IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
End of this Age, and Coming Tribulation - by Pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2021/08/end-of-this-age-and-coming-tribulation.html
“As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what {will be} the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" NASB. (Matthew 24:3) Jesus has just come from the temple mount and prophesied that the temple would be torn down, “not leaving one stone upon another.” This disturbed the disciples, as the temple was the center of their world, the world of the nation of Israel. The KJV has the last part of the above verse as “the end of the world.” We know that it is more proper in context to use the “end of the age” as when Jesus comes back to rule for 1000 years, it will be on this very earth we now populate, but with major revisions to return the earth to it's former glory when Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden. It will be the end of the world, as we know it. But let us take a look at the signs that would precede the coming of the Son of Man in power and great glory. I will do a line by line bible study of this chapter that must be followed up with the next chapter of Matthew 25 in a follow up sermon, as all are connected, but let's take the first sign of the end of this age. Continuing in Matthew: 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. 24:5 "For many will come in My name, saying, `I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. Folks have taken this to mean that many will come as claiming to be the Messiah. True, there have been many false messiahs that have claimed to be Him, but what was Jesus talking about? I don't believe He was talking about what many believe. It's pointing to false religions, false doctrines, and deception that will fill the churches in that day. Men claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ will use His name to appease the masses they wish to delude. These frauds and double agents would come in His name, that is, appearing to bear His authority. In particular, the name of "Christ" would be exploited as cover for their nefarious trickery, and by this ruse, great numbers of people would be deluded. The phrase, "saying, I am the Christ," should not be understood, as the New King James Version has punctuated it, to mean that many would come claiming to be the Messiah. No, they would come claiming that Jesus is the Messiah—a truth—and thereby gain people's trust. From that point forward, deception through doctrinal change, both major and minor, provides the means of deception. As the anonymous maxim puts it, "The nearer a lie is to truth the more deceitful it is." NEW AGE AND THE EMERGENT CHURCH Folks, look around you. Have there ever been a time when there is false doctrine permeating our churches? They promote a feel good gospel. They promote false healing, miracles, and signs used to deceive. All the while they have agents in the background who are setting up this charade to influence the masses to what end? Money! They are religious entertainers in our churches that use smoke and mirrors to fool the people looking for truth. I have never seen so much imagery and modern technology that gets the juices of these adherents to a feel good gospel all whooped up in a frenzy and elevate the man preaching a feel good sermon, instead of Jesus Christ. Jesus warned us of these “wolves in sheep clothing” that would come into to devour the sheep. They have continued unabated in these New Emergent Churches and promote universal tolerant view that there are many roads to God. They preach that all religions will find the way to Heaven, meaning Gnostics, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews right along with true believers in Jesus Christ will all receive the same salvation and eternal life. “”All roads lead to God and all religions are the same”” God is love and no one will go to any “hell”. This flies in the face of Acts 4:10-12, in which Peter asserts that only by the name of Jesus Christ is salvation possible. I call this Emergent theology, the “First Church of Blasphemy”. They make a mockery of the saving Grace of our Lord and Savior. They preach that all will receive “Universal Reconciliation” and no one will end up in hell, nobody. This is not found in scripture anywhere as Jesus spoke of hell more than He did heaven. WAR AND RUMORS OF WARS Jesus continues in Matthew: 24:6 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.”(Matthew 24:6-8) Men have been fighting each other for 2000 years since Jesus made this statement, but the last century of modern times has been the bloodiest of all the centuries past. More people died in this last 100 years of 2 world wars, and the various conflicts that have killed more people in them than the preceding 1900 years combined. Various wars and conflicts by count of the dead totals 262,000,000 people....that's millions, folks. And this was the “beginning of sorrows”. That's a large portion of every man, woman and child that resides in this country we called the United States of America as a population count. 24:9 “ Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” You look at other third world countries, the Middle East and other dictatorships say of Russia, or China, and it's not safe to be a Christian even in our modern times. It hasn't come to America YET, but Christians are becoming viewed increasingly with suspicion by the powers that be, even in our country, the USA. People are being slain for the name of Jesus Christ right now, even as you read this. Jesus said it would be so, and it is becoming more and more common place. As it was in Jesus day, being persecuted by the Romans and even the “Holy Roman Empire” (sic), ie. the Catholic Church has now come full circle to engulf our world with the same genocide of whole races and people who profess Jesus Christ and Him crucified. But stay tuned, as you haven't seen anything yet!! Look at verse 12 of the above passage. Here in the home of the brave and the free, we have become a nation that is filled with iniquity in all shapes and forms and it has grown exponentially in the last 50 years. No one would have believed when I was growing up that men and women of this nation and for that matter, the world, would grow emotionally cold and not value human life. That is even where we have slaughtered over 60 million of the unborn in the name of sexual freedom and love for our off-spring has nearly died in many parts of our society. Not to mention crime growing worse every day and terrorist attacks coming even to our shores. THE GOSPEL PREACHED WORLDWIDE 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)”24:14-15) No other time in history has there been so many ways to transmit the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The technology has advanced at such a rapid pace, that an email sent across the world is delivered within seconds. The Gospel News has covered the entire earth. So what prevents the end of the age? I believe nothing, except the timing held by God the Father who knows when the last person will accept His offer of Grace. JESUS REFERED TO PROPHECY in DANIEL 9 v. 27 “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9:27) Jesus speaks of the Abomination of Desolation that Daniel spoke of, and says when you see this man standing in the temple of God, claiming to be God, then RUN or “get out of Dodge” so to speak. 