Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
The Coming "Snatching Away" of the Church - by pastor Mike Taylor - http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-coming-snatching-away-of-church.html
"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1st Thessalonians 4:15-17) I will start with the witness of our Lord and Savior's apostle to the Gentiles and taught personally by revelation of Jesus Christ glorified. I had been reading in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians this last weekend, and was just so swept away with Paul's testimony towards this Church that he founded in the name of Jesus. There is much controversy about what Paul was speaking of and it's timing. I will in this sermon address those controversies of factions of the religious community that read, what I feel, is not what Jesus, or Paul, John or Daniel was speaking of when it comes to these last days and the appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I get every now and then nay sayers to the concept of the church being removed out of the way and relying on works of the Torah, or relying on sacred names, which are works that cannot save us. Or they miss the plain word that this world will be receiving God's Divine Wrath upon a sinful world that is in full rebellion to His Holy Ways . The only substitution for redemption of the breaking of God's Commandments, is in the blood sacrifice of His Only Son, Jesus Christ, which they reject. Let us first go to 1st Thessalonians and read what Paul instructed this early church on what was coming, and was not only for their ears, but was written down for our admonition in these last days. As is typical for Paul in his letters, he greets them in love in his opening lines to each of the brethren written to. But in reading on down we come to the first hint that Paul was speaking of a coming event that is yet to transpire. In verse 9, he begins his first nugget of a truth that I have always embraced: 9 " For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (1st Thessalonians 1:9-10) Paul is writing to the church members and Revelation had not even been written yet by John as they are about 30 years apart. Paul speaks of wrath? What wrath from Who? Wrath from Almighty God is his reference point. You can find many examples of God's wrath to come, even starting in the Old Testament concerning what is coming: 4 "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. 5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries." (Psalms 110:4-6) Paul speaks of it in Hebrews (I believe Paul is the unmentioned author) concerning the wrath of God, 26 "Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:26-29) Of course, we can get a feel of God's wrath when we go to Revelation, but this book is not the only place that speaks of God's wrath, but we get the intensity and fierceness of what is coming: 13 "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 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; 16 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:" (Revelation 6:13-16) Understand one thing my reader, the coming time of tribulation is divine judgment on a world devoid of love for one another, and committing untold sinful acts in complete rebellion to God's Law and authority, and who have whole-hardheartedly rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the only payment for their sinful condition. Do we not understand that God will destroy up to 4/5 of all mankind in horrific environmental catastrophes and what only be assigned extraordinary Divine occurrences not known to man in modern times and can only be attributed to Almighty God? Let us guesstimate the carnage that will be inflicted on this world, if all of us were still on this planet and none of us were removed. Right now we are approaching or have eclipsed the 7 billion mark of humanity on this planet. If we somehow envision the destruction of 4/5 of all mankind, that would be 5.6 billion people dying a horrible death leaving a little more than 1 billion people left. God warned that He will punish the inhabitants of the earth. 19 "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. 20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." (Isaiah 26:19-21) (A clear passage in v. 19-20 of divine intervention and removal of His people before He slays mankind on earth. This is but one of numerous verses that speak of God removing His people out of the way before His judgment and wrath falls) Oh, I hear the naysayers who say that the last trump in the opening verses are the same trump that the 7th angel blows in Revelation, but fail to understand that Paul was speaking of a last trump associated with the Feast of Trumpets. For a detailed summary of my position on this gross error by some churches today, go to my blog and read "Confusion over End-time Events". In it the conflict over these trumpets will be explained as they are not the same, but are two separate events with 30 years between passages. Paul steps it up a bit in the next chapter of 1st Thessalonians : 1 "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ," (1st Thessalonians 5:1-9) How much more clear can Paul say it? Do you think that the coming of the Lord when He comes to rule on this planet for 1000 years will be proceeded in secret? Do you think He will come when they expect it not? Paul talks of sudden destruction, as woman in child labor will not escape the pain or the delivery of the baby. What fits this scenario, a sudden, without warning snatching away of children of light, to the horror of the children of darkness...OR would it be more plausible for them to be going about business as usual in the very run-up to the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ in the clouds of glory with great power (probably proceeded by a great appearance of fire and light, I hypothesize). With almost 6 billion people being consumed, dead bodies all around, animals eating the corpses of those slain, and the carnage of divine retribution in 7 short years, with the majority in the last half of this time period. Would it be business as usual? Let us examine the signs of His final appearing, shall we? Will it be business as usual? I think you know the answer! 