Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Ennochous - Pete Garcia -
http://www.omegaletter.com/articles/articles.asp?ArticleID=8674 The rapture is one of the most ridiculous concepts ever derived from the pages of Holy Scripture. Who actually believes that one day, all the Christians in the world will suddenly disappear? If the rapture is biblical, then why is the word rapture not in the bible? If the rapture as a theological doctrine is true, then why is it firmly niched in either the conspiracy theory or science fiction section of every major bookstore? If the rapture is true, then why don't more churches teach it? If the rapture is true, then why are there so many versions of it being taught? Which version is true? If the rapture is true, why is the ONLY time we ever hear about it on the news, is when some ignoramus has publicly made a prediction that the world will end on such and such date? Wasn't the rapture something dispensationalists invented back in the 19th-century? I am pretty sure you have heard all these before. I know I have. Apart from all the false-date setters continually trying to kick-start the apocalypse, the Rapture of the Church as an actual event, sounds preposterous. By today's feasibility standards, the Rapture ranks right up there with Noah's flood and the parting of the Red Sea. About the only legitimacy the Rapture actually has going for it is that it is absolutely demonstrated and taught in both the Old and New Testament. The Rapture of the Church is included in what we call Bible prophecy. Bible prophecy is largely included in the doctrine we know as eschatology, which simply means, the study of last things. All of bible prophecy centers on two main events, either Christ's first coming, or His second. As to the word "Rapture," the actual word for it in the Greek is harpazo. The Greek word harpazo was later translated rapiemur by Jerome in his fourth century Latin Vulgate. The bible then largely stayed in Latin for the next thousand years. Once the English variants courtesy of Wycliffe, Tyndale, and others began to make the English-speaking bibles, the word rapiemur was simply translated into "caught up" as they mean the same thing. This was later transliterated from its Latin form, into the English word rapture in 1738 by the Reverend Philip Doddridge in his commentary on the New Testament. He was the first person to call the harpazo or the rapiemur, the "Rapture." When we talk about the Rapture of the Church as a doctrine, the most immediate and obvious connection to it is with the Pre-Tribulation Rapture position. That is because of two extremely popular books, the Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey, and the Left Behind series by the late Tim LaHaye. However, outside of Christendom, no one really knows and/or cares about the other rapture positions like Mid-Trib, Pre-Wrath, or even Post-Trib. Regrettably, in the post-modern era, the Rapture is something the world and a growing portion of the confessing church have a hard time digesting in the 21st-century. The reality is that most churches today DO NOT teach about the rapture or any other portion of bible prophecy because either they were not taught it themselves, or they find it too controversial. You would be hard pressed these days to find churches teaching and/or incorporating eschatology in any consistent way outside of certain Calvary Chapels, and perhaps a few Southern Baptist or charismatic churches. Even still, the aforementioned denominations are under a multi-pronged assault regarding eschatology from within Christendom. The first assault comes in the form of Reformed and Covenant theology, who largely apply a preterist or amillennial hermeneutic that denigrates any serious study of prophecy. Another attack comes from the proponents of liberal theology who seek to abolish any mention of the next life, leaving their parishioners solely focused on the here and now. Not only these, but also many more seek to corrupt existing doctrines, especially eschatology. Assessment One could not be on the fence when reading through the pages of the book of Genesis. You are either awestruck at its audacity, or dismissive of the incredible claims and accounts told there. However, since the late 19th-century, a growing segment of the professing church have increasingly begun denying it's supernatural accounts, or trying to explain them away with human reasoning. Many reckon that the idea of a Supreme Being speaking the universe into existence (ex nihilo) is somehow crazier than believing that all came about accidentally over billions of years. While the 19th-century orthodox church was busy combating the rise and obvious heretical movements like Jehovah Witnesses, Mormonism, Christian Scientists, etc., a subtle and inherently more dangerous philosophy was quietly being introduced to universities and seminaries across the US and Europe, Uniformitarianism. Uniformitarianism (or the doctrine of gradualism), is an unscientific philosophy that posits that the past and the future, are inextricably linked to what you see in the present. In geology and for most if not all the sciences, uniformitarianism is the foundation from which they all begin. It starts with the premise that the earth and universe are millions billions of years old, and that only over those billions of years could life come to be. Uniformitarianism is foundational to Darwin's Theory of Evolution, the Big Bang Theory, and any number of secular theories on the how, when, and why life began. And the foundation for uniformitarianism is that we were NOT created, but are here because of some cosmic accident due solely to natural processes. Granted, any