The week that Jesus entered Jerusalem and faced His death on the cross, there were a number of prophecies fulfilled. Seventeen to be exact; all very specific and detailed descriptions of events which would involve Jesus during this last week - the week of His death and resurrection. A review of these prophecies reveals how specific and detailed they were:
1. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey: Given: Zech. 9:9 -Fulfilled: Matt. 21:5-7
2. Jesus betrayed by friend: Given: Psalm 41:9 - Fulfilled: Mark 14:17-18
3. Jesus betrayed for 30 pieces of silver: Given: Zech. 11:12 - Fulfilled: Matt. 26:14
4. 30 pieces of silver =”Potter’s Field”: Given: Zech. 11:13 – Fulfilled: Matt. 27: 3-5
5. Jesus accused by false witness: Given: Psalm 109:2 – Fulfilled: Matt. 26:59-60
6. Jesus silent before His accusers: Given: Isaiah 53:7 – Fulfilled: Matt. 27:12
7. Jesus beaten and whipped: Given: Isaiah 50:6 – Fulfilled: Matt. 27:26
8. Jesus hands and feet pierced: Given: Psalm 22:16 – Fulfilled: John 19:37; 20:27
9. Peter’s denial of Jesus: Given: Mark 14:30 – Fulfilled: Mark 14:66-72
10. Jesus garments divided: Given: Psalm 22:18 – Fulfilled: John 19:23
11. Jesus mocked as He died: Given: Psalm 22:7-8 – Fulfilled: Matt. 27:39-40
12. Jesus cried out to God on the cross: Given: Psalm 22:1 – Fulfilled: Matt. 27:46
13. Jesus offered vinegar on the cross: Given: Psalm 69:21 – Fulfilled: John 19:28
14. Jesus bones not broken on the cross: Given: Psalm 34:20 – Fulfilled: John 19:32-33
15. Jesus burial in a rich man’s grave: Given: Isaiah 53:9 – Fulfilled: Matt. 27: 57-60
16. Jesus resurrected in 3 days: Given: John 2:19-21 – Fulfilled: Acts 10:40
17. Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee: Given: Matt. 26:32 – Fulfilled: Matt. 28:16
Jesus, and only Jesus could meet the criteria given above. The fulfillment of these prophecies is just one of many reasons that we know that Jesus is who He claimed to be. Our Lord. Our Savior. Our Messiah. Our King of Kings. And He was willing to come to earth, in human form, and die an agonizing, horrific and brutal death, in order to give us eternal life with Him. In Heaven. And all we have to do is believe this - believe that He died for each of us, individually - and then accept this eternal gift. The gift of salvation.
Now to the story of Jesus - His appearances on the third day following death on the cross. Most of us are familiar with Jesus making his presence known to the apostles and to Mary, but a lesser known story is found in Luke's version of the resurrection period.
On the third day, following Jesus' death on the cross, Luke 24 takes us to the road to Emmaus, where "two of them" were going to a village called Emmaus. The scriptures inform us that these two "were talking with each other about everything that has just happened. As they talked and discussed these things Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him." (Luke 24:15)
The passage continues by describing the two as being "downcast" (v.17) because, according to them, Jesus had been "sentenced to death" and "crucified" (v.20). They continued the conversation by saying, "but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel" (v.21). By reading Luke 24:13-24, you quickly get the picture that these two individuals, who are walking back to Emmaus, are "downcast" because of Jesus death, and things didn't go as they had hoped or planned.
Jesus, however clarified matters:
"He said to them, 'How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning himself." (Luke 24:25-27).
In other words, Jesus considered them as having been "foolish" for not believing or understanding the many many prophecies that He had fulfilled. Had they understood these prophecies, particularly the scriptures describing Christ's death and resurrection, they would not have given up so easily, nor would they have been so "downcast". By understanding the prophecies, they would have remained in Jerusalem and waited for Jesus to make His glorious appearance.
As we celebrate the amazing gift that Jesus offers everyone by His death and resurrection, we have another reason to celebrate. We look ahead to His promised return.
The same prophets who correctly foretold the amazing array of details concerning Jesus birth, life, death and resurrection, also gave us the prophecies that we watch today; the prophecies that are telling us His return is near.
When Jesus was "taken up", as described in Acts 1:9-11, the angels informed the men:
"'Men of Galilee' they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken away from you into heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
Its a promise. Maranatha! Our Lord Comes.
Rabu, 08 April 2009
Selasa, 07 April 2009
The G20's view of world finance
More and more information has been leaking out this week, regarding the recent G20 meeting in London. It is amazing how significant these meetings are, and the impact they can have on our lives, yet go barely noticed as people go about their daily lives.
Biblical prophecy informs us that during the Tribulation, there will be a global financial system (Rev 13), as led by one individual (the False Prophet) and this financial system will include the mandatory "Mark of the Beast" - a visible indicator that the individual has sworn allegiance to the Antichrist. This "Mark" will be required, in order for the individual to be able to buy or sell. Ultimately, this figure known as the Antichrist will control the world's government, along with his "Ten Kings".
Because of these scriptures, prophecy watchers have been watching developments which indicate that the world is headed to a "Global Financial System" and/or a "Global Governance". Interestingly, both terms have been commonly used, ever since the financial "crisis" which began in fall of 2008.
According to the UK Telegraph, under the title "The G20 moves the world a step closer to a global currency", one finds several interesting quotes (article here):
"The world is a step closer to a global currency, backed by a global central bank, running monetary policy for all humanity."
"In effect, the G20 leaders have activated the IMF's (International Monetary Fund) power to create money and begin global "quantitative easing". In doing so, they are putting a de facto world currency in play."
