IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
God’s Final Judgment: Heaven or Hell? - By Pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2022/01/gods-final-judgment-heaven-or-hell.html
22 “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:22-23) I got into a discussion with a friend of mine who seems to be confused about the doctrine of sinners and their destination of an ever burning hell. In talking with this person, I was aware that he didn’t believe a loving God would ever send any one to an eternal torment known to us as hell, and ultimately the Lake of Fire. Is he right? Is a loving God unwilling to send anyone to a terrible place called in the bible in 53 different passages, hell or a place burning with fire and brimstone? Is the concept of a eternal hell a figment of some minister’s imagination or a denomination’s attempt to force people to the altar for fear of being cast into hellfire? First, let me quote a minister that doesn’t believe in an eternal hell and that God is a God of Love, “For centuries, many ministers have been preaching "hellfire and brimstone" sermons and promoting a religion of fear by teaching that the unsaved face an eternity of torture. The common teaching is that incorrigibly wicked people will be tormented forever in some fiery, macabre manner in a terrifying place called hell. This horrible fate usually conjures up in people's minds visions of an ever-burning hellfire where sinners are continually roasted on spits, and a devil with horns and a tail runs around sticking his captives with a pitchfork.” The imagery is a very simplistic explanation of hell and ultimately being cast into a lake burning with brimstone and sulfur. Satan and his demons will be there along with anyone who does not have their sins forgiven. It is hard to convince some folks that God is not only a God of love, but also the God of judgment. He is a God of justice, a God of consuming fire, and a God who will not allow sin into His presence. 25 “See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:26-29) Are we talking about the same God?. Do you mean the same God that told the Israelites when they entered Canaan to not spare man, woman, or child from the sword, but to slay them all? Do you mean that God? If it’s the same God of the Bible, what did He say about it? JESUS GIVES A LESSON ON WHAT HELL IS LIKE When Jesus spoke of the biblical lesson of the rich man and Lazarus being separated by a huge gulf and the rich man being in torment, and Lazarus being comforted in Abraham's bosom, was He just telling a story? Was He stretching the truth, just to make a point? Let’s look at the passage. This is Jesus speaking in Luke chapter 16: 19 “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:19-24) Since our Lord was sinless and only told what is true, it would make sense that He would not tell a falsehood, just to make a point. Jesus spoke of things spiritual that were being played out in the natural realm. Do we think that He was just joking and He didn’t mean it as He spoke it, and exactly as we take it? SOME RELIGIONS EXPLAIN AWAY HELL Some denomination and well-meaning Christians believe that hell is a synonym of the grave. They go to great lengths to prove that Hades, the grave, and hell are all the same thing. Then why does so many Old Testament and New Testament writers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit make so much about the wages of sin and the eternal destruction of the soul in hell? Jesus spoke of hellfire, more than He did of even heaven...it was a place He didn't want anyone to end up for all eternity. Let’s take a journey to look at just a few of the scriptures that point to the fallacy of not believing that the penalty for not having Jesus Christ cover your sins with His own shed blood is an eternal home in hell’s unquenchable fire. King David spoke of it in Psalms: 16 “ The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands 17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”(Psalms 9:16-17) 13 “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.”(Proverbs 23:13-14) If you punish your child, you will not save him from the grave. We all will die, but what is spoken of here is delivering yourself from something beyond the grave, a place of everlasting torment. We call it Hell! 14 “Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. 15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:” (Isaiah 5:14-15) Isaiah spoke of a place where man will be brought down and will be humbled. We all die, so it’s not speaking of only the grave, but something beyond the grave. Isaiah when he spoke of the final destination of Lucifer because of his sin against God, he wrote these words: 12 “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; 17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?”(Isaiah 14:12-17) Understand that hell and the Lake of Fire was designed for Lucifer and his demon angels that fell because of rebellion. It was never designed for mankind that was made in the image of God. Satan had to attempt to thwart God’s judgment on himself. If he could get man to fall, then it possibly could thwart God’s perfect creation and maybe judgment on Lucifer himself. But God knew that to redeem what had been stolen by Satan, a perfect sacrifice had to be slain, and Jesus was slain from the foundation of the world. So God sent His only Son into the world to redeem mankind, as the kinsman redeemer. But it would cost Him His life, because sinful man is worthy of death. So Jesus paid the penalty for all who believe on His name and follow His example. Satan wants you to disbelieve in a place called hell. Satan wants to deceive you, and blind you to this Biblical truth. Satan