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There Is a Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On In The Middle East – By Mike Spaulding - https://harbingersdaily.com/there-is-a-whole-lot-of-shaking-going-on-in-the-middle-east/ An earthquake rocked the island nation of Taiwan last week, centered in the city of Hualien. Reports indicate that there are at least thirteen casualties, with hundreds injured. It was measured at 7.2. A 4.8 earthquake centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, occurred just days ago. The earthquake was felt by residents of New York City and the tri-state area. These geological events naturally grab the headlines. That is no surprise. What I do find surprising is that the massive shaking that is ramping up in the Middle East is not seen or understood for what it is—a sure sign that the world is about to experience the direct hand of God. Let me explain. The enemies of God, and notably the Arab and Muslim Islamic instigators of war, terrorism, and antisemitism, are in full rage mode. Israel’s recent airstrike upon an Iranian government consulate building and the elimination of several high-ranking members of The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and diplomatic support staff is the excuse Iran needed to come out into the open and attack Israel either from Iranian soil or through Iran’s proxies in primarily Lebanon, Syria, or both. The normal voices of anti-Israel, anti-Jew bigotry, and hatred have joined together, and a growing crescendo of unhinged, irrational verbal pogroms against the nation and people of Israel will fuel a violent response. This swell of verbal diatribes is being echoed even in Washington, D.C. Will the Biden administration abandon Israel? Time will tell. Is any of this a surprise to Christians who read and study the Bible? All signs appear to be pointing to our day for the beginning of God’s move to protect His people and His land Israel, and to bring them into saving faith in their Messiah, Jesus. Several prophets spoke of that day. For example, Zechariah wrote, “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” (Zechariah 12:2-3; emphasis added). Zephaniah likewise spoke of a day when the enemies of Israel would rise against her in what will seem to be overwhelming odds. “Therefore, wait for Me,” declares the Lord, “For the day when I rise up as a witness.” “Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.” (Zephaniah 3:8). The prophet Joel spoke of the days when the things mentioned above would transpire. Joel 3:16-17 reads: “The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.” God is causing every biblical end time player to move into place. The U.S. is playing a role as well. The Biden administration continues to provoke Russia. The latest misstep is the authorization for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to announce the U.S. intention to bring Ukraine into NATO. The ignorance on the part of those controlling Washington D.C. is breath-taking. If the placing of ballistic weapons in Ukraine elicited the current devastating response from Russia, what response will we see to this announcement of NATO membership? The nations are being clearly divided along the line of support for Israel, and those who desire to destroy Israel. The only question that remains to be answered is this – how long will it be before Russia and Iran announce open and direct war against Israel? What we are witnessing is the run-up to God’s direct intervention on behalf of His people Israel. There is a spiritual earthquake rumbling in the earth right now. The shaking going on in the heavens is being felt by every believer who has ears to hear and eyes to see and who looks for the blessed hope of Jesus’ return. There is a whole lot of shaking going on now. Stay focused, friends. This is not a time to worry but to use the news to preach Jesus. Our God reigns today, and he will reign tomorrow and forevermore. Waiting For the Other Shoe To Drop In The Middle East… - by Michael Snyder - https://endoftheamericandream.com/waiting-for-the-other-shoe-to-drop-in-the-middle-east/ There has been a tremendous amount of speculation about when and how Iran will attack Israel. In the aftermath of Israel’s stunning airstrike on a building directly next to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Iranian officials pledged that there would be a very “harsh” response. I take them at their word, and I am entirely convinced that a response is coming. But exactly when that response will happen remains a mystery as I write this article. So for now, we are waiting for the other shoe to drop. According to Jennifer Jacobs, the senior White House reporter for Bloomberg, sources have told her that an attack on Israel is imminent… US and allies believe major missile and drone strikes by Iran and its proxies against military and govt targets in Israel are imminent; civilian facilities not expected to be targeted, sources told @donatopmancini and me. Attack may not necessarily come from Israel’s north. So what does “imminent” mean? We’re not sure. That same word was used in a Bloomberg article that was posted just a few hours ago… The US and its allies believe major missile or drone strikes by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent, in what would mark a significant widening of the six-month-old conflict, according to people familiar with the intelligence. The potential assault, possibly using high-precision missiles, may happen in the coming days, the people said, requesting anonymity to discuss confidential matters. It is seen as more a matter of when, not if, one of the people said, based on assessments from