6 " And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. 7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. 8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed." (Revelation 8:6-9, 12) Moving on down, 12 "And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise." Reading on down the horror that is unleashed by this fourth angel till we get to the fifth angel: 1"And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." (Revelation 9:1-4) More pain and suffering/death when the sixth angel sounds his trumpet: 13 "And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men." (Revelation 9:13-15) Then to the end of the chapter 9, descriptions of a most detailed description of what will befall rebellious mankind. Until, the seventh angel sounds his trumpet to unleash the final assault upon earth to turn them to repentance, but God knows that they will not. Does this sound like Jesus coming back to this earth as a thief? Will not men know that they are under divine retribution? Will the world that is present be nearly extinguished of all life from what it was prior to the beginning of the opening of the 1st Seal, as found in Revelation 6:1? Will men be going about business as usual? Men's hearts will be failing them from fear, over what is coming upon the earth as recorded in Luke : 25 'And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26) Sheer terror will reign supreme. Does this sound like business as usual? Naysayers, ask yourselves, does this sound like as in the time of day of Noah (Matthew 24:37), or does it sound like there is another time period prior to these events that addresses this more realistically and prophetically? Think on that a bit, as I return to Paul addressing the Thessalonians in 2nd Thessalonians. THE DAY OF THE LORD Here the church at Thessalonica was troubled, as false prophets had entered into their midst and were preaching that the "Day of the Lord" had already happened. I call them "Ancient Preterist" who believed that all things had been fulfilled, and we were just waiting for Jesus to come back, except this church at Thessalonica understood the Day of the Lord, as judgment and wrath, not a sign of joy. Paul admonished them: 4 "So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." (2nd Thessalonians 1:4-10) Paul re-teaches them what he had already told them concerning the coming "Day of the Lord". Why were they fearful? They believed that they had missed the coming of the Lord for His Church and were found wanting and not fit to be removed from the earth and were waiting for the judgment from God, which would mean they missed the greatest event in all of man-kind, next the crucifixion and resurrection of their Lord and ours, Jesus the Messiah. The removal, the snatching of the Church was being taught even in 1st century, but squashed by a "theocracy" that called themselves the "church of God" on earth, but were for power on earth, so the doctrine was hidden until modern times, as it was written for us, not them. Paul explains: 1 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" (2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3) Paul explains that this MUST happen first before the Great Day of the Lord, and His judgment upon earth. John reveals in Revelation that this man is revealed by a number: 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. "(Revelation 13:16-18) This is what Paul spoke of, and what John through the Revelation of Jesus Christ shared with us. He spoke again of this man. Going back to Paul, as he continues in chapter 2 of 2nd Thessalonians, 4 "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but hy pleasure in unrighteousness." (2nd Thessalonians 2:4-12) THE RUNNER UP TO THE ANTI-CHRIST No where in history after this time period has a man stood in the temple and claimed to be a god. Only once in the history of the nation of Israel had a man stood in the temple and claimed to be a god, and it was many centuries before this verse was penned by Paul. What he is telling us, is that prophecy has duality, or will repeat itself in our time, and remember, these verses were written for us in modern end times, not just of the church Paul and John wrote them to. Who was that man who stood in the temple and a fore runner of the modern Abomination who causeth Desolation, as Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:15? His name was Antiochus Epiphanies, and he made a statue of Zeus, with his face and put it in the Holy of Holys in the Temple of Jerusalem and proclaimed all must worship it on pain of death. He also sacrificed pigs on the altars of God, which were considered unclean. So this man defiled the temple that led to the Maccabean War and the observance of Hanukkah, or cleansing of the temple. As Jesus prophesied, and as John and Paul revealed, it will happen again. Let's look at verse 7 of this last passage. We, as watchmen on the wall, have hammered this home many, many times. Students, who is "only HE who now letteth will let, until HE be taken out of the way."