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Does Pope Francis Have All the Markers of An Apocalyptic Figure? – By Jan Markell - https://harbingersdaily.com/does-pope-francis-have-all-the-markers-of-an-apocalyptic-figure/ I am cautious about “pinning the tail” on the Antichrist and the False Prophet. We cannot know ahead of time who these personalities are; however, Pope Francis comes close to “filling the bill” on the False Prophet. Or he may be but a “type” of that man just like there are many “types” of the Antichrist throughout history. I think the devil has always had a candidate for the Antichrist waiting in the wings as he doesn’t know when the final generation is. The False Prophet is described in Revelation 13:11-15. He is also referred to as the “second beast” (Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10). Together with the Antichrist and Satan, who empowers both of them, the False Prophet is the third party in the unholy trinity. Pope Francis is revealing himself to be a blatant Marxist. He has also pulled back from issues Catholics have considered sacred. He apparently has replaced abortion with social justice and environmentalism. Most troubling, however, is his call for a “new world order” and that there be a global constitution, a global court and a one-world government. Scripture is clear that the Antichrist will be the head of a one-world government (Revelation 13). Even conservative Catholics are sounding a warning that Pope Francis–the first Jesuit Pope–may be the most troubling Pope ever. He is raising apocalyptic concerns and some in the eschatological community feel that he, indeed, has gotten the nod to be the False Prophet. Roger Oakland, a former Catholic, writes, “According to Bible prophecy, a one-world religion that will offer the promise of peace throughout the world is going to commence prior to Christ’s return. To most, this global body will seem like a wonderful thing and very possibly will be a pseudo-Christianity (coming in the Name of Christ); however, contrary to how the masses will view it, it will actually help establish and set up the Antichrist and his one-world government.” He continues, “In order for this to happen, all religions must come together in an ecumenical plan. Today, as part of this Satanic scheme, the evangelical/Protestant church is being drawn seductively into the Roman Catholic Church, largely through what we call ‘the Jesuit agenda.’ Incredibly, while the evidence is obvious to some, the majority of proclaiming Christians are not at all aware it is happening.” Oakland concludes, “So what should we expect if we are in the time when such a system unfolds? First, many who once were Protestant and Evangelical will become ecumenical. Second, all religions will unite in solidarity of purpose. Understanding the Jesuit agenda is essential if we are to understand how this worldwide deception will come about.” Francis, in 2014, sent a video message to Kenneth Copeland urging reconciliation between Catholics and Charismatics, a move cheered by Copeland’s audience. The video’s introduction was delivered by a friend of Francis, Anglican Episcopal Bishop Tony Palmer, who told Copeland’s audience that “Catholic and Charismatic renewal is the hope of the Church.” Pope Francis is making a plea for the union of many faiths. He reportedly has said, “Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Jehovah, Allah. These are all names employed to describe an entity that is distinctly the same across the world.” He opened the door to Muslim prayers at the Vatican. Can you say one-world religion? Pope Francis has spoken at the White House, Congress, and the U.N. pushing climate change and “sustainable development” which is again all about global government! One has to wonder where he fits the gospel into his agenda. It doesn’t appear as though it does. One writer calls him a “wolf in Pope’s clothing.” Put it all together: Marxism, environmentalism, new world order, global government, sustainable development, the Jesuit agenda, unity of faiths, a global constitution, a global court, a departure from Catholic traditions. We live in interesting times. And the hour is very late. Is the Old Testament Now Obsolete? - By Gene Lawley - https://www.raptureready.com/2024/02/21/is-the-old-testament-now-obsolete-by-gene-lawley-2/ There seems to be a strong and purposeful trend to cancel out the Old Testament of the Bible since Christ has come into human history. It takes off on a theme that Christ took charge and all prophecy of the future from past utterances of the prophets are no longer relevant. It takes on the appearance of a “Kingdom Now” theology, and the next thing to come is a new heaven and new earth coming down to replace the present heaven and earth. Chronologically, that won’t happen until the end of the Millennium, at least one thousand and seven or more years, according to Revelation 21:1. Those false teachers cancel out the coming of Jesus to “ingather” His body of believers just before the seven years of the tribulation begins, now looming on the immediate horizon. That missing 70th week of Daniel, told by the angel Gabriel to Daniel and reported at Daniel 9:23 and following, can be none other than the seven-year tribulation period. A major fault that openly defies Scripture is their claim that Jesus did not die on the cross for the whole world but just for those who believe. Scriptures that deny that claim are readily seen, as in 1 John 2:2: “And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the whole world.” John 3:16 is even changed to mean “For God so loved the world [of believers] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Does “whosoever” mean anyone, or how did that “world of believers” get belief before Christ died for them? Furthermore, Romans 5:6 