US and Israeli intelligence. This would certainly be a major escalation. When Iran finally attacks, most experts believe that Israeli military and government facilities will be targeted. But if any Iranian missiles land in Israeli territory, Israel’s foreign minister is warning that his country will strike back… Israel’s foreign minister threatened Wednesday that his country’s forces would strike Iran directly if the Islamic Republic launched an attack from its territory against Israel. His comments came amid heightened tensions between the rival powers following the killings of Iranian generals in a blast at the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month. In fact, he specifically warned that Israel will “attack in Iran”… Writing in both his native Hebrew and Farsi, Israel Katz said on X: ‘If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran.’ The blunt and threatening remark came after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early this morning reiterated a promise to ‘punish an ‘evil’ Israel following a suspected IDF strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed 12 people, including two top generals, on April 1. We could literally be on the verge of witnessing the start of an all-out war between Israel and Iran. Once they start lobbing missiles at one another, there is a very real possibility that a chain of events will be set in motion that nobody will be able to stop. I think that there is a lot of last minute diplomacy going on behind the scenes that we don’t know about. In particular, I think that the Biden administration is desperate to avoid a major regional war. But it appears unlikely that the Iranians can be persuaded to change their course of action. Perhaps if Israel had chosen to end the war in Gaza the Iranians may have considered a deal, but that was never going to happen. The IDF continues to hit Gaza really hard, and on Wednesday the most senior political leader of Hamas lost three of his sons… Three sons of Hamas’ most senior political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, were killed Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, according to relatives and Hamas media channels. Haniyeh himself acknowledged the death of more family members, and he warned Israel that it would not “break the resolve of our people.” Ameer, Hazem and Mohammed Haniyeh were killed near the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, Hamas said. In a statement released Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces said it killed “three Hamas military operatives that conducted terrorist activity in the central Gaza Strip.” The IDF claimed that Ameer Haniyeh was a cell commander in the Hamas military wing, while Mohammad Haniyeh and Hazem Haniyeh were military operatives. If he could go back in time, I am sure that Ismail Haniyeh never would have authorized the terror attacks on October 7th if he would have known that it would mean the loss of three of his sons. But this is the way that war works. It often has consequences that none of us anticipate. Now Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a decision to make. He knows that Hamas cannot be destroyed unless the IDF goes into Rafah, but if the IDF goes into Rafah it could potentially cause the entire region to erupt in flames. We shall see what happens, but at this stage is appears that the decision has already been made… Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a date has been set for an Israeli invasion of Rafah, Gaza’s last refuge for displaced Palestinians, without disclosing that date as a new round of ceasefire talks take place in Cairo. ‘Today I received a detailed report on the talks in Cairo, we are constantly working to achieve our goals, first and foremost the release of all our hostages and achieving a complete victory over Hamas,’ Netanyahu said. ‘This victory requires entry into Rafah and the elimination of the terrorist battalions there. It will happen – there is a date.’ We will also want to keep a very close eye on the northern front. According to the UN agreement that ended the last war, all Hezbollah forces are supposed to be located north of the Litani River. One way or another, the Israeli government is absolutely determined to make Hezbollah abide by that agreement so that all of the Israelis that have been evacuated from communities in northern Israel can return to their homes safely. But Hezbollah will never withdraw north of the Litani River willingly. So an operation in southern Lebanon is being prepared, and once the IDF crosses the border that will mean all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. There are multiple ways that the conflict in the Middle East could spiral out of control. I am entirely convinced that this will be the year that it happens. But for the moment, we continue to wait for the next shoe to drop. DOWNLOAD THE PROPHECY UPDATE APP Prophecy Update Videos Must Watch Videos! Videos You Can Trust
