He's Coming Again - by Joshua Arron

Sometimes in th he world of gloom and doom prophecy (though the endview is eternal light and Shalom) you need a bright spot.  Recently I came across Messianic worship leader Joshua Arron, and have been truly blessed by His music.  I want to feature one of his songs, for which reason this blog exists... He's Coming Again!  Shalom!  😇

Many Events, One Thing!

There are many events taking place in our world right now.  Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled on so many fronts.  For one person to study and be on top of them all, it requires a lot of time... but then, it is so easy to get sidetracked on rabbit trails, distractions, disinformation if you will.

My wife has got onto me about getting "distracted" with some of these things which do not really matter.  I am so thankful for her, indeed, she really keeps my feet planted on the ground sometimes!  All of this to say, there are many watchmen with different areas of interest, and while these all have their place, a picture of hopelessness and despair can be painted.

Isaiah 8:11-13 (NASB)

11 For thus the Lord spoke to me [a]with mighty power and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,

12 “You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’
In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy,
And you are not to fear [b]what they fear or be in dread of it.
13 “It is the Lord of hosts whom you should regard as holy.
And He shall be your fear,
And He shall be your dread.

Indeed, a terrible picture is painted of the last days in God's Holy Word.  It is a terrible time coming upon us.  And you know, the Father has given my wife and I revelations, sometimes confusing, sometimes overwhelming... but He's showing us that His work is done through our walks with Him.  As the old hymn says "And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own...", and it really is about the love (agape) we share, as we "tarry there," on this roads journey to the celestial city.

So be encouraged today, and throughout life's circumstances.  It REALLY IS about walking by faith, having a confident, loving joy in the One who rules on His throne from heaven.  He laughs when He looks down on the strivings of the wicked, and all their plan against Him (Ps. 2).

I like to watch BPEarthwatch and suspicious observers, with their satellite imagery of the sun, and the massive solar flares which would, if we were close enough, vaporize the earth!  The sun is so immense, and powerful, though scientists say it is one of the cooler stars.  It is nothing but a ball of energy, that still mystifies and puzzles us!  My God created that star!!!  

We think we are all bad because we develop a nuclear bomb, but my God breathed a star in place!  And the rulers of this world think they are going to disthrone Him, or usurp His rule somehow?  Thwart His plans?  

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

Their day is coming.  Just as Yeshua experienced in His life all that the nation of Israel went through ("Out of Egypt I called my son," etc.), so will the true Church share Yeshua's fate.  When it looks as if the enemy has killed, put to death the true Church (whom I'm sure it will call extremeist fundamentalists), then will come victory, and the apocalypse of the King Yeshua the Messiah, returning with His saints, and collection the children of Israel from the ends of the earth (i.e. the true rapture, 1 Thess. 4, 5).  Amen.  Your name be honored Abba.  Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

The 'Son of God, Catholics, Protestants, and the New Age

With the new movie that was just released, 'The Son of God,' I have noticed a few things that make me concerned.  Now I have not seen the movie itself, and would like to.   It's not that I don't think we shouldn't have a movie depicting the life of Messiah... and I know Roma Downey and Mark Burnett's vision and desire to create this epic.  I say praise God for their desire to get this move, as far as it's a re-creation of the Biblical true-story account of Yeshua.

When I was serving in missions in Africa, the missionaries I was visiting had a time when the showed 'The Jesus Film' to the people group they were working with.  Of course the missionaries had been there for over a year, and others before them, teaching them the word of God and stories of the bible, using the method of Biblical 'storytelling,' where the stories are memorized and taught to the pre-literate tribes.  But on this occasion, The Jesus Film was shown to the people, and after the people saw it, many decided to ask Yeshua into their heart and began a new life in Yeshua (2 Cor. 5:17; Jn. 3:3).  

One danger that I see with the movie, not having seen it, is that they are usually made through Gentile eyes, with less emphasis and detail on the Jewish Feasts that are so integral to Jewish Life (framed by the Creator Himself) and the coming of Messiah.  We Gentiles miss the significance and much of the miraculous aspects of the feasts, an their fulfillment.

