Prophecy Update Newsletter
April 26, 2017
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
God is Love...But...A Consuming Fire - Pastor Mike Taylor - http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2017/04/god-is-lovebut-consuming-fire.html
7 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1st John 4:7-10) Most people agree that for salvation a Christian needs more than just a theoretical knowledge of God. Over the course of our lives, we increase our knowledge of Him through life's varied experiences. We also come to greater understanding by studying God's Word. In both areas we can be snared by a major problem that traps many religious people in this world: emphasizing one of His attributes at the expense of others. I have a Roman Catholic friend who lives in France, who is focused on this one attribute of God, that God is love, and since God is a loving God, all is good, and I fear that he believes that a loving God will not send anyone to a burning hell. He hasn't come right and said it that I can recall, but he definitely "hung up" on this one attribute and cannot see other attributes of the God we serve. God is not one dimensional. Though we should study each of His attributes and think on them separately, we should not separate them from the complete personality that God is. Why? It distorts the model we are to imitate and grow into, and it can radically alter our expectations of what He will do. If He does not do what we expect, we are liable to become grieved because God "let us down." For instance, the Bible emphasizes that God is merciful and full of grace. We are very thankful that God is a merciful and loving God, but God is much more than one or two dimension of His character. We should not make the mistake besides all of the many attributes that are what our God is, we should not overlook the fact the God is also just. If we do, His mercy can become a justification for failure to overcome besetting sins. Neither God's mercy nor justice can be separated from all that He is. Both are harmoniously applied to each situation and person He judges. SOME OF THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD God is also a God of compassion. Some see God as so compassionate that He disregards the causes of some horrible problems and trials we endure in this life. If God acted in such a manner, flaws with painful results would go uncorrected. Make no mistake about it, God will discipline those He loves. 5 "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." (Hebrews 12:5-8) Some so erroneously believe that God created His creation and then just walked away. God is very much involved with the plan to redeem mankind and nothing escapes His gaze or His knowledge. Still others construe God's sovereignty so that it is greatly diminished His goodness and portrays Him as rigid and inflexible. This kind of person lives with a guilt-ridden, fearful and discouraged life, thinking he will never please Him. 6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) But probably the most familiar of God's attributes is found in the scripture used to open this message in 1st John 4:8 "God is love". John states a fact, not a definition of God's essential nature. If John had declared that love is what God is, we would be forced to conclude that God is what love is. Literally, if God is love, then literally, love is God and we are forced to worship love as the only True God. This would mean that God and love are identical. Fortunately for mankind, the Bible reveals that God is a multidimensional personality and not only just love. If we eliminate the idea of God's complex personality, denying all of His other attributes, save one, the remaining attribute becomes God, and is a very subtle form of idolatry. This is NOT what God the Father is, or our Lord Jesus Christ. THE WHOLENESS OF GOD The wholeness of God is a concept that we must come to understand, that God is more than one or two attributes. It's an important subject because some have becomed enslaved to words. We must give greater weight to meanings. The Bible speaks that God is love and light. 3 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1st John 1:3-5) The Bible also speaks of our Jesus as being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." (John 14:6-7) We understand the words in the same sense as when we say of a man, "He is kindness itself." Of course, we do not suggest that kindness and the man are identical, and no one misunderstands our intention. Because any man is more than just kindness, even the best man. So it is even more so with a infinite God we serve. The words "God is love" mean that love is an essential attribute of God. Love is something true of God, but it is not all of God. He has many other attributes. He is self-existent, eternal, merciful, full of grace, immutable, just, omnipotent, omniscient and many more things besides, but the greatest of all, is God is Holy.. Because God is Holy and immutable, He always acts as God, and because He is a whole and perfect personality, He never suspends one of His attributes to exercise another. God is not man, with all of his imperfections. God is truth and never acts out of irritation, resentment, suddenly moody, or acts on a whim. He always acts in light of all the facts. King David declared in the Psalms: 7 "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:7-11) David also proclaimed further in another chapter in the Psalms : 5 "Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 7 He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth." (Psalm 105:5,7) The beauty, harmony, balance and providence evident throughout the earth are witnesses of the wisdom, unity, harmony, and yes, the love in which He always acts. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God proclaims: 23 "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23-24) HOW DO WE COME TO KNOW GOD AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT? "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:1-3) So how important is it to know God? As mentioned here, eternal life is knowing God. It implies an intimate relationship with God that matures over a lifetime. Each party knows each other well, as familiarly as marriage partners. 1 "Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." (Hosea 6:1-3) So what of our God? Can we know Him. Yes, through His only begotten Son, can we come to know a loving, but fearfully powerful God. 6 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." (Romans 5:6-10) God loved us so much, that He sent His only Son, to die in our place.... "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, God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but 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) "caps my emphasis" The question was, "how can we come to know God?" The Apostle John gave a quick and concise way we can know God and know Him intimately...through His Son.. "Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." (1st John 2:23) "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Romans 5:1-9) GOD IS JUST AND WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE With all the attributes spoke briefly about an all power God, and our soon coming King, God is not some grandfatherly type living in the sky who is nothing but love, love, love. Although He embodies this attributes, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. 8 "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:8-10) One might wonder why fear is included. It is because fear represents the specific attitude required to make the best use of God's law and bring the sinner to conviction through the Holy Spirit. Know this, reader. We don't come to God because we love God..we come to Him because we love ourselves. Love for Him comes later when we realize what He has done for us. 10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11, There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12, They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Roman 3:10-12) There is an element of fear to realize that we are in rebellion against God because of our sinful nature. Fear brings Godly conviction and I've seen men shake with the power of God upon them, as they are under God's conviction of their sins. The choice of life or death, darkness or light, eternity in heaven or in hell, drives those under this conviction to a Godly realization of their vulnerability to a Holy God who will judge them, even though He loves them. Paul speaks of this along with the Apostle Peter: 5 "But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? (Roman 3:5-6) And Peter wrote: 5 "Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (1st Peter 4:5-6) . In addition, remember that wisdom is right application of knowledge and understanding. If fear is not present, we will not even start to build towards faith, hope, and love. Godly fear gets us jump-started, gets us going to do what is right. GOD IS LONG SUFFERING, BUT.... Although God is a loving God, He is patient and not willing that any of His creation perish. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2nd Peter 3:9) But even a long-suffering King of the Universe, patience does eventually run out. We have many instances found in your Bible of a longsuffering God. Like when God gave the inhabitants in Canaan 400 years to change and repent, but sent Israel into the Promise Land and commanded them during their Exodus to destroy them: "These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the Lord God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth. 2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: 3 And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place" (Deuteronomy 12:2-3) Just showing the fear of God and what God has done to bring His wrath on unrepentant mankind should give anyone pause and have reverence, and a Godly fear of an Almighty God who when He has finally run out of patience, will utterly destroy those who in rebellion against Him. I know this will upset my Catholic friend who I debate on a local forum, but God is not only a God of love, He is also a God of judgment in His righteous indignation. But let us speak of the coming wrath that God will unleash on mankind in the near future. THE WRATH OF A LOVING GOD 23 " To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire." There are a huge amount of verses in your Bible that speaks of the attributes of a Holy God. Yes, God is love, but He is also greatly to be feared. God will pass judgment on the whole of mankind and destroy all rebellion on this earth what is called the coming Tribulation. The final book of your Bible speaks of the wrath of God. You know that God of love? Although He is not willing any should perish, God gives you a choice. It's called your own freewill. God does not coerce anyone into loving Him or obeying Him...He gives us a choice of heaven or hell. He doesn't send anybody to hell...you do. John sees