scientist worth their salt will admit (albeit reluctantly) that uniformitarianism cannot be directly attributed to the scientific method and thus is a philosophy. This is because whether we are talking about geology, anthropology, biology, etc., gradualism by its very definition, is not observable, testable, nor repeatable. Neither can it substantiate its conclusions without numerous built-in presuppositions. In addition, any evidence gathered today is done so with the predication that all variables remain constant and based off a modern standard of measurement. Therefore, although they cannot test nor repeat the acts of creation ex nihilo, they conclude uniformitarianism is the only "educated" place to begin. They do so in an attempt to recreate a world without God. Unfortunately, this philosophy has crept into the professing church and even now into the ranks of evangelicals as logical or reasonable. While a growing number of Baptist churches identify themselves "reformed" or "covenantal" and would agree with a literal approach to Genesis, they seemingly have no issue dismissing the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. This is what I call theological cognitive dissonance. Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." 2 Peter 3:3-4 What is of interest for today's brief regarding the doctrine of the Rapture and the Genesis account, is a seemingly innocuous event. Snuggled comfortably between the days of Creation, humanity's fall, Cain and Abel, and the world-ending catastrophic flood of Noah's day was a man named Enoch. Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Genesis 5:21-24 It is a seemingly inconspicuous passage about a man who goes missing. In fact, so unremarkable is the mention that only the careful student of Scripture would catch the subtle difference in the genealogical table where Enoch is inserted. And then we do not hear about Enoch again (in the Bible) until the first century when the apostle Paul (writing to the Hebrews), gives a little more detail into what actually transpired in the Genesis 5:24 account. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 So now we have the Genesis 5:24 issue of what happened to Enoch historically and theologically settled. Enoch did not die, but rather, was translated (metatithēmi) early so that he did not physically die. Although his mention is brief, there may be more to the story when we take the first six chapters of Genesis together as a whole. Enoch remains one of three candidates who will likely take up the mantel as one of the Two Witnesses inside Daniel's 70th Week (aka...the Tribulation) (Revelation 11:1-12). The most obvious candidates are Enoch, Elijah, and Moses. From what is described in terms of supernatural powers afforded them, we tend to think of Moses and Elijah as being the two most obvious given they represent both the Law and the Prophets. That view is reinforced by the fact both of these men appeared with Christ at His transfiguration (Matt. 17, Mark 9:10). However, we know one of them must be Elijah since Malachi 4:5 states Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. The question then becomes is it necessary for Enoch to come also, since he is the only other person in biblical history that never physically died? Because the Two Witnesses are killed in Rev. 11:7, this seems to reinforce Hebrews 9:27, which states that it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. Furthermore, Enoch was also prophet according to the book of Jude. Although much has been attributed to Enoch by way of non-canonical, extra-biblical writings, we can at the very least say, he prophesied about the end of days. So whether it is Moses or Enoch, we cannot say definitively. Both make interesting candidates for being one of the Two Witnesses. Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." Jude 1:14-15 I have always been fascinated with the terminology people use or come up with to describe the varying ages (or epochs) mankind has passed through. Whether it was the pre-historic past, the Bronze Age, the Dark Ages, the Renaissance, Age of Enlightenment, or the Industrial Revolution, experts love to pigeonhole whole periods of time by some determinable trait unique to the time. According to the experts, we today are in any number of ages; the fourth turning point, the Industrial Revolution 4.0, post-modern era, post-Christian era, the Age of Information, etc. But to the observant Christian, we are in simply what the Bible calls, the last days; But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come...2nd Timothy 3:1-4. But to be fair, the apostles Paul (Hebrews 1:2) and John (1 John 2:18) concluded that they (in the first century) were already in the last days and even the last hour. Preterists, Amillennialists, and other Christian skeptics use those passages to justify their eschatological position that everything that would happen prophetically, already has. However, this is a blatant denial of scriptural truth.