"There is now a world currency in waiting. In time, SDRs are likely to evolve into a parking place for the foreign holdings of central banks, led by the People's Bank of China."
Apparently, SDRs, (Special Drawing Rights) is a synthetic paper currency, issued by the IMF. This currency has been dormant for approximately 50 years, but now, with an infusion of money from the G20 group this currency can be activated. It is hard to know exactly how this will evolve into a central currency.
In a recent commentary, political author Dick Morris considers the actions of the G20 in a very negative light. Under the title "The Declaration of Independence has been repealed" (read here), the term "global economic union" is used to describe this new G20 group. Mr Morris has this to say:
"The joint communique essentially announces a global economic union with uniform regulations and bylaws for all nations, including the United States. Henceforth, our SEC, Commodities Trading Commission, Federal Reserve Board and other regulators will have to march to the beat of drums pounded by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), a body of central bankers from each of the G20 states and the European Union."
"The mandate conferred on the FSB is remarkable for its scope and open-endedness. It is to set a 'framework of internationally agreed high standards that a global financial system requires'"
What I find interesting is - neither of the above articles were written by "prophecy people", or written from a perspective of biblical prophecy, yet their descriptions of current events seem prophetic in nature. Watching the world take one more step towards those predictions given in the book of Revelation is surreal.
I don't believe that we'll wake up tomorrow and have a single world currency. It appears that there could be an interim phase in which IMFs are accepted in gradually, and over a period of time become a world currency. What we see with the actions of the G20 is another step in that direction. Its a big step however, as the G20 has now stepped into the forefront of global financial policy which will affect "all important financial institutions".
One last point of interest. Because we know that the tribulation period will last seven years, much of what we are seeing today could have occured during the seven years of tribulation. The fact that we are actually witnessing the evolution of the world's economy into a single, global financial system is fascinating. Not only that, but the speed with which these changes are coming about is of equal interest.
The world is changing rapidly - more now than I can ever remember. Its hard to imagine that the "gathering up" of the Church, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-52, isn't coming soon. Keep looking up - our redemption is drawing near.
Biblical prophecy informs us that during the Tribulation, there will be a global financial system (Rev 13), as led by one individual (the False Prophet) and this financial system will include the mandatory "Mark of the Beast" - a visible indicator that the individual has sworn allegiance to the Antichrist. This "Mark" will be required, in order for the individual to be able to buy or sell. Ultimately, this figure known as the Antichrist will control the world's government, along with his "Ten Kings".
Because of these scriptures, prophecy watchers have been watching developments which indicate that the world is headed to a "Global Financial System" and/or a "Global Governance". Interestingly, both terms have been commonly used, ever since the financial "crisis" which began in fall of 2008.
According to the UK Telegraph, under the title "The G20 moves the world a step closer to a global currency", one finds several interesting quotes (article here):
"The world is a step closer to a global currency, backed by a global central bank, running monetary policy for all humanity."
"In effect, the G20 leaders have activated the IMF's (International Monetary Fund) power to create money and begin global "quantitative easing". In doing so, they are putting a de facto world currency in play."
"There is now a world currency in waiting. In time, SDRs are likely to evolve into a parking place for the foreign holdings of central banks, led by the People's Bank of China."
Apparently, SDRs, (Special Drawing Rights) is a synthetic paper currency, issued by the IMF. This currency has been dormant for approximately 50 years, but now, with an infusion of money from the G20 group this currency can be activated. It is hard to know exactly how this will evolve into a central currency.
In a recent commentary, political author Dick Morris considers the actions of the G20 in a very negative light. Under the title "The Declaration of Independence has been repealed" (read here), the term "global economic union" is used to describe this new G20 group. Mr Morris has this to say:
"The joint communique essentially announces a global economic union with uniform regulations and bylaws for all nations, including the United States. Henceforth, our SEC, Commodities Trading Commission, Federal Reserve Board and other regulators will have to march to the beat of drums pounded by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), a body of central bankers from each of the G20 states and the European Union."
"The mandate conferred on the FSB is remarkable for its scope and open-endedness. It is to set a 'framework of internationally agreed high standards that a global financial system requires'"
What I find interesting is - neither of the above articles were written by "prophecy people", or written from a perspective of biblical prophecy, yet their descriptions of current events seem prophetic in nature. Watching the world take one more step towards those predictions given in the book of Revelation is surreal.
I don't believe that we'll wake up tomorrow and have a single world currency. It appears that there could be an interim phase in which IMFs are accepted in gradually, and over a period of time become a world currency. What we see with the actions of the G20 is another step in that direction. Its a big step however, as the G20 has now stepped into the forefront of global financial policy which will affect "all important financial institutions".
One last point of interest. Because we know that the tribulation period will last seven years, much of what we are seeing today could have occured during the seven years of tribulation. The fact that we are actually witnessing the evolution of the world's economy into a single, global financial system is fascinating. Not only that, but the speed with which these changes are coming about is of equal interest.
The world is changing rapidly - more now than I can ever remember. Its hard to imagine that the "gathering up" of the Church, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-52, isn't coming soon. Keep looking up - our redemption is drawing near.
Jumat, 03 April 2009
In the news:
G20 to give $1 Trillion to IMF, World Bank. Interesting quotes are coming out of the G20 meeting such as "For the First time we have a common approach to cleaning up banks around the world to restructuring of the world financial system."
Obama backs Saudi peace initiative. President Obama, according to this article, backs the February 2002 initiative, which calls for a full Israeli withdrawal from all territories which Israel gained during the Six Day War, including east Jerusalem. Pre '67 borders would also require Israel to give up the Golan Heights and the West Bank, and both actions would significantly weaken Israel's ability to defend their country against the surrounding terrorists, who only want to destroy Israel as a country. With the new Israeli administration in place, this is highly unlikely.
