A good summation of where we are on the “Great Reset”.
Nakba Day Curse
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
Daniel’s 70th Week
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
Jerusalem the Stumbling Stone
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
How to Insure Your Citizenship in the Coming Kingdom
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
The Procedure
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.
Jim
The Seven Thunders
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
What is “God’s Rest” and When Do We Enter It?
After His six days of creation, God “rested” on the seventh. This was the pattern God instructed His chosen to follow by working six days and resting on the sabbath or seventh day. These six days of work were necessary due to the curse man brought upon himself when he sinned by disobeying his Creator in the garden of Eden. “Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it…… In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.” (Genesis 3:17,19). None the less, God commanded a sabbath day of rest from any labor each week.
The book of Hebrews adds clarity concerning this “rest“. Speaking of the disobedience of Israel while traveling through the desert toward the promised land Paul quotes God from Psalm 95, “So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest“. (Hebrews 4:3). Here, the promised land is what God referred to as His rest. But even though they eventually entered the promised land, they never entered His rest due to their disobedience. Then Paul adds this: “Since therefore it remains that some must enter it (God’s rest) and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:6) “For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest (sabbatical) for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” (Hebrews 4:8-10).
Since this rest yet remains to be entered by God’s people what and when is it? Note, this rest is a sabbatical or seventh day event. And it’s a day when we will have ceased from our works just as God did after six days of creation. It is not spoken of as the time when we come to a belief in Christ or the sleep of death as a Christian. Paul points to a specific time when we will enter this rest and cease from our labors: “…. that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels….” (2Thessalonians: 1,5-7). It’s clear from this scripture that we will enter God’s rest when Jesus returns to set up His kingdom. His kingdom, the 1000-year millennial reign of Christ is the rest spoken of for God’s people.
It follows that if this seventh day rest is 1000 years, then the first six days also must be comprised of 1000 years. This informs us of the nearness of the Lord’s return. 2000 years from creation to Abraham, 2000 years from Abraham to Christ, and the last 2000 years till His second coming. The first six days are nearly completed! For more info on the timing of Jesus’ return read the article “Discerning the Time of Jesus’ Second Coming.” Discerning the Time of Jesus’ Second Coming – Google Docs
Jesus said the fields are white unto the harvest and we need to work while we are still able. An amazing rest is coming when we will be like Adam and Eve in the pre-fall garden of Eden. I can’t wait!
Maranatha, Jim
The Lake of Fire
Unfortunately, for many, it’s a real place. God created this place of torment and destruction for judgment of the devil and his angels who followed him. (Matthew 25:41). Men who cast their lot with Satan and his minions will accompany them to this same horrible destination.
Jesus used as an example a place familiar with those He was ministering to that was observable to them. It was a place outside of Jerusalem’s walls where waste of all kinds was dumped and set afire. It was commonly known in Jesus’ day as Gehenna, or the valley of Hinnom. New Testament translators frequently use the word “hell” to depict this place. It was always burning with a constant issue of acrid smoke. An apt place to showcase what hell or the lake of fire would be like.
The first mention of any being tossed into this lake of fire is of the antichrist and his false prophet. “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.” (Revelation 19:20). Next for a fire swim are those of the nations judged by Jesus immediately after His return that were supposedly of His flock but treated His church badly. He will separate them into sheep and goats, righteous and unrighteous. To the sheep He will say “Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” To the goats He will say “Depart from Me you cursed, into the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels”. You can read all about this “Bema Seat” judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. After the 1000-year kingdom reign comes the Great White Throne Judgment. Here, all the dead from all of history that were not raised when Jesus came are raised to face judgment. Included will be those mortals who survived into the millennial reign and any born during the millennium. This general judgment will hang on one primary criteria. “Anyone who was not found written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.“ (Revelation 20:15). Anyone not found in the Book of Life is termed “Death and Hades” and the lake of fire is called the second death. “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Revelation 20:14). The lake of fire is not an issue for those of us found in Christ and resurrected or changed at His coming. “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death (lake of fire) has no power.” (Revelation 20:6). Of course, Satan and most likely his angels have their turn. “The devil who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10)
Sounds to me like a long long time of torment for these three even though forever and ever are aions and aions (Greek) or ages and ages that do have a finite end. Bible scholars argue over whether it’s the fire that’s eternal or the torment of the wicked in the fire that’s eternal. Either way, whether the lake of fire is short term torment ending in destruction, or eternal torment for the wicked, God’s justice will be carried out. It’s a fiery lake in the spirit realm that is destructive to both body and spirit. Certainly not a place where we want to end up.
