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IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
In the Twinkling of An Eye - by pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2021/02/in-twinkling-of-eye.html
47 “The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 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. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1st Corinthians 15:47-54) The above opening verses describe a reality that many of us will experience, I believe soon in this time of the end of this age. It describes the 'Harpazo” or the forceful removal of the church from this earth in a instant, or the twinkling of an eye. Some people just cannot wrap their minds around such a concept. Many don't believe what the Bible shows us to be truth. Paul was the first to make this known to the world, as it had never been taught before Paul called it a “mystery” or something not revealed in the past. The prophet Isaiah approached the doctrine in chapter 26, when he described the coming of the Lord to those in his time period. 19 “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. 20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” (Isaiah 26:19-21) I've noticed that as you read Isaiah, much of the words the prophet writes lines up with the prophecy that John wrote in the final book of your Bible or Revelation of Jesus Christ. But until Paul fleshed out the concept and actually addressed the coming of the Lord for His church, then many people who read the Old Testament couldn't see what Isaiah was saying. A FIRST CENTURY BELIEF I've spoken of the doctrine that was believed in the 1st Century church but was squashed in the Middle Ages by the ruling theocracy of a “church” whose main goal was power and authority over other men. The doctrine was revived in the 19th century, as the Reformation gave men the ability to discern through God's Holy Spirit what the Words of God written actually meant. This doctrine was written for our time, not when it was written, as we are the last generation before Jesus comes again. I've always believed that the Bible clearly teaches a Pre-Trib (HARPAZO) rapture of the church, not because I look for a so called “great escape” as some scoff, but because I embrace the belief that it is “Victory in Jesus” and that the church is not appointed to wrath that falls on this earth starting in Revelation chapter 6 all the way through chapter 19 of the destruction in Divine retribution of those who are in rebellion against Almighty God and God judges them as His patience has come to an end. The Bible clearly teaches a Pre-Tribulation rapture that puts the last days and the Tribulation into context that is consistent with the overall flow of Bible prophecy. That is the only reason I teach and believe in the removal of God's church prior to the Tribulation as it makes no difference to me if someone else does not believe in the doctrine and embraces another point of view, as the timing of the rapture plays no role in our salvation. Of all the doctrines of the Bible, this one is hotly contested among “brethren” who do not believe what they read, or fail to discern the meaning of the Words. We are saved by faith through grace and the person believes that He is coming again, as promised, and will keep all of the many other promises that are spelled out in your Bible, including being an Advocate before the Righteous Judge of all the earth. The believers faith is in the scripture that I so love to quote and believed as a small boy that God the Father sent His Son into the world to save all who come to Him. 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) But,( there's that word) the timing of the rapture of the Church is central to the understanding of the overall BIG picture of the last days. We are in the last days and it is a different era than the coming Tribulation period. The “last days” are used throughout the whole of the Bible in the context of the “Church Age” that we are now coming to the end of the period known also as the “Age of Grace”. It all began at Pentecost when the newly indwelt by the Holy Spirit apostles rushed from the upper room to the street proclaiming the salvation of God and the population thought they were drunk. "Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But THIS IS THAT WHICH was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass IN THE LAST DAYS saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:" (Acts 2:13-17) The last days that we speak of is the Age of the Church that we are living in and near at its end, whereas the 70th week of Daniel prophecy is called the “Time of Jacob's Trouble also known as the Tribulation. These are two different “dispensations” of God and it is central to the understanding of the times that we now live in. The apostle Paul referred to this age, as the “dispensation of the grace of God”. 2 “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:2-4) Paul called the conclusion of this present time the “Dispensation of the fullness of times”. 