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The God Factor - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2024/05/18/the-god-factor-by-daymond-duck/
About one week after Israel left Egypt under the leadership of Moses, an estimated two and one-half million unarmed Jewish men, women, and children found themselves camped out at the Red Sea with Pharaoh and a hostile, well-armed, well-trained Egyptian army and 600 horse-drawn chariots approaching them from behind. The Jews were sore afraid, and they asked Moses if he brought them there to die.
Moses said (in my words), you see Pharaoh and his Egyptian army now, but after today, you will never see them again. God parted the waters of the Red Sea, the Jews crossed to the other side on dry ground, Pharaoh and his troops followed, the Sea closed, and Pharaoh and his army drowned. This is the God factor: God delivered the unarmed Jews from Pharaoh and his highly-trained, well-armed Egyptian army in one day. In one day,
In one day,
Do not overlook the God factor. God can change the world in the blink of an eye anytime He chooses. The world is not controlled by the U.S., UN, international community, Islam, China, or any other entity. It is controlled by the God that spoke it into existence, and it looks like He is preparing to act in a big way. Here are other recent events that seem to indicate that the end of the age is close. One, concerning corruption in the United Nations: on May 9, 2024, it was reported that a Palestinian group said UNWRA staff members are stealing humanitarian aid and selling it out of their homes and at the door of UNWRA-run schools. According to the group, citizens who report the UNWRA face reprisals. Two, concerning deceit: Biden says he supports Israel, he has Israel’s back, his commitment to Israel is ironclad, the U.S. is Israel’s staunchest ally, etc., but he publicly criticizes Netanyahu, he is trying to bring down Netanyahu’s government, he refused to veto the UN resolution to condemn Israel, he is holding up weapons shipments to Israel, he is demanding that Israel not invade Rafah, he is demanding that Israel must prevent the accidental death of Palestinians, he is pushing the Two-State solution to divide Israel, he sanctioned Israeli soldiers who were fighting terrorists in Judea and Samaria, and more. Biden’s actions – stabbing Israel in the back during a time of war – show disdain for Israel and support for Hamas. Hamas doesn’t need to release the hostages or stop attacking Israel or sign a ceasefire because Biden is protecting Hamas. (Question: On May 8, 2024, it was reported that the Israeli seizure of the Rafah border crossing had cut off a major Hamas supply line from Egypt. Why does Biden want this major terrorist supply line kept open?) (Question: On May 9, Israel’s ambassador to the UN said Biden’s decision to withhold weapons shipments is strengthening Israel’s enemies. Why is Biden strengthening Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, etc.?) (More: Biden – the Big Guy in the Hunter Biden Burisma scandal – has no problem supporting the corrupt government of Ukraine and supplying them with weapons and bombs, but he has a problem with supporting the government of Israel. His actions defy his claim that he has Israel’s back.) (Amir Tsarfati’s opinion: Letting Hamas survive will open the door for another Oct.7 attack on Israel in the future.) (More: On May 10, 2024, 26 Democrat members of Congress sent a letter to the U.S. National Security Advisor urging the U.S. to resume the delivery of security aid to Israel.) (More: On May 12, 2024, Biden was blasted for withholding intelligence information on the location of Hamas leaders and possibly several hostages, including some U.S. citizens, from Israel. One Jewish writer asked if a friend or ally of Israel would treat Israel this way.) (More: On May 13, 2024, Biden’s Sec. of State urged Israel to get out of Gaza.) (More: On May 13, 2024, Biden said he will move forward on the approval process for a $1 billion shipment of weapons to Israel. This is not approval and shipment, but it is a step in that direction. It will also not include 2,000-pound precision bombs.) (My opinion: God has Israel’s back. I am calling it The God Factor in this article. Israel needs to trust in Jesus instead of Biden, who betrayed America’s troops and abandoned about $80 billion worth of weapons to Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan.) Three, concerning a curse on those that curse Israel: on May 9, 2024, it was reported that there has been a multi-day, multi-state outbreak of severe weather (920 reports of tornados, high winds, heavy rain, flooding, hail, etc. in 72 hours) in the southeast U.S. (and more to come in the next 2 days). (More: A report on May 8, 2024, said the U.S. has been hit with 7 disasters in 2024 that cost more than one billion dollars each.) (My opinion: This could be the God Factor: God’s curse on those who curse Israel.) Four, on May 10, 2024, Gary Bauer (Campaign for Working Families) wrote:
Five, concerning Israel’s war with Hamas spreading to other nations: on May 10, 2024, it was reported that: The Jewish Institute for National Security of America warned that Iran and its proxies are watching closely to see if the United States will abandon its ally. The Bible clearly teaches that the nations (this includes the U.S.) will abandon Israel when it is attacked by Russia, Iran, Turkey, etc., in the Battle of Gog and Magog. It also plainly teaches that God will defend Israel (The God Factor), and He will receive the glory. (FYI: On May 10, 2024, an Iranian lawmaker said Iran has nuclear weapons. If this is true, God could soon change things in the Middle East in one day.) Six, concerning Biden’s abandonment of Israel: on May 10, 2024, The Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) reported that 80 former U.S. generals and admirals posted an open letter that said: We are very concerned about the security impacts of increasingly strained U.S.-Israel ties as Israel becomes a growing source of domestic division. We feel compelled to declare that a strong Israel is vital to the United States’ national security, and it is imperative that America unequivocally stand by this indispensable ally. As I see it, these military experts believe a strong Israel is vital to U.S. national security, and Pres. Biden is trying to weaken Israel to appease terrorists. He wants to weaken the U.S. and bring it into the New World Order, and weaken Israel and force it to accept the Two-State Solution. Seven, concerning a departing from the faith or a falling away in the Church: on May 3, 2024, it was reported that 17 scholars and activists in the Roman Catholic Church signed a document that says Pope Francis has done great harm to the Church and the entire world. They asked Pope Francis to resign, but if he refuses to resign, they requested that the cardinals and bishops ask him to resign before he does an even greater harm. (More: On May 3, 2024, it was reported that the United Methodist Church (UMC) deleted the words “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” (and other statements) from its Book of Discipline – By-Laws – so they can approve of homosexual marriages and allow homosexuals to serve as clergy.) (My opinion: Religious leaders can change their teachings to tickle people’s ears, but they can’t change what the Bible says or how God will respond.) Eight, concerning the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Treaty (Accord): on May 10, 2024, it was reported that the UK will not sign the treaty in its present form. Officials have decided not to sign it because it requires them to give 10% of the medicines they produce to the WHO for distribution in poor countries (and to sell another 10% of the medicines they produce to the WHO at affordable prices). Critics note that UK officials are not objecting to surrendering the UK’s sovereignty; they are refusing to give away and/or reduce the price of medicines. Nine, concerning a U.S. economic collapse: America’s national debt is now $34.6 trillion and rising. More than 6 months ago, the U.S. House of Representatives created a bipartisan committee to tackle the problem before it causes an economic collapse. On May 10, 2024, it was reported that the committee has accomplished nothing, and it appears to be dead. Democrat Senator Joe Manchin, who sponsored a bill in the Senate, said, “It’s a shame, $34.6 trillion in debt. No one cares about it.” (More: On May 13, 2024, it was reported that the interest on America’s national debt for the first 7 months of fiscal year 2024 is $514 billion, and it is expected to keep increasing. Our own government says this is unsustainable, but those that can reduce spending aren’t doing it.) Ten, concerning a borderless world government: on May 12, 2024, it was reported that the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) said the number of known suspected terrorists crossing America’s northern border continues to break records (143 apprehended in the first 6 months of this fiscal year). (More: On the same day, it was reported that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) said the Mexican Cartels have increased the amount of fentanyl in fake prescriptions, which makes them more deadly than ever.) Here is my daily update on the Israel-Hamas war. Wednesday, May 8, 2024 (Day 216): The one hundred-sixtieth day of the resumed war. Day 2 of the attack on Rafah.
Thursday, May 9, 2024 (Day 217): The one hundred-sixty-first day of the resumed war. Day 3 of the attack on Rafah.
Friday, May 10, 2024 (Day 218): The one hundred-sixty-second day of the resumed war. Day 4 of the attack on Rafah.
Saturday, May 11, 2024 (Day 219): The one hundred-sixty-third day of the resumed war. Day 5 of the attack on Rafah.
Sunday, May 12, 2024 (Day 220): The one hundred sixty-fourth day of the resumed war. Day 6 of the attack on Rafah.