Another thing that concerns me concerning the film, is the ecumenical support that was given to it.  At my work their is a TV in the corner, and I saw a commercial about the upcoming movie, and it featured many Catholic Fathers and some Protestant Celebrities such as Joel Osteen, Rick Warren... and I can't recall now if who else it featured.  But this alone was alarming.  The Catholic Church pronounced Anathemas against all wjho believed that we are saved by grace through faith, apart from any meritorious works of our own (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).  The Catholic church' s position is that that teaching, of salvation by grace through faith, apart from self-works of righteousness, is Anathema!  The Mormons teach a very similar belief, and that is what sets Biblical Christianity apart from all other religions, the Bible teaches that one is saved by faith in the crucified and resurrected Jewish Messiah when one turns from their sin and to Yeshua in faith for salvation and everlasting life (Rom. 10:9-10).

How then can Protestant Pastors and Catholics come together on this?  And these particular Pastors mentioned are false teachers... and they should be recognized as that.  Joel Osteen is much like the Pope... "who am I to judge someone's sin?"  Well, you're a pastor aren't you?  At the very least, you should guide the people into finding out what the Bible teaches about sinful lifestyles and behaviors (lust, fornication, adultery, murder, homosexuality, magic, witch craft, Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10), and leading them to repent and place their faith in Messiah Yeshua.

Rick Warren uses business growth models to grow his churches... and many undiscerning pastors who translate big numbers as "success" and blessing from God have adopted his methodologies... resulting in the leading astray of many in the church, the focus of the Church on Man-centered methodologies, instead of believeing that by simply focusing on relationship with God, and serving one another, living a Spirit-filled life, that God adds to the numbers (Acts 2:46-47).

Examining these crucial differences in belief on salvation, it is apparent that Catholics and true Protestant Pastors CAN NOT come together in a theological work/teaching for the populace.  And this is part of what makes me nervous.  The Pope has reached out to Pentecostals, and to Kenneth Copeland to "come togther."  Never mind any renouncing of anathemas!  This concerns me because their is a push for merging the world religions, of bringing unity... that is, with all but one group, the Protestant Evangelicals, or as they might otherwise be called, Truth Activists, or the Anti-Hypocrisists, or the Anti-Sin party, if the liberal media were to introduce a new term to demonize us, or "spin" the truth... but actually, it will probably be something like the Anti-humanists, or the Anti-Peace or Anti-Unity or Anti-Globalists.

Christians are taught in God's word to love those who hate them, and to pray for those who persecute them (Mt. 5:44).  But all those who are of the god of this world (2 Cor.4:4) will seek to demonize, to accuse those whom they hate.  This is very much the tactic of the Satan, as Yeshua explains:

John 8:44

You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from thebeginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

The time of the New Age is on us, and truly, it is not a NEW AGE, but an old one, that existed before the days of the Global flood, through which only Noah and Seven others were saved (2 Peter 2:5), to which Hitler pursued to bring back, as did Nimrod/Gilgamesh when he built the Tower of Babel (Gen. 10:8-12, 11:1-9).

Ultimately, we will see how this movie portrays the Son of God, as revealed in the Bible, God's inspired, revealed truth (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  Will it be the same, to the praise and glory of God, a sweet offering offered up, or will it be a tool used in the hands of the evil one (1 Jn. 5:19), to accomplish his ends?  Let us not be naiive!

And so, with the closing words of John, from his first epistle:

18 We know that no one who is [o]born of God sins; but He who was [p]born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and weare in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

Dec. 21st - Will the World end?