9 “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9-12) DISPENSATIONS OF THE BIBLE During our current dispensation, believers are indwelt by God's Holy Spirit as the Apostle John reminds us: 2 “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1st John 4:2-4) Note the context of what John speaks of? The spirit of anti-Christ is already in the world, even in John's day, but this spirit cannot overcome the Church saints, because He Who dwells in us (The Holy Spirit) is greater than the spirit of anti-Christ. But this same prophet, writing of the same Anti-Christ who will come in the flesh during the Tribulation will over come the saints says: "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to OVERCOME them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (Revelation 13:7) Since the Apostle John wrote both passages, and they cannot be simultaneously true, the flow of the Bible is interrupted if the Church Age is concurrent with the Tribulation. I've spoken of this in past messages, that if the 'Anti-Christ' is given power to overcome the saints, will he also be given power to overcome the Holy Spirit? Since John tells us that He (Jesus) had overcome the world, the Anti-Christ cannot overcome those who have God's Holy Spirit, but John tells us that he will overcome the saints. So the only explanation is that those who are saints in the Tribulation are not sealed with God's Holy Spirit and are not the church, but Tribulation saints. The Holy Spirit will still be moving, but each saint must guard their salvation to the very end as they will not be sealed with a guarantee of their salvation. This is showing that God has not given the Anti-Christ power over Himself, the Holy Spirit of God. That leaves two possibilities apart from the Pre-Tribulation rapture in an analysis of the passage. The first is that Jesus lied to us, that He would come to us and never leave us and we would always have the Comforter, that is until the tribulation comes and the Comforter would be withdrawn from the Church or the vessels He indwells and leaves them on their own to battle the Anti-Christ. Now we know that Jesus is God and does not lie, and He said He would NEVER leave us or forsake us. So strike that possibility. The apostle Paul makes that clear that the Holy Spirit will be withdrawn back to Pre-Pentecostal manifestations on the earth, before the “WICKED' is revealed: 6 “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2nd Thessalonians 2:66-10) The Holy Spirit is the power of God holding back complete evil overtaking this world, and He indwells each believer who has come to Christ Jesus and proclaimed by faith, their Savior. For when the Holy Spirit indwelled believers are removed, then Satan will be allowed to attempt to destroy all mankind and receive worship for himself. For a pre-Trib Rapture to be a false doctrine means our generation was chosen out of all others in Church history to face the greatest spiritual trial the world has ever known -- without the Comforter that Jesus promised would indwell us until He comes. That is a biblical contradiction. The second possibility is that John was either lying or mistaken when he said the spirit of antichrist cannot overcome indwelt believers. In either case, the promises of Scripture are broken. Since we know that Scripture cannot be broken, and that Jesus never lied, as He was sinless, then the only possible explanation is that the Pre-Tribulation rapture is the Truth of God's Word. THOSE WHO DON'T BELIEVE. In all my years in the ministry, I have heard every explanation of why the belief in a pre-Tribulation rapture of the church is nothing but a “great escape” and scoff that it is a false doctrine. Those who misunderstand the clear meaning of God's Word have not had their eyes opened to the words of Paul as I have spoken of this great Mystery, that only Paul reveals the truths of “Grace through Faith” and the “Harpazo or rapture of the church” which until the Apostle Paul had never been spoken of in the Words of your Bible. That is why in each case, Paul calls it a “mystery” or something that had been hidden. I believe the One who opened the “mystery” to Paul was none other than our Lord Jesus when Paul was in the wilderness for 3 years being taught before he even showed himself to the other apostles in Jerusalem. But its opponents will spare no effort to 'prove' that it is a false doctrine, as if the timing of the Rapture were somehow of eternal significance. It is not. The eternal significance of the Rapture is this: 14 “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1st Thessalonians 4:14-18) POINT AND COUNTER-POINT Now with these two opposite opinions clearly in view, let us try and pull this all together by starting with the Words of Jesus in Matthew: 3 “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 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.” (Matthew 24:3-6) Jesus warned that there will be one who comes in his own name and will deceive many, as most of Israel will be fooled: "I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43) Even today, Israel has been looking for a “political messiah” much as they did in the time of Jesus that would rid them of the Roman occupation and today, to give them “peace and security” in their own land from their enemies that surround them. There will come a man, possibly soon, who