Yes, the lake of fire is a real place. Tragically, much of humanity will end up there. It’s not a topic often preached on from our Christian pulpits-but it should be. Jesus preached on it quite often. Praise God that He sent Jesus to show us the easy way to escape this judgment!
Maranatha, Jim
Nephilim
If you’ve been visiting bible prophecy sites lately it’s likely you’ve been bombarded with all kinds of speculative articles and videos about the Nephilim referred to in Genesis. The most common theme is that they are hybrid offspring of angels and pre-flood humans. These authors speculate that not only were they pre-flood and one of the main reasons God destroyed all of humanity, (except for Noah and his family), but also predict that they are coming back just prior to Jesus’ return to cause all sorts of havoc on the earth. Unfortunately, this type of speculation is unwarranted and unbiblical. It necessarily provides those with an interest in biblical eschatology a focus away from real end time events to the spectacular and fantastical. Jesus gave us much to watch for as we approach His coming, and we are commanded to be alert for these events. We don’t need to be sidelined, watching for weird and wild extraterrestrials coming as angel-human monstrosities. Instead, we need to be focused on the prophesied signs clearly portrayed for us in the bible such as the beginnings of birth pangs or the appearance of the two witnesses of Revelation chapter 11. I’ve devoted many posts on this site to elaboration on topics such as these. They are still here for your perusal.
Because of this, what I call nonsense, I’m going to repost here the blog I entitled “Fornicating Angels”. It includes a link to what I consider the definitive article accurately detailing the subject of Nephilim in Genesis 6. It will address all the questions you may have about them.
Fornicating Angels
I feel it necessary to address the confusion in Christian circles about the account of the “Nephilim” or “giants” of Genesis chapter six, supposedly the result of the “sons of God (angels)” procreating with “daughters of men” resulting in human – angel hybrids. These evil hybrids then became the primary reason God had to destroy the world with Noah’s flood. In the reasoning of some, support for this view is found in Jude 6, 2Peter 2:4-5, and the spurious “Book of Enoch”. This book of Enoch was not written by Enoch, the seventh from Adam mentioned by Peter, but by unidentified Jewish mystics two centuries before Christ. It was held in high regard by the Essene sect known for the preservation of the dead sea scrolls. The real Enoch of Genesis never wrote anything, the Hebrew language not even in existence till Moses. The fact that this book of Enoch quotes some of what was most likely handed down by oral tradition from the actual Enoch does not give any credence to the book. All sorts of weird ideas come from this book, such as aliens from space, a flat earth, giants thousands of feet tall, etc.
The word Nephilim simply means in Hebrew tyrants or evil rulers of renown. The major mistake exegetes make when studying Genesis 6 is to identify “sons of God” as angels. The sons of God here can be more accurately defined as describing the line of Seth as opposed to the evil line of Cain. From the righteous line of Seth came Noah on down through Jesus. The apostle John states this clearly speaking of the current heirs of Christ ; “In this the children (sons) of God and the children of the devil are manifest……. not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. ” (1John 3: 10-12). Make no mistake, the earths inhabitants were destroyed in the flood due solely to the actions of men, not angels. (Genesis 6:5-8) Besides, angels do not procreate and reproduce. (Mark 12:25) Do not be drawn in to this fornicating angels theory which proponents indicate will have an effect on end time events. The apostle Paul had this to say; “Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility, and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” (Colossians 2:18) Worship of angels is what the Essenes used the book of Enoch for.
I cannot do justice to a full discussion of this issue here in a blog, but I will link to a very comprehensive and thorough treatment of this topic. It is long but contains all the detail to answer any questions you may have. If you encounter others with questions about angels fornicating with humans, you should refer them to this article. I’ll post a permanent link below so you can find a future reference. The Sons of God & Daughters of Men (4windsfellowships.net)
Maranatha, Jim