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A Proposed Chronology of the Life of Jesus Christ – Randy Nettles - https://www.rev310.net/post/a-proposed-chronology-of-the-life-of-jesus-christ
The life of Jesus was fatefully linked with two kings. King Herod 1 (Herod the Great) was the King of the Jews in the Roman province of Judaea during the time Jesus was born, and Tiberius Caesar Augustus was the emperor/king of the Roman Empire during Jesus’ ministry and death. The date of the death of Herod is the crucial chronological point of when Jesus was born. Matthew 2:1 says, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” King Herod had to be alive at the time of Jesus’ birth to have fulfilled Matthew 2:16, in which he murdered babies in Bethlehem from two years old and under,” according to the time which he had inquired of the wise men.” That doesn’t mean Jesus was necessarily two years old at this time. He could have been an infant. I think Herod was just trying to “cover all the bases” to kill the baby king. Therefore the date of the death of Herod is a crucial chronological point in the life of Jesus. Just as the birth and death dates for Jesus are debatable, so is the death of Herod. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (37 AD- 100 AD) is the main source of information regarding the death of Herod and thus the birth of Jesus. Josephus recorded many historical events of Herod, such as when he became king (approximately 40 BC) and when Herod and the Romans took Jerusalem in 37 BC. Josephus says further that Herod died after a reign of 34 years. However, there is some debate on when the actual accession year began and what calendar was used for the reckoning. The main piece of evidence for the year of Herod’s death, however, is not historical but astronomical. Flavius Josephus mentioned that a lunar eclipse occurred shortly before King Herod died and that the Jewish Passover came not long after his death. Since a lunar eclipse only takes place when there is a full moon and the Passover occurs during a full moon, evidently the lunar eclipse mentioned by Josephus didn’t occur on a Passover but sometime before. Taking the above information and dates for the reign of Herod, there are really only two possible time periods for when this lunar (full moon) eclipse occurred. We know there was a partial lunar eclipse visible in Jerusalem on March 13, 4 BC and Passover was on April 11th of that year. There were no lunar eclipses that were visible in Jerusalem in 3 or 2 BC, but there were two in 1 BC. The first eclipse occurred on January 10, 1 BC, and was a full-blown total eclipse of the moon but occurred late at night when most people wouldn’t have viewed it. The next eclipse was a partial one that occurred 12 months later on Dec. 29, 1 BC. So, if the children of Bethlehem that Herod killed (Matthew 2:16) were two years or younger, then Herod obviously thought that his competition, this newborn “king of the Jews,” was at the most two years old (but possibly a newborn). That time was obviously somewhat prior to Herod’s death, and if his death was early in the year 4 BC (between March 13 and April 11), then the two years or less would point back to 6 - 4 BC for the year of Jesus’ birth. However, if one of the two lunar eclipses of 1 BC was the one Josephus was referring to that occurred before Herod died, then his death would point back to 3 - 1 BC for the year of Jesus’ birth. There are nine early Church fathers who believed 3/2 BC was the year of Herod’s death. They are: Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Africanus, Hippolytus of Rome, Hippolytus of Thebes, Origen, Eusebius, and Epiphanius. Some of the earliest include the placement of the birth of Jesus in the 41st year of the reign of Emperor Augustus, about 3–2 BC by Irenaeus in 180 AD. In 194 AD, Clement of Alexandria estimated that Jesus was born 194 years before the death of the emperor Commodus who died on the last day of 192 AD; therefore Jesus was born around 2 BC. Accordingly, in 198 AD, Tertullian’s date for the 41st year of Augustus and the birth of Jesus is 3/2 BC. In 231 AD, Origen agreed with Tertullian’s assessment and date. Early in the fourth century, Eusebius wrote that Jesus was born in the 42nd year of the reign of Augustus, and in the 28th year after the death of Cleopatra. Leaving aside the issue of inclusive or exclusive counting, that places the birth of Jesus at around 2 BC. In his 410 AD work ”Seven Books of History Against the Pagans,” Paulus Orosius (born in Spain and associated with Augustine and Jerome) says that it was in the 752nd year after “the founding of the city of Rome” (A.U.C.) that “Christ” was born. The Roman calendar A.U.C. 752 date translates to 2 BC on the Julian calendar. The Roman monk Dionysius Exiguus (525 AD) accepted A.U.C. 753 or 1 BC as the year of the incarnation and December 25 as the day of the nativity of Jesus. Dionysius is best known as the inventor of Anno Domini dating, which is used to number the years of both the Gregorian and the Julian calendar. The old Roman calendar year A.U.C. 754 would be replaced with 1 AD. However, nowadays, most scholarship concerning the date of Herod's death follows Emil Schürer's calculations published in 1896, which revised a traditional death date of 1 BC to 4 BC. Schurer’s chronology (based on Josephus’ writings) has the dates of late 40 BC for Herod’s appointment as King of Judea, 37 BC for Herod’s and the Romans capture of Jerusalem, and 4 BC for the death of Herod. This would account for the supposed 34 years of Herod’s reign from the taking of Jerusalem. Also, two of Herod's sons, Herod Archelaus and Philip the Tetrarch, dated their rule from 4 BC, though Archelaus apparently held royal authority during Herod's lifetime. Philip's reign would last for 37 years, until his death in the traditionally accepted 20th year of Tiberius (AD 33/34), which implies his accession as 4 BC (4 years BC = 33 years AD = 37 years). The currently known text of Josephus’ “Antiquities of the Jews” states that [Herod] Philip, son of Herod 1, died in the 20th year of Tiberius (33/34 AD ) after ruling for thirty-seven years. The date of 4 or 5 BC for the death of Herod is maintained by Banes and Bernegger, and supported by Daniel Schwartz, and by Vermes and Millar, Safrai, Stern, Flusser, and Van Unnik. If Herod died in 5/4 BC, then the best timeline for the birth of Jesus would be 6/5 BC. In contrast to the belief in a 4 BC date for the death of Herod, in 1966 W.W. Filmer raised serious doubts about the 4 BC date and proposed a date in 1 BC instead, and in 1978 and 1996 Ernest L. Martin advanced detailed arguments for the same date of 1 BC. Also, the date of 1 BC is set forth by Edwards and Keresztes. These scholars have returned to the traditional view of the early Church fathers advocating for a 3/2 BC birth of Jesus. These scholars believe the date for the beginning of Herod’s reign is 39 BC (instead of 40 BC) and the year for the taking of Jerusalem should be listed as 36 BC. Thus, Herod died in 1 BC, dating the birth of Jesus in late 3 BC or early 2 AD. “In 1995, David W. Beyer reported to the Society for Biblical Literature his personal examination in the British Museum of forty-six editions of Josephus’s Antiquities published before 1700 among which twenty-seven texts, all but three published before 1544, read “the twenty-second year of Tiberius, while not a single edition published prior to 1544 records the “twentieth year,” It was also found that the oldest versions of the text give variant lengths of reign for Philip of 32 and 36 years. But if we still allow for a full thirty-seven-year reign, then “the twenty-second year of Tiberius: (35/36 AD) points to 1 BC as the year of death of Herod. Accordingly, if the birth of Jesus was two years or less before the death of Herod in 1 BC, the date of the birth was in 3 or 2 BC.” {1} This evidence removes the main obstacle for a later date of 1 BC for the death of Herod. Other scholars also support the traditional date of 1 BC for Herod's death and argue that Herod’s heirs backdated their reigns to 4 or 3 BC to assert an overlapping with Herod's rule and bolster their own legitimacy, something that had already been done by a few rulers before them. See PSCF12-12p211-219Nollet.vp (asa3.org) for more details on why 1 BC is a possible year for the death of Herod. In my opinion, 5 BC and 2 BC are the two best choices for the birth of Jesus. I don’t believe Jesus was born in the winter, as on December 25th. I think he was born in the fall season, probably on the Day of Atonement, Tishri 10. The duration of human gestation is 280 days on average. 