Monday, May 13, 2024 (Day 221): The one hundred-sixty-fifth day of the resumed war. Day 7 of the attack on Rafah.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 (Day 222): The one hundred-sixty-sixth day of the resumed war. Day 8 of the attack on Rafah.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (Day 223): The one hundred-sixty-seventh day of the resumed war. Day 9 of the attack on Rafah.
FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6). Finally, are you Rapture Ready? If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this. [email protected] Destruction like the days of Lot? – Terry James - https://terryjamesprophecyline.com/2024/05/19/destruction-like-the-days-of-lot/ We are in the middle of the spring storm season here in my state. Having just stayed up half the night and early morning listening to sirens screaming out tornado warnings, I sat thinking about some of the destructive reports from that line of storms. —That, and anticipating another round of severe weather building to our west in Oklahoma, in an area known as “Tornado Alley,” the origination point of the most devastating twisters on the planet. When that news finished blaring those reports, I then switched to one of my favorite early-morning programs: Dr. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist of Dallas—Pathway to Victory. He is in a series waxing eloquent on end-times prophecy. As part of the message that aired that particular day, Dr. Jeffress made some thought-provoking comments regarding the Rapture of the Church and what might be the attempted explanation for the millions of people instantaneously disappearing when Christ shouts, “Come up here!” I have, myself, often waxed not-nearly-so-eloquently on that very topic, in sessions at churches and prophecy conferences across the nation and even out of the country. My firm belief, of course, is that we as a generation are in the times like they were in “the days of Lot” in Sodom, as forewarned by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. I have said and written frequently that I believe America might well have been the nation on the Lord’s mind when He gave the prophecy recorded in Luke 17:28–30: 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. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. The United State is the apex nation of history, in terms of human achievement and material wealth. This is in keeping with the biblical description of Sodom, where Lot lived. Sodom and Gomorrah were cities of greatest wealth. Also like Sodom of Lot’s era, America is perhaps the most wicked geographical area of its time, exporting every sort of vileness, such as pornography, and embracing such evil as the murder of millions of children in their mothers’ wombs. Homosexuality is now at the heart of our nation, with LGBTQ, etc., ruling the roost under a presidential administration and leftist government that allow such Sodom-like behavior to bloom and control. Thinking on the possible destruction effervescing on the day the thunderstorms were building to our west and listening to Dr. Jeffress talk about the coming destruction following the Rapture and the possible explanations for it, I considered a point I might have missed with regard to Jesus’ words about the days of Lot. Dr. Jeffress conjectured that when the Rapture occurs, it could possibly be at a time of great catastrophe. That is, the Rapture could coincide with something such as nuclear war erupting at exactly the same moment, with missiles flying. This would provide those trying to explain the millions vanishing. For example, it might be said to be a physiological reaction and interaction within human bodies, with such unprecedented thermodynamics taking place. I have believed and expressed that, like when Lot and his family were removed from Sodom by the angels, then Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed that very day, America, for example, will suffer great destruction when Christians leave in the Rapture. This scenario certainly seems to fit all things, like economy, societies, and everything else crashing at once and bringing a great cry for someone to rescue the world, to bring things back to the way there were before the destruction. This would be a perfect storm allowing Satan to bring his man of sin onto the stage of history. Dr. Jeffress’ engendering the thought that the Rapture could take place during a great calamity caused me to consider Paul’s words as recorded in 2 Thessalonians 2. The prophecy tells us that God, Himself, will send “strong delusion” to those left behind after the Rapture. And God does that so all who wouldn’t accept His truth during this Age of Grace, and who will not do so following the great disappearance, will “believe a lie.” The lie will no doubt include that the people who left were removed for reasons Antichrist and his regime will explain. We’ve examined before that UFOs might have a part in this great lie. So, sudden destruction, like the sudden destruction of Sodom, certainly might take place at the same time the Church goes to be with Christ in the clouds of Glory. Many of you might already have concluded this on your own, before my epiphany. But it’s an alteration, of sorts, to my thinking on these last of the last days. It all fits better than my previous thoughts—that America, as one example, might suffer a more or less slow-motion collapse and eventual crash of the economy and of our national existence following the catching-up of the Church. Regardless, my original contention—that the Rapture will cause the great collapse of America and the world into