in every respect for the onset of Daniel’s 70th week. It will require deep faith and trust just to physically survive this time if, in fact, we are not martyred. I know these are very strong words, but we absolutely must expect and prepare for the worst. If you’ve been following this blog, you know I believe we are very close to the start of the tribulation. So, as the time is short, don’t be among the last-days scoffers predicted by Peter. (2Peter 3:3). Be ever watchful, ready, and studying your bible so you’re not surprised by these things.

Take heart, however, because it’s a relatively short period culminating with the glorious arrival of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ when we will be rewarded with entry into His kingdom. We know that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us and that we can overcome any trial the world throws at us due to His Holy Spirit residing within us. “He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world” (1John 4:4). Yes, we’re overcomers, and I pray that we all don the full armor of God so that we can stand against the evil one during the 70th week. (Ephesians 6:13)

Maranatha, Jim

Media of all types from all over the world frequently report even minor news about what is happening in Jerusalem, Israel. Why the intense interest in this relatively small city in a tiny country the size of the US state New Jersey? Something as innocuous as a Jew praying on the ancient Temple mount in the heart of the old city receives broad attention. Countries around the world agonize over whether to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capitol or to place their diplomatic missions there. Why the controversy? The answer is quite simple. This city is the place God Himself has chosen to place His name and to locate the capitol of the entire world in His soon coming kingdom. “But I have chosen Jerusalem that My name might be there” (2Chronicles 6:6). “God said to David and to His son Solomon ‘in this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen….I will put My Name forever’.” (2Chronicles 33:7). Many other scriptures attest to the fact that Jerusalem is God’s chosen city. The bible gives Jerusalem many names. Among them: Beloved, the Lord our Righteousness, City of David, City of the Great King, City of the Lord, City of Truth, Faithful City, Holy City, Holy Mountain, The Joy of the Whole Earth, Zion, The Throne of the Lord. Is it any wonder that Satan would provoke the world (of whom he is currently prince) to shun any attempt to restore this city to its rightful place? Satan, through his proxy the antichrist, will attempt to rule the world from Jerusalem usurping the Lordship of Jesus. (2Thessalonians 2:3-4). Thankfully his rule will be short-lived.

Jerusalem is important to our heavenly Father. Any one or any country that aligns against Jerusalem will find themselves facing judgement direct from God. For them it will become a stumbling stone. “Thus says the Lord….Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all the nations of the earth are gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:1-3). The prophet Isaiah describes the Messiah (Jesus) as one with Jerusalem. “The Lord of hosts, Him shall you hallow; He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many of them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken, be snared and taken.” (Isaiah 8:13-15). In the coming ‘day of the Lord’ the Prophet Joel says this: “The Lord will roar from Zion and utter His voice from Jerusalem….So that you shall know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion My holy mountain.” (Joel 3:16-17)

At this time, the entire world seems to be intent on dividing up God’s holy city or abandoning it outrightly to Muslim domination. Foolhardy at best. Tripping over God’s stumbling stone. We as Christians, however, know better and, in fact, are given contrary instruction; “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” (Psalm 122:6). Jerusalem is central to future prophecy and bears our constant attention in these last days. Those of us rightly interested in eschatology are on the lookout for events central to Jerusalem, such as the building on the temple mount a sacrificial altar or a complete new Jewish temple, or the emergence of two prophets as predicted by the book of Revelation.

In a very short time, our Lord Jesus Himself will set His feet down on the Mount of Olives just outside of the old city of Jerusalem and enter through the east gate to take up His throne as King of all the earth. What a day that will be when the government of this entire world will be on His shoulders! (Isaiah 9:6-7). Ultimately, Jesus will completely replace Jerusalem with the most glorious and awesome city our universe will ever see. And we’ll get to visit or even live there! You can read all about it in Revelation chapter 21:9 – 22:5.

Maranatha, Jim

If you’re a believer in Christ, the bible presents a sure way to know you’ll have entry into your inheritance into Jesus’ coming kingdom. Jesus Himself said this: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). When Jesus’ mother and brothers were seeking Him, He asked the rhetorical question; “who are my mother and brothers?” He followed with this answer; “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35). The apostle Paul said this in his letter to the Ephesians: “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.“ (Ephesians 15:15-17). Paul told the church at Colossae that he constantly prayed for them asking; “That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10).

Knowing God’s will also is the secret to answered prayer. The apostle John tells us this: “Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us”, “and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” (1John 5:14, 3:22)

Yes, knowing the will of God takes some effort on your part. Studying your bible and learning to listen to Holy Spirit are the major ways that lead toward automatically discerning God’s will in every situation you find yourself in. Paul beseeches us in Romans “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2). The rewards for living a life conforming to God’s will are beyond comprehension.

The following verses from Hebrews and 1John speak for themselves. “Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, He who is coming will come and not tarry’.” (Hebrews 10:35-37). “And this world is passing away, along with the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1John 2:17)

Maranatha, Jim

If you’ve been on the fence about abortion you need to watch this video describing what a mid-term abortion looks like. It’s done in animation and is “softened” for easily disturbed viewers. It’ only 4 minutes long and you should share it with anyone you think could benefit by it.

The Old Testament child sacrifices to the heathen God Molech seem tame compared to this. A must watch.

The Procedure – YouTube

Jim

The apostle John was the only human to ever hear the content of the “seven thunders” spoken of in Revelation chapter 10. He went to his grave without revealing their content to anyone. The reason is because that’s what he was instructed to do. He was to seal up those seven messages until the last days when he was told that he must prophesy again apparently sharing this knowledge worldwide. In chapter 10, John sees a mighty angel; “He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land and cried out with a loud voice as when a lion roars. When he cried out seven thunders uttered their voices. Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me ‘seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered and do not write them.’ “ (Revelation 10:2-4). John was then instructed to take the little book from the mighty angel. “So, I went to the angel and said to him ‘give me the little book.’ And he said to me ‘take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.’ Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me ‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations tongues, and kings.’ “ (Revelation 10:9-11).

Although it’s not stated directly, I think it’s a safe assumption that the little book John ate (in his vision) contains the seven messages spoken by the seven thunders. Eating and later regurgitating this book due to a bitter stomach is metaphor for taking in and later speaking out these prophecies at the proper time. Note that John is told that he must prophesy again to an audience that includes many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings. Since John has yet to fulfill this command, it must be yet future. This is the main reason that I feel the apostle is one of the two witnesses described in the chapter immediately following, or, more likely a prophet coming in the “spirit and power” of John. (For a full discussion of the two witnesses of Revelation 11 and who they are see my permanently linked article The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 – Google Docs )

The seven messages sealed up by John surely contain critical information for the world at large and particularly for last days Christians. Thunder throughout the bible is used to describe the voice of God speaking audibly. These seven future messages are going to come to us through the prophet directly from God. We must be fully prepared and watching so that we don’t miss this vital communication. I’m more than curious about what the seven thunders have to say-I’m excited!

Maranatha, Jim