280 days prior to Tishri 10 (September 7), 2 BC is Kislev 25 (December 1), 3 BC, which is the start of the Feast of Dedication, aka Hanukkah. Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is meant to signify a miracle in the Jewish faith. "Hanukkah" is Hebrew for "dedication." Though the holiday is popularly known as the festival of lights, Hanukkah was established to honor the victory of the Judaen soldiers over the Syrian-Greek army. In their victory, the Maccabees, led by Judah, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to their God. They had only enough oil to ignite the temple light for one night, and yet the light burned for eight days. Of course, oil can symbolize the Holy Spirit, such as when a priest or king was anointed for the service of the LORD. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit on Hanukkah (truly one of the greatest miracles of all time) and was born on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. If Jesus was born on Tishri 10, 2 BC and died on Nisan 14, 33 AD, he would have been 33 years old (actually 33 years and 7 months old). Jesus would have been 30 years old in AD 29, at the start of his ministry (with a 3.5-year ministry). This agrees with the scripture in Luke. “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased. And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph” (Luke 3:21-23). Of course, if Jesus was born in 5 BC (this was always my view in the past) and died in 33 AD, then you can add three more years to the ages listed above. Jesus would have been 33 (and seven months) at the time of the start of his ministry. Does this stretch the credibility of the word “about” (thirty years of age) in Luke 3:23? It might be. I would think one or two years should be the max concerning the word “about” in this verse. There are many scholars and students alike who believe Jesus was crucified in 30 AD. This would not work for a 2 BC birth, as Jesus would have only been approximately 27.5 years old at the start of his ministry. Most people who believe in the 30 AD date for Jesus’ crucifixion, believe he was born around 5 BC. This would have likewise put him at about 30 at the start of his ministry and about 33 when he was crucified. According to Luke 3:1-3, it was in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar that the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness when he began his ministry. It is believed Jesus began his ministry not long after John’s, for John actually baptized Jesus in the Jordan River (John 3:21-22). Luke 3:23 says Jesus was about 30 years old when he was baptized. It is believed Jesus began his ministry shortly after his baptism. The 15th year of Tiberius would appear to be an exact date, and no doubt it was in the mind of the writer and his audience at the time, but the matter is not so simple to those who came afterward. Tiberius became the sole emperor of Rome upon Augustus’ death on August 19, 14 AD, or upon the vote of the Senate on September 17, 14 AD. However, he became a Co-Princeps or joint ruler over the provinces with Augustus in 12 AD (at the earliest). In this capacity, Tacitus describes Tiberius as “collega imperii,” (colleague in the empire), and some consider him joint emperor with Augustus from this time on. There are many different ways of counting the regnal years of Tiberius from either 12 AD or 14 AD, such as factual regnal years, regnal years counted as Julian calendar years according to the non-accession-year system, regnal years counted as Julian calendar years according to the accession-year system, and the same regnal years counted as Jewish calendar years, etc. However, it is believed Luke 3:1 is mostly addressing the Romans or Gentiles and so Tiberius’ rule is to be reckoned in terms of the Julian calendar. If Tiberius’ reign is to be reckoned in terms of the Julian calendar then if we determine his reign began as Co-Princeps in 12 AD, then the 15th year would be 27 AD (Jan. 1 – Dec 31). However, if Tiberius’ reign began as sole emperor in 14 AD, then the 15th year would be 29 AD (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31). The most likely time for baptizing in the Jordan River would be in early autumn, so John and Jesus’ ministry probably began around the Feast of Trumpets or Atonement or sometime afterward either in the year 27 AD or 29 AD. The adherents to a fall 27 AD ministry start and a spring 30 AD crucifixion for Jesus generally believe in a 2.5-year ministry duration for Jesus. The adherents to a fall 29 AD ministry start and a spring 33 AD crucifixion generally believe in a 3.5-year ministry duration for Jesus. In Jack Finegan’s “Handbook of Biblical Chronology,” he says, “For Luke and his intended readers, therefore, it is most likely that the reign of Tiberius meant Tiberius’ own sole rule (from the death of Augustus, August 19, 14 AD) and that this rule is to be reckoned in terms of the Julian calendar. Several roughly contemporary Greek and Roman historians provide specific examples of dating in this way (pg. 338).” I agree with Mr. Finegan and give my reasons in The Season of the Lord’s Return (rev310.net), including numismatic and inscriptional evidence. I don’t believe the crucifixion of Jesus could have occurred earlier than 30 AD or later than 33 AD, but let’s look at some astronomical evidence for dates ranging from 27 to 34 AD. That should cover any possible timeline. We know Jesus died on Nisan 14 at 3:00 pm. This would have been 3 hours from the date changing to Nisan 15. The moon should be completely full as the sun sets on the 15th of every month on the Jewish calendar. With this in mind, let’s look at some full moons for this timespan. These are astronomical Nisan 15th dates, so just subtract one day to determine Nisan 14. Nisan 15 – Full Moons 27 AD – April 9 – Wednesday 28 AD – March 29 – Monday 29 AD – April 17 – Sunday 30 AD – April 7 – Friday 31 AD – March 27 – Tuesday 32 AD – April 14 – Monday 33 AD – April 3 – Friday 34 AD – March 23 – Tuesday I believe Jesus was crucified on a Thursday. See Solving the Three Day Three Night Mystery – Grace thru faith. Some believe it was on Wednesday or Friday. As you can see from the table above (subtract one day for Nisan 14), the only years that work for a Thursday, Nisan 14 are 30 AD and 33 AD. Just as there is a three-year differential between the top two choices for Jesus’ birth, 5 BC and 2 BC, so there is a three-year differential