North Korea triggers new global crisis. Joel Rosenberg has a nice review of the missile launch planned by North Korea in the coming days. Japan has threatened to shoot this missile down. No one is completely sure what the ramifications are, but at a minimum, successful launch would prove that N. Korea has the ability to send a nuclear warhead virtually anywhere in the world. This situation is definitely worth watching closely.
More news to come......
Obama backs Saudi peace initiative. President Obama, according to this article, backs the February 2002 initiative, which calls for a full Israeli withdrawal from all territories which Israel gained during the Six Day War, including east Jerusalem. Pre '67 borders would also require Israel to give up the Golan Heights and the West Bank, and both actions would significantly weaken Israel's ability to defend their country against the surrounding terrorists, who only want to destroy Israel as a country. With the new Israeli administration in place, this is highly unlikely.
North Korea triggers new global crisis. Joel Rosenberg has a nice review of the missile launch planned by North Korea in the coming days. Japan has threatened to shoot this missile down. No one is completely sure what the ramifications are, but at a minimum, successful launch would prove that N. Korea has the ability to send a nuclear warhead virtually anywhere in the world. This situation is definitely worth watching closely.
More news to come......
Rabu, 01 April 2009
The World's Response to the Rapture
Occasionally I stumble on an article that seems worth repeating; below is one such article. As posted on the website "Rapture Ready", one of the most comprehensive and informative websites involving end times prophecy, Joseph Chambers has reviewed the Rapture of the Church in terms of the aftermath on Earth. It won't be pretty. I believe this review is worth reading for several reasons. First and foremost, if you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and your means to Salvation, then this article may, at a minimum cause you to pause and reconsider. If you are a Christian, then you may sense a greater sense of urgency to witness to loved ones in your life.
Often, we get so caught up in watching current events for the signs which indicate the nearness of the Rapture and our glorious fate - that we forget what the world will look like in the aftermath of the Rapture.
The article can be found here, and attached below:
JOSEPH CHAMBERS
"The World's response to the Rapture"
There is a growing hatred for anything that centers on Jesus Christ. Its like the world wants to promote a “god” idea that can fit all belief systems, but trashes the God of Christianity and the idea of the Son of God as a Savior of all men. There is an even greater hatred for the idea of a Rapture, where a large number of people are going to be caught up and supernaturally removed. More and more of the leading ministers in Biblical circles are denying the Rapture and turning to theological ideas that suggest a Christian dominion of the earth rather than escape from the earth. Much of the Evangelical world and all of the Catholic leadership are dead set against a sudden exodus of the chosen saints of God.
When you understand the multitude of different ideas relating to End Times events, it is challenging to describe the many different reactions that may well follow the great escape of the saints. The Rapture may well serve to unite the religious world and force them to forge a united reaction. There are not many religious leaders left that do not have a growing distaste for Bible-believing fundamentalism. Every major religious trend has served to build a consensus against what is being called “narrow-minded fundamentalism.” Building a broad-based movement to bring the Catholic, the Evangelical, and the Pentecostals together demands that no theology is important enough to divide the church world.
We now have a religious atmosphere that drives the fundamental truths to the back room. That is the crowd that is going to be the Raptured saints. It would be a great relief to many religious personalities if we would just disappear. We will! Holiness of lifestyle is hated. Ministers that still preach and teach separation from the trashy and carnal world are considered cultic and bothersome. The music of the average church in the acceptable church growth world is unclean and repulsive. The atmosphere in the Jewish synagogues when Jesus came the first time is a fair example of today’s church atmosphere. Genuine truth has fallen in the streets. Most ministers that still continue to preach the Rapture also trash solid Biblical holiness living.
“The Passion of the Christ” did not change anything, but it did reveal some things that had already changed. Suddenly, the last holdouts of the church world could join the Catholic Church world and start uniting with them without question. The main two church denominational holdouts to wild ecumenicalism were the Baptist and the Pentecostals. They are now beginning to lead the way into the greatest unity of the “Christian” church world in all of two thousand years. How are all of them going to explain that the Rapture has taken place and they are still here?
Immediately After the Rapture
The Rapture is going to make an incredible stir throughout the world. This is one of the greatest moments in human history and the result will be an incredible crisis. The media will explore every detail. Interviews will be granted to all sides and many different explanations will be given. The paranormal world will have a field day with many bizarre stories. Somehow the majority of the world will be convinced to carry on and to join the new day of liberty and license.
The Catholic Church Will Move to the Forefront
The best way to deal with a crisis is to celebrate it and the celebration will begin. The One World Church will quickly develop a speakers’ bureau to appear on all news channels. Let’s consider what may be their explanation. I believe they will proclaim that a supernatural miracle has occurred. Religious fanatics and rebellious fundamentalists have been removed by an act of God so that the world can finally experience peace. They will say that these people were no different than the terrorists within the Muslim world. They were like the Taliban of Afghanistan and we have been spared their hindrance to our planned wonderful world by this miracle of their removal.
Forerunners of the Antichrist will see this as their golden opportunity and they will join in with the religious One World Church. They will herald the coming revelation of their “Christ” and great paranormal events will become commonplace. As the idea that this “Christ” is waiting to be manifest begins to grip the world, great excitement to His coming will develop. Great speakers with demonic appeal will conduct rallies all over the world. They will build excitement to the point of hysteria. Incredible miracles of healing (i.e., blinded eyes opened) and mass healing events will occur. This new church world of the inclusive church will explode. It will be religious mania.