24:16 “Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”(Matthew 24:16-22) Notice the people Jesus speaks of? He doesn't refer to the Gentiles, or the rest of the world, but those who live in Judea. Jesus takes dead aim at only one group of people. He was talking about Israel. Observant Jews cannot travel more than a days walk from their home on the Sabbath, and to travel with child is difficult. Pray it's not snowing, as it sometimes does in Israel and it's cold making travel a problem. But Jesus warns them to get out, head for the hills....hide yourself. Don't take anything with you. Why? Because Israel will reject this “man” claiming to be a god and in his rage will attempt to destroy the nation of Israel because of their rejection of him as a liar and know they have made a deal with the devil. The Holocaust of the Nazi's will pale in the attempt of this man to destroy all remnant of the house of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I've spoken of it many times in sermons past. Israel will be refined as silver is in the fire. They will be persecuted and hunted down because they reject this “false messiah” and his “false prophet”. Malachi chapter 3, 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 3:4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.” (Malachi 3:2-4) How do you refine silver? You heat it red hot, but not too hot, or the silver is destroyed, but hot enough to remove the slag that floats to the top, to reveal the pure silver beneath. That is what will be Israel's purification. Until our Lord and Savior can see His image in them, He will continue to allow the heat of persecution to turn them to their Messiah that they had rejected 2000 years earlier. Only when they realize this and proclaim, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Luke 13:35b.) , then swiftly, the Lord God will come to do battle for His people Israel and save them out of tribulation and set them as a crowning jewel of His city Jerusalem on a mountain lifted high. He will save them all for the promise He made to their father's and because of His glorious Name. So much for Replacement Theology. JESUS WARNS OF THE ANTICHRIST AND FALSE PROPHET 24:23 “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 24:25 Behold, I have told you before. 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.”(Matthew 24:23-26) Not only has there been false prophets and false messiahs leading up to this time, but I believe Jesus is talking of THE false messiah, and THE false prophet that all of the Gentile nations will follow who have pleasure in unrighteousness. He speaks to the Nation of Israel to believe it not, as the Gentiles who have rejected Jesus Christ and will follow whole hog after this charlatan who claims divinity. I submit that all nations will be fooled, as there is nothing to give them discernment of this false hood, as they believe in themselves, and reject God. They follow a god on earth, that leads them in their wickedness. Paul warns of this in 2nd Thessalonians: 2:8, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2nd Thessalonians 2:8-12) Notice the next few verses? Jesus, I believe is giving an almost chronological order of the time leading up to His glorious appearing and the events that happen right after that. 24:27 “ For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 24:28 For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” (Matthew 24:27-28) Some misinterpret this to mean the sun shining from the east to the west and all will see Him....I believe this is reference to the sudden appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, suddenly, when they think not. As lightning flashes suddenly from the eastern part of the sky and flashes to the west, this will be sudden and without warning. All will know something has happened, as the signs are all around them. People missing, people screaming for loved ones that have vanished and the realization that an unexplained calamity has befallen their world. Untold havoc will rule the day. But what of that next verse, verse 28? In the days Jesus lived in and we see it somewhat in our world here in the USA, carrion birds smell death. This verse is better translated as vultures, as eagles kill live prey, not dead ones. Vultures circle a carcass and many gather for this putrid feast. Jesus was making a comparison that Jerusalem was dead in spirit, and by extension of end time prophecy, saying that those who miss the greatest happening of our lifetime, will be devoured, as so much dead bodies as they are spiritually dead. Note that Revelation says that 2/3 of all mankind will be destroyed, by divine judgment, including natural disasters, and to a lesser degree, man-made persecution. I calculate upwards of 5 billion+ people will die in 7 short years. Notice in the opening lines of this sermon, 262 million people have died in the last 100 years by war....during the tribulation, this will be 15-20 times that amount, not millions, but billions of people who will die in 7 short years, with the majority in the last half. Woe to the person who reads this and puts off what I preach of the nearness of our Lord's return, and not accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, by grace through faith. Then they will see just what I am referring to in all its horror, which is beyond anything I could describe. 24:29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”(Matthew 24:29-31) Notice the progression of events as Jesus explains them? Jesus came prior as a flash of lightning, quickly and without warning. People are then dying by the millions into the billions called the tribulation and then the Great Tribulation, where judgment from God gets kicked into high gear. Then immediately, a sign of impending doom covers the earth. Here we have people dying all around, so could things get any worse? Yes, much worse. Seven angels pour out 7 vials of the wrath of God in it's full strength. The sun fails to shine, the moon quits reflecting the sun during night hours, stars are falling, and the powers of heaven and earth are shaken....what could shaken mean? Untold destruction, signs of impending doom and everyone knows. I mean everyone knows that something is about to happen and the dread grips them, until their hearts and circulatory systems collapse or maybe they go mad and crazy with fear. One can only speculate. People will mourn. It says that all the tribes of the earth will mourn. You will not mourn for something that gives you joy as we will at His appearing, but mourn because of spirit filled dread and loathing, so the church of God is not included in this analogy, as we prayed for His