knows it is his final destination and he will not go down without taking anyone and everyone he can, with him. He has tried for many thousands of years to thwart the judgment of God and make Him somehow a liar and to make void his sentencing to a devil’s hell. Jesus spoke of it further in Matthew 22 “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”(Matthew 5:22) If you search your concordance for the word hell, verses before this one in your bible, does give you a feeling that hell in some scriptures, not all, depicts the grave and some point to beyond the grave, but this is where the Lord of Creation identifies what hell means. There is no fire in the grave, but of a place beyond the grave where the wicked and the sinner will end up. Hence it spoke of it plainly in Lazarus and the rich man. Note that the rich man has no name. I could be anybody that lives on this earth and rejects Jesus Christ as Savior. Through the gospels, and I won’t quote each and everyone of them for the sake of brevity, Jesus makes an analogy of removing the sinful and offending part from you so that you will not be cast into hell. If it be the grave, then all parts of the departed end in the grave. Jesus speaks of something more. Then there is the time when Jesus in His righteous anger railed against the Jewish authorities for the iniquity in dealing with the people: In Matthew again, 31 “Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”(Matthew 23:31-33) How much more plain can Jesus be? Did He not give enough clues to the final destination of all who are not redeemed by His own shed blood? The kicker for me is found in Revelation chapter 14, that speaks of the reward of those who take the mark of the beast. 9 'And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:9-11) Now tell me reader, if this hell fire is a parable, and hell is only the grave and there is not eternal torment for the sinner and the wicked, then why is the smoke of the torment rising before the Lamb and His holy angels, forever, and ever, and ever…sounds like eternity to me and proof that there is a final fiery judgment on sinful mankind!! When I pointed this simple fact found in your bible out to my friend, he had not an explanation. No quick comeback and no answer to the Words of our Lord, written by John the Apostle. I fear for people who don’t believe the simple words of your bible. One denomination actually believes that “all will be saved after the Great White Throne judgment.”. This scenario believes that all will stand before the Ancient of Days, and be judged, but sentence will not be carried out until they have a “full chance” at believing in the name of Jesus Christ and finding forgiveness. This is called Universal Reconciliation and it is not found in your Bible. There is an ultimate penalty for those who have rejected His Son who came to save mankind from their sins. 24 “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:24-28) I truly believe that all mankind were born with one purpose, what will you do with the Man/God Christ Jesus...will you accept Him for salvation or reject believing Satan's lies? Now I can’t speak for God, as God is sovereign, all powerful and all merciful. All that have not had a chance at hearing, God can do what He wills with them, but to all who have heard the gospel and think they have a“second chance” at redemption play the Russian roulette of their soul. Paul makes a point in Hebrews that we should take seriously this side of eternity: 26 “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”( Hebrews 9:26-28) You who are reading this, I don’t mean to scare you to the altar because you fear an ever burning fire called Hell !! But I wish to convey the harsh reality that all who are not found with their name written in the Book of Life at the Great White Throne judgment will receive their just reward, and it’s all because of their own will, not Gods. Do a simple Google search and find the verses that speak of an eternal destination for those who have rejected the Divine payment for the sins of the world, found in the blood and body of our Lord Jesus. Go here for a quick summary of what hell and the Lake of fire really are for the lost who die without Jesus Christ as Savior: What Is The Difference Between Hell and The Lake Of Fire In The Bible? (whatchristianswanttoknow.com) Each of those who have not the righteousness of our Lord Jesus covering their sins, because of the blood payment He made on the cross will be cast into the Lake of Fire, along with hell, death and the grave. I pray Holy Spirit conviction come upon you, and you make a plea for changing your life and repenting of your former life and living for God for the rest of it. Don’t come to the Lord for the wrong reason. Fear is the beginning of wisdom, but a true repentant and humble heart is what God desires. 16 “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”Psalms 51-16-17) COMING JUDGMENT OF ALL MEN WHO DO NOT BELIEVE 11 “ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”(Revelation 20:11-15) But Jesus stands in the gap. He has paid the ultimate price for your sins, His life and shed all of His blood to wash you perfectly clean and make you acceptable before God the Father in Heaven. In the closing verses of the final book of our bible, Jesus makes this final plea: 16 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”(Revelation 22:16-17) Jesus makes an open invitation to all who will come and sit at His feet and believe in the only Begotten Son of the Father, Jesus the Christ (Messiah). He wishes for all to be joined unto Him and live forever, but He will not usurp your own will. He will not force you. He said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open