? If you said the Holy Spirit, you receive an A+, as by interpretation in context, it is the only thing that is holding back Satan the devil, having full sway on this earth and attempting full destruction of mankind, along with receiving worship for himself. God will allow Satan complete ability to destroy mankind and allow men to follow their unrighteous ways. I like theNIV's interpretation of this same passage...let's look at it: (2nd Thessalonians 2:6-7 NIV), 6 "And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time 7: for the secret power of lawlessness is already at work: but the ONE who now holds it back will continue to do so till HE is taken out of the way." (emphasis mine). For me, this is a strong argument that the church has been removed out of the way, BEFORE the man of perdition, whose name equals 666, is revealed and stands in the temple of God, claiming to be God. God the Holy Spirit dwells each individual that belongs to Him and if the Holy Spirit is being withdrawn, then those He indwells will be leaving as well. Note that Jesus said that He would never leave us or forsake us, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20,hence He sent His Holy Spirit, as counselor, comforter, and guider of our walk with our Lord and Savior. If God's Holy Spirit is removed, based on the clear Word of our Lord, who cannot lie, we will be removed as well. Daniel chapter 9, and the Abomination that Causeth Desolation 26 "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (Daniel 9:26-27) I read where a national organized religion that split apart in the 80s, called the World Wide Church of God, interpreted that passage not to be the Anti-Christ, but the Messiah. Still in existence are splinter organizations who still adhere to this argument, in their attempt to discredit the concept that there will actually be an Anti-Christ, or argue against a 7 year tribulation. They are proponents of post-tribulation second coming and are anticipating, (no relishing) the idea of being slain in the Tribulation. When I read that explanation, I was aghast. I went to a website of theirs and pulled this text: "The most abused verse on the subject of the end times is Daniel 9:27, and it is a linchpin in the Pre-tribulation Rapture theory: 'Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. 'Unlike the Protestants, we believe that "he" in this verse refers to Messiah, not Antichrist, for the main subject of this section is Messiah. Richard Ritenbaugh, Prophecy Watch." True, the beginning of the passage deals with Jesus Christ, but He did not cease the sacrifices in the temple. It continue unabated until 70 AD when the Temple was leveled to the ground by Roman soldiers of Tiberius. Then they go onto to say that: "In Isaiah 28:15, we protestants and "a covenant with death," say that the Antichrist makes a peace treaty for one week-seven years-with the Jews. But this makes no sense! Why would the Beast "destroy the city [Jerusalem] and the sanctuary" (Daniel 9:26), and "then . . . confirm a covenant . . . for one week" In this analogy, they deny the clear implication of Daniel's 70 week prophecy that was interrupted when Messiah was cut off in year 483 of the prophecy. That leaves the last 7 years that must be completed for Israel to be saved and receive their Messiah. Obviously, they don't understand the time-line of history, or duality of prophecy. I think anyone, including this afore mentioned minister, is blinded by their ideology of a failed organization that proposed that the second return of Jesus Christ would be in 1972, hence many members of this denomination sold all they had, took no social security, or started living in caves. I recall the cry of "flee in 73" as their mantra. Did it happen? No, much like Harold Camping's failed prophecy, false prophets are all within the camp of the religious and doomed to their predictions of when or how Jesus will return. Now is Mr. Ritenbaugh a false prophet? I am not singling him out, but it is a mindset of many post tribbers that this promise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is suspect and that we all are all full of hogwash is rampant in this denomination and others just to be fair. Others in this camp, propose that when Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven to receive His church, that we will be changed. Yes, but then they propose that we turn right around or make a sharp U-turn and come right back down to do battle with the enemies of God. They site Zechariah chapter 14, when Jesus' feet touch the Mount of Olives. I asked one minister I know, "are we going up to just saddle up?" coming with Jesus on horses, dressed in linen, white and clean as Revelation chapter 19 shows? He had no answer. And what about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? He proposed it was poetic or an allegory....say what? This same minister pooh-poohs the Jewish wedding feast. Needless to say, we are not in agreement. Let's examine scripturally what Daniel was referring to and that a vast majority of theologians that are scripturally sound embrace. I take this from an online website to organize the thought process of examining this passage, which I totally agree with: Here are the Sixty nine (7 + 62) "WEEKS" that have already Happened.... "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be SEVEN WEEKS , and THREESCORE and TWO WEEKS: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times."