chaos—remains unchanged. Dr. Jeffress’ TV presentation offers the real possibility, even the probability, that the great disappearance will take place at the same time of national and worldwide collapse in sudden destruction, exactly like in Jesus’ prophecy of Luke 17:28–30. In any case, you don’t want to be on earth when whatever is going to happen happens. It will bring destruction far greater than any storm of nature one can imagine. Here is how to escape that coming time that will be like the day Lot and his family left Sodom and the city was obliterated. You can be within the safety of Christ’s arms forever, whether you’re entering Heaven through the portal of death or go to Him while you’re still alive at the time of the Rapture. That if you will confess with your mouth the lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10: 9-10) 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 Debunking Popular Lies About Premillennialism – By Jonathan Brentner - https://harbingersdaily.com/debunking-popular-lies-about-premillennialism/ Has the definition of Premillennialism changed in the past few decades? I ask this because during the past several years, a few pastors told me they were Premillennial, but they didn’t adhere to a futuristic interpretation of the book of Revelation or the restoration of a kingdom to Israel. For me, Premillennialism has always signified a belief in Jesus’ return to earth after a literal seven-year Tribulation at which time He will setup His thousand-year rule over the nations of the earth, which certainly includes a gloriously restored Israel. What’s causing the shift away from these beliefs that were a mainstay of Bible-believing churches for much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries? Could it be that just as with the Rapture, there’s a stigma attached to it because of the errant assumptions that people make about Premillennialism? Let’s examine some of the popular lies that Christians often accept as facts. Premillennialism Began with Darby In spite of overwhelming evidence that Premillennialism dominated the first three centuries of the church, many scoffers insist it began with John Darby, which alone makes it unacceptable to them. The early church ascribed to a futuristic interpretation of the book of Revelation, which included Jesus’ reign over the nations (20:1-10). In his book, Dispensationalism Before Darby, Dr. William C. Watson wrote: The early church fathers overwhelmingly believed in the return of Christ to set up an earthly millennium. Author and defender of the faith, Justin Martyr (AD 100-165), affirmed a strong belief in “the premillennial return of Christ and the resurrection of the righteous before the beginning of the thousand-year kingdom.” He summed up the passion of early believers in this quote from his famous book, Dialogue with Trypho: But I and others, who are right-minded Christians on all points, are assured that there will be a resurrection of the dead, and a thousand years in Jerusalem, which will be built, adorned, and enlarged, [as] the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah declare…. And further, there was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation that was made to him, that those who believed in our Christ would dwell a thousand years in Jerusalem. In my book, The Triumph of the Redeemed, I document Premillennial beliefs in the following key early church theologians:
Because many of the early church fathers believed that God had rejected the nation of Israel, some who also believe this today refer to themselves as “historic premillennialists.” However, those who identify as such routinely reject both a literal tribulation and the thousand-year reign of Jesus, both widely-held beliefs during the first three centuries of the church. There’s nothing historic or Premillennial about what most historic premillennialists believe. Belief In Israel’s Restoration Began with John Darby Other critics of our hope mistakenly teach that belief in Israel’s future restoration began with John Darby, whom they designate as the “father of dispensationalism.” Dispensationalists divide history into different dispensations that describe God’s varying ways of interactions with the human race. The age of innocence in the Garden of Eden comes first with periods such as the Law followed by the current age of grace occurring after that. They believe that God will once again turn His attention to Israel, beginning with the Tribulation, which will lead to the nation’s repentance and restoration during Jesus’ millennial rule, which is the final dispensation. Was John Darby the first theologian to teach a future restoration of Israel and divide biblical history into varying dispensations? No, he was not. Dozens of theologians and writers during the sixteenth and seventeenth century believed that Jesus’ thousand-year rule would include His restoration of a kingdom to Israel. Isaac Newton (1642-1726), based on his study of Daniel and the book of Revelation, predicted that Israel would become a nation in the future. Below is a summation of his beliefs, which closely mirror dispensational beliefs today: Newton was convinced that Christ would return . . . and establish a global Kingdom of peace. . . Before the Second Coming, the Jews would return to Israel according to the predictions made in biblical prophecy. The Temple would be rebuilt as well. Slightly before, or around the time of Christ’s return, the great battle of Armageddon would take place when a series of nations (the “Gog and Magog” confederacy of Ezekiel’s prophecy) invade Israel. Christ and the saints would then