Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Jesus, the First Born of the Dead - by Pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2020/04/jesus-first-born-of-dead.html
16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins 18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." (1st Corinthians 15:16-23) During the Passover season in the time of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the most horrific event in all of human history....It is the day when mankind turned on and murdered his Creator. But that murder is not the event that brought our redemption. Instead it sealed our guilt. His blood would have meant nothing, if Jesus had died and that was it. If Jesus had remained in the grave, we would still be in our sins, and mankind would have no hope for eternal life. 1 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" 1st Corinthians 15:1-4) Reading down in this chapter, Paul makes the case that Jesus arose so when He comes, those in Christ will rise as well. 12 "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. (1st Corinthians 15:12-17) The crucifixion of Jesus and His burial was supposed to be the end of the story, at least that is what Satan thought and what he intended. But the fleeting victory of Satan, became his greatest defeat. 6 "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (1st Corinthians 2:6-8) The death of our Lord Jesus was the greatest temporary victory for the prince and power of the air, Satan the devil, but became his greatest defeat because Jesus came out of the grave. NO PROOF OF A RESURRECTION? A few years back, then-Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey published a book entitled, "Jesus 2000" in which the Archbishop argued it wouldn't matter if that was where the story ends or not. "Unlike the birth of Christ and the crucifixion," he says, "Christians cannot know with the same certainty that He was resurrected. . I can tell you frankly that while we can be absolutely sure that Jesus lived and that He was crucified on the Cross, we cannot know that He was raised by God from the dead." Are you shocked that a Anglican priest would say such a thing, that he could not know for sure, if Jesus was actually resurrected? Was he right? Is the Resurrection unknowable, apart from blind faith? Was Jesus a man Who, in the words of secular historian Josephus, 'did many amazing works' before being judged a political criminal and executed by Crucifixion, but wasn't literally resurrected? We have no problem believing that Socrates, or Plato, or even George Washington and Abraham Lincoln who lived and died were real historical figures, but when it comes to Jesus, there is a huge amount of historical evidence that there was actually a historical Jesus raised from the dead. . But then again, is it possible that Jesus was just a wise man, a good teacher, or as the Koran claims, even a prophet? Was the Resurrection just a legend tacked on by His followers to deceive the world? Sometime in everybody life, they have a twinge of doubt, at least before they were saved, if you be honest with yourself, at some point. You might have wondered is it even possible that guys like this Archbishop Carey might be right? Let's examine that for a little bit here and see if the Resurrection , if not an outright hoax was an attempt by His disciples to shine a spotlight on the teachings of Jesus after His shocking and early death? To observant Jews is to revere the works of past sages and the great Rabbis of history, but is it possible to be a Christian and question whether Jesus was actually raised form the dead? If Jesus lived, died and was not resurrected, would His death be enough to secure our redemption? The answer is a resounding, NO....it is not. By His resurrection His blood and His flesh were the supreme sacrifice that saved us...and His resurrection was our guarantee of future glory and the same as He received. Archbishop Carey is wrong when he says that there is no way to know with certainty that He was resurrected. And it makes a BIG difference. "And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain." (1st Corinthians 15:14) By Paul's own admission, if Christ is not raise, our faith is worthless and in vain. Jesus paid a terrible price for the purchase of our sins by His own shed blood, because without blood there is no remission of sins. 19 "For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:19-28) But every man who has ever lived will die, but if Jesus Christ has not been raised from death, according to Paul, our faith is in vain. Our faith is not only in power of His shed blood, but that He lived and died and was raised to life: JESUS, THE GREATEST LIFE THAT EVER LIVED. There is nothing special about a man dying...we all die. There is nothing special about death. The fact that Jesus died on the Cross means, first and foremost, that Jesus was fully man. He lived an extraordinary life. But He died, which is the epitome of ordinary. But that is where it stops....Jesus was more than just a man...He was God in