( Daniel 9:25) "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined." ( Daniel 9:26) (note the caps of Prince, and prince, my emphasis. Two different "princes". Prince of Glory, and prince of this world) Here is the ONE "WEEK" that Remains " And he shall confirm the covenant with many for ONE WEEK : and in the MIDST of the WEEK he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (Daniel 9:27) Since God said he would deal with the Jews as a NATION for SEVENTY "WEEKS" and He promised to regather them nationally in the future in preparation for His Coming, then, God plans to deal with the NATION Israel in the future for ONE "WEEK" before He returns. To say that ONE WEEK of Daniel 9:27 has already happened (since God says He will regather Israel as a NATION) is to say there will be 71 WEEKS. To say that the week WILL NOT happen in the future is to say there are less than SEVENTY "WEEKS." Since we already know (from the 69 weeks that HAVE happened) that a "WEEK" is SEVEN YEARS, then, God must have a future dealing with the NATION Israel for SEVEN years." As I have said many times, Israel is the door to end time prophecy and Jerusalem is the key to that door. The Seventieth Week of Daniel's prophecy is future and deals with ISRAEL solely for their unbelief and to finish transgressions. Israel will embrace, finally, their Messiah and proclaim, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord"(Matthew 23:39.) Our Father and our Lord and Savior will purify Israel as silver is refined in the fire. 2 "But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. 4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years." (Malachi 3:2-4) When Jesus spoke in Matthew 24, concerning the Abomination that Causeth Desolation, His message was pointed straight at Israel. I envision that they are only ones who will remain..(.if any Gentiles, they will be minor in comparison) when Jesus returns for divine judgment and take possession of His creation by the sword of His mouth, by speaking only the Words. He will destroy all rebellion, which by my belief will be mainly unrepentant Gentiles, because the only ones who will listen to the 144,000 Evangelist from the 12 tribes of Israel, will be of the nation of Israel proper, or those scattered over the earth. Yes, some Gentiles will, but the focus is on restoring Israel. . How many will be blinded to the truth and take the mark of the Beast is conjecture on my part, but is is prophesied that God will send them a strong delusion...a lie........ 8 "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."(2nd Thessalonians 2:8-12) Note that if you are still here, then God will send you a strong delusion, A LIE, that you will believe because you want to. Your mind will have no protection, as the Holy Spirit is GONE, VANISHED, right along with His Church. Satan will have full sway, full unimpeded powers to deceive the human mind. Each of those left will embrace the false god of this world, known as the Anti-Christ, no matter what another religion might feed you. So as a watchman on the wall, I have given you witness of four of the major figures in your bible, John, Paul, Daniel, and the Master, Jesus our Messiah. I report, you decide. Understand, that I am not preaching to scare you, but to warn you. There is coming a day when salvation will be mostly for the Jewish people, as the Church Age has suddenly ended for you, and you have been caught flat footed. You were not ready, and Jesus has come, as He said He would. Won't you make yourself ready. Wanna know how? 16 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18) Then while we have little time left, witness to all you know... 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:8-11) Email me after reading John 3:16 then all of the Gospel of John, just who this man Jesus was, and IS....the great I AM, that I AM...Jehovah God. Repent for today is the day of salvation. This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying God's salvation in your life and heart. If you have need for counseling, prayer of needs, or just a friendly listening ear, send me an email to realteam1999@sbcglobal.net , or visit me online at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com , God bless you all, Till we meet at Jesus feet. Stopping the Formation of The Iranian War Machine - By Yaakov Lappin - http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=2226 The latest reported air strikes in Syria, targeting two bases that appeared to contain Iranian weapons depots, would seem to be the latest sign that Jerusalem's determination to stop Iran from building a war machine in Syria remains absolute and unshakable. The term "Iranian war machine" is how former Israeli national security adviser, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yaakov Amidror, described Iran's ambitions in Syria during a radio interview on Monday. It is a term that accurately describes what Iran is working to build in Syria--and what Israel is determined to nip in the bud--before Syria joins Lebanon in becoming a second Iranian proxy state. The massive explosions that resulted from the strikes were so powerful that they were registered as a 2.6 magnitude earthquake by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. It also indicated that heavy weapons--possibly surface-to-surface missiles with extended ranges and big warheads--were the target. If Iran had smuggled such weapons into Syria, their only conceivable target could be Israeli cities, sensitive strategic sites and military bases. In other words, Iran is continuing to try and build up its attack capabilities in Syria, and testing Jerusalem's determination to stop it. This is part of Iran's grand strategy of "a thousand cuts" in Syria, designed eventually to complete its takeover of the country, following the victory of the pro-Syrian President Bashar Assad alliance led by Iran and Russia. Conflicting reports emerged about casualties in the latest incident. This may be because Iran chose to enter a sphere of deniability over the latest strike. Not acknowledging the extent of the damage that Iran incurred would suit its interests because the weapons that were struck in