intervene to establish a worldwide 1000-year Kingdom of God on earth. Citing the prophet Micah, Newton believed this Kingdom would usher in a time of peace and prosperity, a time when people would “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks” and when “nations shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Micah 4:3). In his book, Dispensationalism Before Darby, Dr. William C. Watson provides quotes from many writers in the two centuries immediately following the Reformation who not only divided biblical history into dispensations, but also believed that God would, in the last days, restore Israel to the Land God promised to them. In a previous post, The Rabbi Who Sparked Israel’s Quest for the Land, I recounted the story of a close friendship that developed between Rabbi Menasseh ben Israel (1604-1657) and English theologian Isaac La Peyrere (1596-1676). Despite their differing beliefs regarding the Savior, the two became united in their passion to see the Jewish people return to the Land God promised to them. La Peyrere and other likeminded English theologians secured the English publication of the Rabbi’s book, The Hope of Israel. It provides the Old Testament (OT) basis for the Lord’s future regathering of His people from their dispersion back into the Land. The Reemergence Of The Nation Of Israel Was A Fluke Replacement Theology is home to those who reject both the thousand-year reign of Jesus and the restoration of Israel. As the name suggests, they mistakenly believe that God rejected the nation and replaced it with the church, which in their view represents the fulfillment of His OT kingdom promises. Because they believe that God rejected with Israel, they regard the rebirth of the nation in 1948 as a fluke of history with no prophetic significance for today’s believers. This is not true. Adherents to this false teaching overlook several key facts concerning Israel’s reappearance as a nation in 1948: 1. It was over-the-top miraculous. Apart from God, it’s impossible that a nation could cease to exist for two thousand years and then resurface as a sovereign country with its original language. 2. It fulfilled the amazing prophecy of Isaiah 66:8 where the Lord told the prophet that Israel would become a nation again in a day. That’s exactly what happened in May of 1948. 3. Satan’s fierce opposition toward the nation and the Jewish people tells us that God’s purpose for His people surely remains intact. How else can one explain the devil’s unrelenting and murderous hatred toward them if God has truly rejected His people? Strange as it may seem, the devil’s hostility indicates that the Lord’s purposes for the descendants of Jacob remain incomplete. 4. God’s providential protection of Israel since 1948 has been supernatural and unexplainable apart from attributing it to His direct intervention. The Apostle Paul’s insistence that God has not rejected Israel (Romans 11:1-2) also signifies that its reemergence as a nation has great prophetic value. We don’t yet see the full restoration of its kingdom as promised by many of the Old Testament prophets, but Israel’s miraculous existence points to God’s intention to do so in the future. It Doesn’t Matter What We Believe About Israel’s Future Churches immersed in Replacement Theology, often in an effort to appear inclusive of other end time viewpoints, assert that matters of Bible prophecy are tertiary, or of third importance. Even though they teach that God has rejected Israel (and exclude all those that say otherwise), they claim it’s of minor importance what one believes about the nation’s future. I strongly disagree. In his book, Living in the Daze of Deception, well-known pastor Jack Hibbs explains why it’s so much more than just a doctrinal debate: If God does not keep His future promises to Israel and the Jewish people, then He has no obligation whatsoever to keep His New Testament promises to you, me, and the church. When God made His covenants with the Patriarchs and King David, He did so in full awareness that the Jews of the first century AD would reject their Messiah (see Zechariah 12:10). The prophecies in Zechariah 14 concerning Jesus’ return to the Mount of Olives, the rescue of the Jews fleeing from Jerusalem, and the Lord’s reign over the nations from Jerusalem flow from the Lord’s prophecy of Israel’s repentance and recognition of their true Messiah as the One that they “pierced.” If the Lord can renege of His promises to Israel because of behavior He knew would occur when made those pledges to them, then Jack Hibbs is correct. Who is to say He will not do the same for us as New Testament saints? There was nothing hidden from God’s sight about us or our future when we responded in saving faith to the Gospel and He declared us forever “not guilty” (justification by faith). He is never surprised by anything we do as born-again saints because He knew all about it at the moment of our regenerations. As a result of His unsurpassed love and mercy toward us, absolutely nothing can change our righteous standing before Him (Romans 8:31-39). I once heard Amir Tsarfati say, “Israel’s future guarantees our salvation.” That’s why Premillennialism is not just a tertiary doctrine of little importance to us. It’s all about God keeping His promises both to Israel and to us. Premillennialism is a message of profound significance for believers today and one that pastors must proclaim. I say this because this message: 1. Glorifies the Lord as a promise-keeper to both Israel and to us as New Testament saints. 2. Reassures believers of their hope in these perilous times. 