the ultimate fate of all who refuse the free offer of grace and mercy through our Lord Jesus Christ: 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15) GOD IS LOVE, YES, BUT HE IS SO MUCH MORE We admire good qualities in others and wish we had them. But we realize that the same people who have these good qualities lack others. Our God, though, has every good quality to the ultimate degree, and every attribute works in perfect and faithful harmony. Studying God in His wholeness should teach us humility, caution in speech and action and a deep reverence of Him. Too often God's superiority overwhelms us when we compare it to our own state. Though we are imperfect and limited in this life, we should not undervalue our current level of growth. Don't allow God's incomparable perfection to derail your progress. Growth in godly character and personality is our calling-we are to be like Him! Human life is a beginning: God made us in His image and is transforming us into the image of His Son. This process requires our cooperation in striving to "put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" (Colossians 3:10). This is His will. And in bringing us to His perfection, He reveals His whole nature so we can know it and allow Him to reproduce it in us. To my friend, the Catholic online, God is love, that is true...BUT our God is a consuming FIRE. May we possess a Godly fear and reverence and not reject so great a salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is pastor Mike Taylor, praying you know the REAL God in Spirit and in Truth. If you need prayer, counseling, or just a listening ear, email me at [email protected] , ..God bless you all. TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET 
The battle for the Golan Heights - Professor Eyal Zisser - http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_opinion.php?id=18899
The northern border refuses to rest. Just last week, Hezbollah organized a tour along the Israeli-Lebanese border for members of the media in a move meant to show who is really in charge in Lebanon. Hezbollah officers who accompanied the reporters proudly pointed out that Israel is in something of a defensive fever along the border, digging tunnels and fortifying positions out of fear of an attack by Hezbollah fighters. On the other hand, three militia fighters operating in the service of the Syrian regime, with the assistance of Hezbollah and Iran, were killed in an attack the Syrians attributed to Israel, according to a report from the Syrian Golan Heights Sunday morning. It was only a month ago that one of the commanders in this very same militia was killed in an aerial attack, which Israel insinuated it had a hand in attack and noted the commander who was killed had been working to promote terrorist activity in the Golan Heights. The incidents along the border come two weeks after the U.S. airstrikes on Syria. This attack was without a doubt important and of much symbolic significance, but it was a largely isolated event, without follow-up and devoid of a clear strategy that could serve as a practical translation of the statements out of Washington saying that Syrian President Bashar Assad must go and that he will not be allowed to play a role in Syria's future. It is no wonder, then, that Assad sees the U.S. airstrikes on Syria as a minor blow, after which he can continue full force, albeit with greater caution than in the past, toward his aim of retaining the throne and defeating his opponents. A return to normal in Syria following the U.S. attack means a return to the battle Assad, with the help of Russia and mostly Iran, is waging to resume power over large areas of Syria, and more critically for us, over the Golan Heights region. Assad lost control over the Golan Heights at the outset of the civil war, but he is now acting to return to the region that is of such strategic importance to him and his Iranian allies. A senior IDF officer was quoted last week as saying that Russia is taking Iran's place as hegemon in Syria, and that everything is being done there according to its will and dictates. But it is too soon to eulogize Iran's role in Syria and the presence of the Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah fighters in the country. After all, the Russian presence in Syria is limited to a few dozen fighter jets, while Iran and Hezbollah have tens of thousands of fighters, some of whom are Shiite volunteers brought in by the Iranians to fight in Syria. Several thousand of them are members of the al-Nujaba Shiite militia, whose men announced in Tehran that after they achieve victory in Syria, they will turn to fighting Israel in the Golan Heights. The Russians may control Assad, but they need the Iranians to both preserve and reimpose his rule over large areas of Syria. Given this situation, Israel has focused its attention on the Golan Heights front, which the Iranians and Hezbollah hope to make their playground and use indirectly against Israel, through the use of the Assad men they have enlisted and trained. When Israel acted against Hezbollah operatives like Jihad Mughniyeh in the past, the organization retaliated by attacking IDF soldiers. But when it comes to actions against Assad's men attributed to Israel by the foreign media, Hezbollah leaves the reaction -- or more commonly, the lack thereof -- to Assad. And Assad, of course, has no interest in opening another front with Israel, as long as he is absorbed in fighting his opponents in Syria. 