appearing, and it brought great joy 7 years earlier. When Jesus comes to reign and rule and destroy all rebellion, will this time be sudden, without warning, without anyone noticing a difference in their environment? Would you notice? If you are witness to it, and I pray you are not, then you would definitely notice some type of world shaking event that is about to happen. Will men repent of their rebellion, what with all the disasters and environmental changes, not to mention inescapable displays of divine wrath that can only come from a Higher Power? They must know that it's the God of Heaven doing this to them and to this world. Will they repent? God says they will not as found in the verses of Revelation. We see angels flying in the air proclaiming the Gospel to the nations left. Why are Angels proclaiming the Gospel at this time? Was that not the Church’s job to preach unto the highways and the byways? Yes, but since the Church is NOT here, the job is left to an Angel to proclaim one last time that Gospel of Jesus Christ, as we are not on this earth...another sign of the rapture of the church. God gives them every possible chance to repent, but alas, they will not. Then verse 31, He shall send His angels to gather all of the elect who have died for the witness of Jesus Christ. Who are these elect? During this time of Great Tribulation, there will be 144,000 evangelist from the 12 tribes of Israel. You will have two witnesses who are preaching nonstop for 3.5 years at the temple of God. Who will believe their message? The Nation of Israel will be their focus. People of the rest of the world have been fed a strong delusion, and they believe a lie. They have taken a mark of loyalty to the Beast Power and are spiritually doomed. The angels are gathering saints, fallen saints during this tribulation. They have died believing in their Messiah and have not denied Him, to the death. They are Israel and a minority of Gentiles, as God has purified them all as silver is refined in the fire....He has washed them as with fuller soap....clean, white, and pure because of the blood of their Savior, our Savior. Now Jesus backs up in time continuum and speaks a parable of a fig tree: 24:32 “ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:32-36) Earlier in Luke, Jesus blasted the Pharisees for not perceiving signs that were given them: 12:54 “ And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?” (Luke 12:54-56) In their blindness, they had the prophecy of Jesus appearing, as He was right in front of them. They did not perceive or understand. Today we have the prophecy right in front of us, as they did. They did not perceive His coming to them as their Messiah. Will we understand and perceive His glorious appearing and gathering His church, in the twinkling of an eye? 51 “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” (1st Corinthians 15:51-53) A SURPRISE FOR THOSE IN DARKNESS As I just mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the time of His coming to rule and reign to put down all rebellion on earth, will not come as a surprise. All will know that impending doom is coming. It will be an unprecedented time and not a day like all others. Jesus speaks of an earlier time, when a fig tree is about to blossom and putting forth new leaves. When did that fig tree appear? Correct, in May 1948, when Israel was made a nation again after almost 2000 years. Unprecedented and amazing, not suppose to happen, but it did....divinely so. He says when these events start to happen, then know He is near...right at the door! A generation will not pass till all things be fulfilled. What is a generation? The bible says in Psalm 90 that a man has 70 years to live his life and 80 years by strength to live on this earth. Now I warn others, we can't make predictions about dates, or times, noting v. 36, but we can know the season....add 1948 plus 70-80 years....see what I mean, are we on the cusp of the fulfillment of this scripture? Note that the lower age of 7o years was fulfilled three years ago. How much longer, Lord? 24:37 “ But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”(Matthew 24:37-39) Jesus speaks of a day, that's like any other day. People are merrily going about their business. They continue their wickedness, not knowing anything is amiss, much like the people of Noah's day. UNTIL, the warning ends, and the event takes place. Life will change for everyone who misses the warning and continues in their wickedness. Much like Noah's Ark. This ship (Jesus Christ and Him crucified) of the Church of the Living God will leave port and bound for glory, and the world will wander around as blind people wondering what happened. 24:40 “ Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”(Matthew 24:40-42) Notice the suddenness of the event, as described here which is synonymous with the parable about Noah and warning people of the Antediluvian period. Some take this as a bad sign for the one removed, but I take it as to mean the elect being removed by force, without warning. Why do I say that? Because of the next few verses: 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:43-44) Jesus comes suddenly, without warning, much as a thief would break into your home. Another emphasis on the unforeseen. Did you know he was coming? No, that's why he's appears as a thief. Jesus is not a thief, but the analogy fits as it describes the unforeseen, so you take precautions and that you are prepared for the suddenness of His coming. How do you prepare? By accepting Jesus as your Savior. 24:45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?(preaching the Word in the time we have left) emphasis mine. 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 24:45-51) Then comes this last part. Ministers that read this, take note. Who is Jesus speaking of here? Is it the everyday Joe that the Lord has given him ruler-ship over His household? What is His house? The church and the people who make up that church. Sadly, there are many so called “ministers” that take the office of shepherd lightly and abuse the office of their calling. That is many in the main stream denominations today. I believe Jesus is making special mention of men and women who have been called to teach, to preach the Gospel, to counsel, and to minister to the children of God who make up His body. To neglect that duty and wander into sins of the flesh, be it stealing, lying, adultery, or any other sin that abuses the folks, then woe to that servant. Sadly, these wolves in sheep clothing, or ministers that abuse their office, have the flock looking to them for leadership. They look for spiritual meat for life, as found in the Word of God. If a minister falls, and fails in his calling, is it only him that it takes down? No, it takes many people who looked to him for spiritual leadership and they fall away from following God. They sadly, put their stock in a man, as their example and failed to realize, that there is only One example, and that is the man/God, Jesus Christ. Is this minister responsible for the