unto me, I will come unto him and sup with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20). He desires that all come to repentance and to accept His free offer of grace. All you have to do, is believe in the One whom God has sent. 28 “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29) Then become a new creature in Jesus Christ and follow the Lord in baptism as a first sign of obedience. Then live unto obedience the things He wrote in His Word. 9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,”( II Peter 3:9-11) The Lord is coming soon, as a thief in the night…meaning suddenly and without warning. He wishes you to be with Him and not suffer what is coming. Chances are you will be counted with the sinner, as salvation will be hard to obtain, and be easily lost because of tribulation and the demonic forces working overtime for the destruction of your soul. Don’t give Satan a chance to take you with him. Make that decision for Jesus Christ right now, while there is still time. But time is growing short. How do you escape a ever burning Lake of Fire when Satan and the demons have been cast away for their wickedness? It is very simple as all you have to do is accept a free gift that is there one simple prayer away. 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) 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.”(Romans10:8-13) Don't make that human mistake that any works you do will absolve you of the sin in your life, as Jesus is the ONLY Way back to God the Father....He offers salvation as a gift...reach out and take it....and you will escape the eternal reward of those who are not found in Jesus Christ, hell and the Lake of Fire. 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:5-9) This is Pastor Mike Taylor wishing you well and God’s love in your life. If there is anything I can counsel you on from our bible, then drop me a line to [email protected], or visit me online at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com for more biblical lessons from the Word of God that proclaim Jesus as Savior and our soon coming King. I have a listening ear, I’m here waiting to assist you. God bless you all, TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET Church Not in Tribulation, Pt. 1 of 3 - By Grant Phillips - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/01/05/church-not-in-tribulation-pt-1-of-3-by-grant-phillips/ The Tribulation is a 7-year period that God has reserved for Israel’s discipline and for His judgment upon a decadent and unbelieving world. It is known as: the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 2:12, 13:6-9; Joel 1:15, 2:1-31, 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2) and the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). It is also called “trouble, tribulation and wrath” in Zephaniah1-3, then “time of trouble” in Daniel 12:1. Daniel 9:24-27 speaks of 70 weeks (or sevens), 490 years that God has declared for the Jewish people [1] to finish the transgression, [2] to make an end of sins, [3] to make reconciliation of iniquity, [4] to bring in everlasting righteousness, [5] to seal up the vision and prophecy, and [6] to anoint the most Holy. This period began with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25 and fulfilled in Nehemiah 2), then stated that after 69 weeks, the Messiah would be cut off (Jesus’ death on the cross). Daniel 9:26 prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. by the Roman General Titus. Then the remaining one week (7 years) is mentioned in Daniel 9:27 with the Antichrist confirming a covenant for one week (7 years). Revelation 6-18 describes in detail this remaining one week (the Tribulation), or seven years, that will come upon the whole world. This rather short description of the Tribulation is to emphasize God’s wrath during this time upon a corrupt and unbelieving world and also upon the Jewish nation of Israel. FULLNESS OF THE GENTILES For nearly 2,000 years, mankind originally consisted of just Gentiles, from Adam to Abraham. With Abraham began the Jewish nation of Israel. Then there were two groups of people: Gentiles and Jews. At Pentecost, nearly 2,000 years from Abraham, another group of people was introduced by God called the Church. Now we have three groups of people: Gentiles, Jews, and the Church. The Church is composed of anyone who will put their faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to God the Father, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. At first, the Church consisted of all Jews who came to Christ, and then Gentiles also came to Him to be saved. Today, most all who are of the Church are Gentiles, but all may be saved, Jews and Gentiles, if they believe upon the name of Jesus. God initiated the Gentiles through Adam via creation. He initiated the Jewish nation with a promise to Abraham, and then finally He initiated the third group, the Church, with a fulfillment in Jesus Christ: His death, burial and resurrection. Since Israel (the Jews) rejected their Messiah, God temporarily put them, as a nation, on the backburner (Romans 11:7-12) and is now calling out the Gentiles to come to Him through the same Messiah that Israel rejected. When the number of Gentiles in His Church is complete, He will remove the Church at the Rapture and return to His dealings with Israel during the Tribulation (Romans 11:26-32). “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25). GOD’S WRATH Without a doubt, the Tribulation is a time of God’s wrath that will come down in full force upon all humanity … except for the Church. The Church is the bride of Christ, and Jesus has made it very clear that His bride, the Church, will never suffer His wrath. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). His wrath will come down upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness, but not on those clothed with the righteousness of their Savior Jesus Christ. “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Romans 5:9-11). Every true Christian is a part of the Church and, therefore, the bride of Christ. Having been justified by His blood, we are reconciled to God and saved by His life from His wrath. “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others” (Ephesians 2:1-3). Notice the “past tense” in these three verses: “were dead,” “once walked,” “once conducted.” All true Christians, before they were saved, were also once children of wrath, as others who do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord. We are no longer children of wrath. “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 5:6). Those who make up the true Church are children of God, not sons of disobedience. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Again, all true Christians are not of the sons of disobedience and children of wrath but instead are children of God. “Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them” (Colossians 3:6-7). Once again, this verse is not referring to the children of God. “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Those who have turned to God through Jesus Christ are not under wrath but delivered from wrath. “For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost” (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). The enemies of God will face His wrath, not the Church. He says in the next verse: “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). Jesus died for His bride. He is not going to show us His wrath. He shows us His love. “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). Jesus made a clear promise to His Church, His bride, that she would not be a part of the “hour of trial,” the Tribulation … His wrath. “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?'” (Revelation 6:15-17). Only those who have rejected Jesus will hide from Him to avoid His wrath. To the contrary, the Church, His bride, longs to see Him and bow before Him in love. Grant Phillips Email: [email protected] Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com Rapture Ready: https://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html Coming Soon to The UK - Right to Work Tied Into Digital ID Requirements – Leah Montebello - https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=5143 The government have announced plans to roll out a new digital identity documentation, which will enable employers to verify employees' identities. The new UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework, led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with the Home Office and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), will set out the rules and standards for organizations to follow in order to carry out secure and consistent digital identity checks. Initially launched in February 2021, the framework has undergone two rounds of public consultation, and will be rolled out in early 2022, ahead of relevant changes to legislation from April 2022. Following feedback about the ability to conduct right to work and right to rent checks remotely during the pandemic, the Home Office initiated a review of the availability of specialist tech to support a system of digital checks in the future. As a result, the Home Office will now enable employers and landlords to use certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) service providers to carry out digital identity checks on their behalf for many who are not in scope to use the Home Office online services, including British and Irish citizens. This development will align with DBS' proposal to enable digital identity checking within their pre-employment process, through the introduction of its Identity Trust Scheme. Enabling the use of IDVT for right to work, right to rent and DBS checks, the move hopes to "support long-term post pandemic working practices, accelerate the recruitment and onboarding process, improve employee mobility and enhance the security and integrity of the checks", according to the government announcement yesterday. The technology utilized across the identity process is also designed to remove human error in terms of identifying fraudulent documents or inaccuracies. However, some have taken to Twitter to question the move, especially in relation to the large level of data collection as a result of the pandemic. One tweeted: "The Government will introduce Digital Identity documentation from 2022. The section is just hidden on your Covid passport currently. You didn't really believe it was just a Covid vaccine status pass did you? #COVID#NoVaccinePassportsAnywhere." Another commented: "Digital Identity Documentation through the back door. #JustLikeThat #ToldYouSo #Truth" In January 2022, the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework will open for providers to begin the certification process. IDVT service providers will need to become certified against the trust framework rules, alongside any requirements specific to the particular Schemes. The timing and alignment of the Right to Work, Right to Rent, and DBS Scheme changes ensures providers can undertake a single certification for these checks from the outset. The Supernatural Voice of God - Nathele Graham - [email protected] There’s no denying that we live in a time of turmoil and craziness. I hear many people say they can feel something’s about to happen. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” 2 Timothy 3:1-4. These certainly are perilous times, and Paul is very accurate in describing much of humanity today. Even non-Christians can feel there’s something in the air. There’s a fine line between the natural world in which we live, and the supernatural one. Most of us have been taught that we aren’t to dabble in the supernatural and occult. That’s good advice, but in avoiding the evil that exists in the supernatural state, we forget that God Almighty is also supernatural. After a while, we are so concerned with not crossing the line to evil, that we close our eyes to all supernatural and deny God’s power. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5. Don’t be deceived, and don’t let anyone weaken your faith. We need to be careful, but we need to discern. I’ve always admired Abraham. He lived in a very heathen place, where the forces of evil were accepted as normal. There were gods for this and gods for that. His family worshiped idols. “And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.” Joshua 24:2. How is it that when he heard the voice of the one true God speak to him, he knew it wasn’t a demon speaking? That’s what false gods and idols are, demons. They are part of the supernatural world that we need to avoid. Abraham was able to tell the difference, and because he obeyed God’s voice, the whole world is blessed. He and his wife had many adventures on their way to the land God had promised to Abraham, and in his old age, long after Sarah was of child-bearing age, he became the father of Isaac (the promised son), who in turn was the father of Jacob, who was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each of those sons had struggles, but because they were ultimately obedient to God, we have the nation of Israel today and more importantly, today we have the Messiah. Demons speak to people, and unfortunately people listen. False religions have been started by those who have listened to the voice of a demon, for instance Islam. Much evil has been done in the world because people listen to demonic voices, for instance the Holocaust. Satan has had many years to lay the groundwork to steal souls through lies and deceit. The Hippie era was a time when many people took hallucinogenic drugs and opened portals for demons to enter the minds and control the actions of many people. Be very careful about what you take into your body. In listing the many works of the flesh, which are attitudes and actions which are opposed to God, the Apostle Paul included “Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,” Galatians 5:20. The word “witchcraft” is from the Greek word “pharmakeia” and means “the use or the administering of drugs, poisoning, sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it”. We need to be vigilant that we don’t fall under the demonic spell of the works of the flesh. We live in very perilous times as we approach the very end of time. Evil is growing stronger, as Christians are deceived by the world. God told us it would happen, and it’s up to us to discern the voice of the Lord and avoid the voice of Satan. Even the most devout Christian can be deceived if they don’t follow God’s truth completely. We are the end-times generation and Scripture has much to say about what we can expect. Basically, evil will continue to grow stronger as Christians choose to listen to other supernatural voices than God’s. The disciples asked Jesus about the end of the age, and Jesus’ answer seems to describe today. “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” Matthew 24:6. Ever since time began there have been wars. Today the major area of conflict is centered around Israel. Since Israel was re-established in their God-given land, Satanic powers have rallied against them. There’s no logical explanation as to why Iran and other nations are against the existence of Israel, but there is a demonic one. Israel is God’s chosen people and Satan can’t stand that. As time draws to an end, the evil will only get worse until Israel finally recognizes that Jesus Christ is their Messiah. Then, God will step in. Jesus spoke of famine and pestilence. Have you noticed this happening? There is a demon-inspired disease that is causing much controversy world-wide. Who could have imagined such a thing would happen? It’s very important for Christians to study God’s word and only obey His voice. One of the most misunderstood signs of the times is that Jesus said it would be like the days of Noah. “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37. Satan has done a major work of deception regarding this one. In Noah’s day there was wickedness just as there has been wickedness throughout history. So, what set Noah’s time apart from the rest of history? Genetic manipulation intended to destroy the human genome and render humans un-redeemable. The fallen angels mated with human women creating hybrids…neither human nor angelic. This evil prompted God to destroy all of creation and save only those who were genetically pure. Today there is much genetic manipulation happening, but people are blind to what’s happening and deaf to God’s word. Before allowing your own genetic makeup to be altered, pray and listen to God’s voice. It may not be the popular voice amongst the evil in this world, but it is the only voice a Christian should listen to. Study Scripture and come to know God’s voice. Of course, earthquakes have increased as well as volcanoes and tornadoes. As we start a new year of history, I can only wonder how much longer will God wait to call Christians Home? The signs of the times will continue to come alive, and only those who study Scripture will understand what’s happening and have the guiding voice of God to lead. I can hardly wait until that trumpet sounds and we are, in the twinkling of an eye, in the presence of our Lord and Saviour. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Until then, we need to work on earning crowns so we can give them to Jesus as a token of our gratitude for all He’s done for us. We owe Him everything. Pay attention to the supernatural, but be sure you are listening to the supernatural voice of God Almighty. “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” John 10:27-30. Hear the supernatural voice of Jesus and only follow Him. 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’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. Daily Jot: A look in the mirror moment - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com As the Supreme Court takes up debate on the COVID mandates, Americans need to look themselves in the mirror and reflect on the values that made this country the beacon of religious liberty and freedom of speech as an example to the rest of the world. For it is in the American’s heart and soul that these freedoms endowed by the Creator will be championed or allowed to die a slow death on the battlefield of tyranny. There is something terribly amiss, a larger scheme, that threatens our very existence. It is local in our communities. It is national in our nation. It is global around world. It is the concept of tipping over Liberty and replacing it with a Babylonian tower representing greed and inequity. What is the response to mandating people take a government serum or lose their job? What is the response to local governments in places like New York, Washington, DC and Los Angeles not allowing unvaccinated people (including those who have natural immunity) into stores and restaurants without showing their health records? Does anyone have the sense of urgency that America, and the rest of the free world for that matter, are at the tipping point where the last full measure of fear mongering may cause the light of liberty to be extinguished? Governments worldwide have chipped away at personal privacy, medical autonomy, and civil rights as if we are all frogs in an experimental cauldron of mRNA vaccines. Despite facts to the contrary, Joe Biden continues to blame the unvaccinated for the COVID pandemic and wants them to be restricted. French President Emmanuel Macron in an interview with Le Parisien, said he will limit the unvaccinated “as much as possible their access to activities in social life… You will no longer be able to go to the restaurant. You will no longer be able to go for a coffee, you will no longer be able to go to the theatre.” CNN, the loudspeaker for government crackdown on the unvaccinated featured NYU Bioethics Professor Arthur Caplan calling for social penalties and coercion to pressure the unvaccinated to take the government serum. Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy have all had riots protesting vaccine passports and lockdowns. This is a look in the mirror moment for all the human race. A time of decision. This does not stop with the unvaccinated. Because the serum doesn’t work to end the pandemic, restrictions also are placed on the vaccinated. This is not about ending the pandemic. This is a global movement of major governments to restrict civil rights. The intent is to use your health to control your freedom and your lifespan. Mark my word. This is the unstated pattern. Ecclesiastes 9:12 warns: “For man does not know his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them.” An evil net awaits. And an unjust mandate is no mandate at all, irrespective of what the Supreme Court rules. Time to look in the mirror and determine your destiny—will you see a champion of Liberty or a victim of tyranny? Daily Devotion: Into God’s Presence - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. —Deuteronomy 34:7 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/into-gods-presence/ - Listen As we get older, we realize that we have limitations. And sometimes when people get older, they begin to disconnect. They not only retire from their work, but sometimes they retire from their spiritual lives too. That wasn’t the case with Moses. He finished his race well. The Bible tells us that “he went up to Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab and climbed Pisgah Peak, which is across from Jericho” (Deuteronomy 34:1 NKJV). Moses was 120 years old at this point, so I’m pretty impressed that he could climb this mountain. And he made it to the very top. The Bible goes on to say, “And the Lord showed him the whole land, from Gilead as far as Dan; all the land of Naphtali; the land of Ephraim and Manasseh; all the land of Judah, extending to the Mediterranean Sea; the Negev; the Jordan Valley with Jericho—the city of palms—as far as Zoar. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, “I will give it to your descendants.” I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not enter the land’” (verses 1–4 NKJV). God didn’t do this to depress Moses. Rather, He was saying, “Look, Moses, here’s the land. I keep my promises. I’m going to do what I said I would.” Moses understood that he was going to die, yet he wasn’t afraid. He finished his race well. If you’re a Christian, you don’t have to be afraid to die, either. In fact, the apostle Paul reminds us that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NKJV). And why is dying “gain” for the Christian? Because we go to Heaven, into the very presence of God. 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
1 Comment
Alan Finch
1/15/2022 12:07:55 pm
My name is Alan Finch. Jesus became my Lord and Saviour in April of 1976.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
November 2024
Categories |
Proudly powered by Weebly
This Site Was Updated By The Computer Group
|