US THAADs to South Korea - China launches carrier - http://www.debka.com/article/26025/US-THAADs-to-South-Korea-China-launches-carrier
The US early Wednesday, April 26, began moving the THAAD missile defense system to central South Korea opposite the border with the North - months ahead of schedule. A South Korean military official said two road-mobile launchers had arrived at the Osan Air Base. One THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) unit includes six launchers. Tuesday, the USS Michigan nuclear submarine docked in South Korea, after the North began a large-scale, long-range artillery fire drill in Wonsan on the east coast. More than 4,000 artillery guns are reported to be taking part in the "exercise." The Michigan is in place ready to join the USS Carl Vinson carrier and its strike group which are steaming towards the peninsula, along with two Japanese destroyers. Later Wednesday, all 100 US senators are scheduled to gather at the White House for a briefing by US security and military chiefs on the North Korean crisis, as the buildup to meet North Korean belligerence continues apace. Facing US steps to meet the Korean crisis, China made ready to launch its second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, also known as the Type 001A. The new vessel, the first to be manufactured from prow to stern in China, is bigger than the Liaoning, China's first Russian-made aircraft carrier. It is due to be operational in two or three years. Beijing has voiced objections to the deployment of an American missile shield in South Korea, a country it regards as its back yard. China also continues its own naval buildup to assert its control of the South China Sea. At the same time, the Chinese Air Force remains on high alert over the Korean crisis, although this is denied in Beijing, and Russia continues to pour troops, tanks and missiles to its short 18-km border with North Korea in the Vladivostok district. Japan too is placing its army on a war footing. On Tuesday, US, Japanese and South Korean envoys met in Tokyo to coordinate their preparations for meeting North Korea's threats, including the detonation of its sixth nuclear test. Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, Moscow and Washington are waiting tensely to see if Kim Jong-un is deterred from his aggressive rhetoric and moves by the arrival of the THAAD missiles at his back door. 
Prophecy Deciphered After 1,500 Years Reveals North Korean Conflict Precedes Messiah - By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - https://www.breakingisraelnews.com
"For a fire is kindled in My nostril, and burneth unto the depths of the nether-world, and devoureth the earth with her produce, and setteth ablaze the foundations of the mountains." Deuteronomy 32:22 (The Israel Bible™) A 1,500-year-old prophecy that puzzled generations of scholars has finally been deciphered, its secrets revealed by a hidden sage who has sent out the message that the imminent conflict in North Korea will culminate in the final war. His message contains several stern warnings about how to cope with the difficult times ahead. Renowned but reclusive Torah scholar Rabbi Moshe Aharon HaKohen, himself a mysterious man, has finally deciphered a 1,500-year-old book of esoteric teachings concerning the days before Messiah. Rabbi HaKohen is over 100 years old and accessible to only a few select people, but when he understood the urgent nature of what he had learned, he relayed a message to Rabbi Yosef Berger about the prophecies, which directly concern the present situation in North Korea. According to Rabbi HaKohen, the prophecy stated explicitly that the North Korean conflict will continue to grow until it becomes the final war that will bring redemption. "In the end of days, there will be horrific violence all over the world, but the sign that the Messiah truly imminent is when a war breaks out in the northern part of the world involving all the nations of the world," Rabbi Berger told Breaking Israel News. "Rabbi HaKohen stated that these things are closer than ever to happening." The strange story began 1,500 years ago with Rabbi Pinchas, a noted kabbalist and mystic living in Northern Israel, and his wife, Rachel. After years of infertility, they were blessed with a son they named Nachman Chatufa in the Hebrew year 4632 (972 CE). According to the legend, Nachman began speaking esoteric secrets immediately after being born, but his father, shocked at hearing the forbidden secrets spoken aloud, reprimanded him. The child fell silent and remained so for many years. When he turned twelve, Rachel pleaded with her husband, who prayed until the boy began to speak. Again, the child began to reveal esoteric secrets, relating prophecies concerning the days before Messiah. His words were recorded in Aramaic in a book titled Nevuat HaYeled (Prophecy of the Child). After giving over the prophecies, the boy died. The burial sites of the child and his father, now a shrine, still exist in northern Israel. Nevuat HaYeled is rarely studied. It deals with esoteric matters in particularly cryptic Aramaic and is exceptionally difficult to understand. As the situation in North Korea intensifies, Rabbi HaKohen felt it imperative that the prophecy and its implications become public knowledge. According to Rabbi HaKohen's understanding of the prophecy, the conflict in North Korea is the first sign that the Messianic era is about to begin. The next sign is that the Ten Lost Tribes will return to aid Israel in the final stages of the battle. This clue contains a key element of the prophecy and advice on how to cope with the difficult times ahead. "The Ten Lost tribes will come from beyond the Sambatyon River, and will be especially fastidious regarding the Torah laws and laws of purity," explained Rabbi Berger to Breaking Israel News. "This will give them an unnatural strength that they will use to help Israel in the final war." The Ten Lost Tribes were exiled in 556 CE by Assyrian King Shalmanessar, with some tribes being sent beyond the semi-mythical Sambatyon River. Though mentioned in several historical texts as lying near Damascus, the river has yet to be positively identified. According to Jewish legend, the river has the unique quality of not flowing on the Sabbath. "That is the key to the message behind the prophecy," Rabbi Berger continued. "The final war will be unnaturally fast, some aspects taking mere minutes. It will be beyond human control, but the one thing people can do to take control over time and to help themselves in this war is to become strong in observing the Sabbath. "The Ten Tribes will return from beyond the Sabbath River to reinforce that the Sabbath and Torah observance connect us to the creator, and help us cope with the world." The arrival of the Lost Tribes also brings with it a difficult message. "After the Ten Tribes return, the doors to Israel will be closed," warned Rabbi Berger. As the situation in North Korea intensifies, more prophecies are being revealed. A video has resurfaced of Rabbi Levi Sa'adia Nachamani filmed one month before he died 22 years ago. In the video, the rabbi warns that the greatest threat to Israel is North Korea. At the time, North Korea was not known to have a nuclear weapons program and was not considered a credible threat to any country. 