the Flesh....the perfect mirror image of God the Father in a fleshly tabernacle. When Jesus died, Satan and the hounds of hell rejoiced because they felt they had won. They had defeated the Son of God, reduced Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, to the status of an ordinary human being. So if this Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey is right, then the greatest story every told on this earth, should have ended at the grave. And since the two greatest earthly authorities in Judea in the Roman occupation and the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Pharisees wanted it that way, it should have ended there, but it didn't!! The Sanhedrin controlled every aspect of Jewish religious life, while the Romans controlled every aspect of secular life. It was in both of their interest to rid this "Jesus Movement" that the Jewish authorities hated so much, and the Roman Governor found at that time, Pontius Pilate had to prevent a rebellion. They both had to insist that Jesus die on Calvary and bury their problems once and for all. The death of this Jewish Rabbi called Jesus the Christ, was the biggest political event in their lives at the time. Everyone knew about it. People talked about it, reasoned about, and mourned about it for a long while. As a consequence, precautions were taken with the trial, crucifixion, burial, entombment, sealing, and guarding of Christ's tomb that the circumstances would be well publicized throughout the Jewish community. Pilate and the Sanhedrin made sure that the tomb was secured with a Roman seal that could not be broken on pain of death by crucifixion. The Apostles had proven themselves no heroes as they had all scattered when Jesus was arrested and went into hiding...Peter had denied his Lord three times, so he sure was not going to lead a guerrilla band to capture and move the body of Jesus. It is totally unthinkable that any of them would dare break that seal and perpetuate a hoax by removing the body of Jesus secretly by night... When Jesus arose from the dead and the women came to the tomb, the tomb had been covered with a 2.5 ton boulder that they knew they could not move. So how was the Apostles to steal a body away without making so much noise, that even if the Roman soldiers would have to had been asleep (which is unlikely, as it brought them certain death if they failed in their duty) it would have not have been possible. But here was the open tomb the women discovered. Jesus had long left a closed up tomb, right through the walls. The stone was rolled back to allow humans to see inside, but Jesus was already gone. And an angel sitting on the top of the rolled back stone asking the women: 2 "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as deadmen. 5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:2-6) When the Apostle hurried to the tomb after the women reported it to them, they found the empty tomb, the disciples didn't fan out to the far reaches of the Empire with their story. They went straight back to Jerusalem. If their claim was false, it would be the last place to try and preach it. If the report had not been true, then the story would not have lasted but maybe a day or two, but the empty tomb was an established fact and the whole city was in astonishment. In addition to the claims of the Apostles, both Romans and Jewish records of antiquity admit that an empty tomb was indeed found and that Jesus was no where to be found. They had to make up a story fast that survives to this day. They paid the soldiers off to say that the disciples of Jesus had stolen Him away. With what we just discussed, logically, how was that possible? Would you mess with a Roman soldier holding a sword who had no problem killing you for trying to retrieve the Body of Jesus from a tomb? Let alone the size of this boulder that covered the opening? Not hardly. People could come and see it was empty for themselves. They could see the stone that had been rolled back. I"m sure many of those who mourned the death of their Messiah, came and saw the tomb, and the stone rolled back. I'm sure many came who were highly skeptical, as were the Jewish authorities. But according to the historical record that were so hostile to the events, it gives even a greater weight to the evidence. Inside the tomb, all who came and looked inside, saw the grave clothes that beared the resemblance of where a body had laid. If Jesus had been emtombed alive and somehow escaped, why were the grave clothes still lying as they were around a man, but no form was inside? It eliminated that conspiracy theory to those who came to look. It also eliminated the theory that the body had been stolen, because the grave clothes would have had to be unwrapped. But here they lay as if the contents had suddenly disappeared and vanished. What was more obvious to the those who came was the burial napkin that wrapped our Lord's head. It was lying neatly folded at the head of the platform, where His head would have been. The burial napkin sent a message all on its