There is much controversy concerning the end of this year, with all the media hype around the Mayan calendar. As the Aztec Press points out, it is merely the end of the long-count calendar. What is beginning is a new cyclical count on the Mayan calendar, lasting 144,000 days.¹

What the Aztec press fails to tell you though, is that not only does the Mayan calendar end, but they believe that their serpent god Kulkulkan returns. The Aztecs believe their plumed serpent god (winged serpentine angel?) Queztzelcoatl returns. The Cherokee also end their calendar, and have a belief in a returning god during this time, and the earth entering into a new era, a golden age of sorts.²

 

This is completely believed and anticipated by the so-called 'Light-workers,' who belief New Age religion. Most in America are familiar with the song, "The Age of Aquarius," with the famous chorus, "It's the Dawning of the age of Aquarius..." first popularized in the 60s. By date, the earth will supposedly be moving into the center of the Milky Way galaxy, and moving into the constellation of Aquarius.

 

Also of particular note is that the Pope is in poor health, is 85 years old, and, most notably, is pope #111 according to St. Malachy's prophecy. In the prophecy, number 112 is the final pope, Petrus Romanus (Peter the Roman), who will be the false prophet, and will lead many astray. That's easy to write off as anti-Catholic bias, but the prophecy was made by a Catholic monk. The really interesting thing is that the prophecy has played out accurately, move over Nostradamus!

 

Just a few days ago, the pope appointed six new Cardinals to his conclave, that will choose his successor.³  It has been an interesting year for the aged man. There was a leak and a scare about an assassination attempt on his life earlier this year, but that was foiled. It appears the pope is ready to retire his post, or pass it on, because he knows something we don't.

 

Seemingly unrelated, all these prophecies are tied together from a Christian Biblical perspective. In Genesis, Satan, or Lucifer, is embodied in a serpent, to tempt the first humans. In the last days before Christ returns to set up his millennial reign upon earth, a man "incarnated" with the devil becomes the world ruler. He finally achieves what he offered Jesus in the wilderness of Israel (Mat. 4:8-10). Indeed, he was/is the ruler of the world (1 Jn. 5:19; Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4), yet he could not yet have the worship of the entire world. The Bible says that in the final seven years, he will have it, or the person is executed (Rev. 13:15).

 

This person so widely known as the Antichrist, is to be preceded by a false prophet, who has "two horns like a lamb, but a voice like a dragon” (Rev. 13:11).  This tells us that the person, whoever he is, will appear Christian, “like a lamb,” but in reality, will speak by the Devil, “like a dragon”.

 

If indeed the Mayan, and Aztec, and Cherokee, and Kabbalah, and New Age, etc., etc. traditions hold true, and we are entering a post-Christian era, to be led by a Maitreya, or Mahdi, and the prophecy of St. Malachy continues to hold true, and Peter the Roman is elected, then you do not have to expect that the world will end.

 

If, in fact, Biblical prophecies hold true, the one-world leader will be successful in all that he undertakes, and in fact, will have a sort of miraculous healing, so that the world will be in awe and worship this man, and the being that gives him his power (Rev. 13:3).  After the chaos from the change of governments and the new laws prevail, there will be a time of peace, and even prosperity, especially for those who serve the global leader/king (Dan. 11:39). 

 

So, after all that, the answer to the original question, “Will the world end on Dec. 21^st?”  The answer is “No, it will not.”  I do believe that there are too many religions pointing to the end of 2012; the timing of the popes’ change; the war in Israel - with the state of the nations growing increasingly against Israel, and siding with a religion intent on wiping out this race; too much being fulfilled in Masonic prophecy; the rise of persecution against Christians in a land once known for her Christianity; and the rapidity of the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.  Jesus taught that “This generation [that sees Israel regathered] will not pass away till all these things take place” (Matt. 24:34).  The LORD said, “In its time, I will do this swiftly” (Is. 60:22). 

 

If you are scared of what’s coming upon the world, and you don’t want to be here to experience the judgements of God, or be consigned to eternal hell, simply ask God to forgive you of your rebellion against Him and His ways.  Thank Him for sending Jesus to come and die and take your sins on the cross, and ask Jesus to be the Savior and Lord of your life.  Now, read God’s word and live for Him.  It’s that easy (Rom. 10:9-10, 13).  If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you have nothing to be afraid of, because all of this is in His plan.