This new religion will be as emotionally real as the true Pentecost of the past. The only thing missing will be the restrictions of commandments and standards. It will be the greatest day of mass religious events in history. The music is already written, the singers have already trained, and these campaigns will feature the best. The present contemporary, rap, rock, funk, and other ungodly music are all the music of the Antichrist and are ready to inoculate the world. The multitudes will line up to be baptized and marked as the worshippers of this new “Christ.” They will actually believe that he is the true appearing of the real Christ.
While the One World Church is Worshipping
As hid from public view as possible, a genuine surrender to Jesus Christ will grip the world. Millions of people that knew very little about the faith of Jesus Christ will believe that the Rapture, which has just occurred, was the real thing. This great company will find private places to pray and devour the Holy Bible. They will help each other find food and survive as long as possible. Little children will be led to a living faith as moms and dads, sometimes only mothers and sometimes only dads, help their families prepare for the worst. Every person, who makes a complete surrender to Jesus Christ, will be signing his or her own death warrant by the worst possible form of death.
The great multitude that wash their garments in the Blood of the Son of man/Son of God will be hated by the liberal media, the Antichrist and his army of savages, and the New World Religion followers. The persecution of Christians will be worldwide and brutal. Human rights will not exist. There will be no “911” phone number for those that are being brutally hunted and slaughtered.
The death of these repentant and blood-washed souls is going to be so massive and vicious that the Great Creator and His divine Son set one of the seven seals to draw attention to this fact. These people will be champions. They will bear their testimony bravely before the world, while being hated and threatened by the entire One World system. These new saints do not have any weapons and no one is available to plead their call before the powers that be, but they are brave unto death. Listen to the Lord Jesus Christ in His Revelation to John describe them. “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Revelation 6:9-11)
The Gospel will certainly be heard worldwide during the Seven Years of the Great Tribulation. The souls we just witnessed were condemned and killed for the Word of God and their testimonies. There will be two incredible prophets that proclaim God’s Word to the world and cannot be killed until their witness is complete. They will perform many genuine miracles and even shut the heavens so that it does not rain. Their testimony will be so effective that the Beast, the Leader of the One World Religion will make war with them. After three and one-half years of ministry, they will be killed and their death will cause a worldwide celebration by the wicked multitudes.
Look at a few descriptions of their ministry and effectiveness. “And I will give power unto my two witnesses … And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth … These have power to shut heaven … And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city … where also our Lord was crucified … And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them … and great fear fell upon them which saw them … the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.” (Revelation 11:3-13)
Even angels will fly through the Heavens proclaiming the everlasting gospel. No one that takes the Mark of the Beast or worships Satan, the Antichrist, or the Beast will have an excuse. The absolute proof that the God of Heaven is the source of these days of great judgment will be undeniable. The glory of God vs. the hideous nature of Satan and his entire deceived host will be evident for men to see.
The Wicked Will Be Wicked Still
The spirit of prophecy used Prophet Daniel to give us incredible information about the Seven Years of the Great Tribulation. The last chapter of his book speaks of the rapture and resurrection of the righteous, as well as the resurrection of the wicked. He described the first three and one-half years, placed the abomination of desolation in the middle, and then described the last three and one-half years. It’s a remarkable description. Along with placing the abomination in the middle, he also described a revival of righteousness. With that he also spoke of the company of the wicked that, in spite of judgment and the undercurrent of genuine revival, they would continue to be wicked and even grow into a level of wickedness never experienced. Look at Daniel’s anointed description of this coming hour after the Rapture. “And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days (the last three and one-half years of the seven).” (Daniel 12:9-11) The wickedness of the wicked will reach a level of vileness that we do not yet understand. A human being can become a devil in nature just like Satan and his angels became devils. This is already happening, but will reach a new level during the Great Tribulation.
At the very beginning of the seven years, the sixth seal reveals something of men’s response to the judgments of God that are evident. Look at these words, “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:14-17)
There is no evidence of repentance, just a stark reflection of their understanding that this is a judgment from the God of Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. By the time of the sixth trumpet, the hearts of men will have grown arrogant and obstinate. “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20-21)
In the face of judgments that they dare not deny, the wickedness of those men left after the Rapture only grows more and more wicked. By the time the two prophets that had performed many miracles and proven themselves to be prophets from God have been killed, the multitudes of the wicked have the audacity to rejoice and send gifts celebrating the Beast’s victory over those men of God.
Now, as the Seven Years draw to a close, the time comes that Jesus Christ will appear in the Heavens on a great white stallion, along with a multitude of His saints with Him. The sight will be too awesome to describe. The wicked, who have arrogantly rejected every expression of truth or mercy, join themselves to the Antichrist as his army and gather to Armageddon to fight against the descending Christ and His army of the glorified saints. The devil, the Antichrist, the Beast, fallen angels, and the host of wicked men and women become as one to fight the Lamb of God and His host. But, the end of this rebellion has come. “And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.” (Revelation 19:17-18)
The Deluded That Knew But Rejected the Truth
I cannot end this article without remembering the multitude that were “Left Behind” but could not repent. They were turned to a reprobate mind to believe a lie and be damned. That lie of a false religion, a false Christ, and miracles to deceive will conclude by actually fighting against the returning Son of God. Imagine the men and women that once heard and knew the truth, but loved the world more. There will be multitudes of them that were raised in Bible-believing churches, heard the preaching about the Rapture, and were loved by the saints of God, but are now the companion of Satan to fight the Battle of Armageddon. The worse degree of the Lake of fire is reserved for those that knew but rejected the great Savior that came down to die.