spiritual condition of His flock? To a point, yes he is. But in the same breath, each of us are responsible for our own salvation. It's just sad that this minister, or false prophet, since he failed, abused this office and the reward is severe. How severe? God is the judge, not me. YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH The signs of the end of the age are all around us. Jesus gave us the prophecy 2000 years ago, and it is being played out with pin point accuracy, in His day and in ours. Jesus is God and He knew when He spoke of these words to His disciples the path that this age we live in would take. The question is: Are you taking Him seriously? Do you read these words and scoff, or take warning? Have you been playing church, or wandering around in the dark and know not my Savior? You say you believe in Jesus Christ, but do you live like you know Him? People, the time is growing short. History is winding down to the end of the Church age, or the Age of Grace. Suddenly, the Words of Jesus will be all too real for anyone that turns a deaf ear to the warning. Will you survive what is coming? Will you even want to? Will you make your home with the angels or with the demons of hell? Will you dwell with God Almighty for all eternity, or be banished to outer darkness where this is weeping and gnashing of teeth? Many places within the Bible speaks of prophecy, as it is full of signs and wonders for the close of human existence on this planet. Will you be found in Him, by accepting His blood sacrifice on a cruel cross for your sins, and mine? Will you enjoy eternal bliss and glory in a world that no man can imagine? Or will you worship yourself and pay the penalty with everlasting punishment apart from God? I beseech you, that you present yourself as a living sacrifice to God and believe on the only name, that is above every name, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, as the signs speak of the end of the age closing fast. 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18) The above verses are the whole point of the Bible, as it's all about Jesus and what He did for mankind nearly 2000 years ago on a cruel Roman cross bleeding and dying for your sins, and for mine. You see, the salvation message is so simple that even a small child can understand their need for a Savior..I've seen children as young as 6 years old proclaim Jesus as Messiah, their Redeemer and their need for His sacrifice applied to their lives. As Jesus said, “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3) We may not fully understand everything about the Gospel message, but we understand God's Grace through our faith confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives. 8 “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13) Stayed tuned as I will continue in chapter 25 next time that the time of the Lord's visitation to this earth for the Bride of Christ, His Church is close, even at the door. Won't you join us, those who have put their faith and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the only Way back to God? This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying God's salvation in your life today. If there is anything I can counsel you on, pray with you about, or just listen with a sympathetic ear, email me at [email protected], or visit me online at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com, God bless you all, till we meet at Jesus feet. Iran's Renewed 'Promise' to the Palestinians - by Khaled Abu Toameh - https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/17648/iran-promise-palestinians As the Biden administration continues to talk about the need for confidence-building measures between Israel and the Palestinians to create an environment to reach a two-state solution, the leaders of various Palestinian factions are seeking Iran's support for their jihad (holy war) against Israel. Leaders of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and other factions who visited Iran recently to attend the inauguration of President Ebrahim Raisi, seem to be satisfied with the promise they received from the mullahs in Tehran. The Biden administration wants to advance confidence-building measures between Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinian terrorist groups and their supporters, however, want confidence-building measures with any country that is willing to support them in realizing their dream of destroying Israel. The Biden administration can probably promote some form of confidence-building measures between Israel and the Palestinian Authority headed by Mahmoud Abbas. There is no way, however, that the Biden administration would be able to advance such measures between Israel and Iran's Palestinian proxies. Raisi and other Iranian officials assured the Palestinian leaders that Iran will continue to support the Palestinians in their fight against Israel. This means that Iran under Raisi will continue to provide the Palestinian terrorist groups in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip with financial and military aid. Iran did not promise to contribute to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of May's 11-day war between Hamas and Israel. Iran did not promise to build new hospitals and schools in the Gaza Strip. Iran did not promise to help the two million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip cope with the rising number of Covid-19 infections. During separate meetings with the Palestinian leaders, Raisi underlined that the Islamic Republic "will continue to support Palestine as the main issue of the Muslim world." "We have never had and will never have any doubt about this policy," Raisi said during the meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. "In our view, Palestine has been and will be the first issue of the Muslim world." Raisi lauded the Hamas leader for his optimism about eliminating Israel. He said that the rockets and missiles fired into Israel by Hamas and PIJ during the recent war showed that a great leap has been made in the fight against Israel. "Today, signs of great victory of the resistance movement have emerged and Operation Saif Al-Quds ["Sword of Jerusalem," the name Hamas uses to refer to the last war with Israel] was one of the signs of this victory," Raisi added. Haniyeh, for his part, assured the Iranian president and other senior officials in Tehran that Hamas will stand by Iran in any conflict with the US and Israel. In a meeting with PIJ Secretary-General Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Raisi "stressed the importance of supporting the oppressed Palestinian people against Israeli aggression." Nakhalah said the Islamic Republic is a model of peaceful transition of power in the world while there was a power-transfer conflict in the US just a few months ago. In another meeting with secretary general of the PFLP, Talal Naji, and his deputy, Abu Ahmad Fuad, the Iranian president said that "Palestine and the liberation of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) are