3. Provides a much-needed counter to the anti-Semitic mindset of our day. The Good Life? – Pete Garcia - https://www.rev310.net/post/the-good-life James, a tech industry titan, rose from savvy entrepreneur to CEO of a leading Silicon Valley company. His life was the epitome of success: a mansion in a gated community, luxury cars, and a yacht. His home had immaculate lawns, reflecting his polished public image. By his side was Marissa, his stunning second wife, whose charm complemented his ambition. Their social calendar was packed with high-profile events. His passions included golfing, boating, and investing. Despite his success, James appeared humble and approachable, known for his listening skills and eye contact. He and Marissa attended church to maintain appearances rather than out of spiritual conviction. Financially, James was secure with a diverse portfolio, viewing his wealth as a hedge against uncertainty. One summer day, during a lavish get-together, James's seemingly perfect life shattered. In front of friends and colleagues alike, James collapsed suddenly, clutching his chest, and losing consciousness almost instantly. When he awoke, he found himself not in a hospital but in a dark, fiery landscape resembling hell, with confusion and horror marking his face as he grappled with his new, grim reality. Wealth in and of itself is not evil (nor is being wealthy for that matter), it is the "love of money" that is the root of all manners of evil (1 Tim 6:10). The danger of material wealth is that it is a trap that gives a false sense of security. The wealthier a person becomes, the more entangled in the world they become. The love of money, and the things that come with it, empower the individual in this life. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:23-24 Thus, the essence of a well-lived life does not consist of our physical condition but of our spiritual. Money, wealth, fame, power, prestige, etc. are fleeting things that are easily abused, corrupted, or stolen. Jesus had a lot to say about money, wealth, fame, and power to which He warned us not to get taken in by the trap that abundant material wealth presents. Note this from His Sermon on the Mount. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20. Jesus warned again about this because of how enticing it would be for men to either become possessed by trying to obtain great wealth or become spiritually deadened by it once achieving a certain level of success. Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21 ***** Jim, a blue-collar worker from rural Pennsylvania, tried to lead a decent life as a construction foreman in the small town where he lived. Having worked his way up the ranks, he became a respected leader amongst his subordinates, peers, and leadership. He had a modest home, a reliable pickup truck, and a fishing boat he cherished. His yard, though simple, was well-kept, reflecting a microcosm of the integrity by which he kept his life ordered. By his side was his loving wife of 18 years, Mary, whose warmth balanced Jim's hardworking nature. Their family life was filled with kids' activities, weekend barbecues, and community gatherings. Jim was known for his genuine smile and a firm handshake. He and Mary were fifth-generation Baptists, who attended church now more out sense of community rather than any deep spiritual necessity. Financially, Jim was middle class with steady, modest savings and careful budgeting in hopes of creating a stable future. His investments were minuscule in comparison to James's. Still, they included a small work pension and some rental properties he inherited, making him feel prepared more than most for anything that may arise. Jim's true love seemed to revolve around fishing, football, and barbecuing, often engaging in lively debates with friends over copious amounts of cold beer. One fall day, while hosting a Sunday afternoon football game, Jim's life took a sudden and tragic turn. While running a quick errand to the local gas station to grab some ice and drinks for his guests, he felt a sharp pain in his chest causing him to veer his truck off the road and into a large oak tree on the opposite side of the road. Strapped into his seat yet staring at the oak tree up close, the pain in his chest returned causing his world to fade into black. Jim awoke not in a hospital, but in a dark, fiery landscape resembling hell. Confused and horrified, he struggled to comprehend his new, grim reality. The unexpected transition from mortal life on earth to our eternal destinations does not only visit the rich or poor but all mankind. Anyone who is not born again (John 3:3), or provided mercy by a sovereign God (Mark 10:14) will spend eternity separated from their Creator. The sudden departure all men face serves as a reminder that despite our best efforts (i.e., a good work ethic and moral character, religiosity, charity, etc.) is not enough to render the regeneration of spiritual rebirth. There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you, there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31 According to Scripture, a man's life is but a vapor. For all that we want to be, or do, is no more enduring than a blade of grass. (Psalm 103:15, James 4:14) While Jim's life was not inherently evil, nor his desires wicked, his mind was still centered on earthly things. His faith was skin deep, and his spiritual awareness equally shallow, his service at church was not out of any sincere desire to please God, but to keep appearances. Note in the aforementioned passage, that the 'rich man' (whom Jewish tradition identifies as 'Dives') was not described as