those depots should not have been in Syria. Whatever did explode during the strikes, it is safe to assume, was part of Tehran's ongoing attempt to build up its strike capability. If left unchecked, the Iranians could try to mobilize military formations to the Israeli border via emerging land corridors connecting Iran to Syria. For years, Iran has used planes to smuggle weapons, proxy militia fighters and send its own military units into Syria, with many of these activities disrupted in the process. Israel's messaging has been persistent, despite the fact that the stakes are clearly going up. Israel will not allow Iran to proceed with its takeover plans for Syria and is not willing to step back from enforcing its red lines, irrespective of Iran's threats of retribution and Russia's concerns over the situation. At the start of April, Iran tried to create "new rules" for the escalating conflict between it and Israel on Syrian soil. In response to an alleged Israeli airstrike on an Iranian air base in central Syria, which killed several IRGC members, Iranian officials started openly threatening revenge. If Israel struck again on Sunday night, the resulting message appears to be that Iran can "keep score" all it likes of past strikes and can continue to threaten revenge, but this will not deter Israel from responding to intelligence of threatening activity that comes in. Taking Iran's threats seriously Israel's determination to protect its vital interests in Syria should not be confused with trivializing the Iranian threats. The Israeli defense establishment is taking Iran's vows to respond quite seriously. Iran can be expected to react in a way that would be painful for Israel, but still avert an escalation into a full-scale conflict. Yet such an option remains evasive for any Iranian strike that can be traced back to it could result in major Israeli counterstrikes on Iranian assets--be they in Syria or elsewhere. This high stake, low-profile conflict could escalate significantly if Hezbollah--Iran's proxy army in Lebanon--becomes involved. While no side is seeking all-out war, smaller incidents hold the potential of snowballing into larger conflicts; for this reason, threats of Iranian retaliation cannot be dismissed. A small display of Israel's capabilities The latest reported incidents have given Iran and its axis a taste of Israel's unparalleled intelligence and strike capabilities. The ability to track Iran's movements around the region with such accuracy--and to back up this intelligence with precision strike capabilities--is bound to make Iran think twice about how to respond. Moreover, a remarkable level of cooperation exists between Israel's air force, which acts as the police force in the skies, tracking and responding to violations of Israeli red lines; the Military Intelligence Directorate; and the IDF's C4i Branch, which built a cutting-edge digital military network. This cooperation has created new abilities for the Jewish state. The Iranians will have no choice but to take stock of these abilities when they consider their options in responding to the latest developments. An ability to strike two targets in northern Syria suggests an equal ability to conduct mass strikes with the same level of precision. Such capabilities would put many things that are dear to Iran in Syria at significant risk. Behind the Amad Project - A.V. Rauf - https://bibleprophecyfortoday.com/2018/05/01/behind-the-amad-project/ Just yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed a cache of files he claims were obtained from Iran from the Mossad in an overnight mission in an attempt to prove that Iran ran a secret program to build nuclear weapons. Iranian leaders have been insisting that their nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes. But Netanyahu on Monday unveiled tens of thousands of pages of documents that he states refutes those claims. It is being reported that half a ton of documents were taken in this coup. "Tonight I'm here to tell you one thing. Iran lied, big time," said Mr. Netanyahu. here is the clip and it is definitely worth a watch: https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bmpgaig54-k The real reason for Iran's development of nuclear weapons has to do with their religious beliefs, specifically speaking of Shi'a Islamic eschatology. The very name of their plan was revealed by Benjamin Netanyahu as "Project Amad". If you remove the modernization of the the Farsi language, it should be "Project Amahd. " AhMahd," would then be short for "Al-Mahdi." When studying Islamic eschatology, Al Mahdi is a central figure according to Shi'ite beliefs. Followers of this belief are also referred to as Hojjatieh Society. They are actually anticipating his return. Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad himself was a strong supporter of Al Mahdi and actually claimed to have met him. If you recall this former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the religious clerics were strong supporters in the belief that provoking nuclear war with Israel or America would ultimately quicken the arrival of Al Mahdi. Followers of the anticipated messianic figure, known as Hojjatieh Society, are considered to be a messianic sect of Islam that hope to hasten the advent of Al Mahdi and the coming of the Apocalypse. They also have been referred to as the "Twelvers." They also make up approximately 85% of Shi'a Islam, thus they are the majority and not the minority. It also bears mentioning that Shi'ites do not get along with Sunni Muslims. Thus, the ironic warming up of Saudi Arabia with Israel. Saudi Arabia does not support the Shi'ite views and are at odds with Iran. Thus, the ancient