own. In local custom, when the master of the house finished a meal, he would wad up his napkin and throw it on the plate, signaling to his household staff that the meal was over. If instead, he was excusing himself for some other reason before finishing, he would fold his napkin neatly and lay it beside the plate, signaling to his household staff that "I am coming back." OH, Yes, He is... THE APOSTLES BEGIN TO PREACH JESUS FEARLESSLY After the events that transpired of the many people who saw our Lord alive, into the thousands during the 40 days before His ascension back to the right hand of the Majesty on High, the apostles preached Jesus fearlessly, and without worrying about what the Jewish authorities, the Romans, or the people thought. For preaching a resurrected Jesus was social suicide. They were disowned by their families, their friends and all who were disbelieving, because of their faith. They were arrested, imprisoned, and ultimately given the choice to recant their beliefs, or face a slow painful death by whatever means the authorities could dream up for an execution. All they had to do was admit they had made the whole story up. The Apostle Peter, this uneducated, brusk of words fisherman became a spiritual powerhouse. He who denied our Lord three times, became the leader of the 12 apostles, preaching Jesus Christ, Him crucified and raised from the dead without thought of their own safety: 16 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" (2nd Peter 1:16-19) Think with me here for a minute. If they knew that their preaching was a lie, and in vain, why did they throw their lives away for a lie? If you had been with them and saw what they saw and been in their shoes, saw the Master heal the sick, give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, raise the dead, and walk on water, what would you have done if you had witnessed what they witnessed? And then you saw Him ascend into heaven and He promised you no matter what happens, heaven awaits and He would be with you till the end of this Age. 18 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. " (Matthew 28:18-20) Then along comes some despot and says, "if you don't deny what you heard, saw, and experienced, we will send you to Heaven right now!" So, you KNOW that Jesus did all those things and that He is God. OR -- and this is the big one -- you KNOW that He did not and is not. But you were there. You KNOW. So there were the Apostles, who saw what they saw, heard what they heard and they are given a choice...what would they do? What would you do? Before you answer, since you were a witness, remember there are TWO possibilities. In the one possibility, you KNOW He is a fraud. In the other, He MUST be God. Looking from that perspective, figuring out which possibility was the right one is easy. Nobody dies to knowingly perpetuate a lie. One guy? Well, maybe he is nuts. But ALL of them? Not a chance...you don't die for a fraud. Again, Jesus Christ was executed at Golgotha in full view of thousands of witnesses. Three days later, He was resurrected bodily and over the course of the next forty days seen alive by thousands more witnesses. The story of His resurrection was unchallenged by living eyewitnesses, and so profoundly changed them that Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee who despised Christ and persecuted His followers, became the Apostle Paul, the greatest witness to the truth of the Resurrected Jesus. 8 "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (1st Timothy 1:8-12) THE COMING AGE OF LAWLESSNESS I know I speak of this time a lot, but it is that important. For it is a time I would not wish on my worst enemy. There is coming a time, when millions of people will suddenly vanish from the face of this earth, and you'll remember my words. If you are so unfortunate to be reading these words and that event has taken place and you are frightened, confused, but remember when you sat in a pew in your local church and this "Jesus stuff" just didn't interest you at the time.... You will remember and your head will fall into your hands or falling to your knees. Yes, my friend, you just missed the most important event ever to happen in all of human history next to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Looking back, and you wonder why almost 2000 years ago, brave men of faith, of courage, and conviction all went to their death, save one found in the Apostle John, not for a lie, not for a fraud, but for the risen Son of God. Some scoff at what the Bible professes and the Holy Spirit had men who were moved to write what they heard and saw, but for a witness of the Lord of Glory standing before them, in His glorious changed body of flesh and bone. Seeing His nailed scarred hands, and His pierced side and though at first doubting, the realization crashed in on their minds, that Jesus IS GOD....He had risen. JESUS, THE FIRST BORN OF THE DEAD RETURNS But Jesus promised that He would come back and take His Bride home to be with Him, forever. " Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:1-4) And