says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly!” He died for sinners, and I was one of that ungodly bunch. Romans 5:8 further establishes that His death came first, before the believers, saying, “But God commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” But Romans 5:18 then brings the reason that the death of Christ was necessary in order that mankind would have access to everlasting life by choice if he wanted it: “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.” An available gift is not automatically effective until it is accepted, so this does not mean all mankind is saved. Mankind must choose Christ’s provision of redemption. He is that gift for salvation. And twisting Scriptures to mean something else is obviously promoting a false doctrine. The Scripture is clear in 1 John 5:11-12: “And this is the record that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” The gospel is an Old Testament promise. Another Old Testament command also speaks out. When did the Great Commission actually begin? In Psalm 107:2 it says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” The foundations of our faith are told in the Old Testament, and God never made a promise He did not intend to fulfill. It has been reported that at least 300 or more prophecies and promises of Jesus and His coming into the world have been fulfilled. Paul, the Apostle, was well-versed in the Holy Scriptures and said so in his testimony in Philippians 3. His declaration in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 was based on Old Testament Scriptures, for none of the New Testament writings had been brought into formal observance yet. In his epistles, Paul made two worthy observances that testify to the value of the Old Testament in our theology today. In 1 Corinthians 10:11, he reported this: “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” God has not changed one bit since the beginning, before time began and eternity past was incomprehensible to mortal minds. Not only does Paul point us to the Old Testament for examples of sinfulness we must avoid, but he also looks there for the Lord’s affirmations of positive qualities. Romans 15:4-5 tells us of those: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.” The shedding of blood as the requirement for salvation is recorded in Genesis 3 and is later codified in the law in Leviticus 17:11, saying, “The life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for sin, for it is the blood that makes the atonement.” It is further established in Hebrews 9:22 with this: “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.” And, of course, that final blood sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as One without sin confirmed and fulfilled that law in its perfection. Concerning the fulfillment of “every jot and tittle of the law,” as claimed of Christ, we see in Hebrews 4:15 how His response to temptations reveals His deity: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Two passages that are so detailed of the coming Messiah’s crucifixion that they cannot be called as no longer relevant Scriptures. Psalm 22 is the first one, and Isaiah 53 is the other one. That first one details the horror of dying on a cross. You may recall that account in the gospels when Jesus was nailed to the cross on the third hour, that is, at 9:00 a.m. Then, at the ninth hour, or 3:00 p.m., He was pronounced dead. He was hanging there for six hours! He had just said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” then, “It is finished,” and, “And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ Having said this, He breathed His last.” It is an unimaginable and horrible way to die, hanging nailed to an upright cross for six hours, and for the two thieves, having their legs broken to complete their deaths. But for Jesus, a prophecy was fulfilled that none of His bones would be broken. The Isaiah 53 prophecy tells of His suffering at the hands of the religious leaders as “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,” and His hanging between two thieves. It is too truthful to be relegated to nothing worth remembering, as it seems this new “revelation” is promoting. Another prophecy that stands out in its fulfillment is found in Psalm 16:9-10, saying, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” In John 11, in the account of the death of Lazarus, his sister cautioned Jesus about the condition of her brother’s body, for it had been in the grave for four days, and she said, “Now He stinks.” That is, his body had begun to experience corruption. Thus, Jesus had maintained that He would follow the example of Jonah who had been in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights. Jesus said, “I will be three days and three nights in the belly of the earth.” Then Peter writes that “He went and preached to the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:19). One of the less recognized considerations of the Old Testament is its place in the four revelations of God to mankind. His first way of identifying Himself was by His audible voice, for no man can see God face to face and live, as the Word declares. And encounters with heavenly beings by people that are recorded in the Old Testament show their responses of great fear as they fall on their faces. Secondly, “He revealed Himself in the law.” How was that, you wonder? As Jesus is later identified, it is the character of His being, as He fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law. Then, Hebrews 1 reveals Him in the person of His only begotten Son, as Jesus declared to Phillip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father,” and, “Before Abraham was, I AM!” Finally, He comes into the world at the end of those seven years of tribulation and reigns for a thousand years from Jerusalem, “ruling with a rod of iron” in a theocracy