Conclusion So we go back to the man Enoch. Aside from a couple of mentions in genealogical tables, we have two passages about his life, and one direct quote from him in the whole of the Bible. His life demonstrated the reason why he was taken, because He pleased God. His translation reinforces the principle that God does not judge the righteous with the wicked. Lastly, Enoch's words reassure us that judgment is coming, and that God will finally bring his justice to the earth when He returns WITH His saints. Thus, we have the summary of Enoch's life in four verses, yet, they reveal so much about God's character in dealing with mankind. The first act of grace was with God's covering of Adam and Eve with skins as they were sent from the Garden of Eden. They represent all of mankind. (Gen. 3:21) The second act of grace was with God sparing Cain after he murdered his brother. Although worthy of immediate judgment, God allows Cain to go his own way and his descendants would make up the wicked who are judged in the flood of Noah's day. They represent the wicked of all ages. (Gen. 4:1-24, 6:1-4) The third act of grace is with Enoch, who by faith pleased God and thus never tasted death. Even by naming his son Methuselah, would serve as a warning to the Antediluvian peoples. Although he represents the righteous of all ages, his peculiar focus on the Second Coming (not the flood) seems to place him with that of the church, who is delivered before the start of the judgment (the Tribulation). The last act of grace is with Noah and family. They represent the Tribulation survivors who live through the judgment and go on to repopulate the earth (as they will repopulate the earth in the millennium). Even So, Maranatha! Will the West cede the Golan Heights to a psychopath? - By Moshe Ya'alon and Yair Lapid - https://www.timesofisrael.com/will-the-west-cede-the-golan-heights-to-a-psychopath/ We call on the US to lead an international process to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the territory We live in a world full of complex diplomatic dilemmas, but for once here is a simple one: Would you take an area that is flourishing in a western democratic state, where fifty thousand people of different religions and ethnicities live in harmony, and hand it over to a violent dictatorship ruled by the worst mass murderer of our time so that he can destroy the area and murder most of the residents? If your answer is "no" then you support recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In 1981 Israel applied its law to the Golan Heights. The Syrians insisted it be returned to them. Most countries, including the United States, have avoided taking a clear position. We believe it's time to get off the fence. The Golan Heights is a unique story in the Israeli-Arab conflict. It's a mountainous region of around 695 square miles (around the size of a medium-sized ranch in Texas), in the north of Israel. It's worth noting, of course, that it is entirely unrelated to Israel's conflict with the Palestinians. Not a single Palestinian lives in the Golan Heights. Historically, the Golan is known as the biblical land of Bashan from the book of Deuteronomy. Just recently a major renovation of a 4th century Jewish synagogue was completed and in archaeological excavations a coin from 67 CE was discovered with an inscription which read, "For the redemption of Jerusalem the Holy." It is an area with a long and deep Jewish connection. The Syrians, on the other hand, ruled over the Golan Heights for only 21 years; between the years 1946 and 1967. During those years they turned the Golan into a military base, rained rocket fire on the Israeli communities which are under the Golan Heights and tried to divert Israel's critical water sources to dry the country out. In 1967, during the Six Day War, the Golan Heights was liberated by Israel. In the 51 years since then Israel developed the Golan Heights and turned it into an impressive center of nature reserves and tourism, with high-tech agriculture, award winning wines, a flourishing food-tech industry and in-demand boutique hotels. The Druze population of the Golan Heights, who make up about half the population, were granted all the same rights as any other citizen in Israel, as would be done in any genuine democracy. On the other side of the border, life went in the other direction; in the past seven years President Assad has massacred over a half a million of his own people and his actions led to the displacement of 11 million more. He let the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah, the largest terror organizations in the world, into Syria. He encouraged Shia militias from Iraq and elsewhere to flood into Syria. It is a dark regime led by a psychopath supported by the most malevolent forces on earth today. The man who didn't hesitate to use chemical weapons against women and children, continued to demand the Golan Heights in the name of "international law." The fact that anyone in the Western world still takes that argument seriously is worse than naivete - it is insanity. Does his monstrous behavior have no cost? Do we live in the world without any sense of reward and punishment? The fact that the Golan Heights is under Israeli rule is the only thing that saved it from the Syrian valley of death, which is collapsing under the weight of violence and destruction. The international community, led by the United States, needs to do the simple thing: To announce that they see the world as it is. We call on the American administration and both parties - Republicans and Democrats - to lead an international process of recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. It is historically just, it is strategically smart and it will allow the United States to extract a price from Assad for his despicable behavior without putting boots on the ground in Syria. Has it Already Started? - By Daymond Duck - http://www.raptureready.com/2018/07/01/already-started-daymond-duck/ A few weeks ago, Israeli Prime Min. Netanyahu was talking about Israel's conflict with Iran and Hezbollah in Syria; and he said, "It is not over." He recently saw fit to repeat that statement. I have often said everything Jesus said is important, but the things He said more than once are very, very important. When Mr. Netanyahu deliberately repeats something, it is very, very important. On June 21, 