that promise is just over the horizon, when in Revelation 19, the Lord makes good on that promise... "6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." (Revelation 19:6-9) Notice that the sign of the saints in v. 8? Arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.....We go to meet our Lord in the air at the rapture, and so shall we ever be with the Lord..we will enjoy and praise the risen Lord God, our Messiah, our King, for 7 years, as we receive rewards for service upon this earth in His Name, as Paul so eloquently wrote about in 1st Corinthians: "10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1st Corinthians 3: 10-15) To even be at the feet of Jesus, praising and giving Him glory, is reward enough for this simple preacher, but God has stated those who lay on the foundation which is Himself, Jesus Christ, will receive a reward, crowns of righteousness and other crowns for service and becoming Kings and Priest to our God and we shall reign with Him: "5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." (Revelation 1:5-7) And God gives John the promise of we, the children of the Most High will reign with Jesus for a 1000 years on this earth. 8 "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:8-13) Jesus will come back at His second coming to reign and rule for a 1000 years, and we will come with Him, the saints of the Most High...How do I know? Because in the preceding portion of the chapter, it gives the sign of the saints, "Linen, white and clean"...and the armies of heaven come back with Him and watch as He makes quick work of destroying all rebellion upon this earth. "11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords."(Revelation 19:11:16) So comes our Risen Lord God, our King in the flesh and we come with Him, and God wants all of the world to be saved. God is not willing that any should 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) As I have been watching a brother in Christ, speak of what this so called "Plannedemic" I didn't say pandemic, but a planned event of the Corona Virus, will possibly lead to the soon return of our Lord Jesus to claim what is His, meaning those He has bought with His own blood and guaranteeing our own glorification by His resurrection. Paul makes a most glorious promise from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ in Romans 8: 16 "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." (Romans 8:16-23) When you are thinking on these things, I pray you will make the choice that you could have had before the missing millions hit your news channels. Our resurrected and eternal God will soon come back for His bride...the saints of the Most High. Jesus is the only choice if you are wise and believe by faith. "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 that the world through Him, might be saved" (John 3:16-17) "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh to the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6) "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) "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) I pray you are a believer at this time, RIGHT NOW and have put your faith in Jesus. My mission in this the rest of my life, is to preach the soon coming of my Lord Jesus Christ. If I can lead someone to salvation found in Lord Jesus, or plant a seed in even one, from going through that terrible period known as the Tribulation, then my focus on prophecy and the Lord Jesus Christ soon return will not have been in vain. Have you met my Jesus? Have you believed by faith on what He did by dying, shedding His blood for you and me, and the completing what made it possible for each of us to live with Him in glory forever...He was raised to life in resurrection as First born of the dead. 14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.." (Romans 8:14-17) Don't wait...the Tribulation could come crashing down on this world very soon...It could happen tomorrow....the only chance to win Victory over this world and avoid the soon coming wrath of God, and the persecution that will envelop this whole world is to believe on what I have just told you....Make that commitment today...it's simple...Just ask Jesus to come into your heart right now...He will honor your cry of repentance and save you to the uttermost.. FOR JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD TO BE OUR SAVIOR.... History proves it and eye witness testimony confirms it. And for me, and hopefully for you, you have the witness of God's Holy Spirit residing within you that says "this is Truth". This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying your receive the Truth found in my Lord Jesus Christ...He will save you right now....If you need prayer, or more explanation of what we have discussed, or counseling, or just a listening ear. Email me at [email protected] , God bless you all, TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET Meet 'Salus' - The Pentagon's New COVID-Hotspot, Panic-Buying Predicting AI - by Tyler Durden - https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/meet-salus-pentagons-new-covid-hotspot-panic-buying-predicting-ai A new predictive technology developed by the Pentagon can anticipate product shortages could help military personnel move supplies to retailers or hospitals with geographical precision before a shortage develops during a public health crisis. The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) developed the new prototype artificial intelligence tool that predicts and addresses shortages of food, water, medicine, and other essential goods in a geographical region during crisis times. "You have to be looking a little in the future," said Nand Mulchandani, chief technical officer at the JAIC, who recently spoke with Defense One. Called Salus, the new tool combines data from the Census Bureau, Medicare, hospitals, and can forecast community spreading of a virus in a geographical region, as well as pulling data from retailers and warehouses of product inventories, and develop a predictive model of where shortages could potentially be seen, right down to specific zip codes or even stores. The military is working toward a "common view and a predictive capability to truly understand where the next problem sets are going to be and bringing to bear all of the logistical capability," said Mulchandani, who spoke with Roll Call in early April. The new tool has already been field test with communication systems of Northern Command and National Guard, which are both supporting FEMA's efforts in combating the coronavirus spread. Mulchandani told Defense One that the AI tool is flexible in determining different types of problems that could occur by altering the data that is piped in. He said Salus was first tested by determining and developing a model of where shortages of ventilators, masks, and other medical supplies could be seen. "The next question really was resource allocation like food," he said It's a given that JAIC is working on a predictive model to determine where food shortages could develop because our reporting over the last month suggests shortages could start in May. The tool gives the Pentagon and the government the ease of mind that during a public health emergency, supply disruptions could be addressed quickly and even preemptively. All in the effort to contain or completely mitigate the consequences of what disruptions can trigger, such as social unrest. Is this the rise of Skynet? Today's Last Days Fake News and Demonic EXPONENTIAL Deception, Just As Jesus Stated It Would Be (Matt. 24:1-4)! - David Pepe - https://www.theignorantfishermen.com/2020/01/todays-last-days-exponential-deception.html My dear friends, right before our Lord's crucifixion and execution, His disciples - as they looked upon Herod's Temple from the Mount of Olives - asked Jesus, "when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (Matt 24:1-3)?" The very first reply given by our Lord to His disciples was the very stern warning, "Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)! How amazing that our Lord, with ALL PERFECT understanding and perception, PERFECTLY knew; the spirit and the EXPONENTIAL power of media which would EXPONENTIALLY dominate our present Last Days world! And with that PERFECT understanding and perception warned the Last Day world, "Take heed that no man deceive you (Matt. 24:4)! Today's day; with its millions upon millions of "individual" voices shouting forth from social media, Internet news, TV programming, cable news, the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, Hollywood, Washington and the many different Christian denominations which abound (Left and Right); the spirit of deception, error, lawlessness, and godlessness sounds forth throughout the entire nation and world at EXPONENTIAL decibels! In it all, it is very very rare to hear Almighty God's Word in Satan's global demonic complex of EXPONENTIAL darkness, deception, and error (John 8:44, Eph. 2:1-2, 1 John 5:19). The RISEN Son of God's WARNING to today's inhabitants (believers and unbelievers) of the planet earth, LET NO man (individual) DECEIVE YOU! In this world, dominated and saturated in full-blown darkness, where reality, moral absolutes, and ETERNAL spiritual absolutes are despised and rejected by all walks of man-made spiritual ideologies (i.e., religion) and political ideologies (i.e., conservatives, liberals, progressives, and moderates, etc); deception is EXPONENTIALLY rampant! Today's EXPONENTIAL lawless output is EXPONENTIALLY compounded by today's highly technological advances in news, secular and social media outlets! No wonder that our Lord Jesus - right before His execution at the hands of godless Jews and Gentiles - gave this very sobering and stern warning about the last days to His disciples; BE NOT DECEIVED (Matt. 24)! Humanity - because of error, unbelief, and lawlessness - are TOTALLY deceived and enslaved by the god of this world and his minions and are indeed prisoners to his diabolical will (Eph. 2:1-2, 6:12, Heb. 2:14-15). No wonder why it is so easy to lie today in America and to be deceived and bamboozled! The masses of people are drunk with the kool-aid from the CEO of Liars and his taskmasters and because of their abandonment of REALITY, they are ever drinking in the fa3lse promises, dreams, hopes, and aspirations from the Left and... from the Right (less so). These - by the use of LAWLESSNESS are ever seeking to create a utopia in a delusional pursuit for fulfillment, peace and contentment which is leading them straight into the Day of the Lord (2 Thess. 