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DONATE HERE Your can also mail your support to: Prophecy Update PO Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner - by Bill Perkins - https://compass.org/guess-whos-coming-to-dinner/ …the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. Rev. 19:7b At the Rapture, all Church Age Believers are taken to heaven where we’ll join the Old Testament Saints whom Jesus redeemed at the cross. Got any questions for Adam? Get in line. During this seven-year period with the Tribulation going on below on the earth, the Church Age Believers will be meticulously judged for their works. God knows our thoughts so He knows WHY we did something, not just that we did something. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed [rewarded] for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2Cor. 5:10 The first thing you need to know is that the word “judgment seat” (Greek word “Bema”) is actually “judgment step.” The “bema” is not a place of judgment for right or wrong crimes. Those took place in a different location. The “Bema” is a step (see picture of Susie and me in Ancient Corinth, Greece) in front of the rostrum where athletes came to bow down and show their allegiance to the Roman Emperor (or local Roman official) and receive their reward, a perishable wreath. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 1Cor. 9:25 So the Judgment Seat of Christ is not about judgment for salvation because Jesus paid for all our sins at the cross. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, [for salvation] but has passed out of death into life. John 5:24 Rather, the bema is first about our allegiance to Christ...those who are indwelled by God’s Holy Spirit. Then it’s a judgment for rewards for what we allowed Jesus to do through us. Since our sin is a continual action (Rom. 3:23, Greek = “keep on sinning”) and our works are like “filthy rags” to the Lord (Is. 64:6—“menstrual rags”), the only thing that counts for rewards are for things we allow the Lord to use us for. We can’t, He can. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13 We have to allow God to drive, not as a copilot, as the only pilot. He is not a crutch, He is the whole gurney. So our judgment for good works is about how often we allowed God to use us, to take control. This judgment even has a litmus test for purity. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1Cor. 3:11-15 It goes without saying, that verse confirms God knows when you do something right for the wrong reasons. Also, notice a Believer can get all his doctrine wrong after salvation and still be saved. We'll all get our doctrine corrected We don’t know too much about the specific rewards Believers receive. The only ones mentioned are the five crown rewards that symbolize triumph. 1).The Imperishable Crown—given to Believers who gain mastery over the flesh. …exercises self-control in all things. 1Cor.9:25 2) The Crown of Rejoicing This is given to those who love to evangelize. 1Thes. 2:19, Luke 15:10, 2Tim 4:5 he who is wise wins souls. Prov. 11:30 3) The Crown Of Life This is given to Believers who persevere under great trials. Rev. 2:10 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; James 1:12a 4) The Crown Of Glory This is given to Believers who faithfully shepherd God’s people. shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 1Pet. 5:2,3 5) The Crown Of Righteousness This is given to those watching and longing for the Rapture. …to all who have loved His appearing. 2Tim. 4:8 I know a lot of people reading this who will at least receive crown #5! At the end of the 7-year Tribulation, Church Age Believers return to earth with Jesus as the Bride of Christ where we’ll reign with Jesus for 1000 years. reigned with Him for a thousand years. Rev. 20:6 When we return to the earth with Jesus for His Second Coming, we know our Christian judgment has been completed because what we’re wearing is based on Jesus’ examination of our allegiance and allowing Him to use us. “… the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Rev. 19:7b-8 This brings up and interesting theological point: Believers are to be constantly yielding to Jesus using us so we don’t lose any awards we have gained! ...hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Rev. 3:11b Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 2John 8 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Cor. 9:24-27 It’s important to note that any crowns we receive we don’t wear for eternity. Instead, we’ll have the privilege of placing them at the feet of Jesus. the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, Rev. 4:10 As far as what we’ll look like under those white robes, we’ll have new bodies like Jesus received at His resurrection. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, Phil. 3:20-21a I have a friend who died for several minutes and then came back to life. He said while he was out of his body, what was odd was that he was in a room full of absolutely beautiful people who all looked to be in their early twenties. He concluded that if someone dies in their 90s, they won’t have to look like a wrinkled-raisin for eternity. Whew! But our new bodies will still be human-shaped. Just like the resurrected body Jesus has, we’ll also have arms, legs, head, eyes, nose, etc. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, Phil. 3:21a The Old Testament Saints, which include both pre-Abraham Believers like Adam, Eve and Enoch, and post-Abraham to the cross Believers like Moses and David, are distinct and dispensationally different from the Church Age Saints like Paul and Silas. These Old Testament Saints also return to the earth with Jesus. We know this because they’re invited as special guests at the Believers big wedding day celebration. …blessed are those who have been invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb… Rev. 19:9b All this is more easily understood by looking at how a Jewish wedding transpires. 1).The groom initiates the covenant with a payment for the bride In ancient days, marriage was not an agreement between two individuals, but between two families. It was customary for the Jewish father of the bride to pay a dowry for his daughter to the groom's family. That’s what Christ did for us, He initiated the relationship and called us to Himself. The payment for the bride was what Jesus accomplished for us on Calvary 2000 years ago. For you have been bought with a price: 1Cor. 6:20 And He gave us the Holy Spirit as a non-refundable deposit. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2Cor. 1:21-22 2) The Bride Is Set Apart She is exclusively set aside for the husband. That’s currently where Believers are... set apart. But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; Psa. 4:3a Believers are like a woman who is spoken for—we have been positionally set aside for God. 3) The Groom Separates From The Bride He returns to his father’s house to prepare the bridal chamber. This is what Jesus has been doing for the last 2000 years, preparing the bridal chamber. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 4) The Loyalty Test During this time of separation, until Jesus returns, we’re to be loyal to Him. This is the basis of our rewards … use us, Lord! You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 5) The Bride is Retrieved The groom returns at an unknown time preceded by a shout with escorts to retrieve the bride. For Believers, this is the Rapture that includes a loud shout. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 1Thes. 4 15-17 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3 6) The Bride and the Groom are Hidden in the Father’s House for Seven Days This lines up with the church being in heaven, the Father’s house, during the seven year Tribulation. 7) The Bride Is Cleansed The bride undergoes a ritual cleansing prior to the wedding. This lines up with the Bema Seat/Judgment of Christ where Christians are either rewarded or not rewarded based on how they did during the loyalty separation time. …Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Eph. 5:25b-27 8) The Wedding Ceremony There’s a meeting with the Father’s assembled wedding guests, a private wedding ceremony in the Father’s house. The deceased Old Testament Believers initially could not go to heaven until the Messiah came and paid for their sin. So until the Messiah died as a qualified blood sacrifice, the “saved by faith” who died prior to the cross went to a place called Paradise. (See Luke 16:19-31 … and note that Jesus is not speaking in a parable but rather telling a true story.) When Jesus paid the price of redemption, the first thing He did was go retrieve the Old Testament Believers from the center of the earth.(1) (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) Eph. 4:9-10 The “lower parts of the earth” was also called the “bottomless pit,” because every direction was up (Rev. 9:1-2). Paul also was caught up to “Paradise,” but when he went up, it was post-cross and is now located in heaven. was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 2Cor. 12:4 Therefore, Paradise is now located in heaven. And the pre-cross Believers (Adam through the thief on the cross) will be coming to the Wedding of the Lamb as invited guests. Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” Rev. 19:9 So the Believers in the Church Age are married to Christ and those Old Testamant Believers are “invited” and “blessed” guests. I suspect those who die as martyrs in the Tribulation will also be invited. But the Bride of Christ is ONLY for the Church Age Believers. 9) The Consummation of the Marriage The Bride and Groom consummate the marriage. This lines up for Believers as being presented to the groom spotless. That He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Eph. 5:27 10) The Marriage Feast The new husband and wife are revealed. For Believers this is when the formal announcement is made. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Col. 3:3-4 Marriage Supper of the Lamb After the marriage comes the celebration. Think Jesus turning the water into wine in Cana. We know this big dinner celebrating the marriage between Christ and the Church takes place on earth for a couple of reasons. First, we just saw in these verses Jesus returning to earth for His Second Coming. Second, we have a wedding parable about someone showing up with the wrong clothes on. But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, Matt. 22:11 There would be no one in heaven, which is a perfect and sinless place (Is. 6), who could have on the wrong clothes. So we’re in store for a really big dinner at the conclusion of the Marriage of the Lamb. We’re not guests, we’re the Bride of Christ. Jesus referred to this at the last supper the night before He was crucified: But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom. Matt. 26:29 Jesus drank fermented wine while He was on the earth. He even turned water into wine at a wedding. And He will drink wine again in the future, beginning with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. That will be some party and I can hardly wait to taste His wine. Use us, Lord! CQLJ! BP References: 1) https://compass.org/article-when-jesus-went-to-hell/ If The Bible Had No Prophecy… There Would Be No End in Sight – By Steve Miller - https://harbingersdaily.com/if-the-bible-had-no-prophecy-there-would-be-no-end-in-sight/ Imagine the Bible with no prophecies in it. Suppose God had decided not to tell us anything about the Second Coming, ultimate victory over evil, and our future home in heaven and eternity. If God had left prophecies out of His Word, we would have no idea of what the future holds. Instead, all we would know is that the world we live in is descending deeper and deeper into darkness, evil, and hopelessness. With no knowledge of what is to come, life would be bleak. We would have nothing to look forward to. We would go from day to day filled with dread and uncertainty. But because God chose to provide us with glimpses of the glorious future that