Word Famine in America Opens Floodgates of Immorality - Bob Smietana - http://www.charismanews.com/world/64510-word-famine-in-america-opens-floodgates-of-immorality
Americans have a positive view of the Bible. And many say the Christian Scriptures are filled with moral lessons for today. However, more than half of Americans have read little or none of the Bible. Less than a quarter of those who have ever read a Bible have a systematic plan for reading the Christian Scriptures each day. And a third of Americans never pick it up on their own, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. Small wonder many church leaders worry about biblical illiteracy, said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. "Most Americans don't know first-hand the overall story of the Bible-because they rarely pick it up," McConnell said. "Even among worship attendees, less than half read the Bible daily. The only time most Americans hear from the Bible is when someone else is reading it." Many Unfamiliar With Biblical Text Almost nine out of 10 households (87 percent) own a Bible, according to the American Bible Society, and the average household has three. But Bible reading remains spotty. LifeWay Research surveyed 1,000 Americans about their views of the Bible and found significant splits in how familiar they are with the Christian Scripture. One in five Americans, LifeWay Research found, has read through the Bible at least once. That includes 11 percent who've read the entire Bible once, and 9 percent who've read it through multiple times. Another 12 percent say they have read almost all of the Bible, while 15 percent have read at least half. About half of Americans (53 percent) have read relatively little of the Bible. One in 10 has read none of it, while 13 percent have read a few sentences. Thirty percent say they have read several passages or stories. Americans also differ in how they approach reading the Bible. Twenty-two percent read a little bit each day, in a systematic approach. A third (35 percent) never pick it up at all, while 30 percent look up things in the Bible when they need to. Nineteen percent reread their favorite parts, while 17 percent flip open the Bible and read a passage at random. A quarter (27 percent) read sections suggested by others, while 16 percent say they look things up to help others. Those with evangelical beliefs are more likely (49 percent) to read a little bit each day than those without evangelical beliefs (16 percent). Protestants (36 percent) are more likely to read every day than Catholics (17 percent). The more often Americans attend church, the more likely they are to read the Bible daily. Thirty-nine percent of those who attend worship services at least once a month read a bit every day, while only 13 percent of those who attend services less than once month pick up a Bible daily. Men are more likely to skip Bible reading than women. Thirty-nine percent of men say they do not read the Bible on their own, compared to 31 percent of women. Folks in the Northeast (48 percent) are more likely to never pick up a Bible than those from other regions. Bible seen as good for morals Overall, Americans have a positive view of the Bible. Thirty-seven percent say it is helpful today, while a similar number call it life-changing (35 percent) or true (36 percent). Half (52 percent) say the Bible is a good source for morals. Few say the Bible is outdated (14 percent), harmful (7 percent) or bigoted (8 percent). Americans are split over the nature of the Bible as a book. Four in 10 say it's a book worth reading over and over, while 13 percent say it's worth reading once. Twenty-two percent prefer referencing the Bible on an as-needed basis. Five percent say the Bible is a book not worth reading at all, while 19 percent are not sure. A number of reasons keep Americans from reading the Bible, according to LifeWay Research. About a quarter (27 percent) say they don't prioritize it, while 15 percent don't have time. Thirteen percent say they've read it enough. Fewer say they don't read books (9 percent), don't see how the Bible relates to them (9 percent), or don't have a copy (6 percent). Ten percent disagree with what the Bible says. Overall, Americans seem to like the Bible but don't have much urgency about reading it, said McConnell. Pastors Do Their Part One place Americans are still likely to hear the Bible read is in church. And many Protestant pastors try to encourage their flocks to give the Bible a try. A LifeWay Research survey of 1,000 Protestant senior pastors found most give out free Bibles to those who need them (86 percent), include reminders about reading the Bible in their sermons (86 percent) and include Bible readings in worship services (76 percent). Two-thirds (64 percent) give out printed Bible-reading plans while 40 percent provide digital-reading plans. Half (52 percent) send out social media reminders, while 46 percent send out reminders by email and newsletters. Still, it appears people may need more than a plan when it comes to reading the Bible, McConnell said. McConnell said Americans treat reading the Bible a little bit like exercise. They know it's important and helpful, but they don't do it. The key for churches, he said, is finding ways for people to experience how reading the Bible can change their lives. "Scripture describes itself as 'living and effective,' according to the book of Hebrews," McConnell said. "Those who have a habit of reading through the Bible a little each day say they have experienced this helpful, life-changing quality. Those who approach the book differently tend to say the Bible is positive but much less personal." 