2:8-12, Rev. 13). This "utopia" delusion NEVER can be found in this world though billions since the dawn of creation have sought to find it in vain (Eccl. 3:11, Isa. 48:22). My dear friends ONLY Almighty God possesses ALL the remedies for our dire sinful estate (John 3:16-17, Rom. 10:2-4). Only Jesus Christ has the solution for our ETERNAL future and may I say that the Left and the Right today in America are absolutely bankrupt for providing our desperate need for RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jer. 17:5). Only Almighty God can do that for a son of Adam in the Person and Work of His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:2-4, 1 John 2:2). Do you know the Savior today? My dear friend, stop following all the spiritual and immoral liars of the world today and stop deceiving yourself! Christ came to SET YOU FREE and to GIVE you ETERNAL LIFE! The choice is yours my dear friend, Demonic kool-aid (2 Cor. 4:3-4, Eph. 2:1-2, Rev. 12:9) or springs of ETERNAL Living Water (John 7:38, 8:32, 36, Rev. 22:17). May you choose LIFE! The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!! Two Great Music Videos: O Messiah Returns, v2 Yeshua Returns to Israel The Most Important Thing to Share - Nathele Graham - [email protected] Sharing is a basic truth of life. We share family stories with our children or we share secrets with friends. Unfortunately, the most important thing to share is the one we seldom share...the Gospel. As a Christian, your life needs to be a reflection of Christ so there should be no doubt in anybody's mind whether or not you're a Christian. Are you ashamed to let people around you know of your faith? Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and share the Gospel. "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15. Are you a disciple? Do you follow Christ? Then He's talking to you. This doesn't mean you have to go to a strange land to share your faith. You can share it with your neighbors, family, and friends. People around us may seem nice, generous, and have high moral standards. Those traits won't bring them eternal life. Everyone has a sin nature and that is what separates us all from God. Even nice people usually don't see anything wrong with "one-night stands" or other sins that are acceptable by human standards. Only the blood of Jesus can take our sin away. We have to repent of sin, that means to change our mind about it, and truly believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We need to look to our own life and judge it by Biblical standards, then lovingly share the Gospel with others. If nobody tells others about sin and how it separates us from God, how will they be able to repent and accept Jesus for salvation? God doesn't send anyone to Hell. It's a choice we make whether to accept His free gift of salvation or reject it that sends a person to Hell. As Christians, we need to stop being ashamed of Christ and speak up for our Lord and Saviour. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16. The word "power" comes from the Greek word "dynamis", which is a very strong type of power. After all, it's the "power of God unto salvation". It's not your own power, but the power of God. So, don't be ashamed to share the Gospel. You just might be the one who says the right words in order to bring another person to salvation. Why is it so difficult to speak up for Jesus? Somehow the world around us has made Christians feel uneasy about speaking out for Christ. So often I am offended by the messages on t-shirts, bumper stickers, and vulgar language, but that vulgarity seems to be acceptable in society. There was a time not so long ago when such public displays of vulgarity would be shunned and looked down upon, but today it's accepted and called freedom of speech, although my freedom to speak of Jesus is being systematically silenced. What has changed in our society to make it acceptable to be vulgar? Christians are allowing it to happen. Sadly, there are even some Christians who see nothing wrong with putting forth a worldly message rather than being uncompromising as they stand upon the Gospel. We whisper among ourselves how sad it is that the few who find it offensive to say things like "Merry Christmas" have been able to silence the majority of us who aren't offended, yet we whisper in secret rather than speak out. Christianity is not something that should be kept secret and it needs to be shared. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:14-15. How will anyone come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour if nobody tells them? Brothers and sisters, it's time to speak out. We must speak with love, but we need to stop compromising God's truth because we might offend someone. Our silence stops us from sharing the Gospel. Attempts to silence the Gospel began at the very beginning of Christianity. Jesus was crucified in an attempt to silence the Good News. Later, we read that Peter and other apostles were publicly teaching about Jesus "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women." Acts 5:14. This offended the high priest, who had them arrested. God had other plans and displayed His power. "But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." Acts 5:19-20. These same instructions need to be followed today. We need to publicly speak of Jesus. If we don't, who will? The Apostles were not ashamed of Jesus and followed the angel's instructions. They were arrested again and brought before the high priest. This was one of Peter's shining moments. He wasn't intimidated by those in authority who wanted to silence the spread of the Gospel. "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." Acts 5:29-32. The word "dei" is translated "ought" and speaks of necessity. Can you imagine what a difference you could make in the life of a co-worker or a neighbor if you found it necessary to speak up for Christ? Like Peter said, we ought to (or rather, it is necessary to) obey God rather than men. Today, even pastors seem to be ashamed of Christ. How can that be? Shouldn't they be the leaders and examples of sharing the Gospel? It astonishes me that military "chaplains" or hospice "chaplains" have been silenced in sharing the Gospel. Really? That astonishes me. The Cambridge dictionary defines chaplain as "A Christian official who is responsible for the religious needs of an organization". Yet, these "chaplains" are easily silenced and barred from sharing the Gospel with people who may lose their lives on the battlefield or to disease. The cross on which Jesus was crucified stood between two criminals. "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss." Luke 23:39-40. All three men faced death, but only Jesus was innocent. At the end of his life, one of those criminals found salvation. "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Luke 23:42. Is it ever too late to accept the forgiveness that only comes from Jesus? Only after death is it too late. The decision has to be made in this life and a Christian who's too ashamed to speak of salvation through Jesus to someone who is facing death, or allows himself or herself to be silenced, denies their own faith. "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43. Think about it next time you keep silent rather than speaking the truth of God to someone who needs to hear. The person you declined to witness to may face death from a car accident or heart attack before they hear the Gospel. There's no sin which God will not forgive, but each of us has to ask for His forgiveness. Like Peter, you ought to find it necessary to speak to others about Jesus before it's too late. I would love to tell you that I always speak up for my Lord. I don't. Two incidents really stand out to me. My husband wasn't a Christian when we got married. He was a great guy, one of those loving and generous people who you'd think was a Christian. I talked to him about Jesus and I prayed. One day he had been fishing with a friend who was a Christian. Elvin said the right words and Ron repented and came to know Jesus. From that day forward, Ron lived his faith. The other person that stands out is my father. I never talked to him about Jesus. I just assumed he was a Christian. When my father died it hit me hard that I hadn't shared the Gospel with him. The night he died I wrote my feelings on a slip of paper. WHY DIDN'T I TELL YOU? - By Nathele Graham I knew that, like me, you were a sinner in need of Grace. Why didn't I tell you? I knew that sin, no matter how small, cannot enter Heaven. Why didn't I tell you? I knew that you were searching, in need of peace. Why didn't I tell you? I knew that eternity is forever. Why didn't I tell you? I knew that we can choose where we spend eternity. Why didn't I tell you? I knew that all roads do not lead to Heaven. Why didn't I tell you? I knew that if there was any other way of Salvation, Jesus wouldn't have had to die on the cross. Why didn't I tell you? I knew that Jesus chose to die on the cross for me....and you. Why didn't I tell you? I knew that you had to accept that free gift which God gave us in order to be saved. Why didn't I tell you? But now I don't know where you are. I was going to tell you tomorrow, but there are no more tomorrows for you. Where are you? Did somebody else tell you? Oh, dear God, forgive me. Later, Ron told me that he had spoken to my father about Jesus and believed he was saved. A few years later, Ron died. My grief is still hard to bear, but I have absolutely no doubt that he is with Jesus today. Why didn't I share the Gospel with my father? For the same reason many Christians don't share. We assume there will always be time or we just don't know how to bring it up. How about you? Have you told others about Jesus? We never know when death will come and tomorrow may be too late to share the Gospel. Today there's a virus that has taken many lives, and could take many more. I wonder how many of them had heard the Gospel. Have you shared the Gospel with your family and friends? Don't wait. The Gospel is the most important thing we have to share. 