Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Perilous Times Shall Come? They Are Here! - by Pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2020/05/perilous-times-shall-come-they-are-here.html
1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2nd Timothy 3:1-7) As the apostle Paul warned, some 1960 years or so ago, in the last days, the end of this age, we would see perilous times. A time when men would grow exponentially more evil in their practices than in any other time before. Now men have always been sinners, but the expression of evil that has entered into our times, is unprecedented. When combined with Paul's thought in verse 13 of 2nd Timothy, ("But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.") the Greek grammar gives the sense of conditions or expressions of human nature that ebb and flow like waves of the sea rather than a constant state of affairs. However, when combined with the idea of things growing "worse and worse" and Jesus' comments about the day's of Noah, we can understand the situation will be especially intense in our time. In addition, Paul did not intend us to suppose that everyone would express all of these traits all the time. Rather, all of them would indeed exist in each person since he is describing the elements of every human's deceitful heart, but the intensity of their expression would vary from person to person. PROPHECY BEING FULFILLED IN OUR DAYS But can anyone say that the above scriptures have not been fulfilled? It seems we are seeing these prophecy warnings in ever-greater frequency, as people seem to have less and less compunction about terrorizing and taking the lives of their fellow human beings. Under the grip of a merciless narcissism, many are losing their humanity. Take a look around the world we live in. Let's start with the evil in the Middle East with Islamic terrorist history in the likes of ISIS that spread from Iraq to Libya and they inflicted a swath of rape, death, and destruction in their march to install a caliphate with its Sharia Law into all parts of the land. In western Europe, migrants from these lands have invaded their countries where the God of the Bible has all but been relegated to the trash can of human depravity. In its place they have been flooded with "immigrants" who commit evil acts against a people who used to enjoy freedoms that we have enjoyed in our own land. The news is awash with the deeds of Middle Eastern and African Muslims who have all but raped the country into terror for their very lives. In Communist Russia, the bear has come awake from it's Soviet Socialist days and has flexed its muscles militarily that took over Crimea and the whole of Ukraine without so much as a response from western countries, except in verbal protest. They have moved into Syria and supported the evil regime of Assad and have alliances with Turkey and Iran that has never before been seen in all of human history, as they have been natural enemies prior to our time. Each have filled the void that was left by a withdrawal of American troops from Iraq by the so called past POTUS, (in name only) and have set up military bases that are now a permanent structure in the life of Syrians and threaten the surrounding areas with bombings and chemical warfare. The whole of Syria is a devastation with a homeless population that struggles to stay alive. In Israel, the center of God's universe, the Jewish people have been demonized since the creation of their nation in 1948. The UN which is dominated by Arab countries that hate Israel since Isaac and Ishmael were born, have attempted to create a situation where the land of Israel will be pulled back to pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem divided. Christians, even in American have sided with the Palestinians against Israel and directly bring judgment on them by their un-Biblical stance against God's chosen. Israel is surrounded on all sides by those who hate her, and now they have a big dog in their corner, Putin's Russia. It's only a matter of time when another prophecy is fulfilled discussed further down. Looking across the big pond of the Atlantic, we see death and destruction coming to America in the form of terrorist attacks, noted by Black Lives Matters domestic terrorist group killing law enforcement officers, lawlessness in our streets, corruption on a national scale, and an economy that teeters on the brink of collapse now due to the Coronavirus. We saw the Democratic political party who nominated a known criminal and her family, who has more scandals to her credit than Carter has Liver Pills. Islamic terrorist have made multiple attacks on our citizens that fill our news outlets and more are surely planned as the past "idiot in chief" brought unvetted Syrian refugees and settled them in most of the 48 continental USA states without assurances they are not ISIS fighters embedded in those settled in our country. And to make it even worse, it was reported that a past candidate for the Democratic party (you know who she was) planned to increase the amount by 500% without taking precautions to insure that the American people are protected from these same terrorist infiltrators. To me, that was insanity. If you be a Conservative and thinking for yourself, and not a "godless" liberal thinker who embraces a blended population without borders and where lawlessness abounds, then you can rightly say, as I do, the world has gone totally mad. Insanity does indeed abound and love for others have grown cold. Even with the terrible deeds that have been perpetrated on an unsuspecting public, here and abroad, the problem will grow exponentially worse, far worse in the near future. If Trump looses the next election, then we are ripe for socialism and the loss of all our freedoms our forefathers fought and died for. Right now we see character and political symptoms that as bad as they are happening, but they are only a precursor of the evil that will raise its ugly head when "Hell will be loosed on this earth" during the coming prophesied Tribulation and the Great Tribulation comprising seven years of unrestrained evil. As a people, the world's population is bumping right up next to the end of this age. The signs of the end of man's rule on this planet are shouting loud and clear. I know that I keep bringing the subject up, and the reason being, the drumbeats of that beginning of a time so horrible become louder and louder, with more intensity. Just look at the symptoms that