My Review of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Over the last 35 years, I have literally read hundreds of books on Bible Prophecy and End Time signs. I especially enjoy books on the Rapture, and I have read almost every Rapture-related book published. In all those years, devouring thousands of pages, and millions of words, I have not read a better book on the Rapture than, Rapture Ready...Or Not? Terry James might be physically blind, but he is spiritually sharp and well discerning beyond most authors. In "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Terry has nailed the pre-trib Rapture, and removed any doubt what so ever about the Church going through the Tribulation. With great insight and Godly discernment, Terry explains with simple, yet profound words, why and how that he has come to believe the ways he does about the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the End Times scenario. I think after reading "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" you too will believe as Terry does, and be Ready for the Rapture like never before! - Randy Thomas - Publisher / Editor - Prophecy Update For more information and or to get your copy of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" use this link: http://www.raptureready.com/terry/book35.html Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? - http://christinprophecy.org/?sermons=the-inbox-11-is-jesus-the-only-way-to-heaven
I am not really a fan of heights, but inevitably, a good handyman will find himself having to climb up on a roof. And once up on that roof, you hope there will be a number of solid ways you can easily get down. But, then you come to the realization - there was only one way you were able to get up on that roof, and therefore only one way to get down. Sure, you could try some other more drastic methods, but the truth is, there is only one way to climb up on the roof - a ladder. It is just what it is. Likewise, there is only one way to get to Heaven - Jesus Christ. And that, too, is just what it is. How can I make that claim? Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? After all, you're probably thinking that just me claiming that Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven is rather intolerant, right? After all, what about all those different beliefs other religions have? Isn't universally everybody going to make it to Heaven, or at least all the "good" people? God is all love, right? If it was just me making that claim, then you'd be right. I'm just a man. What do I know? But, I didn't originate this claim. Jesus did. Jesus' Outrageous Claim "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it... [And] not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:13-14,21). "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24). The Apostles' Outrageous Claim The Apostles - Jesus' followers who witnessed His miracles, death on the cross, and testified to His miraculous resurrection from the dead - also claimed that Jesus taught that He was the only way to get to Heaven. Peter: "Let it be known to you all, that by the name of Jesus Christ... salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:10-12). John the Baptist: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them" (John 3:36). Paul: "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all" (1 Timothy 2:3-6). John: "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life... believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:11-13). The Bible's Outrageous Claim The claims of the Bible in many, many passages reveal that: All people are born rebellious against God and hurt people with our sins. Our sins need to be forgiven, so God sent Jesus to be the world's one and only Savior. To reject Jesus means to continue to face God's wrath and just judgment in Hell. To put one's faith in Jesus means to be saved from God's judgment and to live eternally in Heaven. Our own sin separates us from God and that's what keeps us out of Heaven. But, God provided THE way for our sins to be forgiven with someone who could take the punishment on our behalf, a perfect sacrifice for an imperfect people. The Bible teaches that God sent His very own Son to come to earth as a man to die in our place, which He did on the cross. Jesus then beat death by resurrecting Himself from the dead. That God provides just one and only one way to get to Heaven shouldn't leave us upset, for He didn't have to provide any way at all. No one drowning in the ocean complains about which life preserver is thrown to rescue them. Rather, we should be praising God that He loves us that much! Your Eternal Choice So what about Jesus being the only way to Heaven? When it came to Jesus' claim that He was both God and Savior, author C.S. Lewis wrote: "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice." You, too, must make your choice, and it is an eternal one. If Jesus is indeed the world's only hope to be reconciled with God, have you grabbed hold of that lifeline? It's a free gift, but you have to accept it. To grab hold of God's promise, from your heart in faith and repentance pray: "Dear, Jesus, please forgive me of my sins, and be my Lord and Savior." The relationship with God is then restored. You are a new creation, a child of God. And when you die, He promises you will live forever with Him (John 1:12; 10:28-29). Heaven awaits you! 