awaits us, we can live with hope. That is the major reason God filled the Bible with so many prophecies about what is to come: to give us hope. What we know about the future helps to influence our thoughts and actions in the present. Because we know the ultimate outcome of the battle now being waged on earth, we can live with anticipation rather than angst. Bible prophecy helps us to have an eternal focus—it reminds us that no matter how bad things get, good and righteousness will prevail. Victory is certain. That is why, in 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul wrote at length about the promised Rapture that will deliver us from this world and take us to heaven. He concluded with the exhortation that we “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18). The more we remind each other of God’s prophetic promises, the more we give one another hope. An Eternal Focus Because we live in a fallen world, life is filled with struggles. Romans 5:12 says that “just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” No one can avoid sin and its devastating consequences. Even “creation [is] subject to futility”—all of nature is in “bondage to corruption.” It groans in anticipation of the day when we are freed from our decaying mortal bodies and given new, immortal bodies (Romans 8:19-23). Sin is the reason that life is filled with pain and trials. And after we receive salvation in Christ, we enter a new kind of battle. Because we have turned away from sin to walk in the light, we are now at odds with the darkness around us. Jesus warned the disciples—and us, by extension—that “in the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). But notice Jesus’ very next words: “Take courage; I have overcome the world.” In our times of suffering, we can find hope in the Lord’s promises of future redemption and victory. Even when life becomes so unbearable we don’t know how we can possibly go on, we are reminded that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” God’s promises about the future are meant to help us look beyond the present and develop an eternal focus. As we learn what it means to live with our minds and hearts set on eternity, we are more able to persevere through the difficulties we face now. Every prophecy about the future is designed to keep us looking up and ahead at the glory that awaits us. Motivating Us to Purity One of the most amazing truths in Scripture is that someday, we will be fully transformed into the likeness of Christ. Because we dwell in imperfect bodies in a fallen world, we are not able to fully grasp what we will become. As the apostle Paul wrote, “for now we see in a mirror dimly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). There is coming a day when we will see clearly— when “the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:54). At long last, we will be conformed to the image of God’s Son (Romans 8:29). We eagerly look forward to that day, don’t we? We tire of succumbing to temptation and stumbling into sin. We become increasingly frustrated as we fight the same spiritual battles over and over. With Paul, we say, “I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out…I do not do the good I want” (Romans 7:18-19). When we struggle with sin, the prophetic promise that we will someday have glorified bodies and be like Christ is uplifting. This hope not only keeps us going, it also motivates us to personal purity. As 1 John 3:3 says, “Everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.” As we fix our hope on the premise that we will be transformed to Christlikeness in the future, the result is that we will want to be more like Him in the present. In this way, Bible prophecy has a powerful and sanctifying effect on our lives. Spurring Us to Share the Gospel Time is running out. Each day that we draw nearer to Christ’s Second Coming, we draw closer to when it will be too late for unbelievers to receive Jesus as their Savior. When the King of kings and Lord of lords descends from heaven to reclaim the earth, He will wield “a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations” (Revelation 19:15). On that day, every unbeliever on earth will have their eternal fate sealed. Now, it is true that after Christ raptures all believers to heaven, the seven-year Tribulation will offer more time for unbelievers to come to salvation. We might think, If my loved one or friend doesn’t become a Christian before the Rapture, they will still have opportunities during the Tribulation. But consider the dismal survival rates of those who end up being on the earth during the Tribulation. In Revelation 6:7-8, we are told that one-fourth of the world’s population will die during the fourth Seal Judgment. Then in Revelation 9:15-18, we read about four angels who will “kill a third of mankind.” Between those two events, half the people on the earth will die. Also, many people will be so hardhearted that even when they recognize God as the source of the Tribulation judgments, they will call for the rocks and the mountains to fall upon them rather than turn from their sin (Revelation 6:15-17). When it comes to sharing the Gospel, sooner is better than later. The fact that we don’t know the time of Christ’s coming should fill us with a sense of urgency. God’s desire is that Bible prophecy will spur us to proclaim the message of salvation before it’s too late. Resting in God’s Sovereignty Only God is able to declare “the end from the beginning.” And not only does He know the future, He plans it. He dares to say, “I will accomplish all my purpose…I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it” (Isaiah 46:10-11). Those aren’t just empty words. Up