not known to mankind from their prior history. The “whole counsel of God” is a principle of biblical study that tests whether or not the student is allowing for contradictions that might exist in his basic doctrine discoveries. Just as the Bereans did, as told in Acts 17:11, the Old Testament is necessary to learn of the whole counsel of God. Proverbs is a book of great wisdom with such truths as, “Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). And, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will guide your steps.” When Jude wrote his letter, he was going to write about their common salvation, but he “found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Since he quoted Peter’s second letter, dated about 66 A.D., Jude possibly wrote his document not long after that time. Those New Testament letters were not based on new writings, per se, but had to have been founded on Old Testament Scriptures. As the Bereans readily searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was so, and that was all they had, it remains that “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” came out of Old Testament Scriptures. Read the angel’s message to Daniel of that missing 70th week that so well describes the purpose of God’s plan to punish Israel for their disobedience and to restore them to His grace and fellowship in an everlasting righteousness. You who would hijack the promises and prophecies of God for these last days to create doctrines of your own making, get ready for a sudden awakening to a God of judgment. When the flesh of Adam’s heritage injects its tongs into the plan of God and twists Scripture to its own understanding, God must make necessary corrections and exact judgment. Contact email: [email protected] DOWNLOAD THE PROPHECY UPDATE APP Prophecy Update Videos Must Watch Videos! Videos You Can Trust
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Your Support is Important to this Ministry - We Could Not Do This Without Your Support! Let Us Make the Short Time We have Left, Count for ALL of Eternity! Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! II Corinthians 9:15 Worthy of Your Support? It has been said, one of the most reliable ways to determine if a ministry is worthy of your financial support is to examine its fruits. If Prophecy Update is keeping you informed and if that information inspires you and causes you to draw closer to the Lord, if Prophecy Update equips you with valuable information and knowledge to share with and encourage other believers and open the eyes of non-believers and if Prophecy Update keeps you connected to current events relating to Bible Prophecy then you are partaking of the fruit produced through this ministry. None of this would be possible without the Lords blessings and your support. I believe where the Lord guides, the Lord provides and most of the time He provides through the willing and generous hearts of believers just like you and me. I genuinely believe that Prophecy Update and many other like-minded ministries, are needed now more than ever! The world is getting darker daily, almost hourly, but never has the light of the Word of God shone so brightly. Never in our history has there been such a thirst for Truth and a need for a Savior! The Prophecy Update website, newsletter, and Video Channels are all dedicated to providing the truth, encouraging and informing believers, and prayerfully opening the eyes and hearts of non-believers with the Gospel, but none of it would be possible without your prayers and support. DONATE HERE Your can also mail your support to: Prophecy Update PO Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384 Will the Rapture Be Today? - Nathele Graham - [email protected] For some reason, the Rapture is a very controversial subject. Scripture gives many signs of it happening, but many people seem to discount it or argue about the timing. Although it’s a blessing from God, the Rapture isn’t for everybody. The only people who will be taken away from the final seven years of earth as we know it, are Christians. That doesn’t mean we won’t face persecution or turmoil. In fact, Jesus promised we would have troubles in this life. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Jesus just had a very serious talk with His disciples. He told them some unnerving things they could expect, but also some very comforting words. He talked of His death, and that upset His disciples. He told them of His resurrection, which they had no way to fully understand. He told of the Comforter and how He would guide them (and us). There is a big difference between the tribulation which Jesus had described to His disciples, and the Tribulation talked about by Daniel, Jesus, and described in Revelation. God is love, and that love makes sure people have every chance to avoid trouble. Unfortunately, we tend to go against God’s will. We need to understand that the rules God has given us are for our own good. We bring our own troubles about by not following His directions. That’s what happened in the Garden of Eden. God gave Adam only one rule. “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest there of thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17. That’s pretty clear. Then Eve chatted with the evil being, ate the fruit, and in total disobedience, Adam also joined in the sin. God’s words were true and the couple were expelled from the Garden and lost Paradise. Life outside the Garden was filled with turmoil. Children were born, and those children had children. Soon the population on earth had grown. The forces of evil had their own plans; they wanted to corrupt the human genome so God’s creation could no longer have hope of salvation. Rebellious angels mated with human women and the result of this ungodly union was hybrids called Nephilim. Unredeemable evil