the most important issues of the Muslim world." Naji, for his part, said that the fight against Israel will continue "until the final victory against the Israeli regime." He too assured the Iranians that the Palestinian terrorist groups would "stand by the Iranian people because the Islamic Republic seeks to protect security of the entire region." The speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, also met with the Palestinian leaders and "reaffirmed Tehran's support for Palestine until the liberation of Jerusalem." Additionally, the Palestinian leaders met with the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami, who told them that the "decline of the Zionist regime is a reality that can be materialized soon." The "decline of the Zionist regime" is a euphemism for the elimination of Israel, an open and declared goal of the mullahs of Iran. "Given the undeniable realities on the ground, we rest assured that the decline of the Zionist regime is more than a wish, a reality that can happen in the near future," said General Salami. He stressed that "only power can force the rebellious Zionists to go quiet. Strengthening of Palestine is a strategy and a way that should never be stopped." General Salami dismissed the idea that Israel is invincible: "This idea [of invincibility] collapsed suddenly with the Operation Saif al-Quds, and this battle showed that it is Palestine that has become powerful, and the decline and collapse of the fake Zionist regime is definite." Emboldened by the promises they received during their visit to Iran, the Palestinian faction leaders seem more defiant than ever and are stepping up their threats not only against Israel, but also against Arab countries that seek to normalize their relations with Israel. Days after the visit to Tehran, several Palestinian factions again denounced Arabs for normalizing their relations with Israel. The warning came in response to Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid's recent visit to Morocco. The factions condemned Lapid's visit as a "crime" against the Palestinians and called on the Arabs "to reject normalization with the Zionist entity." Iran's renewed promise to help the Palestinians in their fight against Israel shows that the mullahs in Tehran feel emboldened by the perceived weakness of the Biden administration and other Western powers in dealing with the Iranian nuclear threat. Apparently, Raisi and his friends in Tehran are convinced that the US and the Europeans do not care if Iran continues supplying weapons and money to Palestinian terror groups whose declared goal is to kill as many Jews as possible and annihilate Israel. Appeasing the mullahs or failing to hold them to account for their continued support of the terrorists will lead to yet more bloodletting in the Middle East. The silence of the US and the rest of the international community towards the latest threats from Iran and its Palestinian proxies signals that it is only a matter of time before the Palestinian terror groups' jihad toward Israel, most likely enthusiastically assisted by Iran, resurges in a way that is entirely expectable. Tribulation Talk - by Terry James - https://www.raptureready.com When we move from mainstream news and the almost-constant focus on COVID and its variants, we can’t go far into the blogosphere before we get equally mired in the same subject. But the talk of COVID and the variants in most of the blogs that address the so-called pandemic come from the opposite view presented by mainstream venues. The contrarian blogs present that the pandemic is, by design of the globalists, bringing about the destruction of America. It is designed as well to reduce the population of the earth. There await the anti-vaxxers COVID camps—replace nomenclature for the FEMA camps—but in actuality, they are one and the same. These will fill up with those who refuse to accept the various vaccines. The camps will, like the death camps of the Nazis, be used in killing the resisters by the thousands—and, eventually, by the millions. According to these opposition blogs, those who accept the vaccines are being injected already with “spike proteins” and other deadly agents, all designed to bring the world’s population down to a sustainable level. The Georgia Guidestones, placed there by the globalists elite, it is said, reads that desired sustainable number is around 500 million. According to this and the many blogs that are in opposition to mainstream media, the globalist cabal and the Biden administration hold that, based upon current world population, more than 7 billion people will be offed the planet through their genocidal treachery in preparation for the planned globalist utopia. The blogs that put forth that the evil within the vaccines are “kill shots” are equally adamant about prepping. These almost always have online stores where their visitors can buy foods necessary to survive the neo-holocaust that certainly is on the way. Their business model is based upon this inevitable collapse of the United States economy and of the world’s economic structure in general. Some who broadcast daily to their blog audiences bring Bible prophecy into their warnings of impending collapse and all it will almost certainly entail. Food supplies will dwindle into nonexistence. The electric grid will fail across the nation and world. Water supplies will stop flowing. Even the Chinese and Russian militaries, which are now posed to do so on the northern and southern borders of the country, will invade at just the right time. Blue-helmeted UN troops will be sent door-to-door to take away resisters to the coming New World Order tyrants’ internment camps. This is what the Bible says will happen, these blogcasters claim. Now is the time of Revelation and all the judgments written therein, they declare. One I listened to the other day—a fellow with a biblical prophet’s name, as a matter of fact—said that there is “a group” out here that believes they will escape this coming time of Revelation-like horror. He spoke as if he was incredulous that such a belief system could exist. He indicated, at least by tone, that this is a very small gathering, whose belief system simply, somehow, blinds them to what is going on all around them. They will be the most anguished of all when the collapse comes and Satan’s human minion’s assault and take them to the COVID camps and worse. The blogcaster never mentioned the word “Rapture.” He did have a tinge of pity in his voice that indicated he felt badly that anyone who sees the things going on could be so deluded. He then said he was not an authority on Bible prophecy, but that several people he knows and trusts tell him that we are all but within the Tribulation at this point. He gave the names of a couple of these prophecy teachers/writers/broadcasters. I won’t mention them, because I don’t wish or intend to get in debate with a theological miscarriage of Bible truth when it comes to things to come according to God’s Word. But they are names that you will hear time and time again