between the top two choices for Jesus’ death, 33 AD and 30 AD. DANIEL’S 70TH SEVEN The last factor to take into consideration for the date of Jesus’ crucifixion is Daniel’s 70 Weeks/Sevens Prophecy found in Daniel 9:24-27. We know from verse 25 that the Messiah the Prince was prophesied to come to the children of Israel 69 weeks (heptads or Shemitah week/years) from the word or commandment to re/build Jerusalem (after its destruction in approximately 586 BC). We also know from verse 26 that after the 69 weeks, the Messiah would be “cut off” or killed. There are really only two choices for the date (or year) of the beginning of Daniel’s 69 weeks/sevens (approximately 483 years or 69 Sabbath years), and they are both decrees or commandments by the Persian king Artaxerxes. The first one was issued to Ezra and the Jewish people in approximately 458/457 BC in regards to resuming the Mosaic Law and training priests in the new Temple. The second one was issued to Nehemiah and the Jews in approximately 444/445 BC to rebuild Jerusalem. If you are an adherent to the 457 BC decree, then the end date for the 69 weeks (483 years) is 27 AD (456 BC years + 27 AD years = 483 years), the supposed year Jesus began his ministry. Those who hold to the 30 AD crucifixion year, believe 27 AD (in the fall) is the year Jesus began his ministry. This is how they interpret Daniel 9:25, “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.” So, their view is the 69 weeks of Daniel 9:24 is from when Ezra went to Jerusalem until Jesus was baptized by John, thus beginning his 2.5-year ministry. They believe the first part of verse 26, “ And after threescore and two weeks (referring to the 69 weeks) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself,” the crucifixion of Jesus, occurs 2.5 years outside (after) the 69 weeks. In other words, there is an interval of 2.5 years (the time of Jesus’ ministry) during which the death, burial, resurrection, ascension of Jesus, and the birth of the Church occur. I find it odd that these all-important events are outside of Daniel’s 69 weeks (by 2.5 years) and are just part of the Gentile time period between the 69th and 70th week. If you are an adherent to the 445/444 BC decree of Artaxerxes (as I am), then the end date for the 69 weeks (going by the prophetic 360-day calendar or 69 Shemitah year theory) is 33 AD, the year of Jesus’ crucifixion. We believe Jesus’ ministry began in the fall of 29 AD and lasted for 3.5 years until his death in 33 AD. 3.5 years equals approximately 1278 days (365 x 3.5 = 1278). If you subtract 1278 days from Nisan 14, 33 AD you come to Tishri 10, 29 AD for the start of Jesus’ ministry. Doesn’t this just sound like God’s timing, that the Holy Spirit would land upon Jesus after his baptism by John during the holiest day for the Jews, on the day of Atonement? The end of the 69 weeks of Daniel 9:25 occurred when Jesus Christ (Messiah) rode into Jerusalem on Nisan 10 (Palm Sunday) as the Prince who should have been made King of Israel but wasn’t. The Prince, the son of David, Jesus Christ was rejected by the Jews on this day. Yes, Nisan 10, 33 AD was the end of the 69th week/seven of Daniel 9:25, and Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection all occurred after the 69th week, but only by a few days. There is no 2.5-year gap between them. They were all part of Holy Week which started with Palm Sunday. As a matter of fact, if you believe the 69 sevens were actually Shemitah years and not weeks or cycles (See Sevens (rev310.net)) then the year Tishri 445/Tishri 444 BC would have been Shemitah year 1 and Tishri 32/Tishri 33 AD would have been Shemitah year 69. That means all of the events of Holy Week, the ascension of Jesus, and the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost would have occurred during the 69th seven of Daniel 9:24,25. I don’t believe the end of the 69 “sevens” prophecy of Daniel ended at the start of Jesus’ ministry but included all of his ministry and all of the events of Holy Week, the ascension, and the events of Pentecost. 444 BC to 33 AD is the only timeline that can accommodate this view. Just because Daniel 9:26 says “after,” doesn’t mean the “cutting off” comes years and years after the 69 weeks. I mean, what’s the limit of “after”? Is it 2.5 years, 10 years, 100 years? I think the event of vs. 26 needs to proceed immediately after the event of vs. 25. Essentially, the beginning of the Holy Spirit-filled Church began the “time of the Gentiles” and began the “gap period” between the 69th seven and the 70th seven. After Jesus was rejected as King of the Jews, the desolations of the Jews began anew. “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 9:26b). I believe Jesus died on Thursday, Nisan 14 at 3:00 p.m. Jerusalem time. The date on the Julian calendar was April 2, 33 AD. There was a darkness that covered the land over Jerusalem from the sixth hour (12:00 p.m.) until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.). This was not a solar eclipse as they cannot last that long and they only occur when there is a new moon. This was a supernatural event from God, the Father. The faithful followers of Jesus only had three hours to get Jesus off the cross and placed in his tomb before the new day of Nisan 15 (Friday) began, which was a special Sabbath day where no work was permitted. On the following day, Friday, Nisan 15, (April 3, 33 AD), there was a partial lunar eclipse of the (full) moon at 5:52 pm Jerusalem time. Jesus had been in the grave for approximately 24 hours by this time. Even in a partial eclipse, the shadowed part of the moon is often red in color. This seems appropriate given the circumstances of Jesus’ bloody death. It would also be a foreboding to the Jewish people for their part in Jesus’ death. I now believe Jesus could have been born in 2 BC. The date of Tishri 10 (September 7) is strictly theoretical as no one knows, without doubt, what the factual date is. I am not overly confident in this date, as there is just not enough evidence, and some of the historical comments from Josephus and others are contradictory and aren’t entirely reliable. However, it does make the chronology of Luke 3:23 look better. Regarding Jesus’ death, I feel confident in a Thursday, Nisan 14 (April 2) 33 AD date. If this chronology is correct, Jesus was conceived on the first day of Hanukkah, was born on the Day of Atonement, began his ministry on the day of Atonement, died on Passover, was buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was resurrected on the Feast of Firstfruits, and sent His Holy Spirit upon the Church on Pentecost. He will return on Trumpets, and during his 2nd Coming will fulfill the Feasts of Atonement and Tabernacles. Something special will occur on the 1335th day, which I believe to be on the first day of Hanukkah in the near future. See The End of the Age – From Firstfruits to Hanukkah (rev310.net). Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Randy Nettles [email protected] Endnotes: {1} Revised Edition Handbook of Biblical Chronology by Jack Finegan pg. 301. Worldview with Amir Tsarfati: Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Cold – By Amir Tsarfati - https://harbingersdaily.com/worldview-with-amir-tsarfati-revenge-is-a-dish-best-served-cold/ Yesterday was a wild one in Russia. Many of you may remember the coup attempt against Vladimir Putin in June. The march on Moscow was led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the mercenary Wagner Group. The relationship between Putin and Prigozhin was a tumultuous friendship, with the latter constantly complaining to the president that the army’s generals were not supplying them well as they battled against the Ukrainian forces. When he was finally fed up with the deprivation, Prigozhin led his troops on a trek to the Russian capital city. But before reaching his destination, the coup mysteriously fizzled out leaving people wondering what trump card Putin had pulled out against the mercenary leader, or whether the march on Moscow was real at all. Was it just a ruse that the two old friends cooked up as a false flag? Various sanctions were declared against the Wagner Group following the coup attempt, but soon everything seemed back to normal. Wagner troops were in Belarus, Niger and other parts of western Africa, and Ukraine. In fact, just Tuesday Prigozhin released a video from Africa talking about how Moscow was to become a major player on the continent. But as anyone who has dealt with Russia knows, revenge is a dish that is best served cold. Yesterday afternoon, a plane fell from the sky in Russia’s Tver region killing everyone on board. Witnesses say that it was shot down. Soon it was discovered that on-board the jet were Yevgeny Prigozhin and his second-in-command, Dmitry Otkin. The lesson? Don’t get on the wrong side of Vladimir Putin. Palestinian Terrorists Take More Innocent Lives A 60-year-old Jewish father and his 28-year-old son drove to a car wash in Huwara, West Bank, on Saturday where they were gunned down at close range by a Palestinian terrorist. Known and loved by many, Shay Silas Nigreker and Aviad Nir were laid to rest Sunday night, as the manhunt continues for their murderer. On Monday in Hebron, also in the West Bank, a Jewish kindergarten teacher and mother of three, Batsheva Nigri, was killed when a terrorist in a passing vehicle peppered the car she was in with bullets. She died at the scene, while a man she was traveling with was rushed to the hospital in serious condition. Two Palestinians were arrested for the shooting the next day. While visiting the scene of Nigri’s murder, Yoav Gallant, Israel’s Defense Minister, laid blame for the recent proliferation of terrorist attacks at the feet of Tehran, saying, “It is important to understand the significant change that is taking place on the ground: it is related to Iranian funding, and to the proliferation of weapons under the Iranian directive…. Iran seeks every means to harm the citizens of Israel.” Immigrants Continue to Pour into Israel Immigrants making aliyah to Israel continue to pour into the country. In the first half of the year, 34,530 people declared their new home to be within the nation’s borders. The number would be higher, but Russia has slowed their emigration flow to a trickle, allowing only 2,500 to move to Israel per month. This is despite there being about 60,000 Russian Jews who are ready to make aliyah as soon as they are given the opportunity. In 2022, approximately 75,000 immigrants landed in Israel. Tel Aviv Opens Israel’s First Metro After seven years of work, including numerous delays, Israel’s first light rail line launched in Tel Aviv. The Red Line covers 24 km, of which half is underground. In the future, three light rail and three metro routes will be added to this inaugural line. Celebrating this momentous occasion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “This is a festive event for Israel. Today, we are realizing the transport vision of Israel: we promised and we have delivered.” Israel Increases Gas Input to Help Egypt Egypt is approaching an energy crisis as their needs grow. So, they’ve reached out to their neighbor, Israel, to help. Already, 43% of Israel’s natural gas production goes to Egypt and Jordan, which has helped to open the doors of friendship a little wider. Now, Israel will increase its production over the next several years in order to help Egypt with their energy struggle. Some energy-minded people within Israel are concerned that increasing exports could lead to an energy shortage in Israel as its demand grows. However, Israel’s Energy Minister has reassured the nay-sayers, guaranteeing adequate supplies for domestic use. Israeli Air Strike Hits Iranian Targets in Syria Israeli jets and guided missiles hit targets in and around Damascus on Monday morning. Targeted were Iranian and Hezbollah facilities, as well as a new Iranian weapons shipment that had arrived at the Damascus airport. Four Syrian soldiers were killed in the attack, and another four were wounded. In related news, the Washington Post released a story last Thursday in which they claim that last January the Mossad bombed a drone factory in Isfahan, Iran, while Russian officials were there to tour the facility. The Russians were kept inside in case the Israelis planned on targeting them, also. Iran Claims to have Captured and Executed Western Spies If you think those people that Iran is detaining are hostages, you’d be wrong, at least according to the country’s Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib. They are actually “spies from Sweden, France, and Britain.” Because of their acts of espionage, a number of “spies have been executed,” claims Khatib. Tehran Releases New Offensive Drone The Defense Ministry of Iran unveiled a new offensive drone on Tuesday called the Mohajer-10. This UAV, which looks remarkably similar to a US MQ-9 Reaper drone, is capable of carrying multiple types of weapons up to 300 kg. With a range of 2,000 km and an average speed of 350 km/hour, this new weapon can remain aloft for up to 24 hours at a time. I’ve got to give credit where credit is due: that is a scary aircraft. Nightly Drone Attacks in Moscow Tuesday marked the sixth night in a row that Ukrainian drones damaged buildings in Moscow. The attack on that particular night was significant enough that all the airports in the capital city closed. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to pound Ukraine with its missiles. On Saturday, a Russian ballistic missile hit a theater in the center of Chernihiv, killing 10 and injuring 11. Despite the constant loss of life, a poll showed that 90.4% of Ukrainians are not ready to give up territories to Russia, even if it meant ending the war. Russia Fails and India Succeeds in Moon Race The good news for the Russian space program is that their Luna-25 spacecraft made it all the way to the surface of the moon on Saturday. The bad news is that it was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed, causing it to “cease to exist”, according to Roskosmos, Russia’s state space corporation. Their opponent in this modern race to the moon was India, who on Wednesday celebrated as their craft, the Chandrayaan-3, softly settled onto the lunar dust. India is the fourth nation to land a spacecraft on the moon, but it is the first to place that landing in its unexplored southern polar region. China’s Spreading Influence through BRICS The BRICS economic bloc met this week in Johannesburg. One of the primary subjects discussed by the five member nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was expanding their rosters to include more countries. Already more than 20 nations are seeking to join, and at the summit the decision was made to open the doors to Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The West needs to keep their eyes on this growing economic alliance. It is the perfect venue for China to continue to spread its global interests and influence into countries that formerly aligned themselves with Europe and the United States. Back in 2001, when the bloc was still BRIC without South Africa yet, Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill predicted that by 2050 the four nations would come to dominate the world economy. Prophecy Update Videos Must Watch Videos! Videos You Can Trust