2018, Israel Today Magazine carried an article by Yochanan Visser titled "ANALYSIS: Has Iran's Multi-Front War Against Israel Already Begun?" Every good student of Bible prophecy knows that Prime Min. Netanyahu was right when he said, "It is not over," but Mr. Visser's article generates at least three questions. One, has the Psa. 83 War started (if there is one because some writers include it as part of the Battle of Gog and Magog)? Two, are the events that are taking place in Syria a prelude to the destruction of Damascus (Isa. 17)? Three, is the Battle of Gog and Magog on the horizon (Ezek. 38-39)? First, concerning the possibility that the Psa. 83 War has started; since March 30, 2018, under the influence of Iran, thousands of Hamas terrorists and Palestinians have been rioting in Gaza, firing rockets and mortars into Israel, sending helium-filled balloons with bombs into Israel, etc. These crude weapons have destroyed thousands of acres of Israeli crops and forests. And the Hamas terrorists and Palestinians say they plan to keep doing it. Dozens of Hamas terrorists and Palestinians have been killed and thousands have been wounded. About 200,000 Israelis are sent scurrying to bomb shelters every night. Israeli officials say they have plans to stop it, they are prepared for war, they will be forced to launch a major invasion of Gaza soon, etc. Three days before the Visser article, the situation was bad enough to cause the UN Sec. Gen. Antonio Guterres to warn the UN Security Council that Israel and Gaza are "close to the brink of war." Second, concerning the destruction of Damascus, troops from Syria and Iran recently attacked targets in a de-confliction zone established by Russia in agreement with the U.S. on Syria's border with Israel and Jordan. The U.S. and Israel had both warned Syria and Iran not to attack these targets, but they did it anyway. Thousands of people have fled the area in anticipation of a widening war. Syria and Iran want to take control of this area to create a way to get behind Israeli troops on the Golan Heights and expand the war against Israel. Many think it is unwise for Syria and Iran to ignore the clear warnings of Pres. Trump and Prime Min. Netanyahu. On June 26, 2018, a large Iranian cargo plane landed at the Damascus International airport in Damascus, Syria. The plane was struck by two Israeli missiles while it was being unloaded. There are contradictory reports on what happened, but one source said the plane exploded and many people were killed. Third, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog, the U.S. doesn't believe Syria and Iran would attack targets in the de-confliction zone in Syria without the permission of Russia. The U.S. was recently proven right when Russian jets provided air cover for another attack in the de-confliction zone. Since that attack, Iran has started massing troops in Syria near the Golan Heights on Israel's border with Syria. This confirms that Iran is not satisfied with the territory they now hold. Iranian and Hezbollah troops keep moving closer and closer to Israel's border with Syria (or should I say closer and closer to their destruction). On June 26, 2018, loud explosions were heard near the Golan Heights. Sources said Syria was firing anti-aircraft missiles at Israeli jets. On that same day, Syrian and Iranian-backed Hezbollah troops violated a Syrian-Israeli agreement and took illegal possession of an abandoned UN post in a demilitarized zone on the Golan Heights. This writer can't predict whether Israel will respond or not, but Israel has made it clear that the Israeli military is aware of the illegal presence of those troops, and the Israeli military may have to remove them by force. It is anyone's guess as to whether or not the prophesied wars have started, but the conflict is definitely not over, and it is growing more serious with each passing day. Incidentally, before I close, on June 25, 2018, the value of Iran's currency plummeted against the dollar and massive protests broke out in Tehran. Protesters chanted "death to Syria" and "our enemy is here, not the U.S." A report on June 25, 2018, by The Times of Israel staff said: "Videos posted to social media showed protesters chanting: 'No to Gaza, no to Lebanon' and 'Leave Syria and think of us.' Chants of 'We don't want the ayatollahs' and 'Death to the dictator' were also heard at some rallies." The Mullahs of Iran badly need silver and gold, cattle and goods (Ez. 38:11-12). Prophecy Plus Ministries, Inc. Daymond & Rachel Duck duck_daymond@yahoo.com News from Hal Lindsey Media Ministries - Hal Lindsey - www.hallindsey.com Conservative commentator Molly Hemmingway made an interesting observation yesterday. She noted that two days ago, the Left was in complete outrage that children were being "ripped away from their parents" at the border. Around mid-afternoon yesterday, Justice Anthony Kennedy announced that he was retiring from the Supreme Court. That gives President Trump the historic opportunity to nominate another constitutionalist justice to the high court. Immediately, the same liberals who were screaming about children being ripped away from their mothers at the border began screaming that they were going to lose the right of mothers to rip babies from their wombs. I don't believe it takes too much intellect to see the dichotomy -- and hypocrisy -- here. That's why I think it's not a case of smarts, but a case of sin. Just as the Left is placing the "rights" of illegal immigrants above the rights of American citizens, so it is placing the "rights" of women above the rights of precious, defenseless not-yet-born children. I shudder to think of the judgment for such a grievous