Left Behind, Seven Years of Hell
This world will soon be Satan’s last stand. He is a master at deceit. With thousands of years of experience in fighting against God, he will certainly use his acquired skills to lead this world to war. With the restraining presence of the Holy Ghost removed, there will be nothing to hinder but the limits of prophesied truth. He and his host will fight to the finish. There will be schemes of deception unknown. Only those that wash themselves in the Blood of the Lamb and choose death over the mark will survive.
It’s foolish to wait and follow the love of self and sin. Turn wholly to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be the sad day of the “Left Behind.”
Joseph R. Chambers
Often, we get so caught up in watching current events for the signs which indicate the nearness of the Rapture and our glorious fate - that we forget what the world will look like in the aftermath of the Rapture.
The article can be found here, and attached below:
JOSEPH CHAMBERS
"The World's response to the Rapture"
There is a growing hatred for anything that centers on Jesus Christ. Its like the world wants to promote a “god” idea that can fit all belief systems, but trashes the God of Christianity and the idea of the Son of God as a Savior of all men. There is an even greater hatred for the idea of a Rapture, where a large number of people are going to be caught up and supernaturally removed. More and more of the leading ministers in Biblical circles are denying the Rapture and turning to theological ideas that suggest a Christian dominion of the earth rather than escape from the earth. Much of the Evangelical world and all of the Catholic leadership are dead set against a sudden exodus of the chosen saints of God.
When you understand the multitude of different ideas relating to End Times events, it is challenging to describe the many different reactions that may well follow the great escape of the saints. The Rapture may well serve to unite the religious world and force them to forge a united reaction. There are not many religious leaders left that do not have a growing distaste for Bible-believing fundamentalism. Every major religious trend has served to build a consensus against what is being called “narrow-minded fundamentalism.” Building a broad-based movement to bring the Catholic, the Evangelical, and the Pentecostals together demands that no theology is important enough to divide the church world.
We now have a religious atmosphere that drives the fundamental truths to the back room. That is the crowd that is going to be the Raptured saints. It would be a great relief to many religious personalities if we would just disappear. We will! Holiness of lifestyle is hated. Ministers that still preach and teach separation from the trashy and carnal world are considered cultic and bothersome. The music of the average church in the acceptable church growth world is unclean and repulsive. The atmosphere in the Jewish synagogues when Jesus came the first time is a fair example of today’s church atmosphere. Genuine truth has fallen in the streets. Most ministers that still continue to preach the Rapture also trash solid Biblical holiness living.
“The Passion of the Christ” did not change anything, but it did reveal some things that had already changed. Suddenly, the last holdouts of the church world could join the Catholic Church world and start uniting with them without question. The main two church denominational holdouts to wild ecumenicalism were the Baptist and the Pentecostals. They are now beginning to lead the way into the greatest unity of the “Christian” church world in all of two thousand years. How are all of them going to explain that the Rapture has taken place and they are still here?
Immediately After the Rapture
The Rapture is going to make an incredible stir throughout the world. This is one of the greatest moments in human history and the result will be an incredible crisis. The media will explore every detail. Interviews will be granted to all sides and many different explanations will be given. The paranormal world will have a field day with many bizarre stories. Somehow the majority of the world will be convinced to carry on and to join the new day of liberty and license.
The Catholic Church Will Move to the Forefront
The best way to deal with a crisis is to celebrate it and the celebration will begin. The One World Church will quickly develop a speakers’ bureau to appear on all news channels. Let’s consider what may be their explanation. I believe they will proclaim that a supernatural miracle has occurred. Religious fanatics and rebellious fundamentalists have been removed by an act of God so that the world can finally experience peace. They will say that these people were no different than the terrorists within the Muslim world. They were like the Taliban of Afghanistan and we have been spared their hindrance to our planned wonderful world by this miracle of their removal.
Forerunners of the Antichrist will see this as their golden opportunity and they will join in with the religious One World Church. They will herald the coming revelation of their “Christ” and great paranormal events will become commonplace. As the idea that this “Christ” is waiting to be manifest begins to grip the world, great excitement to His coming will develop. Great speakers with demonic appeal will conduct rallies all over the world. They will build excitement to the point of hysteria. Incredible miracles of healing (i.e., blinded eyes opened) and mass healing events will occur. This new church world of the inclusive church will explode. It will be religious mania.
This new religion will be as emotionally real as the true Pentecost of the past. The only thing missing will be the restrictions of commandments and standards. It will be the greatest day of mass religious events in history. The music is already written, the singers have already trained, and these campaigns will feature the best. The present contemporary, rap, rock, funk, and other ungodly music are all the music of the Antichrist and are ready to inoculate the world. The multitudes will line up to be baptized and marked as the worshippers of this new “Christ.” They will actually believe that he is the true appearing of the real Christ.
While the One World Church is Worshipping
As hid from public view as possible, a genuine surrender to Jesus Christ will grip the world. Millions of people that knew very little about the faith of Jesus Christ will believe that the Rapture, which has just occurred, was the real thing. This great company will find private places to pray and devour the Holy Bible. They will help each other find food and survive as long as possible. Little children will be led to a living faith as moms and dads, sometimes only mothers and sometimes only dads, help their families prepare for the worst. Every person, who makes a complete surrender to Jesus Christ, will be signing his or her own death warrant by the worst possible form of death.
The great multitude that wash their garments in the Blood of the Son of man/Son of God will be hated by the liberal media, the Antichrist and his army of savages, and the New World Religion followers. The persecution of Christians will be worldwide and brutal. Human rights will not exist. There will be no “911” phone number for those that are being brutally hunted and slaughtered.
