Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
End of Age Closing Soon - by Pastor Mike Taylor -
http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2019/02/end-of-age-closing-soon.html "As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what {will be} the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" NASB. (Matthew 24:3) Jesus has just come from the temple mount and prophesied that the temple would be torn down, "not leaving one stone upon another." This disturbed the disciples, as the temple was the center of their world, the world of the nation of Israel. The KJV has the last part of the above verse as "the end of the world." We know that it is more proper in context to use the "end of the age" as when Jesus comes back to rule for 1000 years, it will be on this very earth we now populate, but with major revisions to return the earth to it's former glory when Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden. It will be the end of the world, as we know it. But let us take a look at the signs that would precede the coming of the Son of Man in power and great glory. I will do a line by line bible study of this chapter that must be followed up with the next chapter of Matthew 25 in a follow up sermon, as all are connected, but let's take the first sign of the end of this age. Continuing in Matthew: 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. 24:5 "For many will come in My name, saying, `I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. Folks have taken this to mean that many will come as claiming to be the Messiah. True, there have been many false messiahs that have claimed to be Him, but what was Jesus talking about? I don't believe He was talking about what many believe. It's pointing to false religions, false doctrines, and deception that will fill the churches in that day. Men claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ will use His name to appease the masses they wish to delude. These frauds and double agents would come in His name, that is, appearing to bear His authority. In particular, the name of "Christ" would be exploited as cover for their nefarious trickery, and by this ruse, great numbers of people would be deluded. The phrase, "saying, I am the Christ," should not be understood, as the New King James Version has punctuated it, to mean that many would come claiming to be the Messiah. No, they would come claiming that Jesus is the Messiah-a truth-and thereby gain people's trust. From that point forward, deception through doctrinal change, both major and minor, provides the means of deception. As the anonymous maxim puts it, "The nearer a lie to truth the more deceitful it is." NEW AGE AND THE EMERGENT CHURCH Folks, look around you. Have there ever been a time when there is false doctrine permeating our churches? They promote a feel good gospel. They promote false healing, miracles, and signs used to deceive. All the while they have agents in the background who are setting up this charade to influence the masses to what end? Money! They are religious entertainers in our churches that use smoke and mirrors to fool the people looking for truth. I have never seen so much imagery and modern technology that gets the juices of these adherents to a feel good gospel all whooped up in a frenzy and elevate the man preaching a feel good sermon, instead of Jesus Christ. Jesus warned us of these "wolves in sheep clothing" that would come into to devour the sheep. They have continued unabated in these New Emergent Churches and promote universal tolerant view that there are many roads to God. They preach that all religions will find the way to Heaven, meaning Gnostics, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews right along with true believers in Jesus Christ will all receive the same salvation and eternal life. All roads lead to God and all religions are the same. God is love and no one will go to any "hell". This flies in the face of Acts 4:10-12, in which Peter asserts that only by the name of Jesus Christ is salvation possible. I call this Emergent theology, the "First Church of Blasphemy". They make a mockery of the saving Grace of our Lord and Savior. They preach that all will receive "Universal Reconciliation" and no one will end up in hell, nobody. This is not found in scripture anywhere as Jesus spoke of hell more than He did heaven. WAR AND RUMORS OF WARS Jesus continues in Matthew: 24:6 "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows."(Matthew 24:6-8) Men have been fighting each other for 2000 years since Jesus made this statement, but the last century of modern times has been the bloodiest of all the centuries past. More people died in this last 100 years of 2 world wars, and the various conflicts that have killed more people in them than the preceding 1900 years combined. Various wars and conflicts by count of the dead totals 262,000,000 people....that's millions, folks. And this was the "beginning of sorrows". That's a large portion of every man, woman and child that resides in this country we called the United States of America as a population count. 