will give them what they have been longing for, at least temporarily, and will receive him as their “messiah”. They have never believed up to this point that they needed a “spiritual Messiah” to save them from their sins, as they had the Law of Moses, even though we know the law kills and no one is able to keep the law perfectly. Jesus was the only “Man/God” on earth who ever did. It is why the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah, as they were looking for a warrior King, much like King David to destroy the Romans. Jesus just didn't fit their pre-conceived notions of who their “Messiah” would be, as they needed a warrior, not a suffering servant who came to die for the sins of the world. So if one looks at the coming Anti-Christ, should you be so unfortunate to actually see him in the flesh, then if he is standing on the ground, instead of meeting you in the air, then you will know that he is an imposter, no matter what magic trick he performs to attempt to deceive you. In summary, the Pre-Tribulation rapture is NOT a “great escape” for the church, is a necessary evacuation of the Holy Spirit's restraining influence and allowing Satan to have full sway of men and women upon the earth to deceive and destroy them. So since the Holy Spirit resides in each of the Church members, or the body of Christ as a deposit of future glorification, then with the Holy Spirit being withdrawn, so will every believer that has His Spirit residing within our spirit. If you remove the doctrine and the removal of God's people from this earth in the coming rapture of the church, then the chronology of Bible prophecy is thrown into chaos. Although the doctrine of the rapture of the church has no “salvation value” as we are saved by “Grace through Faith” not of works, lest any man should boast, it has no eternal consequences to anyone that they must believe in the Pre-Tribulation rapture. They can believe or choose not to believe in this doctrine, as it has no salvation attached to it. I find no particular need to convert a believer to my own understanding of the last days. BUT, I stress the doctrines, as those who have not come to faith in Jesus Christ will be faced with the coming horror known as the Tribulation and the even more destructive Great Tribulation that will destroy nigh 80-90% of all mankind. Prophecy is a great witnessing tool to those who are lost. I believe those who are found in Christ, when the trumpet sounds and they realize that they are being taken to meet Jesus Christ in the air will be as I am, raising my hands and praising God, knowing that they have been wrong to reject the doctrine. I have people in my own family who fear the coming tribulation and what will happen to their children and other loved ones. Sadly, they have no blessed Hope of being removed from this planet before the wrath of God falls upon all who are left. 10 “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. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11) Our Risen Lord proclaims to the Apostle John when speaking of the coming Tribulation that He will remove each of us from this planet, not through the Tribulation as some believe, but completely away from the time and space of this coming event. I have proclaimed in the past of the Greek Word that tells us this in the phrase “will keep thee” which states to be forcefully removed from point A to point B away from the time period or place. But those who fear the coming Tribulation who do not have the assurance that “we are not appointed to wrath”. 8 “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (1st Thessalonians 5:8-11) Yes, my reader, Jesus is coming soon and will catch many believers asleep, and the whole world will wonder where millions of people have gone to. The left behind leadership will attempt plausible excuses and explanations of what has happened, but they speak falsely and attempt to blind the masses to the “snatching away” of the Church of the Living God who has been their blessed Hope. 11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 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 2:11-14) To re-emphasize I must restate that salvation is given by God as a gift of His grace. It is through faith in the finished work of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, when He shed His blood on a Roman instrument of death, the cross. His shed blood if full payment for our sins, and His resurrection is our guarantee of our future glorification to be just like Him. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1st John 3:1-3) SO WHY TEACH THE RAPTURE? But I have said all this to answer the question, “Why teach a pre-tribulation rapture of the church?” Because without this doctrine that draws the Bible's prophecy into a coherent chronology of events, then Bible prophecy has no context, as without it, it makes no sense. I believe God has been most clear in the concept of the removal of the Church and I warn those who are playing church, warming a pew, or use the church as nothing but a social event, have missed the message of salvation and are doomed to endure, or most likely die in the coming Tribulation. Those whose eyes are opened by God's Holy Spirit feel the dread of being cast into the tribulation without God. And those who do eventually find God in the coming period of “Jacob's trouble” will most likely die a martyrs death. I warn those who are lost in their sins and have not made Jesus Christ, Lord of their life, changed their mind about God, repented of their sins, and asked Jesus into their heart and lives that there is coming a time that I would not want my worst enemy to endure. Not them and not you. The obligation to preach the Word of God in prophecy looking forward to the coming of our Lord for His Church and the beginning of the Tribulation is what I have been called to do. As a minister of Christ I can do no other. Search your Bible, and be a good Berean and find out if what I have said is true. Ask God to lead you into all Truth...as Jesus said “Thy Word is Truth”. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2nd Timothy 2:15) We are to study diligently, as it is our insurance of not being fooled by false teachers or false prophets and succumb to end time deception that Jesus said would be a sign of our times. As a Watchman on the Wall, I plead with you to look to Jesus now, the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Harpazo of the Church, (rapture) is close, even at the door, as Jesus will someday soon burst through the clouds and cry with a loud voice “Come up hither”.....WILL YOU BE READY? 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) This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying you find Jesus before the Trumpet calls. If you need prayer, counseling, or just a listening ear, email me at [email protected], of visit me online for more biblical messages from the Word of God. God bless you all. TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET When the Stars Fall from the Sky - By Jan Markell – www.olivetreeviews.org I recently did a prophecy Round Table with my prophecy partners Amir Tsarfati and Pastor Barry Stagner. It reminded me why we don’t want anyone to be left behind! The topic was life after the Rapture when true believers won’t be here. For those left behind, here’s what they face, in part.
And that’s just a partial list of the characteristics of the post-Rapture world while The Church is enjoying Heaven. Spare me the e-mails that say I am leading people astray to believe in the pre-Trib Rapture. We are simply not appointed unto God’s wrath (I Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 3:10). The Church certainly experiences man’s wrath. Rather, the Tribulation is for the salvation of the Jewish nation. And to judge the unbelieving, godless inhabitants of the earth (Revelation 6 – 18) who chose to reject God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is called the “time of Jacob’s Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). But he (Israel) shall be saved out of it! One-third of the Jews survive and “see Him whom they pierced” (Zech 12:10. The Church is not Jacob! The situation becomes so critical that unless Jesus Christ returned in His Second Coming, “no flesh would be saved” (Matthew 24:22). We hear much today about an end-time revival. I believe that happens in the Tribulation as so many get saved, the number cannot be counted! This is thanks to the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (Revelation 7:4) and the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12). Additionally, an angel declares the gospel in Revelation 14:6. We are approaching the time of the departure of the Church in the Rapture. Why not make a plan now to leave something behind that explains what happened? When the Church is removed, chaos ensues and great confusion. There are millions missing. What will be the explanation? Please consider the warnings presented in this one-hour online presentation. We trust you will catch the burden of having no one you care about being left behind. One-hour Video: The World After the Rapture Just Another Day in the Age of Pandemics! – Olivier Melnick - https://www.newantisemitism.com/antisemitism/just-another-day-in-the-age-of-pandemics Let’s start by looking at a simple definition of the word “pandemic”. According to the Mirriam-Webster dictionary, pandemic means: “occurring over a wide geographic area (such as multiple countries or continents) and typically affecting a significant proportion of the population.” The idea is that a pandemic is an epidemic that spreads fast and wide, often out of control for a while and decimating large segments of the population. So yes, Covid-19 definitely qualifies as a pandemic, much like the 1918 Spanish flu was. It has now been one year since we officially started to fight our twenty-first-century pandemic. Who knew that two weeks would turn into 52 weeks, with no real sign of complete eradication at this time. So, we fight, we adjust, we comply and we hope for the best. This seems to be the “current normal”, not the “new normal” because if we look at the last twelve months, “new normal” emerged at a pace that has been difficult to follow. We have had to get used to an ever-evolving sense of “new normal”. Interestingly enough, Covid-19 has been linked to the Jewish people in more ways than one, and none of