proverb: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend...." The Iranian Shi'a Twelvers also believe that a great war must occur in Syria until the country is completely destroyed. Does this explain the intense Iranian infiltration in Syria and their connection to the Syrian Civil War?? Watch the clip of Netanyahu's speech which reveals how close Iran is to acquiring nuclear weaponry. Furthermore, it is being reported that the mummified remains of former Iranian leader Reza Shah Pahlavi may have been discovered on Monday during construction at a shrine in Shahr-e Ray, south of Tehran. After the 1979 Revolution led by Ayatollah Khoumeni, the tomb was destroyed but his remains were never found. RezaShah Pahlavi symbolizes the type of government most Iranians want. A government that is secular, tolerant and modern. During the nationwide demonstrations that allegedly have continued to take place uninterrupted for weeks, it is his name that is being chanted. Could this be a bad omen for the current regime or could it be a harbinger to war with Israel. Persia appears very frequently in Jewish eschatology. In the Yalkut Shimoni, a compilation of rabbinic commentary on the Bible believed to have been composed in the 13th century, Persia's role in the end-of-days is outlined in detail: Rabbi Hillel Weiss, a professor emeritus at Bar Ilan University and spokesman for the nascent Sanhedrin, stated the following: "Of course Iran has a role in the Third Temple, and it is clear that the Iranians want to be a part of this....."The year in which Melech Hamashiach (Messiah king) will be revealed, all the nations of the world will be provoking each other...The king of Persia will provoke the King of Arabia. The King of Arabia, will go to Edom to take counsel and the King of Persia will threaten to destroy the entire world. The nations of the world will be outraged and panic. They will fall on their faces and will experience pains like birth pangs. Israel too, will be outraged and in a state of panic ask, "Where do we go?" (Yalkut Shimoni, Isaiah, 60:499) Is there about to be a regime change in Iran? Aren't the nations of the world especially after Netanyahu's speech going to be outraged? Keep in mind that President Trump as until May 12, 2018 to determine whether or not the U.S. will continue to support or undermine the nuclear deal with Iran that was confirmed in 2015 that lifted sanctions on Iran. The six nations present in this deal included the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and China. Is it a coincidence that the Prime Minister Angela Merkel of Germany and Emmanual Macron, President of France just visited Trump in the White House this week! Will the possible preempting Iranian acquisition of nuclear weapons lead to launching strikes into Iran courtesy of Israel after what Benjamin Netanyahu just revealed? As the 70th anniversary of Jerusalem approaches (Gregorian calendar), things are about to get very interesting and what was written in the Bible thousands of years ago by the prophets is rapidly coming to pass. (see previous post: https://bibleprophecyfortoday.com/2018/04/23/coming-soon-to-a-theatre-near-you/ On a final note, where as many Christians see the death of Billy Graham as the possible precursor to the rapture of the church as confirmed by his own daughter: https://bibleprophecyfortoday.com/2018/03/05/will-his-death-indeed-bring-the-end-of-the-church-age/ I have another theory and it is just sheer speculation but I tend to believe it. In my humble opinion, Chuck Missler, one of the most brilliant Bible teachers and a distant mentor to me via Koinonia House, passed into the Presence of the Lord. He was 83 years old and transitioned peacefully from his residence in New Zealand. I met him in person once but gained much prophectic insight through studying the Bible and many of his teachings pertaining to eschatalogy. I just have a hunch that we will see him as well as the many saints that have gone before us in the presence of the LORD, very, very, very soon. Maranatha! News from Hal Lindsey Media Ministries - Hal Lindsey - www.hallindsey.com 15 months into the presidency of Donald J. Trump, events are unfolding faster and with greater intensity than ever. There's been hardly a moment to catch one's breath. Between the surrealistic developments on the Korean peninsula and the surrealistic -- and sinister -- machinations of the soft-coup unfolding in Washington, D.C., it's difficult to know where to focus our attention: Seoul? Damascus? Tehran? Moscow? Israel? The South China Sea? Western Europe? Eastern Europe? The U.S.-Mexican border? Silicon Valley? Hollywood? The Swamp? One thing is certain, though, the end-times scenario is gaining a head of steam that makes every day exciting and possibly momentous. So I decided to take a breather and recharge my batteries a bit before heading into the hot months ahead. I'm taking a couple of weeks off. In my absence, this week and next I will present encore presentations of "2017: The Prophetic Year in Review", parts one and two. When Jesus was describing conditions just previous to the end of this Age, He said "you will hear of wars and rumors of war." (Matthew 24:6) In a broad sense, that's true of all years. But 2017 was different. It was rife with rumors of warfare at a level perhaps never seen on earth before. Two nations figured prominently in those threats. One or both of them may one day make up part of an alliance known in Biblical prophecy as the "kings from the east." (Revelation 16:12) Of course, I'm speaking of China and North Korea. The Eurasia Group says that China leads all geopolitical risks in the coming year. To begin with, their war production is off-the-charts. Their state of the art factories