24:9 " Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." You look at other third world countries, the Middle East and other dictatorships say of Russia, or China, and it's not safe to be a Christian even in our modern times. It hasn't come to America YET, but Christians are becoming viewed increasingly with suspicion by the powers that be, even in our country, the USA. People are being slain for the name of Jesus Christ right now, even as you read this. Jesus said it would be so, and it is becoming more and more common place. As it was in Jesus day, being persecuted by the Romans and even the "Holy Roman Empire" (sic), ie. the Catholic Church has now come full circle to engulf our world with the same genocide of whole races and people who profess Jesus Christ and Him crucified. But stay tuned, as you haven't seen anything yet!! Look at verse 12 of the above passage. Here in the home of the brave and the free, we have become a nation that is filled with iniquity in all shapes and forms and it has grown exponentially in the last 50 years. No one would have believed when I was growing up that men and women of this nation and for that matter, the world, would grow emotionally cold and not value human life. That is even where we have slaughtered over 60 million of the unborn in the name of sexual freedom and love for our off-spring has nearly died in many parts of our society. Not to mention crime growing worse every day and terrorist attacks coming even to our shores. THE GOSPEL PREACHED WORLDWIDE 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)" No other time in history has there been so many ways to transmit the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The technology has advanced at such a rapid pace, that an email sent across the world is delivered within seconds. The Gospel News has covered the entire earth. So what prevents the end of the age? I believe nothing, except the timing held by God the Father who knows when the last person will accept His offer of Grace. JESUS REFERED TO PROPHECY in DANIEL 9 v. 27 "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (Daniel 9:27) Jesus speaks of the Abomination of Desolation that Daniel spoke of, and says when you see this man standing in the temple of God, claiming to be God, then RUN or "get out of Dodge" so to speak. 24:16 "Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."(Matthew 24:16-22) Notice the people Jesus speaks of? He doesn't refer to the Gentiles, or the rest of the world, but those who live in Judea. Jesus takes dead aim at only one group of people. He was talking about Israel. Observant Jews cannot travel more than a days walk from their home on the Sabbath, and to travel with child is difficult. Pray it's not snowing, as it sometimes does in Israel and it's cold making travel a problem. But Jesus warns them to get out, head for the hills....hide yourself. Don't take anything with you. Why? Because Israel will reject this "man" claiming to be a god and in his rage will attempt to destroy the nation of Israel because of their rejection of him as a liar and know they have made a deal with the devil. The Holocaust of the Nazi's will pale in the attempt of this man to destroy all remnant of the house of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I've spoken of it many times in sermons past. Israel will be refined as silver is in the fire. They will be persecuted and hunted down because they reject this "false messiah" and his "false prophet". Malachi chapter 3, 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 3:4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years." (Malachi 3:2-4) How do you refine silver? You heat it red hot, but not too hot, or the silver is destroyed, but hot enough to remove the slag that floats to the top, to reveal the pure silver beneath. There is an old story of a question arose within a lady's bible study group when they read this verse. They wondered about what it meant to be a refiner of silver. Knowing a silver smith within their area, they decided to see the process in action. As the silver smith heated the silver, he cautioned them that he must not heat it too hot, but just enough to remove the impurities. One woman asked, thinking of this verse, when do you know when the silver is purified? The silver smith smiled and said "When I can see my image in it" That is what will be Israel's purification. Until our Lord and Savior can see His image in them, He will continue to allow the heat of persecution to turn them to their Messiah that they had rejected 2000 years earlier. Only when they realize this and proclaim, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." (Luke 13:35b.) , then swiftly, the Lord God will come to do battle for His people Israel and save them out of tribulation and set them as a crowning jewel of His city Jerusalem on a mountain lifted high. He will save them all for the promise He made to their father's and because of His glorious Name. So much for Replacement Theology. JESUS WARNS OF THE ANTICHRIST AND FALSE PROPHET 24:23 "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 24:25 Behold, I have told you before. 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not." Not only has there been false prophets and false messiahs leading up to this time, but I believe Jesus is talking of THE false messiah, and THE false prophet that all of the Gentile nations will follow who have pleasure in unrighteousness. He speaks to the Nation of Israel to believe it not, as the Gentiles who have rejected Jesus Christ and will follow whole hog after this charlatan who claims divinity. I submit that all nations will be fooled, as there is nothing to give them discernment of this false hood, as they believe in themselves, and reject God. They follow a god on earth, that leads them in their wickedness. Paul warns of this in 2nd Thessalonians: 2:8, "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2nd Thessalonians 2:8-12) Notice the next few verses? Jesus, I believe is giving an almost chronological order of the time leading up to His glorious appearing and the events that happen right after that. 24:27 " For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 24:28 For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together." (Matthew 24:27-28) Some misinterpret this to mean the sun shining from the east to the west and all will see Him....I believe this is reference to the sudden appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, suddenly, when they think not. As lightning flashes suddenly from the eastern part of the sky and flashes to the west, this will be sudden and