them in a good way. Many will claim that the accusations against Israel and the Jewish people, related to Covid-19, are simply ludicrous and unfounded. I agree with that statement, but nonetheless, the accusations abound and those believing them are not necessarily a minority. The truth is, that Israel is at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19 and probably is the country that has vaccinated the largest number of its citizens, but let us not allow the facts to stop Israel’s foes from spreading rumors, blood libels and false accusations. • 20% of all English people believe that Jews created Covid-19:As people were surveyed, according to The Oxford Coronavirus Explanations, Attitudes, and Narratives Survey (OCEANS), “Presented with the statement “Jews have created the virus to collapse the economy for financial gain,” 5.3% of the interviewees “agreed a little,” 6.8% “agreed moderately,” 4.6% “agreed a lot,” and 2.4% “agreed completely,” while some 80.8% did not agree with it at all.” • People accuse the Jews of using the vaccine to control the world population: The CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, is a Greek man of Jewish ancestry. This is enough for crazy conspiracy theorists to claim that the Jews created the vaccine and will use it to streamline the world population and control the world. This is in line with the same theories advanced in 1904 in the hoax “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion”. • Vaccination is compared to Auschwitz policies: Piers Corbyn (brother of antisemitic Labour Party member Jeremy Corbyn) produced and distributed a leaflet equating the use of the vaccine to entry into Auschwitz-Birkenau by changing the entry gate sign “Arbeit Macht Frei” (work makes you free) to “Vaccines are the safe path to freedom”. Using what happened to Jews during the Holocaust as fuel to motivate anti-vaxxers is morally despicable. • Ohio men accuse Jews of being the real plague: During a street protest in Columbus, Ohio against Covid-19 restrictions, two men displayed a sign of a rat looking like a Jew with an Israeli flag. The sign also said: “the real plague”. This is strongly reminiscent of the accusations against the Jewish community during the Black Plague of 1348-51 when Jews were accused of poisoning the wells of Europe simply because of the smaller number of Jewish casualties due to kosher laws and liturgical hygiene. • Social networks abound with antisemitic memes about the Jews either being or controlling the virus: Vicious attacks on Jewish people and on Israel are everywhere on social networks and most of them are not being censored because of the First Amendment. I am all for claiming Freedom of Speech as long as we are consistent and do not allow for double standards. Unfortunately, this is far from being the case. • Rashida Tlaib claims that Israel doesn’t vaccinate Palestinians: She tweeted, “It’s really important to understand that Israel is a racist state, in that they would deny Palestinians like my grandmother access to a vaccine, that they don’t believe she’s an equal human being who deserves to live.” The opposite is true. Israel has offered vaccines to Palestinians and many have accepted them. The Palestinian Authority also refused a recent planeload of vaccines from the United Arab Emirates, simply because it was coordinated with Israel for distribution. • Saturday Night Live comedian claims Israel only vaccinates Jews: On February 20, SNL host Michael Che said: “Israel is reporting that they’ve vaccinated half of their population, and I’m gonna guess it’s the Jewish half.” It really looks like using the blood libel to demonize the Jewish people is still in fashion. Incidentally, Michael Che has repeatedly insulted Jewish people before, but he is very careful not to denigrate other minorities. Entertainers have been fired for less than this. SNL used to be a funny satirical comedy show, but that ship sailed a long time ago. I could keep going and show more examples of the same nature, but I think that the case is made. While the world is busy fighting a pandemic, it is also ignoring another one. The new antisemitism is a virus of pandemic proportions. Why is it being ignored by so many? Probably because people don’t feel that it concerns them since they are not really affected by it. Many people might not be antisemitic per se, and as a result, they don’t feel that they are responsible to do anything. At first glance, there seems to be no vaccine against the virus of antisemitism. People simply carry the antibodies, or they don’t. People of goodwill–Christian or not– will identify the hatred of antisemitism and will expose it and fight, because to them it is the most natural thing to do. In a sense, they are the ones who naturally carry the antibodies against antisemitism in all its forms. Then, you have those who might not be antisemitic by commission. They would never accuse the Jews of manufacturing a virus or monetizing a vaccine for ulterior motives. Yet, as they remain unaware or uninterested in the anti-Jewish tropes propagated by antisemites, they softly contribute to the problem. We live in a world where we can no longer sit on the fence and