sin that God has reserved for America. And I have no doubt that our Founding Fathers would be grieved as well. That's why each Fourth of July, I devote this program to a review of what it is that makes the United States of America so unique and blessed of God. And each year, I sense that we are edging closer to the loss of that blessing and protection. Our nation exists today because her founders recognized their dependence on God and acknowledged it in the foundation and framework of this magnificent house we call the United States of America. We dismiss that recognition at our peril. The United States of America is the world's only superpower. Its economy is the engine that drives the world. Even in our difficult times, it is still the cornerstone on which the global economy rests. Twice in one century, the United States saved Europe, and the rest of the world, from the domination of tyrants. Later, America drove the Soviet Empire into the ground and, in so doing, secured freedom for untold millions of citizens and scores of nations. It is undeniable that, to this day, America remains the last, best hope of the world's oppressed. Yet the United States of America exists in the shadow of an uncertainty. Have you ever thought about the fact that even our National Anthem acknowledges that it is possible to forfeit or lose the magnificent heritage that is the United States of America? When Francis Scott Key penned the words to The Star Spangled Banner, he ended the first verse (which is the one customarily performed as our nation's official anthem) with a question: "O' say does that star spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?" Whether he was being prophetic or simply poetic is not important. His inclusion of that question rightly implies that America's great freedom and promise cannot be taken for granted. It came into existence through the great courage and sacrifice of our forebears. It can fade from existence through the antipathy and apathy of its current and future citizens. That's why so many of our Founding Fathers found it imperative to insist that the form of government they established can only prosper if the citizenry is predominantly Judeo-Christian. They minced no words when they proclaimed that our democracy can only succeed if it remains founded on the principles of Christianity and respectful of its Judeo-Christian roots. Yet, today as no time in our history, those very roots and principles are under ferocious attack. It's as if major players in our society have hoisted their axes, determined to chop away at the roots of our democracy until the magnificent tree of American freedom shivers and falls. That's why there is no time to lose. As Christians and patriots, we must seek God's mercy for our faltering nation. The forces of darkness have succeeded in marshaling their greatest assault yet. And the speed with which recent changes have weakened the basic foundations of our society is nothing compared to what we may see in the coming years. If we are to see our nation saved, we must earnestly call out to God, repent of our sins as a nation, and humble ourselves before Him. As we languish in the summer doldrums, pray earnestly every day for our beloved nation. Pray that truth will be revealed. Pray that blinders will be removed. Pray that God will exalt Himself through the testimony of His people. And pray that He will watch over and protect this "shining city on a hill" that truly owes its success and glory to His precepts. America celebrates its independence in a few days. Join me as I pose this most critical question: "Does the Flag Still Wave?" 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. I wish all of you a "Happy Independence Day!" Remember, amid the fun and festivities take time to reflect on this precious gift that God has given us and our world: The United States of America! And take time to thank God for the men and women who gave their all to buy our freedom and to keep it. May God bless you and your family and may God always bless America! Daily Jot: Day of Liberty Part I--The Situation - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com Rasmussen Reports that a survey of 1,000 likely voters conducted June 21-24 indicated that 59% of all voters are concerned that those opposed to President Donald Trump's policies will resort to violence, and 31% believe there will be a second Civil War within five years. Couple this with a former president praising the "resistance" efforts of Organizing For America, Antifa and other organizations; Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) calls for people to deny food services to those who agree with Trump. Democrats are embracing Democrat Socialist Congressional nominee Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's call for a "progressive" revolution. As we approach Independence Day, our country faces a threat to all liberty. What do these liberals and the vast majority of Democratic Party officeholders have in common? They fancy themselves as "progressives." This is a polite, politically acceptable name for socialists or communists. Progressiveness is a path to tyranny and spiritual darkness. No communist society is free. No true socialist society is free. Why do you think all these people want open borders? It is so they can promise everything to people with nothing and secure their votes. That's exactly how Cortez got the nomination. Once those votes are secured, it won't be long before the Constitutional Republic falls to socialism. I have heard a lot of Christians say that this doesn't matter-that we are of another kingdom. This is wrong-minded thinking. The American experiment guaranteed the