if you follow the blogs I’m writing about. Those who believe there will be a great escape from end-times trouble, the blogger said, are destined to be swept up in the genocide and starvation because they aren’t sufficiently prepped for what is to come. I’ve tried twice to “reach out” to one of these bloggers. My purpose was to give him concise reasons the world isn’t yet in the Tribulation. I offered him a book or two giving what the Bible really has to say about that most horrific future time. I never heard back. It is understandable, because this particular fellow has years invested in following the teachings of “no Rapture.” Well, that, plus the Rapture doesn’t fit his business model. This isn’t meant to say that I think he doesn’t really believe what he preaches. He’s very intelligent. He is just, at best, a very immature believer. And I do believe, based upon what I hear, a believer in Jesus Christ. He, too, if belonging to our Savior, will be instantaneously snatched into the clouds when Jesus calls. The strongest point of that assurance is that nowhere in the prophetic Word of God are we who live in the Church Age (Age of Grace) told to prepare for Antichrist. That prince that shall come/man of sin/ son of perdition/beast is profiled in the prophetic passages, forewarned to appear during Daniel’s seventieth week, but not to the people who are believers during this present age. We who are Christians–believers during this Church Age—are not told to prepare to survive the Tribulation. We’re told to look for the Real Christ, not the phony. We are to look for Jesus Christ, not Antichrist. Paul gave these instructions to all who believe according to Romans 10: 9–10: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13–14) The Antichrist won’t be revealed until the apostasia—the falling away or departure: For that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Although Bible students and seminary scholars have often defined this apostasia or falling away as a spiritual departure, in-depth studies in more recent times have defined this Greek noun as a spatial departure—a removal in space and time as opposed to a departure from spiritual truth. I believe it likely falls under both definitions. Perhaps the top scholar on the Rapture today is Dr. Thomas Ice. Here’s what he wrote for our book, The Departure. I believe there is a strong possibility that 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is speaking of the Rapture. What do I mean? Some pretribulationists, like myself, think that the Greek noun apostasia, usually translated “apostasy,” is a reference to the Rapture and should be translated “departure.” Thus, this passage would be saying that the Day of the Lord will not come until the Rapture comes before it. If apostasia is a reference to a physical departure, then 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is strong evidence for pretribulationism. (The Departure, conclusion, Defender Publishing, 2010) The Church is still here. We haven’t yet been translated into immortality in the Rapture. God is still, through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling each of us, using believers to restrain the evil that is trying to burst forth and bring in Antichrist’s regime of horror. The blogs might well be on point in observing the globalists’ and leftists’ evil intentions in regard to danger to our liberty. However, all the Tribulation talk of the bloggers is erroneous at best and egregiously false teaching at worst in the claims of evil achieving Satan’s absolute control, with no Rapture in their apocalyptic scenarios. The beast’s reign can’t begin until we are gone. So have no fear that we, as believers, are about to enter that time of Daniel’s seventieth week. Let us use that energy many have spent worrying about being tortured, hunted, and hated during that unprecedented time of trouble to instead carry out the Great Commission right now, during this Age of Grace—to tell of the only escape from that coming time –the Lord Jesus Christ and His being the only Way to God the Father and Heaven for eternity. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10) T-Shirts, Bumper Stickers, and Works - Nathele Graham - [email protected] They’re everywhere. T-shirts proclaim everything from the beer you drink and the tourist traps you’ve visited to the super-star concert you’ve attended. Bumper stickers often tell where you stand politically. Some messages are vulgar while others are uplifting and encouraging. Whatever the message, it says a lot about the one who wears the shirt or drives the car. If the message promotes Christ, the person behind the shirt or bumper sticker should represent Christ. If your T-shirt proclaims that you love Jesus, shouldn’t you be forgiving of other people who seem rude or obnoxious? The answer is “Yes”. If your bumper sticker is a little fish symbol, shouldn’t you pray for the person who makes a left turn without using their blinker, or cuts you off in traffic? That would be the Christian thing to do. It’s important to live your life for Christ, rather than just wear it on your shirt. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1. It makes a strong statement for Christ if you humbly live for Him. People do notice your proclamations. My husband, Ron, had a vinyl sticker on the back window of his pickup…a hand with a spike going through it. The caption said “Body piercing saved my life”. A man in our congregation saw it, and reprimanded my husband for promoting body piercing. Rightly so, but this man didn’t get the significance of the hand being pierced as representing Jesus being crucified. Ron explained it to this man, who then thought it was a great message. A few weeks later, Ron was at work and parked on the main street through town. It was very early in the morning, and he was surprised when the door opened. A very disheveled young woman walked in. Her hair was full of snarls, she was barefoot with very dirty and tattered clothing. She and her boyfriend were travelling, had a fight, and he kicked her out of the car. She had walked about 10 miles that cold night, barefoot with no jacket. We lived in a very rural area so there wasn’t much traffic. As she walked through town, hungry with sore and blistered feet, she needed help, saw the body piercing sticker, and went inside the building. She told Ron “I saw the sticker on the pickup and knew I would find help here”. She did find help. Ron, who lived his faith, took her to the local diner and bought her breakfast. While she ate, he contacted the youth pastor where we attended services and told him about her plight. The young pastor was able to get her some shoes, clean clothes, and bought her a bus ticket to where she wanted to go. The point is, if you make statements on your shirt or vehicle, you need to live what you proclaim. Ron was the epitome of the Good Samaritan which Jesus described in Luke 10:30-37. Both men shared the Gospel with her. James wrote “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17. Works cannot bring