being wicked or evil for enjoying the good things in life, only that we see he was indifferent to the things of God. ***** Jimmy had worked in the factory most of his adult life. Having returned from the war when he was younger, he married his high school sweetheart, bought a small home, and tried to lead a humble yet fulfilling life. Despite his meager income, Jimmy always kept the lights on and food on the table. He managed to keep his old car running with a mixture of love and a lot of sweat equity. His wife, Linda, was his rock, providing love and support and the mother figure who made their house a home. Their life was centered around their children, their church, and the close-knit community. Although Jimmy wasn't deeply religious externally, he loved his faith. He knew he wasn't perfect, and had made plenty of mistakes, so he didn't serve out of any sense of obligation or attempts to right his wrongs, rather, he found his joy in Jesus and his finished work on the cross. For Jimmy, church wasn't a thing he did, but who he was. He attended weekly, not out of any sense of denominational loyalty or tradition, but did not want to forsake the assembling of the saints so much the more as he saw that day approaching. With his warm smile and kind heart, Jimmy was beloved by neighbors and coworkers alike. When his wife Linda passed due to cancer, he received an outpouring from his church, his work, and his community. But all the condolences and food trains couldn't take away the emptiness he now had to live with. He did his best to keep his family together even though financially, things were unraveling. Thankfully, Jimmy had come to value family and faith over material wealth, which allowed for the lean years which followed, to be endured with gladness rather than bitterness. With his children now grown and out of the house, Jimmy liked to sit on his front porch in the evenings thinking about his wife, his children, and the life they built together. One Sunday afternoon, Jimmy's life took a sudden and unexpected turn. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and collapsed backward into his chair clutching his chest while his world faded. But what followed the fading was not darkness, but rather, an intense and beautiful light pervading Jimmy's awareness. He awoke in a radiant, vibrant landscape to which he was struggling to grasp its enormity and beauty. Realizing his pain was no more, and given the sudden thrust into the realm eternal, he realized he was in heaven. Then he saw her. Linda, now as young and vibrant as the day they first met, began approaching him from a distance. Overwhelmed with joy and peace, he embraced her and they began this new journey into his new, eternal reality. Conclusion While the status of wealth is no indicator of true spiritual regeneration, I tried simply to encapsulate the three stages of man throughout the ages, regardless of who they are or where they are from, in this brief article. First, there are those who have wealth. Second, there are those who are the working middle class. Lastly, there are those who are poor. For James, spirituality was represented in his social attendance at his local 'dead' church. He did not care for the things of God but attended simply to keep up his pretenses. For Jim, church attendance was superficial at best and was more out of an obligated sense of tradition rather than sincerity. His relationships, while possibly more deeply real than James's, were also transactional, and his pursuits, equally materialistic. They both wanted the good life. However, as alive as these men appeared to all who knew them, they were dead men walking long before the Lord took them. For Jimmy, who was poor in possessions, but rich in God, his happiness did not center on what he owned, but on his relationships with his family, co-workers, and most importantly, with God. The truth is, we are all dead men walking until the Lord revives us in spiritual rebirth (John 3:5, Col 2:13) when we place our faith in the finished work of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. It is at that moment when we realize we cannot earn our way to heaven that the spiritual transformation begins. When we realize we cannot pay for our own sins, we acknowledge our position that we are not God, but Jesus is, can that regeneration begin. We cannot conquer sin and death, because we are sinners and we are subject to the wages of those sins, which is eternal death and separation from our Creator. But Jesus never sinned and, thus, was not subject to its wages. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 By placing our faith in His finished work and the innocent blood that was shed on that old wooden cross, even when we were at enmity against Him, we are no longer viewed by God as fallen creatures destined for damnation, but fallen creatures covered in the perfect blood of His Son. It is here that we trade our fallen natures for His perfect righteousness and become new creations (2 Cor 5:17-21). We are made acceptable in the sight of God. Thus, when we grasp the enormity of what is at stake, we can fully embrace the truth in what Jesus says here. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36 Daily Jot: Sanctify or a Blaspheme - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com The definition of blasphemy in Dictionary.com is: impious utterance or action concerning God or sacred things; an act of cursing or reviling God; the crime of assuming to oneself the rights or qualities of God; irreverent behavior toward anything held sacred, priceless, etc. Thus, someone who blasphemes is a blasphemer. Think about the definitions. They are pretty serious. According to these definitions, there is a whole lot of blasphemy going on in society. Even in the church, there is sometimes over-the-top irreverent behavior toward the sacred. Perhaps, things concerning God have become far too casual and we need to think about how we act and speak toward God. The LORD gives a central principal to all of Torah law, “You are not to profane my holy name; on the contrary, I am to be regarded as holy among the people of Israel; I am ADONAI who makes you holy (Leviticus 22:32).” From this verse, we get two commands according to the sages, called Hillul Hashem—desecrating God’s Name (the only transgression that has no atonement), and Kiddish Hashem—sanctifying God’s Name, an act of faith that may lead to the laying down of one’s life. Since the Israelite people are God’s people (as are we), even their conduct is a reflection of God’s reputation and therefore, either a form of honor or desecration of His Name. One who’s deeds sanctify God’s Name, glorifies God, “And He said to me: you are My servant Israel, in whom I will show my glory (Isaiah 49:3).” In Leviticus 24:10-11, two men are fighting. During the quarrel, one of the men curses God or uses God’s sacred Name to curse the other. He was taken into custody until Moses could inquire of God how to deal with this man who was not an Israelite, his father was Egyptian. Taking God’s Name in vain was already understood from the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:6). The LORDtold Moses to have everyone who heard the man curse lay their hands on his head and take him outside the camp and stone him. In Leviticus 24:15-16, the LORD said, “Whoever curses his God will bear the consequences for his sin; and whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death; the entire community must stone him. The foreigner as well as the citizen is to be put to death if he blasphemes the Name of the LORD.” A lot of people will say, “Well that was then, this is now. We don’t stone people anymore for cursing God.” Fair enough, but this does not change the seriousness of God’s command or His authority. When we talk about being set apart, the sanctity of our speech is an important part of being holy. How much more care must be taken when using the Name of God. Holiness belongs to all believers, “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Language itself can be holy, such as worship and prayer to God, but also kind words to a hurting heart. James 3 talks about how it should not be that from the same mouth comes the blessing of God and the cursing of men, which are made in the image of the LORD. He says, “My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” Lord help us to sanctify your Name in all that we do, and all that we say. Daily Devotion: On God’s Side - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, ‘Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!’ —John 6:14 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/on-gods-side/ - Listen The feeding of the five thousand was Jesus’ most popular miracle to date. John tells us, “When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, ‘Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!’ When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself” (John 6:14–15 NLT). The people were planning to come and take Jesus by force and make Him king. In other words, “That is it! We just voted! Jesus, You are king. And if You don’t like it, too bad.” They wanted the kind of king that gave them meals every day. But God will not be used by people. He wants to use people, but He will not be used by them. Sometimes, people will use God. They will invoke the name of the Lord when they need something from people who believe in Him. For example, politicians are very fond of this. When an election cycle comes along, they’re suddenly talking about their faith in God and how important their faith is to them. But when we look at their voting record, we can see where they stand on issues that are important to followers of Jesus Christ. Religious rhetoric isn’t going to cut it. As Abraham Lincoln wrote, “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Of course, politicians aren’t the only ones who invoke God’s name to get what they want. Sometimes, businesspeople will do it to get a sale. Now, it’s a great thing when we want to glorify God through a business. But our witness will be in the work that we do well. The day after Jesus performed the miracle of feeding five thousand people, He taught about the most important things in life. He told them, “But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval” (John 6:27 NLT). He also said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35 NLT). In other words, “I have filled your stomachs, but I am the bread of life. This is what you ought to be living for.” Sadly, after Jesus finished this sermon, most of the people walked away from Him. And He turned to His own disciples and said, “Are you also going to leave?” (verse 67 NLT). Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life” (verse 68 NLT). Yet the fickle, fair-weather people turned away after they had their free meal because they didn’t like what Jesus said. People use God, and God doesn’t appreciate it. Don’t use God to get something from someone else. Let God use you. PROPHECY UPDATE NEWS HEADLINES Yesterday's Prophecies - Today's Headlines HEADLINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRACKING BIBLE PROPHECY 5/20/24 http://trackingbibleprophecy.org/birthpangs.php
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