without warning. All will know something has happened, as the signs are all around them. People missing, people screaming for loved ones that have vanished and the realization that an unexplained calamity has befallen their world. Untold havoc will rule the day. But what of that next verse, verse 28? In the days Jesus lived in and we see it somewhat in our world here in the USA, carrion birds smell death. This verse is better translated as vultures, as eagles kill live prey, not dead ones. Vultures circle a carcass and many gather for this putrid feast. Jesus was making a comparison that Jerusalem was dead in spirit, and by extension of end time prophecy, saying that those who miss the greatest happening of our lifetime, will be devoured, as so much dead bodies as they are spiritually dead. Note that Revelation says that 2/3 of all mankind will be destroyed, by divine judgment, including natural disasters, and to a lesser degree, man-made persecution. I calculate upwards of 5 billion+ people will die in 7 short years. Notice in the opening lines of this sermon, 262 million people have died in the last 100 years by war....during the tribulation, this will be 15-20 times that amount, not millions, but billions of people who will die in 7 short years, with the majority in the last half. Woe to the person who reads this and puts off what I preach of the nearness of our Lord's return, and not accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, by grace through faith. Then they will see just what I am referring to in all its horror, which is beyond anything I could describe. 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."(Matthew 24:29-31) Notice the progression of events as Jesus explains them? Jesus came prior as a flash of lightning, quickly and without warning. People are then dying by the millions into the billions called the tribulation and then the Great Tribulation, where judgment from God gets kicked into high gear. Then immediately, a sign of impending doom covers the earth. Here we have people dying all around, so could things get any worse? Yes, much worse. Seven angels pour out 7 vials of the wrath of God in it's full strength. The sun fails to shine, the moon quits reflecting the sun during night hours, stars are falling, and the powers of heaven and earth are shaken....what could shaken mean? Untold destruction, signs of impending doom and everyone knows. I mean everyone knows that something is about to happen and the dread grips them, until their hearts and circulatory systems collapse or maybe they go mad and crazy with fear. One can only speculate. People will mourn. It says that all the tribes of the earth will mourn. You will not mourn for something that gives you joy as we will at His appearing, but mourn because of spirit filled dread and loathing, so the church of God is not included in this analogy, as we prayed for His appearing, and it brought great joy 7 years earlier. When Jesus comes to reign and rule and destroy all rebellion, will this time be sudden, without warning, without anyone noticing a difference in their environment? Would you notice? If you are witness to it, and I pray you are not, then you would definitely notice some type of world shaking event that is about to happen. Will men repent of their rebellion, what with all the disasters and environmental changes, not to mention inescapable displays of divine wrath that can only come from a Higher Power? They must know that it's the God of Heaven doing this to them and to this world. Will they repent? God says they will not as found in the verses of Revelation. We see angels flying in the air proclaiming the Gospel to the nations left. Why are Angels proclaiming the Gospel at this time? Was that not the Church's job to preach unto the highways and the byways? Yes, but since the Church is NOT here, the job is left to an Angel to proclaim one last time that Gospel of Jesus Christ, as we are not on this earth...another sign of the rapture of the church. God gives them every possible chance to repent, but alas, they will not. Then verse 31, He shall send His angels to gather all of the elect who have died for the witness of Jesus Christ. Who are these elect? During this time of Great Tribulation, there will be 144,00 evangelist from the 12 tribes of Israel. You will have two witnesses who are preaching nonstop for 3.5 years at the temple of God. Who will believe their message? The Nation of Israel will be their focus. People of the rest of the world have been fed a strong delusion, and they believe a lie. They have taken a mark of loyalty to the Beast Power and are spiritually doomed. The angels are gathering saints, fallen saints during this tribulation. They have died believing in their Messiah and have not denied Him, to the death. They are Israel and a minority of Gentiles, as God has purified them all as silver is refined in the fire....He has washed them as with fuller soap....clean, white, and pure because of the blood of their Savior, our Savior. Now Jesus backs up in time continuum and speaks a parable of a fig tree: 24:32 " Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (Matthew 24:32-36) Earlier in Luke, Jesus blasted the Pharisees for not perceiving signs that were given them: 12:54 " And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?" (Luke 12:54-56) In their blindness, they had the prophecy of Jesus appearing, as He was right in front of them. They did not perceive or understand. Today we have the prophecy right in front of us, as they did. They did not perceive His coming to them as their Messiah. Will we understand and perceive His glorious appearing and gathering His church, in the twinkling of an eye? 51 "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." (1st Corinthians 15:51-53) A SURPRISE FOR THOSE IN DARKNESS As I just mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the