are working round the clock producing futuristic weapons specifically designed to defeat the strengths of the United States military. And some of them, such as the DF-17 missile that utilizes hypersonic glide technology, have western military leaders worried. China is even working feverishly to engineer genetically-modified super-soldiers. Just how serious is China? Recently, China's president Xi Jinping gave a three hour speech outlining China's plans for world domination within 30 years. And that was just what he was willing to reveal in public! It goes without saying that 2017's poster boy for rumors and threats of war was North Korea's maniacal dictator Kim Jong-un. During the year, North Korea tested a series of ICBMs that eventually yielded a missile potentially capable of striking any target in the United States -- or the world, for that matter. Kim also boasted that North Korea had tested its first hydrogen bomb. Seismic data from that region suggests that he may have been telling the truth. What's more worrisome is that in December, Kim's regime announced that it will continue preparing "pre-emptive attacks with nuclear force." "Pre-emptive" means they're getting ready to fire the first shot. As a result, nations across the Pacific region began seriously preparing their responses to a nuclear conflict. And just as 2017 was fading into the sunset, reports came from Japan that North Korea is already loading anthrax into ICBMs. The presence of anthrax in the blood of a recent defector seems to confirm that North Korea is engaged in a serious bioweapons program. How's that for "rumors of war?" In 2017, European leaders may have finally begun to see how vulnerable they are to the Muslim migrants they have been welcoming for decades. Turkey's Foreign Minister warned his counterparts that they "...have begun to collapse Europe... Holy wars will soon begin in Europe." In the Netherlands, in order to get re-elected, the liberal Prime Minister had to sound like an ultra-nationalist! He took out a full-page newspaper ad telling migrants, "Act normal or go away... go back to Turkey." That's a complete U-turn! Sweden still appears to be living in denial. That nation began accepting large numbers of Muslim in 1975. Since then, violent crime has risen 300%. Rapes have increased 1,472% through 2014. We receive e-mails from older Swedish citizens dejectedly telling us that they no longer recognize their nation -- and that they are afraid to go out at night. Many of them will only leave home in groups. The bottom line is this. No matter what Angela Merkel, the mayor of London, or the leaders of the EU say, most European Muslims are NOT assimilating! In April of 2017, the citizens of Turkey narrowly voted for constitutional amendments that removed all the checks and balances from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's power. And for a man who has long held delusions of a worldwide Islamic caliphate with himself in charge, that promises to be a dangerous thing. Already, Erdogan has taken steps to establish a Turkish military presence in the Persian Gulf. The Jerusalem Post reports that his next goal is the Red Sea: "While Iran has taken the world's attention, Turkey is stealthily pursuing its goal of developing a military and intelligence infrastructure on the Red Sea." What makes developments in Turkey even more interesting is that perhaps the biggest prophetic story of 2017 was the historic alignment of Turkey with Russia and Iran. Ezekiel 38 gives a list of nations that will one day launch a massive assault on Israel. Two of the nations are Russia and Persia, or modern Iran. Several of the smaller nations listed correspond to places now within the boundaries of modern Turkey. How could Ezekiel have seen this alliance of unlikely nations 2,600 years ago when even 10 years ago it would have seemed absurd? (That's a rhetorical question, of course. We all know how!) Russia and Iran are traditional enemies. Two years ago, Russia and Turkey were at each others' throats. But with stunning speed, Turkey has joined an active alliance with Russia and Iran. From a secular standpoint, it is unbelievable. From a prophetic perspective, it is inevitable. 2017 closed with the people of Iran once more in the streets protesting their despotic government. What started as demonstrations against the mullahs' economic oppression has morphed into a revolt against their involvement in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. People in the streets have been chanting, "Death to Hezbollah!" Why? Because that's where their money's going. After President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran removed the sanctions and allowed them to go full-bore selling their oil and gas, money has been flowing into Iran. Their coffers should be overflowing. But they're not. As fast as it comes in, Iran is spending the money to build up its own military, arm Hamas in Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. Now, they want to build missile factories in Syria. In other words, the money from Iran's oil and gas sales has not helped the Iranian people. (Did ANY sane person really believe it would?) Instead, it has funded foreign adventures for the power-hungry mullahs who rule Iran. (And EVERY sane person knew that it would!) In 2017, America was still fighting in Afghanistan. Why? Because we are at war with the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and ISIS, all of whom are still fighting in Afghanistan. And as 9/11 proved, Afghanistan is important to American security at home. Speaking of ISIS, in 2017 it was largely defeated on the traditional battlefield. Most of its strongholds in Iraq and Syria were retaken. But the ghosts of