The death of these repentant and blood-washed souls is going to be so massive and vicious that the Great Creator and His divine Son set one of the seven seals to draw attention to this fact. These people will be champions. They will bear their testimony bravely before the world, while being hated and threatened by the entire One World system. These new saints do not have any weapons and no one is available to plead their call before the powers that be, but they are brave unto death. Listen to the Lord Jesus Christ in His Revelation to John describe them. “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Revelation 6:9-11)
The Gospel will certainly be heard worldwide during the Seven Years of the Great Tribulation. The souls we just witnessed were condemned and killed for the Word of God and their testimonies. There will be two incredible prophets that proclaim God’s Word to the world and cannot be killed until their witness is complete. They will perform many genuine miracles and even shut the heavens so that it does not rain. Their testimony will be so effective that the Beast, the Leader of the One World Religion will make war with them. After three and one-half years of ministry, they will be killed and their death will cause a worldwide celebration by the wicked multitudes.
Look at a few descriptions of their ministry and effectiveness. “And I will give power unto my two witnesses … And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth … These have power to shut heaven … And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city … where also our Lord was crucified … And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them … and great fear fell upon them which saw them … the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.” (Revelation 11:3-13)
Even angels will fly through the Heavens proclaiming the everlasting gospel. No one that takes the Mark of the Beast or worships Satan, the Antichrist, or the Beast will have an excuse. The absolute proof that the God of Heaven is the source of these days of great judgment will be undeniable. The glory of God vs. the hideous nature of Satan and his entire deceived host will be evident for men to see.
The Wicked Will Be Wicked Still
The spirit of prophecy used Prophet Daniel to give us incredible information about the Seven Years of the Great Tribulation. The last chapter of his book speaks of the rapture and resurrection of the righteous, as well as the resurrection of the wicked. He described the first three and one-half years, placed the abomination of desolation in the middle, and then described the last three and one-half years. It’s a remarkable description. Along with placing the abomination in the middle, he also described a revival of righteousness. With that he also spoke of the company of the wicked that, in spite of judgment and the undercurrent of genuine revival, they would continue to be wicked and even grow into a level of wickedness never experienced. Look at Daniel’s anointed description of this coming hour after the Rapture. “And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days (the last three and one-half years of the seven).” (Daniel 12:9-11) The wickedness of the wicked will reach a level of vileness that we do not yet understand. A human being can become a devil in nature just like Satan and his angels became devils. This is already happening, but will reach a new level during the Great Tribulation.
At the very beginning of the seven years, the sixth seal reveals something of men’s response to the judgments of God that are evident. Look at these words, “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:14-17)
There is no evidence of repentance, just a stark reflection of their understanding that this is a judgment from the God of Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. By the time of the sixth trumpet, the hearts of men will have grown arrogant and obstinate. “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20-21)
In the face of judgments that they dare not deny, the wickedness of those men left after the Rapture only grows more and more wicked. By the time the two prophets that had performed many miracles and proven themselves to be prophets from God have been killed, the multitudes of the wicked have the audacity to rejoice and send gifts celebrating the Beast’s victory over those men of God.
Now, as the Seven Years draw to a close, the time comes that Jesus Christ will appear in the Heavens on a great white stallion, along with a multitude of His saints with Him. The sight will be too awesome to describe. The wicked, who have arrogantly rejected every expression of truth or mercy, join themselves to the Antichrist as his army and gather to Armageddon to fight against the descending Christ and His army of the glorified saints. The devil, the Antichrist, the Beast, fallen angels, and the host of wicked men and women become as one to fight the Lamb of God and His host. But, the end of this rebellion has come. “And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.” (Revelation 19:17-18)
The Deluded That Knew But Rejected the Truth
I cannot end this article without remembering the multitude that were “Left Behind” but could not repent. They were turned to a reprobate mind to believe a lie and be damned. That lie of a false religion, a false Christ, and miracles to deceive will conclude by actually fighting against the returning Son of God. Imagine the men and women that once heard and knew the truth, but loved the world more. There will be multitudes of them that were raised in Bible-believing churches, heard the preaching about the Rapture, and were loved by the saints of God, but are now the companion of Satan to fight the Battle of Armageddon. The worse degree of the Lake of fire is reserved for those that knew but rejected the great Savior that came down to die.
Left Behind, Seven Years of Hell
This world will soon be Satan’s last stand. He is a master at deceit. With thousands of years of experience in fighting against God, he will certainly use his acquired skills to lead this world to war. With the restraining presence of the Holy Ghost removed, there will be nothing to hinder but the limits of prophesied truth. He and his host will fight to the finish. There will be schemes of deception unknown. Only those that wash themselves in the Blood of the Lamb and choose death over the mark will survive.
It’s foolish to wait and follow the love of self and sin. Turn wholly to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be the sad day of the “Left Behind.”
Joseph R. Chambers
Selasa, 31 Maret 2009
In the news:
Its official: Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition for Israeli leadership will be sworn in today. As previously summarized, this is a big development for the entire region and may have prophetic implications. Mr. Netanyahu (aka "Bibi") is far less concerned with international pressure than previous, recent Israeli leaders, as he is more concerned with Israel's right to survive. Additionally, and more importantly, Mr. Netanyahu is primarily concerned with Iran's nuclear plans and has promised to do whatever it takes in order to eliminate this threat. I believe this election, and now confirmation, could be one of the most significant developments in the region in decades.
In other news, we continue to hear the drumbeat for a new currency standard, just days before the G20 meeting. Now Russia and China appear to be on the same page, as they are "coordinating" proposals for a new global currency and stating that they have "similar positions on the development of the international financial architecture" read here.