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. Daily Jot: Socially acceptable hatemongering - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com It was the liberal left that wanted all hate speech banned, yet they demonstrate hate on a daily basis. Over just the past two days, here is some of what people are saying about those with whom they disagree: Rutgers Associate Professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Brittney Cooper, "F**K each and every Trump Supporter." Hollywood Filmmaker Rob Reiner, "For 3+ years, there's been a cancer on this Presidency. But this cancer has spread throughout America." On Vice President Mike Pence not wearing a mask while visiting Mayo Clinic, actress Kristen Johnston sarcastically tweeted: "Jesus is his vaccine." Filmmaker Judd Apatow tweeted: "If they do not lose in a landslide our country has lost its mind." Former Obama administration deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes said, "No terrorist could ever kill 50,000 Americans. It's impossible, right?... with Trump it's almost like this ghoulish numbers game in an effort to make sure someone looks good or bad." House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY): "The president is trying to impose artificial politically motivated deadlines so that the economy can look good before the third quarter for the election, but if that happens, we'll simply get a lot - thousands and thousands of more people dead, and we can't do that." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), "I have ice cream in my freezer. I guess that's better than having Lysol in somebody's lungs as he [Trump] is suggesting." Drexel University professor Robert Zaller, "We are fighting not one plague now, but two...[Trump] has been responsible for 90 percent of Coronavirus deaths in the country, he will surely cause many more." New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, "My message to the Jewish community, and all communities, is this simple: the time for warnings has passed. I have instructed the NYPD to proceed immediately to summons or even arrest those who gather in large groups." MSNBC, anchor Nicolle Wallace: ""So the president and vice president have really revealed themselves as this wacky combination of conspiracy theorists, quack medical proponents and truthers." And finally, this tweet from Comedian Billy Eichner referring to Trump supporters and conservatives: "I hate these people. Hate. HATE!!!!!!!!!" These quotes are just in the past two days. In the context of each vile criticism, not one, I'll write that again, NOT ONE suggestion on how to make things better. Just tearing people down with hateful and spiteful words. Some hate-filled person says it. A hate-filled media person reports it, then it lodges in some hate-filled heart. As 2 Timothy 2:16 says, "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as does a canker." This is not how we come together as a nation to defeat a deadly threat. Remember who you are and who you serve that you might be that light in the darkness of these perilous times. Daily Devotion: From Spiritual Death to Life - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. -Romans 6:4 A pastor was baptizing a man who had lived a rather wicked life. The man told him, "Pastor, hold me down a long time. I have a lot to bury." Baptism is a symbol of the end of the old you and the beginning of the new you. It's an outward showing of an inward doing, because regeneration takes place when we believe in Jesus. The Bible tells us, "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4 NKJV). By the way, there is God's part and our part. God sanctifies us. The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church, "May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKJV). But then we need to cooperate with God. Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV). Notice that Paul didn't say, "Work for your salvation." That's impossible, because salvation is a gift of God. Rather, live it out. Experience it. Our salvation should affect us in our day-to-day choices. Salvation is coming to Christ; sanctification is growing in Christ. Salvation happens in a moment, bringing a sinner from spiritual death to life; sanctification is an ongoing process. Salvation is being forgiven of the past; sanctification is breaking free from the power of sin. This is something God does in our lives, and it never stops until we get to Heaven. 
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 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 
|
|