go about our simple lives without getting involved. We ought to speak-up against hatred any chance we have. However, what if there was a vaccine, or better yet – a real cure against the pandemic of antisemitism? What if there was a way to look at the world that would not allow for hatred, racism, or antisemitism? Well, I believe that there is a way for us to interact with one another with civility and respect. That way is found by those who place their trust in the finished work of Yeshua the Messiah. Now, I know that some people will accuse me of bias or blindness when I say that Christianity is the only safe worldview for treating people equally, fairly and ethically. After all, isn’t the New Testament antisemitic? Isn’t it where we read about the synagogue of Satan? Sure it is, but in context, it isn’t even speaking of Jewish people! But, hey, if we can find a verse associating the Jewish place of worship and the devil, we’re in great shape to demonize the Jews and claim full immunity under the guise of the Christian banner. This certainly does a great disservice to true Bible-believing followers of Yeshua and His teachings. If we believe the word of God to be true, and we should, then, the Jewish people are truly painted in different light throughout all of scripture. We are described as: The apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8, daughter of Zion (Zephaniah 3:14, God’s chosen people (1 Kings 3:8, a treasured possession (Deuteronomy 7:6, a holy people (Deuteronomy 7:6, God’s hidden ones (Psalm 83:3, a great nation (Genesis 12:2 and beloved (Romans 11:28. When asked about the greatest of all commandments by his Jewish audience (and there are 613 in the Mosaic Law), Yeshua responded with those powerful words, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” The fact that many people have hijacked, and corrupted Christianity doesn’t disqualify the claims of Yeshua and the validity of the faith. We are indeed together in our unprecedented fight against the current pandemic of Covid-19, but sadly there is plenty of room for improvement for a concerted fight against the oldest, long-lasting pandemic of antisemitism. Waiting for the Rapture - Nathele Graham - [email protected] If you’re like me, you yearn for the rapture. All the signs point to the fact that it won’t be long until all Christians are called Home and we’ll see Jesus face to face. That thought gives me a thrill. Even though my mind is always on my Heavenly Home, it’s important that I don’t forget to do all I can for Jesus while I’m waiting for the rapture. Every Christian needs to be about our Father’s business while we can. We need to witness to the lost and plant the seeds of redemption. Unfortunately, many things hinder our service to the King of kings. Christians are to be a light that shines in the darkness, but too many who call themselves Christians embrace the darkness. There are many temptations to sin and many things get in the way of living a life that reflects Christ. Instead of a closer walk with Jesus, it’s easy to find ourselves walking in the world. Even the strongest Christian has trouble walking in our Savior’s footsteps. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour 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 2:11-14. Jesus Christ gave His life for you, and the “peculiar people” are those who have accepted Him. We aren’t like the world. We follow Christ and our lives need to reflect that fact. Our gratitude for what He did should spill over into every area of our life, and include a deep study of Scripture. If you follow prophecy, you’ll understand just how close we are to the rapture. While we wait for that blessed event, we have work to do. People around us need to hear the Gospel message before it’s too late. Right now, we live in a lost and dying world. Sin is all around us and we’re used to being in the midst of it. Non-believers are more open about their rejection of Jesus and it can be intimidating to share our faith. Even many Christians are more interested in worldly pursuits rather than being set apart for Christ…a “peculiar people”. They listen to secular music that promotes every sin imaginable, rap music that’s filled with hatred and vulgarity, movies that are violent and casual sexual encounters are the norm, video games that are filled with violence, football on Sunday is more important than fellowship with fellow Christians, and on it goes. If these things fill your time, then you need to take a look at your faith. Every Christian needs to take up the cross and follow Jesus…crucify self and become a living sacrifice for Christ. “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. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2. The rapture is near, and while we wait for it, why not get to know Jesus better. Turn off the TV and study Scripture. Compare your choices in life to the example seen in Jesus. Make changes where you need to in order to be more like Him. Look at the Apostles. Peter was quite a character who made some rash statements and had some major failures. When he totally gave his life to Christ, he was drastically changed. We all need to be like Peter and let the Holy Spirit draw us nearer to God While waiting for the rapture we need to be about our Father’s business. You don’t have to stand on a street corner yelling “Repent for the end is near!” Instead, you might start by honoring God in all you do. Study His word and apply it to your life. “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16. King James English is a bit different than modern English, and the word “conversation” means much more than how you talk. It’s translated from the Greek word anastrophe which means your “manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment”. Conform your life to Christ, not to the world. For instance, when you’re at work and the gossip starts, don’t join in. If some off-color jokes are told around the water cooler, walk away. People will notice and you just might have the chance to share your testimony. The rapture is near and if you have a chance to witness to friends and family, now is the time to do it. You might ask a co-worker to join you in a Bible study or go with you to a worship service. There are many people who need to hear the Gospel before it’s too late. The pre-tribulation rapture isn’t a new idea. Some would have us believe that this teaching only came about in the 1800’s, but the first example of the pre-tribulation rapture is found in the Book of Genesis. “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:24. Enoch was “taken” prior to the judgment of the flood. This is also spoken of in the Book of Hebrews “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had his testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5. Enoch’s faith and way of living kept him from facing God’s judgment. Christians will be taken prior to God’s judgment when His wrath is poured out upon all who are left on earth after the rapture. Lot is another example. He had to be taken out of the way before God’s judgment was poured out upon Sodom and Gomorrah. There are other hints to a pre-tribulation rapture in Zephaniah “Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zephaniah 2:1-3. The “day of the LORD’S anger” is the Tribulation. Isaiah also spoke of the pre-tribulation rapture “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:19-21. The seven years of the Tribulation is for the purpose of Israel finally recognizing Jesus Christ as their Messiah. If you’ve accepted Christ for salvation, you won’t be on earth for that final seven-year period. We don’t know the date of the rapture, but we can see the signs. While waiting for the rapture, study Scripture. There’s a lot of fear in the world today, and if you study prophecy you can have answers to the questions that people have about what’s happening. You just might win a soul for Christ. The Apostle Paul taught about the pre-tribulation rapture in his letters written to believers in Thessalonica and Corinth. He makes it clear that Christians won’t be here for God’s wrath. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by 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 took our punishment upon Himself. He died for us and even though we face many trials and tribulations in life, we won’t face God’s final wrath. “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.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. Sleep, of course, refers to death. We won’t all face death. Those Christians who have died before the rapture will be raised first, and those who are still alive when that call comes for us to go Home will be instantly changed from this mortal body to our immortal life with Christ. Like everyone who yearns for the rapture, I’m getting excited by the events of the times in which we live. Like birth pains that come closer together and become more intense, the signs are coming faster and stronger. It won’t be much longer. If you’re waiting for the Rapture and wonder why it hasn’t happened yet, maybe you can help it along. You can do your part by honoring Jesus’ command to spread the Gospel. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. That wasn’t a suggestion, but a command. Jesus spoke these words just moments before He was received into Heaven. There’s still time for people to make the decision to put their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin. He is the only way to eternal life. Scripture teaches that there will be one last Gentile to be saved before the rapture. After that, God will turn His attention back to the salvation of Israel. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Romans 11:25. God has never forgotten His chosen people of Israel, but when they rejected their Messiah and crucified Him, there was blindness that came upon them as a nation. There have been many Jewish people who have come to faith in Jesus, but not a national faith. Since Christ’s crucifixion, many Gentiles have come to faith and there will be one last Gentile to give their life to Jesus and then the ekklesia (Christians) will be called Home. That’s why we need to share the Gospel with everyone. While we’re waiting for the rapture, study Scripture. Have an answer to questions people have. “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:” 1 Peter 3:15. Only Christians have hope in these trying times. Study God’s word to fully understand that hope. I’m ready to see that door open and be called Home. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” Revelation 4:1. While I’m waiting for the rapture, though, I’m living for Christ. I’m trying to encourage Christians and to lead people to salvation. What are you doing? God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] [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: Reality Check – Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com ***Warning***Warning***Warning*** This is going to be a very hard hitting Daily Jot. Some may become very angry over it. But 19 years ago when I started The Daily Jot, the Lord and I agreed that I would tell readers what He wanted them told. And today is a particularly difficult message to convey, but here goes. The elect need to put away their desire to believe what they want to believe irrespective of the facts. False prophets have given false hope that some force of humanity, a group of anonymous good guys, have everything under control and have been secretly empowered to fix things with various restorative actions. They are not. They will not. Great disappointment is in store for those without a reality check. To set the record straight: 1) Election laws in various states were broken. There was election fraud. 2) There is a systemic worldwide human trafficking and child sex exploitation problem and many wealthy people and powerful politicians are involved. We deal with it often in our ministry in Africa. But—Read what I write here and try to understand–there is no secret syndicate of good guys who are going to suspend laws in the US or in any other country to mass arrest and incarcerate the offenders. Many honorable and courageous people in nongovernmental organizations and in law enforcement are working on this issue and they are making some progress. 3) President Trump will not be restored to the presidency today because of some law that was passed where people are reading things into it that are not there. Brothers and sisters, reality is a tough master. It is not emotional or sentimental. Those who keep saying something is going to happen, then move the goalposts when it doesn’t happen only to justify their words and predict yet another event, are deceivers. They hold their victims captive to the next hope. They are, in essence, preventing good people from taking action because they think that someone else will somehow do it for them. As is said in 2 Timothy 4:2-4, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” For those who passionately believe the election was stolen, I urge you to not believe that somehow it will be reversed. Roll up your sleeves and aim your passion toward election reform—like they are doing in Wyoming, New Hampshire, Texas, Georgia and other states—so it doesn’t happen again. Those of you who passionately believe the rich and famous are running a child sex trafficking ring, direct your energies toward assisting legitimate organizations and ministries working to end human trafficking. Be the light of Christ to those around you, not the person people want to avoid. There is only one savior–not a mere mortal, but the one who overcame death, the risen Christ, who will return to set the world right. In the meantime, know who you are and what you are about. Seek the truth in all things. Occupy till He returns. Daily Devotion” Greater Than Our Fears - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ —Exodus 3:11 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/greater-than-our-fears/ - Listen If you were God, would you have chosen Moses to lead His people out of Egypt? He was a has-been, a failure. But it seems that God always goes out of His way to choose the most unlikely candidates to do the most unlikely things. We find a pattern of this in the Bible. Jonah, for example, was effectively a racist. He hated the Ninevites and wanted nothing to do with them, but God told him to go and preach to the people of Nineveh. Why Jonah? I think it’s because God wanted to use a man who didn’t think he would ever do such a thing. That way, He would get the glory. How about Gideon? He basically hid from his own shadow. An angel appeared to him and said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:12 NKJV). Gideon probably thought, “Who are you talking to? Is there another Gideon here? Because I’m not a mighty man of valor.” God doesn’t see us for what we are; He sees us for what we can become. The Lord chooses unlikely people so that He can get the glory. The Bible says, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:27 NKJV). Whatever your fears are as to why God would never use you, dispel them right now. God is bigger than your fears. He can use you. He will use you. The question is this: Will you make yourself available? As I’ve often said, God is not looking for ability; He’s looking for availability. All He needs is for us to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” 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! 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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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