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Your Support is Important to this Ministry - We Could Not Do This Without Your Support! Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! II Corinthians 9:15 Worthy of Your Support? It has been said, one of the most reliable ways to determine if a ministry is worthy of your financial support is to examine its fruits. If Prophecy Update is keeping you informed and if that information inspires you and causes you to draw closer to the Lord, if Prophecy Update equips you with valuable information and knowledge to share with and encourage other believers and open the eyes of non-believers and if Prophecy Update keeps you connected to current events relating to Bible Prophecy then you are partaking of the fruit produced through this ministry. None of this would be possible without the Lords blessings and your support. I believe where the Lord guides, the Lord provides and most of the time He provides through the willing and generous hearts of believers just like you and me. I genuinely believe that Prophecy Update and many other like-minded ministries, are needed now more than ever! The world is getting darker daily, almost hourly, but never has the light of the Word of God shone so brightly. Never in our history has there been such a thirst for Truth and a need for a Savior! The Prophecy Update website, newsletter, and Video Channels are all dedicated to providing the truth, encouraging and informing believers, and prayerfully opening the eyes and hearts of non-believers with the Gospel, but none of it would be possible without your prayers and support. DONATE HERE Your can also mail your support to: Prophecy Update PO Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384 The Perils of Preterism – Jonathan Brentner - https://www.jonathanbrentner.com/https/jonathan-brentner-g8fgsquarespacecom/config Preterism is one of today’s popular views of the end times; its adherents among church staff continue to rapidly grow in number. Below is a list of its basic beliefs:
Some preterists believe in a bodily resurrection of the saints as described in 1 Corinthians 15:47-54 and Philippians 3:20-21, which necessitates, in their view, another return of the Savior. Many advocates of preterism don’t believe in a future bodily resurrection of the saints as described in these passages. The popularity of a doctrine that believes Jesus fulfilled His Matthew 24:29-31 promise in AD 70 is just an initial cause for alarm. Below I describe other reasons why we must reject the teachings of preterism. It’s also because they . . . NULLIFY WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT JESUS’ FUTURE GLORY In Matthew 24:29-31, Jesus described His glorious return at which time everyone on earth will mourn as they see “the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” We see this magnificent display of dazzling supremacy recounted in Revelation 19:11-20:6. To assert that an obscure vision of chariots clashing in the sky, which only one person reportedly saw, fulfilled these prophecies of Jesus’ breathtakingly spectacular return to earth, as the preterists do, makes no sense whatsoever. To say that that this happened in AD 70 has a chilling impact on the glory that Scripture ascribes to Jesus at His Second Coming Preterism also attacks Jesus’ glory by negating His future inheritance of the nations. Listen to what the Father promises the Son in Psalm 2:8-9: “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage; and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” It’s clear from the context that these are physical nations with real kings. The promise of Psalm 2 as well as that of Isaiah 9:6-7 relate to a time when Jesus will physically govern the nations. Denying Jesus’ thousand-year reign cancels His future glory associated with both His return and kingship. I believe that the most serious error of the preterists is that they do great damage to the Name of Jesus by placing His return to earth in AD 70. POUR COLD WATER ON OUR “BLESSED HOPE” It’s abundantly clear throughout the New Testament that God intended our future expectation to be solely upon Jesus and His appearing at which time believers will receive glorified bodies (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:47-54), experience eternal victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:54-56; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, 4:13-5:11), and be caught up to forever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This is the substance of our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:11-14). As New Testament saints, we have a glorious expectation rooted in the sure promise of Jesus’ appearing. Don’t let anyone pour ice-cold water on your joyous hope of meeting Jesus in the air. This day is surely coming. CONTRADICT WHAT SCRIPTURE REVEALS ABOUT GOD’S CHARACTER I retired seven years ago to begin a fulltime studying and writing career devoted mainly to defending Jesus’ thousand-year reign and our expectation of His appearing before the seven-year Tribulation. I have recently come to the conclusion that if someone were to ask me why I’m so convinced of these things, I would begin my response this way: The future and glorious restoration of Israel seamlessly aligns with what Scripture reveals regarding God’s character. I also know Jesus, who perfectly mirrors the Father, and He will rescue His bride, the body of Christ, before His wrath encompasses the earth. It’s what I know from Scripture about the Lord that confirms my belief in these things. Of course, the words of Scripture solidly back up these beliefs and I would quickly go there in defending our “blessed hope.” As for the return of future glory to the nation of Israel, which preterists soundly deny, the Lord makes it clear that He must fulfill His covenants and promises because of His holiness. In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses bases His argument for God to preserve His people, after they worshipped the golden calf, upon His character and reputation. In Ezekiel 36:22-38, the Lord copies Moses’ argument from Exodus 32 stating that His holiness demands the restoration of Israel as detailed in this wonderful passage. Teachings that place the fulfillment of most end-time biblical prophecies in the past also contradict what the Bible tells us about our God. Isaiah 46:8-11 tells us that He loves to declare “the end from the beginning.” The vast number of prophecies relating to our day stem both from His great love for us and His shear delight at revealing the future from ancient times. The One who prophesied about His Son defeating Satan all the way back in the garden of Eden is definitely not Someone who would leave us with no signs of the end times or without a clue as to when Jesus might appear. REST UPON AN UNTENABLE VIEW OF CHURCH HISTORY Preterists maintain that John authored the book of Revelation in about AD 65. If the apostle penned it after AD 70 then preterism can’t possibly be true since John would be writing about the future return of the Lord after it took place. It’s impossible, however, to maintain such an early date for the origin of the book. Writers in the early centuries of the church place John’s banishment to the Isle of Patmos and the writing of Revelation late in