Daily Jot: The shadow government advances - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com
US District Court for the Northern District of California Judge William Orrick III may be a spoke in the wheel of the ex-"president's" shadow government. Orrick Tuesday blocked President Donald Trump's executive order stopping federal funding to sanctuary cities failing to uphold US immigration law. Orrick's decision means that the federal government cannot withhold funding from cities that openly break federal law. Orrick was also the judge that blocked the release of the Planned Parenthood videos that caught representatives of the abortion provider admitting to selling baby parts. He also bundled and contributed over $230,000 to the ex-"president's campaign. The ex-"president" appointed him in May, 2013. The undermining of the law by Orrick drew a terse and immediate response from the White House. The White House statement said, "Once again, a single district judge -- this time in San Francisco -- has ignored federal immigration law to set a new immigration policy for the entire country...San Francisco, and cities like it, are putting the well-being of criminal aliens before the safety of our citizens, and those city officials who authored these policies have the blood of dead Americans on their hands." The statement, released to the press pool, also said that Orrick's decision was an "egregious overreach by a single unelected district judge" and "raises serious questions about circuit shopping." Circuit shopping is how the shadow government undermines the law. Leftist attorneys at organizations like the ACLU, CAIR and the Southern Poverty Law Center look for the judges who would be most favorable to their position and seek to put their cases before those judges. They know that the judge, usually appointed by a Democratic President, will twist the law to their favor, or ignore it completely to uphold the leftist need. Both court decisions against Trump's immigration Executive Orders have come from the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Ninth Circuit Court, the most liberal in the nation. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 as amended gives the President authority to determine if the entry of any alien or any class of aliens would be detrimental and to impose any restrictions on their entry he may deem appropriate. The intent of the law is to allow the President a wide berth on illegal aliens and how they are handled, especially when the national security is at stake. Cities that would willfully disobey the President's authority are breaking the law, irrespective of what some agent of the Marxist shadow government twists words to mean. The White House says that the higher courts will overturn these ridiculous decisions. In the meantime, however, an unelected, politically-appointed leftist judge is undermining the safety, security and general welfare of American citizens. Habakkuk 1:4 says that because strife exists and contention arises, "Therefore the law is slacked, and justice does never go forth: for the wicked does surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds." The shadow government has its wicked agents in place. They should be removed. 
Daily Devotion: God on Our Terms - Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. -Lamentations 3:22 In ancient Rome when a conquering hero returned from war, he would be riding a donkey. So when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and the multitude cried out, "Hosanna!" the significance of this was not missed by the Romans or the Jews. The Romans thought Jesus was acting as though He were a returning war hero. But the Jews saw a different meaning. The prophet Zechariah had said of the Messiah, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9). For the Jews, Jesus was saying, "I am your Messiah." And for the Romans, He was saying, "I am your king." But Jesus did not come to conquer Rome. He came to conquer sin and death. The crowd said, "'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!" (John 12:13). These people wanted to see Jesus, but they wanted Him on their own terms: Lord, we want You to be our conquering King. There are some people who say they want God in their lives, but they want Him on their terms. They essentially would say to God, "Look, God, you can come into my life. But don't tell me what to do. I'm going to do it my way. But by the way, Lord, I could use Your help in this one situation." It doesn't work that way. Who are we to stand and dictate terms to God Almighty? The Bible says, "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22). We all deserve His judgment, yet He is loving and tolerant with us. 
FROM THE HEART
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