are screaming at every man, woman and child on this planet. Why do I say that? Remember that the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 will bring to light, in my opinion, the rise of the Anti-Christ, as a peace maker between Israel and the surrounding nations. A so called "peace treaty" that is confirmed with the "many" will attempt to prevent another onslaught of complete annihilation of the coming Anti-Christ and his army of demonically inspired reprobates. Not withstanding all the turmoil we see all over the world with the Muslim invasion of democratic countries, but focusing in on what is forming in the Middle East right now that is the precursor of that prophetic event. Russia has formed an alliance with Iran, which has been their proxy in the region for years. The Russian bear has set up military bases and airfields, along with intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of nuclear weapons on Israel's doorstep. One false move on either party could bring all out war between Israel and it's Islamic neighbors. I believe there will be an early attempt by fulfilling Psalm 83, but Israel will be victorious in that fight with God's help. Coming not too long on the heels of this victory by Israel, Russia will think an evil thought, or should I say Putin will. 2"Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: 4And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company withbucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. 7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. 8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. 9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. 10Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: 11And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates," (Ezekiel 38:2-11) Thus will the time that will usher in a battle so feriocious that 5/6 of this invading army will die on the mountains of Israel and the "plague" will follow them back to their home country. This will happen at the Hands of Almighty God when He passes judgment and His fierce anger is taken out on the nations that dare come against His people or His land. I believe this whole scenario will be after the coming of our Lord and Savior to take His church out of this world, so that the Anti-Christ will be revealed..."evil incarnate". "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And THEN (my emphasis) shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders," (2nd Thessalonians 2:7-9)... The reference in the previous verses point to the only possible Power that is holding back rampant evil on this planet, unabated, and without limits. This Power is the Holy Spirit, and He lives in every born again believer. If our Comforter, our Counselor, and our Advocate is taken out of this world, then so are the vessels He indwells spiritually. But up to that point, before this explosive war comes to pass, and the Anti-Christ is finally revealed, the world will be going about living their life as normal as possible...It is the time we live in right now. Don't mistake me, when I say the Holy Spirit is being removed. God's Spirit is being drawn back to Pre-Pentecostal times and giving full sway to the evil that is lurking in the shadows to come out fully into the light. People will still be saved in this time for the efforts of the 144, 000 Jewish evangelist who speak to the world, along with God's two witnesses and many will be saved, but will not be sealed as the Church was, but must guard their salvation at all times, to prevent their crowns from being stolen and succumbing to the Beast power taking the mark of the beast. JUST BEFORE THE TRIBULATION BEGINS Jesus said, that as it was in the days of Noah, people would be going about their usual patterns in life. Those patterns have grown more and more evil with passing time. 37 "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:37-39) Evil men were doing then, just as they are doing now, without even thinking that their time on earth was soon to be cut short. What was Jesus referring to, when He made this astonishing prophecy that will play out, I feel, in the not too distant future? He was referring to the time of Tribulation, and the Great Tribulation that would see the rise of the Anti-Christ. See, I believe the man is alive, right now and just waiting for the moment to reveal himself to the world as a charismatic "peace maker". This man, the Anti-Christ is called the "lawless one". The horrific results of Ezekiel 38-39 will, in my humble opinion, set the stage for someone to come forward with a peace treaty that scripture says will be for 7 years. "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2:9-12) The man will be glorified, heaped praise upon, and will bring a false sense of security and safety that has finally come to that region of the Middle East and the rest of the world. He will speak great and inspiring words for those who will hang on his every word, labeling him as the "messiah" a bringer of peace. To Israel, he will be a "political messiah" who brings temporarily, what they have longed for since they were a nation again in May 1948, peace and security. He will offer them what they have longed for and allow them to rebuild their temple, possibly on the temple mount. They will be blinded by the true intentions of the evil tyrant until he enters the temple proclaiming himself "a god" and they will know they have made a pact of evil with the devil. "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." (Daniel 7:25) The coming Lawless One will attempt to wipe out the Jewish race and all who proclaim Jesus as Savior. He will wear them out by hunting them down for extermination. These are the Tribulation saints who must guard their salvation as precious as gold. The man will proclaim peace, when there is no peace, as was spoken of in similar times by the prophet Jeremiah: "They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, `Peace, peace,' But there is no peace." (Jeremiah 6:14) So begins the most evil time that has ever come upon the earth. We think the times are evil now, but my friend, "you ain't seen nothing yet." I pray, that those reading this never see what I am describing. "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. . . .