time of His coming to rule and reign to put down all rebellion on earth, will not come as a surprise. All will know that impending doom is coming. It will be an unprecedented time and not a day like all others. Jesus speaks of an earlier time, when a fig tree is about to blossom and putting forth new leaves. When did that fig tree appear? Correct, in May 1948, when Israel was made a nation again after almost 2000 years. Unprecedented and amazing, not suppose to happen, but it did....divinely so. He says when these events start to happen, then know He is near...right at the door! A generation will not pass till all things be fulfilled. What is a generation? The bible says in Psalm 90 that a man has 70 years to live his life and 80 years by strength to live on this earth. Now I warn others, we can't make predictions about dates, or times, noting v. 36, but we can know the season....add 1948 plus 70-80 years....see what I mean, are we on the cusp of the fulfillment of this scripture? Note that the lower age of 70 years was fulfilled last year. How much longer, Lord? 24:37 " But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."(Matthew 24:37-39) Jesus speaks of a day, that's like any other day. People are merrily going about their business. They continue their wickedness, not knowing anything is amiss, much like the people of Noah's day. UNTIL, the warning ends, and the event takes place. Life will change for everyone who misses the warning and continues in their wickedness. Much like Noah's Ark. This ship (Jesus Christ and Him crucified) of the Church of the Living God will leave port and bound for glory, and the world will wander around as blind people wondering what happened. 24:40 " Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."(Matthew 24:40-42) Notice the suddenness of the event, as described here which is synonymous with the parable about Noah and warning people of the Antediluvian period..some take this as a bad sign for the one removed, but I take it as to mean the elect being removed by force, without warning. Why do I say that? Because of the next few verses: 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 24:43-44) Jesus comes suddenly, without warning, much as a thief would break into your home. Another emphasis on the unforeseen. Did you know he was coming? No, that's why he's appears as a thief. Jesus is not a thief, but the analogy fits as it describes the unforeseen, so you take precautions and that you are prepared for the suddenness of His coming. How do you prepare? By accepting Jesus as your Savior. 24:45 "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?(preaching the Word in the time we have left) emphasis mine. 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:45-51) Then comes this last part. Ministers that read this, take note. Who is Jesus speaking of here? Is it the everyday Joe that the Lord has given him ruler-ship over His household? What is His house? The church and the people who make up that church. Sadly, there are many so called "ministers" that take the office of shepherd lightly and abuse the office of their calling. That is many in the main stream denominations today. I believe Jesus is making special mention of men and women who have been called to teach, to preach the Gospel, to counsel, and to minister to the children of God who make up His body. To neglect that duty and wander into sins of the flesh, be it stealing, lying, adultery, or any other sin that abuses the folks, then woe to that servant. Sadly, these wolves in sheep clothing, or ministers that abuse their office, have the flock looking to them for leadership. They look for spiritual meat for life, as found in the Word of God. If a minister falls, and fails in his calling, is it only him that it takes down? No, it takes many people who looked to him for spiritual leadership and they fall away from following God. They sadly, put their stock in a man, as their example and failed to realize, that there is only One example, and that is the man/God, Jesus Christ. Is this minister responsible for the spiritual condition of His flock? To a point, yes he is. But in the same breath, each of us are responsible for our own salvation. It's just sad that this minister, or false prophet, since he failed, abused this office and the reward is severe. How severe? God is the judge, not me. YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH The signs of the end of the age are all around us. Jesus gave us the prophecy 2000 years ago, and it is being played out with pin point accuracy, in His day and in ours. Jesus is God and He knew when He spoke of these words to His disciples the path that this age we live in would take. The question is: Are you taking Him seriously? Do you read these words and scoff, or take warning? Have you been playing church, or wandering around in the dark and know not my Savior? You say you believe in Jesus Christ, but do you live like you know Him? People, the time is growing short. History is winding down to the end of the Church age, or the Age of Grace. Suddenly, the Words of Jesus will be all too real for anyone that turns a deaf ear to the warning. Will you survive what is coming? Will you even want to? Will you make your home with the angels or with the demons of hell? Will you dwell with God Almighty for all eternity, or be banished to outer darkness where this is weeping and gnashing of teeth? Many places within the Bible speaks of prophecy, as it is full of signs and wonders for the close of human existence on this planet. Will you be found in Him, by accepting His blood sacrifice on a cruel cross for your sins, and mine? Will you enjoy eternal bliss and glory in a world that no man can imagine? Or will you worship yourself and pay the penalty with everlasting punishment apart from God? I beseech you, that you present yourself as a living sacrifice to God and believe on the only name, that is above every name, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, as the signs speak of the end of the age closing fast. 