salvation, but neither can a bumper sticker. They can open the way to show God’s love and share the Gospel Christians are supposed to show kindness and do good in the name of Jesus. Living our faith is an individual work we do. One day, as Peter and John were about to enter the Temple, a crippled man asked for a handout. “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.” Acts 3:6. The man was crippled and could only beg for money. More than money, he needed to come to know Jesus as his Redeemer. Peter did a good work in the name of Jesus and the man stood up on his own two feet. “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” Acts 3:8. The crowd saw the miracle. Peter used clear words, to tell them about Jesus. We need to boldly share the Gospel. We need to do good works in the name of Jesus, but if we don’t share the Gospel, we’ve done nothing worthwhile. Today it seems Christians have a strange way of sharing the Gospel. T-shirts, bumper stickers, and orchestrated works programs with gimmicks. None of that is found in Scripture. The final instructions that Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended to Heaven was to share the Gospel. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. How did the Disciples respond? Did they put on T-shirts and organize work parties? No. They shared the Gospel. “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:20. Jesus never sent work-parties armed with hammer and nails to repair houses for people who needed salvation. He sent His disciples armed with the Gospel. “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1-2. Jesus told them to take nothing with them except the power and authority that comes from the Holy Spirit. “And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.” Luke 9:6. After that He sent 70 out with the same mission. “And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” Luke 10:9. Can you imagine what Christians filled with the Holy Spirit could do in the name of Jesus against a pandemic? When the seventy returned, they were thrilled! “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” Luke 10:17. Brothers and sisters, Jesus hasn’t changed His instructions. Preach the Gospel to the lost, armed with the Holy Spirit. This isn’t to say that God won’t use a t-shirt, bumper sticker, or kindness to open the door for a chance to share the Gospel. But we must be ready to share the Gospel with words. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” 1 Peter 3:15-16. In other words, we’re all sinners saved by grace, and people tend to be aware of our wrongdoings, which compromise our witness. “…good conversation in Christ” means to live so others see His mercy and grace in us. Peter said we should always be ready to give an answer for the hope within us. What is that hope? The Gospel of Jesus Christ. If someone sees a cute saying on your t-shirt and asks what it means, can you share the Gospel with them? Paul never backed away from defending his faith in Jesus. He is a good example of what missionary work looks like. His first stop on missionary travels was in synagogues. It got him in a lot of trouble at times, but it also brought people to Christ. He didn’t wear a woven message on his robe, but spoke boldly to all within hearing distance. The main mission of a Christian is to bring people to Christ. Speak the Gospel with words. We need to do kind things for people, but boldly do kindness in the name of Jesus. Don’t do those good works, hoping maybe someone will ask about Jesus and salvation. If you’re ashamed of Jesus, then shame on you. “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16. Share the Gospel boldly. Scripture says crowds would gather when the people knew Jesus was in town. Why? Not because He sold t-shirts saying “I heard the Sermon on the Mount”. Word of mouth brought people to Him. Though He had created the world and all things in it, and was a carpenter by trade, He never built houses nor repaired roofs for people, but spoke to them of the love of God. Peter was a fisherman by trade, not a shepherd, but Jesus told him “Feed my sheep”. That meant to teach God’s word. Peter spoke openly and eloquently of Jesus. Because of his words, many people came to a saving faith in Christ. Peter gave a beautiful sermon on the day of Pentecost. He used words to point out why the people listening needed salvation that only comes through Christ. He wasn’t shy about pointing out sin, nor was he shy about sharing Christ with the lost. Study Acts beginning with chapter 2 verse 14 and take Peter’s words to heart. “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. T-shirts, bumper stickers, and works cannot accomplish what Peter, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through him, accomplished that day. It seems that in today’s world, we’re much more comfortable letting our T-shirts and bumper stickers speak for us rather than sharing the Gospel with our own lips. Try this. Stand in front of a mirror with your “I love Jesus” t-shirt on, and give your testimony to your reflection. Which one is more powerful? Is it your words or your t-shirt that makes it clear who Jesus is and what He’s done for you? Then, share the Gospel with your reflection. Can you explain why you need Jesus in your life? By doing so, you just might bring yourself to a saving knowledge of Christ! Maybe you believe you’re saved because you were baptized as a baby. Scripture says we have to make our own profession of faith, and baptism alone won’t bring salvation. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10. I have yet to see a baby able to understand anything except their basic needs. They know nothing of the fact they are sinners and cannot be good enough to save themselves. As precious as a baby is, they have to grow and be taught the Gospel in order to understand they need to confess with their mouth their faith in Jesus. An observation I’ve made recently is that Christians seem to hide behind t-shirts, bumper stickers, and works while people with a false “gospel” are out sharing their misplaced faith. During the last year I’ve received phone calls from a lady with a message of “hope”. As I spoke with her, it became clear she was a Jehovah Witness sharing her twisted truth. She couldn’t knock on doors so she called on the telephone. This gave me an opportunity to share Jesus with her. Did it do any good? I don’t know. All I could do is speak God’s truth. I do know that I used words instead of hiding behind my t-shirt that says “Jesus Christ is my Life Savior”, or my license plate holder that says “Know Jesus, know peace, no Jesus, no peace”, or any other works. After all, Jehovah Witnesses are sure if they do enough good works they can get to Heaven. The Gospel is really quite simple. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23. All have sinned…you, me, and the most “holy” saint you know. Sin separates us from God. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. This death could be physical death caused by disease spread through sin, but the sin of rejecting Jesus brings eternal death. Every human sins and are on the road to eternal death. God doesn’t want that. The only remedy is faith in the death, burial, and resurrection, of Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17. Repentance is part of salvation. Repent means to change your mind about sin. If you’ve rejected Christ all your life, then change your mind about that. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19. Paul described the Gospel this way. “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Don’t be fearful of speaking God’s truth. T-shirts, bumper stickers, and works might open the door for a conversation, but be sure to have the words to share the Gospel of Salvation. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] [email protected] PLEASE NOTE: Friends, I am having some troubles with my email. For some reason my Inbox is not allowing any emails to come in. If you have written to me in the last few weeks and I haven’t responded, I apologize. Until I get this problem solved, please email me at [email protected] . All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed. If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. Daily Jot: COVID vaccines, science and common sense - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com There are three types of science being applied to the COVID-19 vaccine situation—no science, some science and political science. The “no science” is about those who blindly advocate for or against the vaccine without accurate information. The science is the interpretation of the vaccines’ effectiveness against the risks. The political science is the unyielding pressure to get vaccinated, which can include misinterpretation of the science, misleading people, even marginalizing those who are unvaccinated. The trends of what is happening with these emergency experimental vaccines are also part of the science and we are beginning to see their effectiveness rates over a longer term and the trend is alarming. Given an overriding science of mathematics, statistically there has been less than a 10% chance of contracting COVID 19 and its variants, and less than a 2% chance of dying from this flu. That should tell you something. While the variants are very contagious, they appear to be less lethal. This is NOT TO SAY that COVID 19 and its variants are unreal, not lethal or not dangerous to one’s health. It is to put things in perspective mathematically. We most likely know someone who has had COVID 19. It is real and nothing with which to be trifled. This is the type of flu with which we are dealing. Highly contagious, sometimes deadly, unknown long-term effects. Do all you can to prevent getting this virus. Be diligent about it. As the CDC states on its website, “Vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death.” And if you are vaccinated and contract COVID 19 or a variant, the impact will be less. Those are the facts. ALSO, the vaccines lose their effectiveness as time passes. The 95% efficacy rate drops to less than 75%, according to studies cited by CDC. Another study published in the International Journal of Vaccine Theory, Practice, and Research (IJVTPR) states that the relative risk reduction is initially 95%, but the absolute risk reduction is 1.1% for Moderna and 0.7% for Pfizer, according to data supplied by the vaccine makers to the FDA. This could be the cause of so many breakthrough cases. This also can cause vaccinated people to actually spread the virus further because of the false security of being vaccinated. The vaccines were developed in a rush to stop COVID 19 death. They did what was intended, but not without risk. CDC reports that of 357 million doses administered in the US from December 14, 2020-August 16, 2021, there were 6,780 deaths reported (0.0019%) among those receiving the vaccine. CDC speaks of “currently” known rare side-affects, including anaphylaxis, thrombosis (blood clots), Guillain-Barre Syndrome, myocarditis, pericarditis, and death. Because the vaccines are so new, the long-term effects are difficult to predict, but the IJVTPR paper postulates that the mRNA vaccine spikes a protein to induce the body to fight the virus, then exits the body. Problem is that the mRNA may last long enough in the body to cause autoimmune disorders, neurodegeneration, and long-term permanent damage to the spleen, kidney and brain. As this flu season gears up, questions about the efficacy of the COVID vaccines will arise. We know they lose their effectiveness with time, causing the CDC to recommend regular booster shots—like every eight months. While CDC says the vaccine is safe and effective, it is measuring that statement based on “current” data, not long-term data. Yes, the vaccines prevent death, but at what risk, especially when regular boosters are needed. The political science is to shame or scare everyone into taking the vaccines, but if they are not long-term effective and have high-risk long-term side effects, a wiser approach is necessary. Proverbs 3:21 advises, “Keep sound wisdom and discretion.” In your health decisions, discern well and be wise. Daily Devotion: The First Step Down - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. —Proverbs 16:18 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-first-step-down/ - Listen How does someone who once claimed to follow Christ get to the point where they say, “I’m no longer a Christian”? It’s a series of steps and compromises that always lead to a statement like that. You just don’t wake up one morning and say, “I’m going to deny my faith and turn from God today.” No one falls away all at once. For instance, the Devil might say to you in effect, “I never wanted you to become a Christian, but come on now. Be practical. You can still have a little fun.” He knows that’s the way he can gain a foothold in your life. Sometimes I hear Christians asking, “Can I do this thing and still technically be a Christian?” But is that really the best question they could be asking? I think a better one is this: “Because I’m a Christian, what can I do to get closer to God? What can I do to grow more spiritually?” We all know about Simon Peter’s open denial of Christ. But where did it start? It started in the Upper Room, when Jesus told His disciples that one of them would betray Him, He would be crucified, and they all would desert Him. But Peter said, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will” (Mark 14:29 NLT). He thought, “No way!” So Jesus essentially told him, “Well, since you brought it up, Peter, you’re going to deny me three times.” The Bible tells us, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 NLT). Peter’s first step down started with a prideful attitude. Don’t ever think that you can’t fall. Every Christian is capable of falling to the worst sins imaginable. We want to keep as much distance from evil as possible because it’s the small steps that lead to spiritual ruin. 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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