corrupted humanity, and the entire creation was corrupted. The only way God could bring life back to the way He created it, was to send judgment. This judgment was to flood the entire world. All of creation would drown except for those few who were obedient to God and protected in the Ark: Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives, as well as some animals. Prior to God’s judgment being poured out upon a corrupt and disobedient world, there was a Rapture. Noah’s great-grandfather came to a right place with God and was removed prior to God’s judgment. “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:24. It’s so important for all of us to obey God. Are you walking with God? Or are you living in disobedience and rebellion? There are many signs given in Scripture that we need to pay attention to. These signs tell us that the time of God’s wrath will soon be poured out again. The disciples asked Jesus about the end times. It’s interesting that the signs Jesus told them to look for are very Jewish in nature. He told them “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Matthew 24:15-16. The Olivette Discourse is not about Christians or the Rapture but about the time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) trouble. The temple was destroyed in 70 AD so by mentioning the “abomination of desolation” standing in the temple, we know the Temple will be rebuilt. In fact, Jesus says that Daniel had spoken about this, but when Daniel gave that prophecy, the first temple had been destroyed. Today the Temple Institute has been working diligently and faithfully to create the items needed for Temple worship as well as training priests to perform the rituals. The fact that they have red heifers that are required for cleansing just adds to the excitement of prophecy being fulfilled. This is all amazing, and very huge signs of the fact that we are nearing the Rapture. It’s not only one or two signs, but so many are happening. In the same passage in Matthew Jesus gives some “signs” that are just things that always happen, and aren’t really indications of the end, but they are becoming more frequent and stronger. “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:7-8. There are wars between nations and civil unrest within nations. If you follow earthquake reports, the number of earthquakes is growing as well as the magnitude. Pestilences? Remember the trouble in 2019? Famines? Food is getting expensive, hard to afford, and it’s being genetically tampered with so it isn’t food like God intended humans to ingest. There are many food allergies and behavior problems in children, and I think food tampering plays a part in the trouble. These signs are all just the beginning. Jesus didn’t stop there. He spoke of false prophets who will deceive many. He wasn’t just talking about woke pastors, but government organizations like the UN, WEF, WHO, and others that are deceiving the world. Jesus began this discourse by warning against deception. “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:4-5. If you’ve listened to any reports out of Israel, periodically someone claims to be the Messiah. The other day, I heard an interview with a woman who claimed to be an Arcturian hybrid. Don’t be deceived, brothers and sisters; study Scripture so you know the truth. “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matthew 24:12. It’s the agape love that grows cold. People just don’t care about others. Mothers can kill their children in the womb without a second thought, husbands have no problem sitting on the couch doing nothing while his wife works a couple of jobs in addition to cooking, cleaning, and running the kids to activities. Then there are the people who walk into a school or a parade and start shooting people. There are any number of other cold-hearted actions that happen daily. The word “iniquity” means wickedness, contempt and violation of law. We see it every day. People violate the law of the land, but more than that God’s law is violated. Jesus talked of the signs leading to the final seven years of life on this fallen world. All the events that will be so terrifying are falling into place today. The Gospel of Luke also records this discourse by Jesus. Luke records two major signs of the end times. “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26-27. Matthew also recorded this. It’s important to study all of Scripture in order to understand. Very few pastors preach about the iniquity happening during the days of Noah. They try to say that Seth’s sons married Cain’s daughters so God destroyed the world. That’s a false statement against God. He doesn’t just wipe out everything because humans married each other. The truth is that the fallen angels were mating with human women and hybrids, called Nephilim, were created. There was genetic tampering happening and humans were no longer fully human. All of creation was corrupted and God couldn’t allow this to happen. Noah was directed to build an ark to save 8 people and some animals with pure, non-genetically tampered with blood. As stated above, Enoch was taken away from the judgment of the flood because he “walked with God”. The other evil that Luke records, is perverse sexual activity. “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:28-29. Ungodly things were happening in the Days of Noah and in the Days o Lot, but people weren’t paying attention. They were “woke” and accepted all manner of sin. Enoch was taken prior to the judgment in Noah’s day, and judgment couldn’t happen until Lot was safely away from Sodom. Are we paying attention today? How many pastors stand firm upon God’s word and reject the homosexual agenda that is trying to corrupt God’s truth? How many Christians keep silent about how it is an abomination to God? We can’t force truth upon an unbelieving world, but within