the reign of the Emperor Domitian, who ruled over Rome from AD 81-96. Irenaeus, who grew up in the church at Smyrna and later became a prominent leader and writer, stated that John wrote Revelation near the end of Domitian’s rule. Irenaeus’ mentor in the faith, Polycarp, was not only a disciple of the Apostle John, but also most likely the one who would’ve read the book to the church at Smyrna. Surely Irenaeus would’ve known the date of its writing. A question that preterists can’t answer is this: “Why did all the prominent leaders of the church during its first three centuries regard the Second Coming as a future event? Influential church fathers such as Papias (70-163), Irenaeus (130-202), Justyn Martyr (100-165), and Tertullian (155-240) all wrote regarding the future certainty of Jesus’ return to earth as well as His thousand-year reign over the nations. Until the time of Augustine in the fifth century AD, the church believed in Jesus’ future one-thousand year reign with few exceptions. The testimony of church history makes preterism untenable. Besides the almost unanimous witness to the later date for the writing of Revelation, everyone in the early centuries of the church regarded Jesus’ return as a future event. How is it possible that the entire church missed Jesus’ return if it had already happened? The idea that Jesus returned to earth in AD 70 didn’t even exist anywhere in the church until the seventeenth century when a disgruntled Jesuit Catholic priest, Luis de Alcazar, began teaching the past fulfillment of biblical prophecy associated with Jesus’ Second Coming.[iii] HURT THE SAINTS Preterism deprives New Testament saints of the blessedness of their “blessed hope.” It does so by turning the New Testament expectation of glory into one of certain death. During the past decade, I’ve heard several pastors say that all believers will die before Jesus returns even though the Bible says otherwise in I Corinthians 15:47-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Do you see how this not only blinds the eyes of believers, but also hurts them by shifting their attention away from Jesus’ appearing? Preterists, as well as amillennialists, do considerable damage to the cause of Christ by ignoring myriad of signs pointing to Jesus’s soon arrival to take us home. They tell us that eschatological positions are “tertiary,” or of third-rate importance, and we must not talk about something so nonessential lest we upset someone. Apart from what the Bible reveals about the end times and our hope, how do we deal with the massive number of deadly fires, the floods, and wholesale murder of multitudes, as well as innocents? How do we cope with such great wickedness apart from the Bible’s assurance that God is in control and that He will justly judge the world after He takes us up to glory? It’s deeply troubling to anyone aware of the times in which we live. God’s Word relieves our fears in that it tells us the last days before the Tribulation would look like this and promises us that Jesus will appear to take us home before the start of the Day of the Lord’s wrath. The end of the age wrap-up so prominent in both amillennialism and preterism beliefs keeps believers from hearing the biblically sound encouragement they so desperately need in today’s world. Such bland end-of-days scenario ignores the glories of Jesus’ Second Coming and His glorious rule over the nations. For us, it dampens our joyous expectation of His appearing as clearly annunciated in so many New Testament passages. Biblical prophecy, as well as the book of Revelation, magnifies the person of Jesus from beginning to end. The teachings of preterism assign a far less glorious place to Jesus in the scheme of end time events. This is the key reason to reject it. For New Testament saints drawn into this egregious error, it moves their hope away from Jesus’ appearing to the certainty of death leaving them to hope in things that will never calm their fears or enable them to cope with the terrors ahead should Jesus not come for His Church in the very near future. My primary concern for writing The Triumph of the Redeemed-An eternal Perspective that Calms Our Fears in Perilous Times was to provide a solid foundation for placing our hope in Jesus’ soon appearing. There are an abundance of reasons to reject teachings that discredit our hope the Rapture and allegorize the biblical basis for Jesus’ thousand-year rule over the nations. Pastors that have a heart for the people they serve will reject preterism and proclaim the joyous hope of Jesus’ imminent appearing! Note: Please consider signing up for my newsletter on the home page of my website at https://www.jonathanbrentner.com/ . Thanks! [i] Amillennialists also deny the thousand-year reign of Jesus and believe that the church has inherited the promises God made to the nation of Israel and its people. [ii] Ed Hindson, The New Last Day Scoffers, May 2005, at: https://www.according2prophecy.org/Preterism.html [iii] David Reagan, The Fallacy of Preterism, at: https://www.according2prophecy.org/Preterism.html Multiplication or Division? - Nathele Graham - [email protected] Deep down, most Christians want more people to come to a saving faith in Christ. Whether we think of a relative or a friend, our desire is that someone we love does not end up in Hell for eternity. Were you baptized as an infant? You didn’t make your own choice, nor did you repent from your sins. Let’s be clear, there is no purgatory. The individual choice has to be made before we leave this earth. No matter how sweet Aunt Clara is, or how kind and reliable Uncle Bill is, without faith in Jesus before death, they won’t go to a better place. Neither will you. Another truth to understand is that everyone lives forever…some to eternal life, while others join Satan and his minions in the Lake of Fire that burns forever. Forever is a long time to live with poor decision. he Apostle Paul understood this. After he met Jesus, his life was spent sharing the Gospel. The only way anybody can accept Christ is for someone to share the truth with them. “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?” Romans 10:14. Today, I see a lot of people who think that bribery is the way to spread the Gospel. Missionary work today is not what it once was. There are groups who think the way to spread the Gospel is to do repair work on homes (provided the person has insurance) or to give Christmas gifts to children who have no idea who Christ is. Brothers and sisters, the Biblical way to bring someone to understand who Christ is and why they need salvation is to share the Gospel. I attended a church for many years that has forgotten who Christ is and it is under the leadership of a very seeker-friendly pastor who seldom preaches from the word of God. Pew-sitters will multiply, but true believers will be divided. God’s word must be understood from Genesis through Revelation. Each concept and each verse is important and must be applied to each person in the congregation. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. It might be a feather in the cap of a preacher to have a full congregation to speak to every Sunday, but if those people aren’t hearing God’s truth, it profits nothing…except a stuffed collection plate. I hear so many people yearning for revival, and so do I. The problem is, it seems that people want revival without Christ. This is a sign that we are in the end of days. Too many people have turned away from God’s truth found in Scripture and cling to the man-made ideas of “church doctrine”. When the rules and regulations of the denomination you attend conflict with God’s word, obey God. There is much division among denominations, and that doesn’t honor God. Today outright sin is accepted by many Christians, but if the Bible is seen as authority, the sinner would be shown God’s love, but the sin would be rejected. After Moses died, Joshua was the strong leader of the Israelites. The first thing he did was to lead the people back to God. He re-established the celebration of Passover, and brought the people back to a covenant relationship with God. This meant all the men had to be circumcised. Yes, it hurt, but unless they were right with God, they couldn’t expect God to bless them. Giving up a sin may hurt, but we can’t honor God if we pick and choose what rules we will follow. Years passed and Solomon desired to build a temple to honor God. Solomon’s father, King David, wanted to build it, but God didn’t allow him the privilege, so the honor fell to Solomon. God was pleased with what Solomon had built. Then God told him “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. Today we just want God to bless us because we want Him to. We take no responsibility for our actions as we dabble in sin and accept false teachers into the pulpits. God wants Christians to multiply, but we must follow His ways, or we will be divided. Time passed and the people forgot to honor God. Israel divided into two kingdoms, and the Northern Kingdom was destroyed because of the evil leadership and pagan worship which they embraced. The Southern Kingdom fared much better, for a while. They didn’t fully follow God’s Law like they were supposed to. It’s never wise to pick and choose which part of God’s word you want to obey, or twist Scripture to condone your sin. The beautiful temple which Solomon built was destroyed and the people were taken captive to Babylon. Years later, the time had come for the temple to be rebuilt, but there was much turmoil. Read Ezra and Nehemiah to understand what all went on, but once the temple was rebuilt, it was time for revival. “And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.” Nehemiah 8:1 The first thing that must be done in order to bring revival and be in a right relationship with God is to understand God’s word. “And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithia, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, and Zechariah, and Meshullam.” Nehemiah 8:4. Revival cannot happen unless God is honored. “And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” Nehemiah 8:6. Does your pastor honor God’s word? Does he preach a sermon centered upon Scripture, or is it centered upon books written by men? I’ve listened to too many sermons that are centered around a purpose driven idea, or quotes by atheists and rock stars. These sermons aren’t designed to edify anybody or confront sin, but to assure that everyone is happy. Never mind that the word of God is compromised. The congregation may multiply, but those who come to faith and honor God are few. In fact, such sermons actually deny Christ. “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:33. It’s very serious to deny Christ in order to tickle ears. Jesus was born at a time when there was much turmoil and tension in the world. The Jewish people were allowed to practice their faith, but the Romans ruled over them. Jesus came to fulfill the Law, not to demolish it. God’s morality still applies to us today. When Jesus walked in Jerusalem, it was a serious offense to follow Christ. The temple was the center of Jewish life, but anyone accused of following Christ was expelled from the temple and the protection it offered. If you followed Christ, your family would disown you. Jesus wasn’t unaware of this problem, but was more concerned with saving souls than with multiplying followers who would be persuaded to follow each new craze. “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law, and a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:34-38. That’s not very seeker friendly, but it is the truth. Will it cause division? Yes, but it will also bring salvation. If you only want to please people, you may have many followers and be a megachurch, but unless you follow Christ you gain nothing. Christ brings division between those who follow Him and those who follow the world. One of the most non-seeker friendly sermons ever preached was spoken by Simon Peter. The disciples, now Apostles, were gathered together. They must have been unsure of what to do after Jesus had died, and their hopes had been dampened. They didn’t know that they would be the ones to bring revival into the world. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1. They were of “one accord” in “once place”. There was no division in them. They were all together, with the exception of Judas who had turned against Jesus and ultimately committed suicide. Judas would have always caused division. Peter was there. Peter had denied Christ three times, but repented and was restored by Jesus. He would be used in a big way. The Apostles weren’t divided; they knew what Jesus had taught them and didn’t deviate from His truth. That’s when the fire of the Holy Spirit came upon them and they were never the same. Peter turned his boldness towards spreading the Gospel. “The were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4. People who heard thought they were drunk. Peter had been told by Jesus to feed the sheep, and feed them he did. He used Jewish Scripture found in Joel 2:28-32 to explain that prophecy was being fulfilled that day; prophecy is a very important study. Peter’s main focus of this Holy Spirit inspired sermon was Jesus. Peter convicted the crowd of their sins, but he also spoke of the miracles and sacrificial love of Jesus. “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” Acts 2:23-24. Many of these same people who were listening to Peter had been in the crowd at Jesus’ trial. They were shouting “Crucify Him”! Peter didn’t sugar coat their sin. Did these people get in a snit and stomp away? No, they didn’t, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37. They were to repent and be baptized. They couldn’t remain in their sin; they had to turn away from it. The baptism was an outward sign of an inward change. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41. Christians were multiplying, not dividing. Today we have many divisions among the various denominations, and many of the doctrines aren’t found in Scripture. Some denominations say that musical instruments cannot be played in worship services, and others believe you have to speak in tongues. Jesus said to “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. When the Apostle Paul took the Gospel to the people of Berea, he found that “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11. If your pastor doesn’t teach from Scripture, he is in error. That shouldn’t stop you from studying God’s word. Brothers and sisters, be like the Bereans. Paul also encouraged the young pastor Timothy to study Scripture. Remember, the Scriptures were Old Testament writings, so don’t neglect any of Scripture. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15. You need to study to be sure you’re being taught properly. My husband first came to know Christ in a church that had many false teachings. I encouraged Ron to compare what was being taught from the pulpit to what God said in Scripture. Ron was very discerning and soon came to realize how wrong that church was. Ron never lost his love for God’s word, and did his best to live for Christ. If your pastor is trying to multiply pew-sitters by preaching seeker- friendly or New Age heresy rather than rightly dividing God’s word of truth, then you need to rebuke him, or find a Christ centered, Bible believing congregation to worship God. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] [email protected] Recommended prophecy sites: www.raptureready.com www.prophecyupdate.com www.raptureforums.com All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed. If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. Daily Jot: The American Chronicles: The Cindy and Steve story - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com When we talk about what is right and good about America, the story of Cindy and Steve can be held up as an example. They regularly go on mission trips to Mexico and Central America, putting to good use Steve’s “energizer bunny” work ethic and Cindy’s skills as a nurse practitioner in assisting underserved people in very rural and poor areas. Their work changes lives and seeds, plants or waters those who would come to know their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In their church, they sing in the choir, participate in an ongoing Bible study group, and have regular gatherings at their home, which over the years has become an oasis and house of regeneration for church family, missionaries, family and friends. Located on the serene banks of a place called Portage Lakes, Ohio, Cindy and Steve’s property takes the form of a resort, but is not ostentatious or grandiose. It’s a home. Their home that they believe is God’s gift to them to share with others. On any given weekend spring, summer or fall, people come from all around to enjoy that gift. A tour of the lake in their pontoon boat can be had, or one can just float out and relax in the afternoon sun. Cooking is a big deal. There is always food that can be enjoyed on the inside or out on the patio facing the lake with the gentle sound of a specially-made waterfall and feature framing their hot tub spa. Kids can often be found on the inflatable water slide or playing various yard games. Out back (which is the part of the property not facing the lake), it’s a different scene. Many friends and family have been bit by the recreational vehicle bug. Steve and Cindy accommodated by installing three 30-amp outlets for camper hookups. Steve maintains the area like a golf course green where the dogs can run, campers can experience a campfire (except Steve’s pyro tendencies usually result in a bonfire of huge proportions) and kids can play on an actual playground with swings, monkey bars, rope walks and a slide. There is even a small above-ground pool for an afternoon cooling down. Cindy and Steve even remodeled their downstairs bathroom to accommodate campers anytime day or night. You can also play Pickle Ball on the court in the paved driveway. Steve and Cindy are happy to give lessons on how to play this fast-growing sport—but watch out, they won’t cut you any slack on getting a big whoopin’. They are pretty good players. Their gift is hospitality. Time at their place often should be scheduled because their home has become a popular setting for missionaries to take retreat, friends to enjoy boating, church groups to fellowship, and large family gatherings many times during the year. Hebrews 13:16 is Cindy and Steve’s mission: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” This is the America that we know and love. It’s there, despite what the media and politicians tell us. Daily Devotion: Impact Without Compromise - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. —Matthew 5:14 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/impact-without-compromise/ - Listen Years ago, I arrived home during one of California’s rolling blackouts. All the power was gone. The Internet was down. Even the streetlights were off. There was no light anywhere. However, I did have my cell phone, which had a low battery. Still, there was a little light emanating from it, and I was able to use it to find my way around. And I discovered that a little light goes a long way. We live in a very dark time culturally, and a little light will go a long way. We have an entire generation of young people who seem to be adrift morally and spiritually. That is why the world so desperately needs the gospel. The Bible clearly teaches that our culture will grow darker. It isn’t going to get better; it’s going to get worse. Even though humanity has increased in scientific, medical, historical, educational, psychological, and technological knowledge to an astounding degree, we have not changed our basic nature. Our confidence has increased, but our peace of mind has diminished. Our accomplishments have increased, but our sense of purpose and meaning have all but disappeared. Instead of improving the moral and spiritual quality of our lives, our discoveries and accomplishments have simply provided new ways to show ourselves for what we really are: depraved, sinful, and wicked. The spiral is downward, not upward. As Christians, we might be tempted to withdraw to our own subculture. But that is not what we’re supposed to do. The objective of believers is not to isolate but to infiltrate. It is not to evade but to invade. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 NLT). We need to impact our culture without being compromised by it. PROPHECY UPDATE NEWS HEADLINES Yesterday's Prophecies - Today's Headlines HEADLINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRACKING BIBLE PROPHECY 8/25/23 http://trackingbibleprophecy.org/birthpangs.php
FROM THE HEART Let Us Make the Short Time We have Left, Count for ALL of Eternity! 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 WORTHY OF YOUR SUPPORT? One of the most reliable ways to determine if a ministry is worthy of your financial support is to examine its fruits. If Prophecy Update is keeping you informed, and if that information inspires you, and causes you to draw closer to the Lord, if Prophecy Update equips you with valuable information and knowledge to share with and encourage other believers, and open the eyes of non-believers, and if Prophecy Update keeps you connected to current events relating to Bible Prophecy, then you are partaking of the fruit produced through this ministry. None of this would be possible without the Lords blessings and your support. I believe where the Lord guides, the Lord provides, and most of the time He provides through the willing and generous hearts of believers just like you and me. Humbly Seek 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 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 write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 We are very pleased to offer all our readers this FREE download on Bible Prophecy from the Evangelical Bible College of Western Australia - Just download and enjoy and be blessed! Feel free to share it with all your friends and family members. Click below to download! "AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING" If You Died Today, Would You Go To Heaven? Find out, visit: www.thegoodtest.net www.gotquestions.org www.wayofthemaster.com How to know God DID YOU KNOW? You can submit an article, leave a comment or praise report at email: [email protected] Maranatha! (Lord Come Quickly) "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, All other ground is sinking sand." "Let Us make the short time we have left count for all eternity!" YBIC-Randy
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