Endnotes:

1.      http://aztecpressonline.com/2012/12/end-of-the-world-predictions-roll-on/; accessed Dec. 6, 2012.

2.      http://www.raidersnewsupdate.com/petrus-sixteen.htm; accessed Dec. 6, 2012.

3.      http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/24/pope-benedict-appoints-six-cardinals; accessed Dec. 6, 2012.

Honoring which Name?

Luke 13:34-35 34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! 35 "Behold, your house is left to you desolate; and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!'"

John 5:43 43 "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem, the city that rejected Him, and ultimately put Him to death. The Jews will not honor the Messiah, but they will honor one who comes in his own name, to their own destruction. The man of lawlessness will come and will make a covenant of peace with the Jews for 7 years (Dan. 9:27). They will honor this man, but to their own destruction. After 3 ½ yrs., this man will declare himself to be God, and will behead all who do not bow to him. Not until Israel has gone through 3 ½ yrs of the worst persecution in history will they cry out, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the LORD.”

"Why sit we here until we die?" 2Kings 7:3

This is a "morning devotional" by C.H. Spurgeon, the great British preacher.  I thought this was an insightful, encouraging message that I hope will be a blessing for you in these times.
********

Dear reader, this little book was mainly intended for the edification of believers, but if you are yet unsaved, our heart yearns over you: and we would fain say a word which may be blessed to you. Open your Bible, and read the story of the lepers, and mark their position, which was much the same as yours. If you remain where you are you must perish; if you go to Jesus you can but die. "Nothing venture, nothing win," is the old proverb, and in your case the venture is no great one. If you sit still in sullen despair, no one can pity you when your ruin comes; but if you die with mercy sought, if such a thing were possible, you would be the object of universal sympathy. None escape who refuse to look to Jesus; but you know that, at any rate, some are saved who believe in Him, for certain of your own acquaintances have received mercy: then why not you? The Ninevites said, "Who can tell?" Act upon the same hope, and try the Lord's mercy. To perish is so awful, that if there were but a straw to catch at, the instinct of self-preservation should lead you to stretch out your hand. We have thus been talking to you on your own unbelieving ground, we would now assure you, as from the Lord, that if you seek Him He will be found of you. Jesus casts out none who come unto Him. You shall not perish if you trust Him; on the contrary, you shall find treasure far richer than the poor lepers gathered in Syria's deserted camp. May the Holy Spirit embolden you to go at once, and you shall not believe in vain. When you are saved yourself, publish the good news to others. Hold not your peace; tell the King's household first, and unite with them in fellowship; let the porter of the city, the minister, be informed of your discovery, and then proclaim the good news in every place. The Lord save thee ere the sun goes down this day.

—Morning and Evening

Does God Hate Haiti?

Why did this quake happen at this time. Sure, Jesus tells us in Matt 24 that one of the signs of the end is earthquakes, famines, etc. increasing in the end time as birth pains. But why Haiti? My former seminary president Dr. Al Mohler comments on this on his blog. I thought it was particularly apt, as many are searching for answers in a time like this.

Does God hate Haiti? That is the conclusion reached by many, who point to the earthquake as a sign of God's direct and observable judgment.

God does judge the nations -- all of them -- and God will judge the nations. His judgment is perfect and his justice is sure. He rules over all the nations and his sovereign will is demonstrated in the rising and falling of nations and empires and peoples. Every molecule of matter obeys his command, and the earthquakes reveal his reign -- as do the tides of relief and assistance flowing into Haiti right now.

...

In other words, the earthquake reminds us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only real message of hope. The cross of Christ declares that Jesus loves Haiti -- and the Haitian people are the objects of his love. Christ would have us show the Haitian nation his love, and share his Gospel. In the midst of this unspeakable tragedy, Christ would have us rush to aid the suffering people of Haiti, and rush to tell the Haitian people of his love, his cross, and salvation in his name alone.

To read the full blog post, go to: http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/01/14/does-god-hate-haiti/