God’s congregations, we can’t allow sin to rule. Our world is like the days of Lot, and Christians are going about normal life, fully accepting or ignoring these ungodly lifestyles; not caring what God’s word says, but twisting His truth to condone sin. Likewise, genetic manipulation is destroying normal life. Not only are doctors mutilating people to change male to female and female to male, but the food we eat isn’t pure. Pesticides are genetically put into crops, cattle are injected with hormones, and synthetic meat is being sold. Genetic tampering happened in the Days of Noah, and we are much the same today. The good news is that God always takes those who are righteous away prior to judgment. As Christians, we are righteous only through our faith in Jesus. We can see that the days are becoming more and more wicked. All nations are turning against Israel, which is prophetic. The same happenings of the Days of Noah and the Days of Lot are thriving in our day. Christians need to stand firm on God’s truth and not take part in any of the evil we see in our world today. Christians are promised that we will be taken to Heaven prior to the final seven years of history. Not because we are righteous, but that Christ is. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. We need to honor Christ by truly repenting of our sin. We can never be righteousness by our own efforts, but we are righteous through Christ. We need to be like Enoch and walk with God. Christians will be taken away from the soon coming judgment. We can’t let fear of being ridiculed by others stop us from living for Christ. In fact, we need to use our voices to witness to people around us. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:18-19. Christ will call us Home soon, and the works we have done for Him will be judged at the Bema Seat. That’s where I want to be while those who have rejected Christ are facing the evil reign of the Anti-Christ, and living with demons. Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will allow you to be taken from the horrors of the Tribulation. Will the Rapture happen today? It could, but we can’t set dates. We can read the signs of the times, and it’s getting close. Brothers and sisters, be vigilant and stand firm on God’s word. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] Recommended prophecy sites: www.raptureready.com www.prophecyupdate.com www.raptureforums.com All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed. If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” Psalm 122:6. Revelation 21: Millennial Kingdom — new Heaven, a new Earth and a New Jerusalem - By Mark Creech - https://www.christianpost.com/voices/millennial-kingdom-new-heaven-a-new-earth-and-a-new-jerusalem.html Urban revitalization projects are not something new, but they certainly deserve credit for making all things new in various cities worldwide. Perhaps one of the most notable examples is the revitalization of the South Bronx in New York City during the late 20th century. The 1970s marked a tumultuous time for New York City, particularly the Bronx, which faced considerable economic decline, rampant crime, and social upheaval. A series of factors, including white flight and economic downturns, contributed to the area’s decline leading to widespread urban blight and devastating fires that destroyed much of the infrastructure. The city was also grappling with the terror of Son of Sam, the serial killer, whose reign of terror further exacerbated the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The social disintegration created fertile ground for corruption, delinquency, and lawlessness, which seemed to culminate in the citywide blackout of 1977 that plunged New York City into a night of chaos — a night of arson and fires, looting, rioting, and robberies. During this period, the South Bronx was plagued by poverty, crime, and urban decay. Pictures of that day and place are truly images of malaise and misery, with numerous buildings burned out or abandoned. However, community organizations, along with city government efforts and private investments, initiated a series of redevelopment projects aimed at renewing, reinvigorating, rebuilding infrastructure, improving housing, and attracting business back to the area. Over time, the South Bronx experienced a transformation, with renovated buildings, new housing developments, and improved public spaces. Community gardens and parks replaced vacant lots, and once-neglected streets became safer and, therefore more inviting. Today, the features that defined the area in the 1970s are drastically different from the thriving metropolis of the early 21st century. Admittedly, challenges remain, but the revitalization efforts, unquestionably, helped to refresh and renew the South Bronx and significantly improved the quality of life for its residents. Where despair and decay were prevalent, there is now hope and restoration. This urban landscape has seemingly risen from the rubble and the ashes, much like the renewed earth described in Revelation chapter 21 — echoing somewhat the promise proclaimed in verses 5 through 8, which read: “And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’ 6 And he also said, ‘It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega — the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty, I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars — their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” In today’s world, we could figuratively draw parallels to the conditions of the South Bronx in the 1970s, highlighting a desperate need for renewal and restoration on a broader scale. Just as the South Bronx, underwent economic decline and social unrest, today’s global landscape grapples with a myriad of serious and debilitating issues. These include disruptions in the global