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18) The above verses are the whole point of the Bible, as it's all about Jesus and what He did for mankind nearly 2000 years ago on a cruel Roman cross bleeding and dying for your sins, and for mine. You see, the salvation message is so simple that even a small child can understand their need for a Savior..I've seen children as young as 6 years old proclaim Jesus as Messiah, their Redeemer and their need for His sacrifice applied to their lives. As Jesus said, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3) We may not fully understand everything about the Gospel message, but we understand God's Grace through our faith confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives. 8 "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:8-13) Stayed tuned as I will continue in chapter 25 next time that the time of the Lord's visitation to this earth for the Bride of Christ, His Church is close, even at the door. Won't you join us, those who have put their faith and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the only Way back to God? This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying God's salvation in your life today. If there is anything I can counsel you on, pray with you about, or just listen with a sympathetic ear, email me at [email protected] t, or visit me online at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com , God bless you all, till we meet at Jesus feet. Moscow, the Palestinians, and the Arab Spring that Never Was - Mrs. Micky Aharonson - https://jiss.org.il/en/aharonson-moscow-the-palestinians-and-the-arab-spring-that-never-was/ Russia seeks to be more involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by presenting it as critical to the stability of the whole Middle East. But the legitimacy that it accords to Hamas rules out deeper Russian involvement from Israel's point of view. Russia has recently stepped-up its involvement in internal Palestinian affairs, specifically in attempts to broker reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah. Russia is also seeking a role in final status negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel, out of a desire to break the American monopoly on regional peace diplomacy. Two years ago, Russia hosted meetings meant to achieve internal Palestinian unity, but these failed. Now, Russia is again striving to position itself as a Hamas-Fatah mediator and as the exclusive mediator of regional conflicts. Russia's Support of Hamas In December 2018, Russia invited Ismail Haniyeh to Moscow for an official visit. This invitation was a continuation of a Russian policy that's been in place since Hamas took power in 2006. Haniya's predecessor, Khaled Mashaal, also visited Moscow frequently. Unlike the United States and European Union, Russia doesn't regard Hamas as a terrorist organization. Russia's stance is that Hamas rule in Gaza is legitimate since the organization was democratically elected. Russia's Hamas policy stands in complete opposition to Western policy in general, and to Israeli policy in particular. Just several weeks ago, Russia voted against a US proposal in the UN to condemn Hamas terrorist activities. Moscow then went a step further by actively seeking to again broker talks between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Russia's Zero-Sum Rationale Russia's stance regarding Hamas is based on a general approach of bolstering anti-Western movements, especially those that are anti-American. This approach dates back decades, to when Russia supported the US opposition in Vietnam and Afghanistan. This policy reflects Russia's "zero-sum game" concept. In this construct, wherever the US is present, Russia is by default excluded. Wherever Russia can increase its influence, US influence must by definition be reduced. Indeed, Russia is making headway in regions and countries where the US is in the process of shrinking its involvement. Specifically, Libya and Syria come to mind. Russia's increased involvement in Syria drives home the point that Moscow is a reliable ally that has helped Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stay in power. In contrast, the US appears as an unreliable partner whose support seems to blow hot and cold based on new developments. Another reason for Russia's support for Hamas is Moscow's long-standing desire to take a leading role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As an interim measure, Russia is working to promote intra-Palestinian reconciliation among the various factions. From the Palestinian perspective, Russia's ability to negotiate with all the rival parties places it in a unique international position. A senior Hamas figure was quoted as saying that Russia has played a central role in the process, since it is in contact with all sides. At the same time, Russia works to maintain a strong relationship with Israel. When Washington declared its intention to relocate the US Embassy to Jerusalem, Moscow stated that it recognized West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This Russian declaration was made without stipulations on Israel needing to make good faith efforts towards the Palestinians. This gesture of Russia's towards Israel isn't surprising. Russia feels no moral obligation to Fatah or Hamas. For the Kremlin, one of the most significant threats is Islamic radicalization, especially of the Sunni variety, that could spill into Russia. This concern, along with regional and global ambitions, are fueling Russia's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Moscow views its roles in intra-Palestinian and Israeli-Palestinian affairs as important