right to free speech and religious freedom. The American dream, how ever imperfect in its practical implementation, resulted in much of the world being evangelized by Christians. The liberty to speak freely about Jesus Christ supported the Great Commission like no other country in the history of the world. Progressivism, socialism, communism would bring a sharp and violent end to this liberty because these forms of tyranny are based in the Communist Manifesto, which states: "Communism abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes all religion, and all morality, instead of constituting them on a new basis." These are antichrist political systems. Those who agree with them and claim to be followers of Christ, should repent. What of God do the leaders and followers of the progressive resistance have in common with Christianity? Oh, they ply people with emotions of compassion based on half-truths and twisted facts. But what of Godly principles? Most of them would even say that all religions serve one god, the same god. What does the Lord say? "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). Allowing a "progressive revolution" is consenting godlessness to advance. As Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." We are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. It extends to the politics of tyranny and to those who would proclaim evil as good. It is bondage. We must overcome evil with good. Daily Devotion: Gospel Shoes - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. -Ephesians 6:15 Awhile back I found that my shins sometimes would hurt when I ran. So I went to a store that helped with that sort of thing. They put me on a treadmill and watched me run. Then they told me that I was "pronating." It turned out that I needed firmer shoes. Shoes matter. In the first century, Roman soldiers wore sandals, but they also would wear boots with small cleats that gave them firm footing in battle. They also gave the soldiers protection. Often their enemies would bury sharp sticks in the ground, which were designed to immobilize the soldiers who stepped on them. They had to keep their boots on. As Christians, we'll face that kind of opposition in the spiritual battle. Writing to the believers at Ephesus, the apostle Paul said, "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. . . . For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared" (Ephesians 6:11, 15 NLT). These gospel shoes speak of mobility. With these we gain ground in the spiritual battle by marching forward. When we bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others, we are, in effect invading enemy territory. Romans 10 says, "And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'" (verses 14-15 NLT). The Bible tells us that as soldiers under the command of Jesus Christ, we are to be on duty at all times. We are to be alert, ready, and looking for opportunities to share the gospel. FROM THE HEART
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED THROUGH THIS MINISTRY, THEN WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD PLEASE REMEMBER PROPHECY UPDATE IN YOUR GIVING - WE ARE TRULY, TRULY, THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT Prophecy Update has no corporate sponsors. This ministry is paid for and prayed for by readers and supporters. Without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update, Please pray about becoming a monthly supporter - thanks! If ever there was a time to invest in God's Kingdom, it's now! What on earth are you doing for Heaven's Sake? "Share in the Blessings and Rewards that will last Forever!" "Folks, it's all beginning to unravel. America is in more danger of falling than at any time in its history. But I believe Bible prophecy predicts this very decline. From this point on, we believers have to get serious. We are going to face discouragement, disillusionment and, most certainly, persecution in the time between now and the Rapture. But don't be discouraged or disillusioned. The coming turmoil will provide us unrivaled opportunities to share the good news of the Gospel. So be ready to share your faith and your hope with those who need Christ. We still have time to reap a great harvest of souls for God's kingdom!" - Hal Lindsey 1) We need your prayers!- We proclaim the Truth of the Word of God and we are under constant spiritual and sometimes even physical attack. 2) We need your encouragement!- We need to hear from you, let us know how the Lord is blessing you through this ministry so that we can share it with others. 3) We need your input! - If you have a prophetic article or story or if there is a news related item we missed, let us know. 4) We need your financial support!- To put it quite simply, without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update. I ask that you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to get the Word out and keep the world informed. Remember, your gift, no matter how small, does make a difference! You will be helping to touch lives, around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to the internet your generosity carries a global impact! - Thanks! Our Prayer for You- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Prophecy Update is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt - non-profit organization, and all your donations are tax deductible. If you have been blessed by Prophecy Update and would like to help support this ministry financially. You can make a secure donation online by going to: DONATE NOW Or Visit our website: http://prophecyupdate.com/donations/ Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 |
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