Meanwhile, North Korea's plans to launch a missile have new ramifications as they are known to have nuclear warheads, and now they may have the technology to send these missiles to American soil read here.
Another week passing and we watch the world shaping up exactly as bible prophecy would predict. We're rapidly moving to a world currency and a global financial system. We're seeing Iran and Israel headed towards a major conflict. We're watching the upcoming G20 meeting and their attempts at consolidation of financial control, and we see another terrorist country progressing towards a nuclear warhead which would be "deliverable" almost anywhere on the globe.
Just another week of prophecy watching. Stay tuned - the coming weeks may be very interesting.
In other news, we continue to hear the drumbeat for a new currency standard, just days before the G20 meeting. Now Russia and China appear to be on the same page, as they are "coordinating" proposals for a new global currency and stating that they have "similar positions on the development of the international financial architecture" read here.
Meanwhile, North Korea's plans to launch a missile have new ramifications as they are known to have nuclear warheads, and now they may have the technology to send these missiles to American soil read here.
Another week passing and we watch the world shaping up exactly as bible prophecy would predict. We're rapidly moving to a world currency and a global financial system. We're seeing Iran and Israel headed towards a major conflict. We're watching the upcoming G20 meeting and their attempts at consolidation of financial control, and we see another terrorist country progressing towards a nuclear warhead which would be "deliverable" almost anywhere on the globe.
Just another week of prophecy watching. Stay tuned - the coming weeks may be very interesting.
Sabtu, 28 Maret 2009
The G-20 and a "global fix"
The G-20 meeting will begin on April 2, 2009, and as previously reviewed, more and more elements of the agenda are leaking out. In addition, US Treasury Secretary has confirmed that he is open to the idea of a "super-sovereign currency" as run by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Attached below is a brief commentary and update on this situation as written by Michael Mickey on RaptureAlert.com here.
We don't know about it, but sure!
by Michael G. Mickey
(3-27-09)
Two days ago I wrote a commentary on the topic of our nation being nudged down the pathway to a new world order through the creation of a global currency - a necessary element of that coming to pass and one that is prophesied to be on its way, although the final product (the mark of the beast) is nothing like what is being discussed at this present hour. A mere two sunrises later and here I am setting the stage to discuss it again.
As my regular readers know by now, the G-20 is going to meet on April 2, 2009 and the topic of a global currency being born is on the agenda with a number of world powers backing the idea, Russia and China among them. The United Nations, in what probably is a surprise to no one given the organization's dislike of the United States, is high on the idea as well. The following is from an AFP article:
A UN panel of expert economists pressed Thursday for a new global currency reserve scheme to replace the volatile, dollar-based system and for coordinated steps by rich countries to stimulate their economies.
"A new Global Reserve System -- what may be viewed as a greatly expanded SDR (Special Drawing Rights), with regular or cyclically adjusted emissions calibrated to the size of reserve accumulations, could contribute to global stability, economic strength and global equity," the panel said.
As part of several recommendations to tackle the global financial crisis, the panel also noted recovery would require all developed countries, in the short term, to take "strong, coordinated and effective actions to stimulate their economies."
And it stressed the need to "lay the basis for the long-run reforms that will be necessary if we are to have a more stable and more prosperous global economy and avoid future global crises." [More...]
As I've highlighted before, there is a lot of emphasis placed these days on global crises, the desired effect of which is to lead all of mankind to slowly but surely come to the inevitable, seemingly logical conclusion that global crises require global solutions and, just you wait and see, global leadership to organize everyone. Sure, the western world was able to work together and defeat Hitler's incredible war machine in WWII with much less to work with than we have today in our technologically advanced world, WWII a global crises to be sure, but we can't do that anymore. The answer to everything, both inside the borders of the United States and outside, is bigger government. No matter what the problem is, bigger government can fix it - or so the logic goes. Thinking like that is going to take mankind places it never dreamed possible as we look at Bible prophecy, particularly the 13th chapter of Revelation.
So everything that's been documented to date here indicating current trends are bringing us closer to the creation of a new world order that will ultimately be led by the prophesied Antichrist is progressing. It's full steam ahead, but what about the United States under the leadership of President Obama - a man considered by many to be the most intelligent man ever to occupy the White House who doesn't seem capable of speaking a sentence without a teleprompter? His Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, doesn't seem to know much concerning plans for a global currency - or does he?
The following is from an article by The Telegraph:
US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner confessed on Wednesday that he had not read the plans by China's central bank governor for a "super-sovereign reserve currency" run by the International Monetary Fund, but nevertheless let slip that Washington was "open" to the idea. Whoops. [More...]
Maybe President Obama needs to let Tim Geithner borrow his teleprompter, huh?
Ever feel you're like the only one who doesn't already know the punchline to a joke that's being told to you?
HEADLINE: 15th International Economic Forum Of The Americas To Meet June 8-11 Under Banner "Adapting To The New World Order"
The end times drama continues.
We don't know about it, but sure!
by Michael G. Mickey
(3-27-09)
Two days ago I wrote a commentary on the topic of our nation being nudged down the pathway to a new world order through the creation of a global currency - a necessary element of that coming to pass and one that is prophesied to be on its way, although the final product (the mark of the beast) is nothing like what is being discussed at this present hour. A mere two sunrises later and here I am setting the stage to discuss it again.
As my regular readers know by now, the G-20 is going to meet on April 2, 2009 and the topic of a global currency being born is on the agenda with a number of world powers backing the idea, Russia and China among them. The United Nations, in what probably is a surprise to no one given the organization's dislike of the United States, is high on the idea as well. The following is from an AFP article:
A UN panel of expert economists pressed Thursday for a new global currency reserve scheme to replace the volatile, dollar-based system and for coordinated steps by rich countries to stimulate their economies.