to strengthening its position in the Arab and Muslim worlds. Indeed, Russia seeks to strengthen relations not only with administrations across the Middle East but the Arab street as well, and polls conducted in Mideast countries indicate increasing support for reliance on Russia. In contrast, support for US regional involvement is on the decline. Moreover, Western countries are turning to Moscow for assistance in reaching settlements in the Middle East. After US President Donald Trump declared that Washington was withdrawing from the nuclear agreement with Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to persuade him to "calm" the Iranians and maintain regional stability. At the Istanbul summit of October 2018 on Syria, France and Germany recognized Russia's vital role in ending the fighting in a country devastated by years of war. In short, Russia is once again viewed as an influential player in the Middle East. For the same reasons, Russia is working with Fatah and the Palestinian Authority to reconcile with Hamas. Ultimately, Moscow seeks to use Palestinian internal reconciliation as a springboard for the renewal of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Indeed, PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki recently visited Moscow at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and get the political process with Israel back on track. Previously, in February 2018, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Putin in Moscow. Abbas declared that Russia was an important factor in the peace process. The rift between Washington and Ramallah, especially since the announcement of the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem, alongside the Trump administration anticipated peace plan (which the Palestinians already view as too pro-Israeli), are proving to be amenable platforms for rapprochement between the Palestinians and Russia. Russia's Opposition to Trump's Deal of the Century After meeting in June 2018 with Mousa Abu Marzouk, Deputy Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov announced that Moscow would not relate to the anticipated Trump Administration peace plan - the so-called 'deal of the century' - but instead advance plans of its own. Bogdanov also stated that Russia intended to facilitate an internal Palestinian reconciliation that would lead to a unified position in negotiations with Israel. Abu Marzouk stated that Russia had explicitly promised to not allow the 'deal of the century' to move forward. Even though the PA is opposed to the strengthening of ties between rival Hamas and Moscow, both Palestinian factions share a similar position regarding the 'deal of the century'. As such, Russia's rejection of the deal of the century serves the interests of both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. Russia is once again trying to focus the international community's attention on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that a solution to the conflict is crucial to the stability of the entire Middle East. This, despite the fact that ever since the 'Arab Spring' regional meltdown, it has become quite clear that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is merely one source of instability in the region; and has nothing to do with the intra-Arab tragedies in Libya, Yemen, Syria and other countries in the region. In May 2018, Russia accused the US of trying to divert the international community's attention from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, making it impossible to implement UN resolutions regarding establishment of a Palestinian state. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov even asserted that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one of the most significant factors in the successful recruitment of young people by extremist organizations. Of course, this assessment ignores processes that are completely removed from the Israel-Arab conflict, such as the historic hostility between Sunnis and Shiites and the rise of organizations such as ISIS. Russia's Entrenchment, Israel's Interests Moving Forward Given Russia's entrenchment in the region, it is in Israel's interests to reach understandings and a certain level of cooperation with Moscow. However, Israel is unlikely to soften its position regarding Russia's involvement in Israeli-Palestinian affairs; meaning, that Israel sees Washington and not Moscow as the key global interlocutor in this arena. Specifically, the legitimacy accorded to Hamas by the Kremlin could yet lead Israel to take symbolic yet unusual diplomatic steps against Russia. One recent example was Israel's exceptional decision to support a US proposal condemning Russia for its actions in the Crimea. The recent announcement of the cancellation of a planned visit by senior Hamas officials to Moscow may indicate that Russian policymakers are beginning to understand this. Close ties between Hamas and Russia only serve to lessen Moscow's relevance as a peace negotiator - as far as Jerusalem is concerned. Reflecting God's Love - Nathele Graham - [email protected] Jesus loves me and you. How do I know that? The Bible tells me so. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16-17. Sin and death had entered the world through Adam's sin. Because of his sin we were separated from God and condemned. God still loved us and through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus that condemnation is lifted and the separation is healed. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. There is no greater love than this. Now, what do we do with that love? How do we show our love for God? We allow His love to guide our life. Adam and Eve were the first humans, and the first example of marriage. One man and one woman for life. Marriage is important to mankind because it's the Biblical foundation of family and God likens His relationship with us to marriage. Jesus is likened to the Bridegroom and Christians are likened to the Bride. This is a special relationship of love. A husband is admonished to love his wife as Christ loves the ekklēsia. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" Ephesians 5:25. Husbands are the leaders of their family and God expects them to reflect His love. The way a man treats his wife shows his heart. Christ sacrificed everything for His ekklēsia (the whole Body of Christ throughout the world). How exactly did Christ love us? He set aside His deity and entered His creation. He humbled Himself and was obedient. He showed kindness and forgiveness towards sinners, but didn't compromise. When a prostitute was brought before Him for condemnation, He forgave her sin but told her to change her ways and stop that sin. He showed compassion towards those who suffered illness by healing the deaf, the blind, and the leprous. Christ never accepted the religious acts of the Pharisees, but encouraged faith. When the time was right He laid down His life for His Bride. "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:8. That's Christ's example of love for His Bride. Men, how do you show love to your wife? Do you provide for her and protect her? Do you forgive her when you think she's not as perfect as you would like? You have a responsibility to her and the love you show to her reflects your love for Jesus. Wives also are examples of how we show our love. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." Ephesians 5:22-24. That isn't very politically correct, but it is Biblically correct. God created Adam first and gave him responsibilities. Eve was taken out of Adam to help him, not rule over him. In this day and age things have gotten mixed up. Women seem to be trying to take the place of men. Instead of submitting to their husbands they "rule the roost". Marriage isn't seen as necessary so many families have no husband present and children are not given the example of a Christian marriage. A woman cannot submit to a husband if she doesn't have one, or if she is trying to be the man of the house. Jesus knows all about the attitudes we have. He met a Sumerian woman at a well and was aware that she had been married seven times and was now just living with a man. He didn't condemn her, but her sinful lifestyle was brought to her attention. Ladies, allow God's love to shine in your marriage. A Christian woman should be married to a Christian man. When God is first in a marriage then the man and the woman will both reflect God's love. What about our actions outside of the home? Everything we do should reflect our love of Christ. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1. The word "charity" is translated from the Greek word "agape" and only the King James version of the Bible translates it "charity". All other translations say "love". The "Outline of Biblical Usage" defines it as affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love. It's a word that is used many times to talk of showing God's love to fellow Christians. Before He was arrested, Jesus told His disciples to love (agape) one another. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35. We are to show kindness to the lost, but the love we show to fellow Christians shows the world our love for Christ. We can do many good works, but if we don't have agape love then it means nothing. "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." 1 Corinthians13:3. Do you ever do a very nice thing for someone, but resent doing it? I'm not pointing fingers because I have done just that. If an act of kindness doesn't show God's love then He isn't glorified. It is a cacophony of "... sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal" with no beauty of love. "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:11. Our love for Christ is only evident in what we do for Him and in His name. When we first accept Christ for salvation we carry a lot of luggage with us. Jesus told Nicodemus that a person must be born again. Instead of being bogged down and condemned by our sin nature we have a new chance to live. Instead of being a slave to sin we need to become a slave to Christ. Our lives should reflect the choice we made. Instead of reacting as a lost sinner, Christ's love should be our guide. Instead of impatience and anger, we show Christ's love by using His example of kindness and love. "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Once again the word translated "charity" is the Greek word "agape" and is better translated "love". Our love for Christ should be reflected through our daily living. We were justified the moment we accepted His death, burial, and resurrection for our salvation. Then the process of sanctification begins. Looking back at the example of a marriage we can see examples of the changes a man and woman make after the vows are taken. Patience is a virtue and so agape love also is patient and kind. Bragging and boasting have no place in a Christian's life, unless it's about what Christ has done for you. Read through that list of what agape love looks like and substitute your name for "charity". Are you longsuffering and kind? Do you envy? As I read that list I see that I have a lot of changes I need to make. My life doesn't give a perfect reflection of God's love. What about you? Do you reflect God's agape love? Paul wrote this list to the congregation in Corinth. They were a congregation with many problems and Paul wanted them to know how to inter-act with fellow Christians. It's been said that charity begins at home. It first begins when you recognize Christ's love for you. It's reflected in the love of a man and women in a Godly marriage and is passed on to the children. Christ's love for His ekklēsia is reflected in our love for our fellow Christians. That love will be evident to the lost sinners in the world and as we share the Gospel with them we are sharing God's love. Is your life reflection God's love? Let's all work on that. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [email protected] Ron and Nathele Graham's previous commentaries archived at http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed. If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. Daily Jot: Of killing babies and demonizing Jews - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com There have been a couple of incidents in the news lately that are repulsive to the point that the people involved should be removed from any leadership or public position in America. I'm talking about the crazy mess in Virginia with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. There is also the case of the Islamic Congresswoman that all the media is raving about. It seems that there is no compunction about the ramifications of wanting to kill babies coming out of the womb or demonizing Jews because, well, they are Jews. These people should be removed from office for their depravity, but they are still there. This is an indicator of a morally-declining country and a disengaged electorate. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) raised her Islamic flag against Jews this week by tweeting out that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee paid members to support Israel, despite the fact that AIPAC does not endorse or contribute to candidates. She apologized for the remarks, but also retweeted a statement from the Muslim Public Affairs Committee saying that it was proud of her for refusing to fall prey to smear campaigns. A cadre of socialist democrats came to her defense. These come on the heels of a January tweet by another Islamic congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who said Americans who support Israel "forgot what country they represent." The Democratic leadership appointed Omar to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which impacts policy toward Israel and Islamic countries. In Virginia, Governor Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring admitted they wore blackface for pictures in college (as did Hillary Clinton, by the way). And a woman has publicly accused Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax of sexual assault. All this ignored the real issue of supporting the "Murder on Demand" bill introduced by Democrat Virginia state legislator Kathy Tran that makes itlegal to kill a baby in the birth canal at full term. Despite the firestorm created by the racism and that they are in support of such heinous legislation legalizing infanticide, they remain at the top of the Virginia government. Neither Democrats or Republicans are taking any serious steps beyond lip service to remove them. The Islamists in Congress are using their own hate to accuse those who of hate who oppose their anti-Semitic views. There is no place in this country or, in the world for that matter, to support the words and actions of hate against Jews. These Hitler-esq comments are part and parcel to the aims of Islamic organizations that support these congressional Islamists, the so-called "Palestinian" cause, the propaganda of Islam, and the generational hate that Islamists have for the Jewish people. The Virginia leadership is indicative of both the systemic racism and disrespect for life that many in the Democratic Party share in the name of health for women. These things ought not be. The electorate should rise up against them and demand their ouster. For so many reasons, it is akin to John 11:35, which simply states: "Jesus wept." Three Ways Sin Will Destroy Your Life - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23 When people get caught up in sin, they think everyone is against them. "No one understands," they say. "Everyone's judging me. You don't get it. I'm different." No, you're not different. We're all vulnerable. And we all are capable of doing foolish things. We have to know that about ourselves. We can come under the sway and influence and intoxicating effects of sin if we're not careful. That is what happened to Samson. He thought he could shake himself free of his enemies, just as he had done on other occasions. Instead, the Philistines took Samson, gouged out his eyes, bound him with bronze chains, and made him grind grain in the prison. Sin blinds you. Sin finds you. And sin grinds you. First it blinds you. You end up doing irrational things. Men walk away from their wives and children who love them to go have some stupid fling. Women abandon their families to go "find" themselves. Sin blinds you to the truth. It seems so appealing at first, but then suddenly you realize that you're trapped. That's when sin finds you. The Bible says, "And be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23 NKJV). You may be getting away with something right now, but it will catch up with you sooner or later. The Bible speaks of "the passing pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25 NKJV). It's passing . . . for a season . . . for a time. And then sin grinds you. The repercussions, like a ton of bricks, come crashing down on you: broken families, betrayed trust, a damaged witness and reputation, and devastated children with deep wounds, which they may carry for the rest of their lives. Sin blinds you, sin finds you, and sin grinds you-that's what sin can do. 
FROM THE HEART
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 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 Prophecy Update is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt - non-profit organization, and all your donations are tax deductible. 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 Visit our website: http://prophecyupdate.com/donations/ Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 
|
|