to this point in time, every one of God’s declarations about the future—in the form of Bible prophecies—has come to pass with precision. This helps us to realize that prophecies are not merely guesses or predictions; rather, they reveal exactly what God will do. Prophecy is history written in advance. The abundance of fulfilled prophecies serves as powerful confirmation that God truly is God. His sovereignty is total; nothing can alter what He says will happen. He who created and sustains the universe guides the course of human history and our individual lives. As chaos swirls seemingly out of control here on earth, all is calm in God’s throne room. As surely as Jesus silenced the storm and the waves, God has all world events in His hands. Because every single prophecy about Christ’s First Coming was fulfilled literally with 100 percent accuracy, we can be at peace—confident that the same will be true with every single prophecy about Christ’s Second Coming. There is coming a day when every wrong in this world will be righted—for all eternity. Nothing can keep that from happening, because God is God. Because His sovereignty is total, our heavenly future is secure. Daily Jot: GAO: Biden Admin made $764+ billion in improper payments - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com The Government Accounting Office (GAO) reported March 26 that the Biden Administration has made over $764 BILLION in IMPROPER PAYMENTS—your tax dollars that should not have been paid to somebody and it is unknown where much of the money went. GAO said, “In FY 2023 alone, federal agencies made $236 billion in improper payments.” This amount does not include Department of Health and Human Services’ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, admittedly “a program that is susceptible to significant improper payments.” GAO said the government-wide estimate potentially does not represent the full extent of improper payments.” The report said, “For fiscal year 2023, 14 agencies reported a total estimated $236 billion in improper payments across 71 programs. Agencies reported that about $175 billion (over 74 percent) of this total was the result of overpayments. About $186 billion (approximately 79 percent) was concentrated in five program areas. However, the $236 billion total does not include certain programs that agencies have determined are susceptible to significant improper payments, such as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.” GAO continues: “The Department of Housing and Urban Development also did not report improper payment estimates for the Office of Public and Indian Housing’s Tenant Based Rental Assistance program and the Office of Multifamily Housing’s Project-Based Rental Assistance program. As a result, the government-wide estimate potentially does not represent the full extent of improper payments.” In fact, the Biden Administration set a record of $281.4 billion in improper payments in Fiscal Year 2021, some $75 billion more than the previous year, of which only three months occurred during the Trump Administration. To give perspective, in fiscal year 2022, only 14 of the 24 agencies required by law fully complied with the audit, according to the report. GAO reports that “Since fiscal year 2003, cumulative improper payment estimates by executive branch agencies have totaled about $2.7 trillion.” Of the 20-year total, the Biden Administration has accounted for over 28% of improper payments in just three years. The Obama Administration accounted for $1.105 TRILLION of the total. Obama and Biden represent $1.869 Trillion, or 69% of the 20-year total in improper payments. What did these improper payments buy? Who benefited from this socialist transfer of wealth? Why isn’t the media covering it? Isaiah 5:23 says woe to those “Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!” GAO concludes with the obvious: “Reducing improper payments is critical to safeguarding federal funds.” DUH!!!! Sources: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106927 https://www.gao.gov/assets/d24106927.pdf Daily Devotion: The Winning Side - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. —Psalm 34:19 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-winning-side/ - Listen From the moment we come into this life, there are all kinds of troubles. Life is filled with challenges, and it seems as though when you have one problem finally resolved, three more take its place. In fact, the Bible says, “People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire” (Job 5:7 NLT). Some people may say that if you accept Jesus Christ, then all your troubles will go away. The implication is that if you become a Christian, then your problems will be gone. On one hand that’s true, because when you become a true follower of Jesus, many troubles do go away. The issues of an ever-present guilt, an emptiness in your life, and the fear of what happens beyond the grave are resolved. But in all fairness, other troubles start once you give your life to the Lord. The moment you decide to follow Jesus Christ and seek to do the right thing, the devil will do everything that He can to stop you. But you also need to know that God is far more powerful than the devil. And God will do everything He can to strengthen you. You are on the winning side. That doesn’t mean you aren’t going to be tempted. It doesn’t mean you aren’t going to face hardships or that you won’t have obstacles in your life. But it does mean that you will ultimately get through these things with the help and power of God. When the disciples were afraid, Jesus gave them some words of assurance to bring calm to their anxious hearts. He said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me” (John 14:1 NLT). We could also translate this to say, “Don’t be agitated or disturbed or thrown into confusion.” Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to mull over their problems. Instead, He told them not to be troubled. He was saying there are reasons to be troubled in life, but there is a greater reason not to be. Yes, we have all kinds of troubles in our lives: health troubles, family troubles, relationship troubles, and financial troubles. Things don’t go the way that we hoped they would go. And there are times in our lives when things happen that we just don’t understand. Why did God do a certain thing? Or why did God not do a certain thing? When I don’t understand something about God, I try to always fall back on what I do understand. I understand that God loves me and that He’s looking out for me with my best interests in mind. I do understand that no matter what happens, He will get me through it. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. There is no addiction so strong that He cannot free someone from it. And there is no problem so complex that He cannot unravel it. There is no hope without God. But with Him, you have all the hope that you ever will need. PROPHECY UPDATE NEWS HEADLINES Yesterday's Prophecies - Today's Headlines HEADLINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRACKING BIBLE PROPHECY 4/11/24 http://trackingbibleprophecy.org/birthpangs.php
FROM THE HEART Let Us Make the Short Time We have Left, Count for ALL of Eternity! IF YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED THROUGH THIS MINISTRY, THEN WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD PLEASE REMEMBER PROPHECY UPDATE IN YOUR GIVING - WE ARE TRULY, TRULY, THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT WORTHY OF YOUR SUPPORT? One of the most reliable ways to determine if a ministry is worthy of your financial support is to examine its fruits. If Prophecy Update is keeping you informed, and if that information inspires you, and causes you to draw closer to the Lord, if Prophecy Update equips you with valuable information and knowledge to share with and encourage other believers, and open the eyes of non-believers, and if Prophecy Update keeps you connected to current events relating to Bible Prophecy, then you are partaking of the fruit produced through this ministry. None of this would be possible without the Lords blessings and your support. I believe where the Lord guides, the Lord provides, and most of the time He provides through the willing and generous hearts of believers just like you and me. Humbly Seek Your Support Prophecy Update has no corporate sponsors. This ministry is paid for and prayed for by readers and supporters. Without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update, Please pray about becoming a monthly supporter - thanks! If ever there was a time to invest in God's Kingdom, it's now! What on earth are you doing for Heaven's Sake? "Share in the Blessings and Rewards that will last Forever!" "Folks, it's all beginning to unravel. America is in more danger of falling than at any time in its history. But I believe Bible prophecy predicts this very decline. From this point on, we believers have to get serious. We are going to face discouragement, disillusionment and, most certainly, persecution in the time between now and the Rapture. But don't be discouraged or disillusioned. The coming turmoil will provide us unrivaled opportunities to share the good news of the Gospel. So be ready to share your faith and your hope with those who need Christ. We still have time to reap a great harvest of souls for God's kingdom!" - Hal Lindsey 1) We need your prayers!- We proclaim the Truth of the Word of God and we are under constant spiritual and sometimes even physical attack. 2) We need your encouragement!- We need to hear from you, let us know how the Lord is blessing you through this ministry so that we can share it with others. 3) We need your input! - If you have a prophetic article or story or if there is a news related item we missed, let us know. 4) We need your financial support!- To put it quite simply, without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update. I ask that you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to get the Word out and keep the world informed. Remember, your gift, no matter how small, does make a difference! You will be helping to touch lives, around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to the internet your generosity carries a global impact! - Thanks! Our Prayer for You- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 If you have been blessed by Prophecy Update and would like to help support this ministry financially. You can make a secure donation online by going to: DONATE NOW Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 We are very pleased to offer all our readers this FREE download on Bible Prophecy from the Evangelical Bible College of Western Australia - Just download and enjoy and be blessed! Feel free to share it with all your friends and family members. Click below to download! "AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING" If You Died Today, Would You Go To Heaven? Find out, visit: www.thegoodtest.net www.gotquestions.org www.wayofthemaster.com How to know God DID YOU KNOW? You can submit an article, leave a comment or praise report at email: [email protected] Maranatha! (Lord Come Quickly) "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, All other ground is sinking sand." "Let Us make the short time we have left count for all eternity!" YBIC-Randy
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