"A new Global Reserve System -- what may be viewed as a greatly expanded SDR (Special Drawing Rights), with regular or cyclically adjusted emissions calibrated to the size of reserve accumulations, could contribute to global stability, economic strength and global equity," the panel said.
As part of several recommendations to tackle the global financial crisis, the panel also noted recovery would require all developed countries, in the short term, to take "strong, coordinated and effective actions to stimulate their economies."
And it stressed the need to "lay the basis for the long-run reforms that will be necessary if we are to have a more stable and more prosperous global economy and avoid future global crises." [More...]
As I've highlighted before, there is a lot of emphasis placed these days on global crises, the desired effect of which is to lead all of mankind to slowly but surely come to the inevitable, seemingly logical conclusion that global crises require global solutions and, just you wait and see, global leadership to organize everyone. Sure, the western world was able to work together and defeat Hitler's incredible war machine in WWII with much less to work with than we have today in our technologically advanced world, WWII a global crises to be sure, but we can't do that anymore. The answer to everything, both inside the borders of the United States and outside, is bigger government. No matter what the problem is, bigger government can fix it - or so the logic goes. Thinking like that is going to take mankind places it never dreamed possible as we look at Bible prophecy, particularly the 13th chapter of Revelation.
So everything that's been documented to date here indicating current trends are bringing us closer to the creation of a new world order that will ultimately be led by the prophesied Antichrist is progressing. It's full steam ahead, but what about the United States under the leadership of President Obama - a man considered by many to be the most intelligent man ever to occupy the White House who doesn't seem capable of speaking a sentence without a teleprompter? His Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, doesn't seem to know much concerning plans for a global currency - or does he?
The following is from an article by The Telegraph:
US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner confessed on Wednesday that he had not read the plans by China's central bank governor for a "super-sovereign reserve currency" run by the International Monetary Fund, but nevertheless let slip that Washington was "open" to the idea. Whoops. [More...]
Maybe President Obama needs to let Tim Geithner borrow his teleprompter, huh?
Ever feel you're like the only one who doesn't already know the punchline to a joke that's being told to you?
HEADLINE: 15th International Economic Forum Of The Americas To Meet June 8-11 Under Banner "Adapting To The New World Order"
The end times drama continues.
Kamis, 26 Maret 2009
News worth watching
An interesting development is taking place within the EU, or, as known in prophecy circles, the "revived Roman Empire" which is described in Daniel 2. We know from biblical prophecy that a leader will ultimately emerge from this revival of the Roman Empire and will become known as the Antichrist. Prophecy watchers are always watching developments within the EU - for a strong leader to emerge, or perhaps a "position" or "title" of absolute power to emerge.
Currently, the President of the EU serves a 6-month term, and that office rotates to different EU countries, and the term is held by the leader of that country. The Czech government currently holds the position of the EU president, with Czech Prime Minister, Mirek Topolanek in the role of EU President.
However, just this week, the Czech parliament backed a "no confidence" vote against Prime Minister Topolanek, who subsequently resigned. Now a new government must be formed. This has potential ramifications on the EU:
Read here
and here
As stated in the first article attached above, "With the Czechs currently holding the presidency of the European Union, the consequences of this vote could resound far beyond the Prague and deep into Brussels"
There is already a movement within the EU which is calling for a permanent EU President. This current turmoil with the EU's top position will only hasten these calls for a permanent President of the EU, thus replacing the current system of rotating the office every six months.
Odds are, that the Czechs will maintain the EU Presidency for the remainder of their term uneventfully. However, at a minimum, this situation will serve to increase the pressure for the EU President to become a permanent position.
It is also remotely possible that a leader could use this situation to gain political power within the EU. One never knows how these situations will evolve. We've seen how the financial crisis has hastened calls for a one-world currency/financial system and a one-world governance of such a financial system. Now we have an EU leadership "crisis", so the possibility exists that such a crisis could be used for political posturing and/or a political advantage by an individual or a group.
This is breaking news, so it is hard to know if it will be significant or not.
Either way, this is definitely worth watching closely. Thats what we prophecy watchers do. Stay tuned!
Currently, the President of the EU serves a 6-month term, and that office rotates to different EU countries, and the term is held by the leader of that country. The Czech government currently holds the position of the EU president, with Czech Prime Minister, Mirek Topolanek in the role of EU President.
However, just this week, the Czech parliament backed a "no confidence" vote against Prime Minister Topolanek, who subsequently resigned. Now a new government must be formed. This has potential ramifications on the EU:
Read here
and here
As stated in the first article attached above, "With the Czechs currently holding the presidency of the European Union, the consequences of this vote could resound far beyond the Prague and deep into Brussels"
There is already a movement within the EU which is calling for a permanent EU President. This current turmoil with the EU's top position will only hasten these calls for a permanent President of the EU, thus replacing the current system of rotating the office every six months.
Odds are, that the Czechs will maintain the EU Presidency for the remainder of their term uneventfully. However, at a minimum, this situation will serve to increase the pressure for the EU President to become a permanent position.
It is also remotely possible that a leader could use this situation to gain political power within the EU. One never knows how these situations will evolve. We've seen how the financial crisis has hastened calls for a one-world currency/financial system and a one-world governance of such a financial system. Now we have an EU leadership "crisis", so the possibility exists that such a crisis could be used for political posturing and/or a political advantage by an individual or a group.
This is breaking news, so it is hard to know if it will be significant or not.
Either way, this is definitely worth watching closely. Thats what we prophecy watchers do. Stay tuned!
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