ISIS remain. And they haunt the world. In 2017, what ISIS called "officially endorsed operations" included actions in Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. ISIS lost a lot in 2017, but they have not gone away. Finally, 2017 brought more of the same turmoil and world condemnation that has characterized Israel's history. From the Palestinian rioting over the metal detectors placed at the Temple Mount entrances to its condemnation as an "apartheid regime" by a United Nations agency. When Donald Trump became President, PA president Mahmoud Abbas journeyed to the White House. He was effusive in his praise of the new President. He applauded his "leadership... courage... wisdom." He tried to flatter Mr. Trump with talk of "your great negotiating ability." In English, he added, "Now, Mr. President, with you we have hope." By the end of the year, things had changed. On December 6, President Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. At that point, Abbas decided to cut the United States out of any peace process. Though Abbas tried desperately to form a united government with Hamas, those efforts seem to be failing. A scholar at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, Dr. Ely Karmon, said, "Hamas is just waiting for Abbas to die." Meanwhile, Hamas remains committed to terrorism and they have increasingly close ties with Iran and Hezbollah. Folks, things are definitely heating up! If you've not been serious about getting ready to leave this world when Jesus comes back for us, don't waste another moment! I'll continue "2017: The Prophetic Year in Review" next week with Part Two. Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com . Check your local listings. Daily Jot: National identity and personal salvation - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com There was a story last week that socialist Senator Bernie Sanders was going to introduce a bill to provide guaranteed government jobs for everyone in America. Rasmussen Reports conducted a poll of 1,000 likely voters and found that 46% supported the idea. This is true socialism-you and I would be forced to pay enough taxes to support guaranteed jobs for everyone. Someone might say this is biblical because in Acts 4:32 the early church "were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that any of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." This was voluntary, not compelled by the government. It, therefore, was not socialism, but rather Christian care for one another. That even Christians would think it OK for the government to give everyone jobs and those who don't have government jobs would be forced to pay for it is an indication that there is no longer much national identity as an American. What made America great in the past is that as a free people, we had the courage to stand against such tyranny not promote it. It came from within the heart and soul of being an American. This rugged individualism and independence characterized Americans. Where has it gone? Our national identity was that of a Christian nation. Even if not all the people were Christian, they recognized that Christian morals were an acceptable and preferred qualification for leadership. The vacuum of leadership politically and spiritually in this nation has left much of it a dry, amoral place of apathy. The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:17-19, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:13-14, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" Jesus said in Matthew 24:23, "Then if any man shall say unto you Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not." Our national identity and, more importantly, our personal salvation is diluted tremendously if we, as Peter put it, "scarcely be saved." If America's preachers are so intent on preaching/teaching a self indulgent, extra Biblical and emotional version of the Christ, then what Christ are we following--the real Son of God, crucified and risen, for our sins, or some humanist version of Christ that fits a social or political extra-biblical gospel? It is here, not on the national policy front, that we as a people have lost our identity. This should be a serious personal consideration that gives weight to the working out of salvation with fear and trembling. Daily Devotion: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. -2 Timothy 4:7 In the Greek games, a judge would stand at the finish line holding laurel leaves in plain sight. This was the reward given to the victor. As the runner came around that last stretch, feeling exhausted and unable to go another inch, he would catch a glimpse of the prize in the judge's hands. And then a new burst of energy would kick in. That is the picture we find in Hebrews 12:1-2. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (NKJV). Looking unto Jesus. . . . This keeps us going. We can get discouraged in the spiritual race. People let us down. They disappoint us. They don't appreciate our hard work. They don't see our efforts. They don't see our real motives. They criticize us. But we say, "I'm not running for you. I'm running for the Lord, and I'll keep going." We have to keep our eyes on Jesus Christ. Our prize is the crown of righteousness that He will give to us. That is why we live the Christian life. That is why we try to reach people for Him. It is not for applause. It isn't for notoriety. It is so we can hear Jesus say to us on that final day, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" If this were your last day on Earth, would you be able to say with the apostle Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV)? Would you have any regrets? FROM THE HEART
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