supply chain, escalating inflation rates, widespread unemployment and underemployment, mounting debt burdens, global protest movements, and geopolitical tensions that loom ominously, with the potential to escalate into conflicts akin to World War III. Moreover, the world’s most pressing issues stem from moral and spiritual concerns. These include diminishing trust in the Bible and its core Christian doctrines and values, a noticeable growth in atheism and the “nones,” rising levels of crime and violence, a noticeable erosion of family values, a concerning lack of civility and respect for others, the normalization of vice and immorality, a troubling absence of empathy and compassion for the most vulnerable, and a pervasive disregard for individuals’ God-given rights. While it’s true humanity has long grappled with similar challenges, the current state of affairs presents a unique and pressing situation. A discerning observer of contemporary events can readily determine that today’s struggles are not only more numerous but also represent an onslaught of crisis unfolding concurrently while escalating in intensity. Consequently, the ramifications are more far-reaching than ever before. In Matthew chapter 24 and verses 3 through 8, Jesus drew an analogy between the signs heralding the end times and the initial stages of labor experienced by a pregnant woman. By likening these signs to the early contractions of childbirth, he conveyed that they would signify the onset of a period marked by escalating turmoil, ultimately culminating in the establishment of God’s Kingdom. Our world faces an unprecedented convergence of challenges — as complex, intertwined, and largely insurmountable. It has become progressively evident that no purely human endeavor can unravel the knot. However, the Bible offers a promise of hope. A day will come when Christ returns and concludes his earthly Millennial Kingdom and the Lord Himself will initiate an unparalleled program of renewal and revitalization. This moment will mark the beginning of eternity, bringing forth a new Heaven, a new Earth, and a New Jerusalem. In this divine transformation, trouble, suffering, sorrow, and death will cease to exist — forever. “Look, I am making everything new” (v.5), said the One sitting on the throne. There is some debate by Christian scholars as to who is speaking here. Is it God, the Father? Or is it the Lord Jesus? Some argue the speaker is God, the Father, who is often depicted as seated on the throne in the book of Revelation. Others suggest that it must be Jesus, considering his close association with the theme of making all things new throughout the New Testament, as well as the fact that he is often depicted as speaking in Revelation. Both interpretations can be supported within the broader context of the book and its themes of renewal and regeneration. 1. Nevertheless, it seems more likely to be the voice of the Savior, who is speaking, because the words the apostle John is urged to write down in verse 6 seem unique to Christ: 2. “It is finished.” Do these words sound familiar? Jesus first said these words on the Cross of Calvary, where he expressed that he had completed his mission of securing humanity’s salvation by his sacrificial death. He essentially used this same phrasing again in Revelation chapter 16 and verse 17, signifying the completion of God’s irrevocable judgment and the fulfillment of his divine purpose in bringing about the end of human history as we know it. Finally, this same expression is in Revelation chapter 21 and verse 6, where the Lord is speaking of the culmination of God’s plan in bringing about a complete rebirth of the cosmos. “I am the Alpha and the Omega — the Beginning and the End.” These words are attributed to Jesus in Revelation chapter 1 and verse 11. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and in this context, they communicate Jesus’ eternal existence, His divine nature, and His supreme authority over all creation, transcending all limitations of time and space. The same expression is repeated by the Lord Jesus in Revelation chapter 22 and verses 12 through 13 when Jesus promises to return and once again reaffirms his divine identity and eternal nature. 3. “To all who are thirsty, I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.” Remember in his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus offered living water, saying: “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water … those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life” (John 4:10-14). On the last day of the festival of Tabernacles, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart’” (John 7:37-38). Then, in Revelation chapter 21 and verse 6, Jesus extends the invitation again to receive spiritual refreshment, renewal, and eternal life. In these passages, which are so unique to Jesus, we are confronted with his claims to be Almighty God, the One who is eternally existent, and therefore he implores that we let him freely save, renew, transform, and fit us for that eternal dwelling place where we may enjoy him ceaselessly. The incomparable Baptist preacher, the late W. A. Criswell, in one of his sermons on Revelation expounded on this unequaled invitation, saying: Do not bring a price. Do not seek to buy at a cost. Do not bring good works and commendations. Do not bring recommendations. Just come as you are … And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely. It is God’s good pleasure to give us our salvation. It is a gift of God. It is the Lord’s love and desire to bestow it upon us without price … Let the lost sinner take the gift of salvation freely. Let him drink at the fountain of the river of life and live forever. Drink full and deep. I heard one time of a little emaciated boy from a large family, being taken to a hospital, to be ministered to because he was starving. The sweet nurse came to the starved lad with a big glass of milk in her hand. She gave it to the little fellow and said, ‘Drink.’ With eager hands, the lad took the glass of milk and asked, ‘Nurse, how deep can I drink?’ What a picture of poverty, want, and need in that question! For, you see, every glass of milk that little fellow had ever seen had to be divided with the children of a large family. Each one could drink just so much, just so far down the glass. There was not enough to spare. So, the little fellow, holding the glass in his hand, said, ‘Nurse, how deep can I drink?’! The nurse replied: ‘Dear child, drink to the bottom. Drink to the full.’ We shall never exhaust the goodness, the grace, and the mercy of our Lord God. Come, and drink to the full. These things are ever and forever ours … He [Christ] is the water of life to drink … Come, give your heart in trust to Him. Jesus solemnly promises that everyone who would be victorious in the end, inherit the blessings of all things eternal, and be reborn as a child of God, must believe in Him. “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith” (I John 5:4). By contrast, the unbelieving, whose lives are characterized by eight habitual behaviors, will forever be separated from God in fiery torment. 1.Cowards — Those who lack courage and faith, particularly in the face of persecution or trials (Matthew 10:28, Hebrews 10:38-39). They will not receive Christ or live a life of obedience to him because they are afraid of the way they might be rejected by family or friends. They are frightened of the cost that comes with following Jesus. 2. Unbelievers — Those who refuse to trust in God’s promises — those who will not adhere to Christ’s benevolent Lordship (John 3:18). Those who reject the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith — those who see Jesus as a mere historical figure, a political revolutionary, a wonderful moral teacher but just another martyr of history, a symbol of tolerance and inclusivity that completely rejects his claim to be the only way of salvation. 3. The corrupt — Those who engage in wicked or morally corrupt manners, demonstrating a disregard for God’s standards of righteousness and holiness (I Corinthians 6:9-10). — crooked politicians who take money for political favors, who abuse their powers, who use their position primarily for selfish pursuits, who take kickbacks and engage in fraudulent activities, who endorse, facilitate, and further law what God forbids — clergy who misuse church funds or donations for personal gain, extravagant lifestyles, and luxury purchases, who engage in sexual abuse, harassment, or exploitation of congregants, some of which are children or the emotionally vulnerable seeking spiritual guidance from them — those who distort or misinterpret the teachings of God’s Word for personal gain or to justify unethical behavior, such as promoting a prosperity Gospel to solicit donations. 4.Murderers — Those who promote or engage in unjust harm and aggression to purposely destroy human life (Revelation 22:15), the mafia hitman, the notorious serial killer, the mass shooter, the assassin, the robber or home invader who kills — those who advocate for and participate in the abortion industry — those who endorse or participate in the systematic extermination of an entire innocent group of people based on their ethnicity, religion, nationality, or other characteristics — those who endorse or facilitate policies that prioritize profit or personal interests over the health and safety of individuals and results in the loss of human life — those who engage in political rhetoric or the use social media platforms to assassinate someone’s reputation, (which is a form of murder) – those who carry unrepented hatred in their hearts for others the Bible says are guilty of a form of murder (I John 3:15). 5.The Immoral — Those who practice or engage in a lifestyle of sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage between one man and one woman — whether adultery, fornication, or same-sex relations (Galatians 5:19-21) — those who without conviction or struggle willfully and with abandon consume and/or produce sexually explicit materials that objectify and exploit individuals for personal gratification (Matthew 5:28, Ephesians 5:3-5) — prostitutes and sex traffickers who sell sexual favors for financial gain or material benefits (1 Corinthians 6:15-16). 6. Those who practice witchcraft — Those who engage in various occult practices, seeking supernatural powers apart from God (Galatians 5:20-21) — those who engage in rituals, spells, or incantations to influence events or outcomes through supernatural means — those who seek to know the future or the unknown through divination — those who try to communicate with the spirits of the dead through mediums and seances. The practice of recreational drug use is an extension of sorcery. 7. Idolators — Those who worship false gods rather than the one true God as revealed in the Holy Bible (I Corinthians 6:9-10) — those who are habitually given to something or someone more than they are given to God, whether material possessions, career or success, personal ambitions, physical pleasures, addictions such as drug abuse, gambling, or alcohol — those engaged in religious activities, rituals, or ceremonies without genuine faith, love, or obedience to God — those given to political ideologies, social movements, or philosophical beliefs as their ultimate source of meaning, purpose, and truth rather a right relationship with God — those who elevate national identity, pride, or allegiance above one’s commitment to the Kingdom of God. 8.Liars — Those who regularly, repeatedly, and purposely are engaged in deceitful behaviors, falsehoods, or dishonesty (Revelation 22:15) — those, who as a way of life, deceive for personal gain, manipulate situations to their advantage, or conceal their true intentions through deception. In Revelation chapter 21 and verses 5 through 8, there is found a message of profound hope, assurance, and renewal amidst a backdrop of social and moral decay. However, intertwined with this message is a fearful and solemn warning of judgment. The passage paints a vivid contrast between the destinies of those who embrace faith and obedience to Christ and those who persist in unbelief and disobedience. Daily Jot: The apostasy and falling away - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians about a falling away ahead of the return of the Lord. He also says in 1 Timothy 4:1-2, “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” While theologians debate what this actually means, trends in the United States and other countries indicate that there is an exodus movement away from religion. This has been taking place in America over the last several years, and the “church” appears to be losing ground faster each passing year in its duties to make disciples as evidenced by recent polls. Pew Research says 28% of US adults are now religiously unaffiliated. They are called “Nones.” Pew says, “Our survey data shows: Most “nones” believe in God or another higher power. But very few go to religious services regularly; Most say religion does some harm, but many also think it does some good. They are not uniformly anti-religious; Most “nones” reject the idea that science can explain everything. But they express more positive views of science than religiously affiliated Americans do.” Pew adds: “Nones” tend to vote less often, do less volunteer work in their communities and follow public affairs at lower rates than religiously affiliated people do. But the latest data shows that on a variety of measures, lower rates of civic engagement are concentrated among “nones” whose religion is “nothing in particular.” This phenomena has been trending for more than a decade. In June 2008, a Pew Research Poll of some 35,000 people indicated that 57 percent of American evangelicals believe many religions can lead to eternal life. In December 2012, a Pew poll indicated that 20% of all American adults and 32% of adults under 18 had no religious affiliation, yet 68% say they believe in God. Notwithstanding, 88% said they were not looking for a religion. In September 2017, a Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) poll of over 100,000 Americans indicated that the religions of youth in America are becoming more non-Christian: “Roughly one-third (34%) of religiously unaffiliated Americans are also under 30.” In an August 2017 Annenberg Public Policy Center poll, 37% of Americans could not name any rights guaranteed by the First Amendment; 85% did not know the First Amendment guaranteed freedom of religion; and 52% didn’t know that freedom of speech was guaranteed. In 1963, Florida Congressman A. S. Herlong, Jr., submitted for the Congressional Record the “Current Communist Goals” excerpted from “The Naked Communist,” by Cleon Skousen. Goal 27: “Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with “social” religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a “religious crutch.” Along with other goals like promoting homosexuality and discrediting the family structure, Apostle Paul’s words are becoming reality each day here in our homeland. Daily Devotion: Better Off, but Not Better - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ. —Philippians 3:8 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/better-off-but-not-better/ - Listen If ever there was a man who had a spiritual pedigree, it was the apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul. He was someone who had done it all. In his own words, he said, “Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law” (Philippians 3:4–5 NLT). Then, a few verses later, he made an amazing statement: “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (verses 7–8 NLT). Paul was saying, “I know all about self-righteousness. In fact, I obeyed the law so carefully, there was no one who could claim that I broke God’s commandments.” Yet Paul was saying that the things that he once considered valuable were worthless to him. They no longer meant anything. We shouldn’t feel arrogant as believers. Paul reminded the Christians in Ephesus, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8–9 nlt). Christians are not better than non-Christians. Are we better off? Yes. But are we better? No. I’ve often described myself as one beggar telling another beggar where to find food. We need to be humble because it wasn’t that long ago that we, too, were separated from God. Sometimes people who were raised in a Christian environment or in a home where Christian values were honored develop a resistance to the gospel. There can be boasting in a spiritual pedigree. Sometimes, we feel so proud of ourselves as Christians. We might sit in church and think, “Here I am at church while my children are in Sunday school, learning the Word of God. Right next to me is my spouse of twelve years. We’ve never had any problems in our marriage to speak of. Everything is going well in our lives. We’re very spiritual people.” But we’d better be careful because the Bible says that pride goes before a fall (see Proverbs 16:18). And 1 John 2:16 warns, “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world” (NLT). The devil is cunning. If he doesn’t catch you in other sins, he might get you through pride. You might just slip and fall. So don’t boast. PROPHECY UPDATE NEWS HEADLINES Yesterday's Prophecies - Today's Headlines HEADLINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRACKING BIBLE PROPHECY 2/22/24 http://trackingbibleprophecy.org/birthpangs.php
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