(dropping down) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:6-11, 15-17) MARK OF THE BEAST, EVIL FROM SATAN HIMSELF Those of us who call Jesus, Lord of our life and have believed in His death and resurrection as God incarnate, need not worry about what is to come during this time where the world is thrown into the coming Tribulation. This part of this message is for the so unfortunate unbeliever that is doomed to live through the time we call the "tribulation". If you should be reading this and the world is in chaos as millions of people have vanished, and a powerful leader has deemed it necessary to take a "mark" in your forehead or your right hand to continue some form of normal life in a one world economy then you must understand one thing. What is this mark? 16 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six." (Revelation 13:16-18) Those who take this mark, by scripture we read that they are doomed to a Devil's hell for all eternity. 9 "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." (Revelation 14:9-11) Some ask if you can take the "mark of the beast" unwittingly and will not be counted as in rebellion against God. The answer in my opinion, is "NO". As it was in the Roman times, each citizen had to burn incense to a statue of Caesar once a year and proclaim Caesar as a god and worship before that statue. So will it be here. Each of those who take the mark, will make a conscious decision to proclaim the Anti-Christ as a "god" in the flesh and will worship him or be unable to buy or sell, and will be subject to pain of death if they do not pledge allegiance and worship the Beast Power found in the Anti-Christ. The false prophet will set up a golden image of the "beast" and demand worship of it....Some have suggested that the one world religion will use computer technology that will be broadcast over all the airwaves of the world and ability to monitor those who worship and those who do not. In times past, this was not possible, but with technology advanced as it is, every man, woman and child will be monitored electronically for compliance. ARE YOU READY FOR THE GREATEST EVIL ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH? Our Lord and Savior spoke of a time when the world will be living their lives as usual. Right now, things are pretty messed up and the world is in upheaval...things will have to settle down for the coming glorious appearance of our soon coming King to come in the clouds and cry, come up hither"....what did Jesus say? 36 "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:36-39) What could settle down the chaos this world is experiencing right now due to this "Hyped" Coronavirus?. Could it be a vaccine that gives each of those who accept it and have a traceable tattoo on the right arm so they can return to some form of "normalcy" again? Men and women will be living their lives and be completely blind-sided with the coming event that is just out of site....the coming of our Lord Jesus for His Bride comprised of the True Church of the Living God. Suddenly, the world is thrown upside down and chaos is the rule of the day. People searching for loved ones, their children, women who are pregnant suddenly without the child residing in their bodies, and destruction all over the world of unexplained accidents ie. Car crashes with no drivers, trains derailing without an engineer, planes falling from the sky because it has no pilot.....where there can be an accident, you can be sure it will happen. Know that God has NEVER in all of the pages of your Bible subjected His people, His chosen saints that have made that decision for Jesus Christ and Him crucified and resurrected, now sitting at God the Fathers right hand to the wrath and righteous indignation that will rain down on a rebellious world. Even in Lot's day, the angels could NOT destroy Sodom and Gomorrah until they were safely out of harms way. 15 "And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. 16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city." (Genesis 19:15-16) I don't know about you, but if I read any of this and read what is going on in the world that is growing darker and darker with each passing day, I would be in deep depression if I didn't have the blessed Hope that will keep me from this hour of total evil. I read about the suicide rate rising exponentially in the world of people who can't handle what is coming upon the earth, so they end their life out of depression and despondency because they have no HOPE. Who is that blessed 'HOPE" I speak of? 11 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14) In this time of great evil that coming upon this world, we proclaim One Name that will save us from the evil to come. His Name, is Jesus Christ...Yeshua...I AM that I AM...Jehovah...God of the Bible. Evil will abound in this period of man's history and many will die. The Bible talks of nearly 80% of the world's population meeting an untimely death, either by divine retribution or at the a hands of evil men. Can you imagination in your wildest nightmare, seeing almost 6 billion people dying all over this planet in seven short years? There won't be enough surviving to bury the dead, even though they may try. Dead bodies will litter the ground. Wild animals will come out of the woods and hiding to devour those bodies left without burial and OH THE SMELL....the smell of death will permeate the entire planet from humans, sea creatures and animals. ..God's wrath will double down on a rebellious mankind during this period. If you are so foolish or unfortunate to not take the free gift of salvation offered to you by the grace of God, then you will experience that wrath of God first hand, up close and personal. But Jesus made us a promise that those who belong to Him, as His followers, washed in His precious blood, can have assurance of redemption from what is to come. 10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." (Revelation 3:10-11) 9"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." (1st Thessalonians 5:9-11) And the salvation message that saves you from the wrath to come and the evil that will be exponential in this horrific time to come. " For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. " (John 3:16-18) We are all sinners and can't approach a Holy God, but God sent His Son: 8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Romans 5:8-9) Evil is rampant in the world. Evil will only grow worse, but our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord will find us ready for Him when He comes for His church, before this dire time called the Tribulation comes into existence. Don't wait another moment...ask Jesus into your heart and repent of your sins, right now...call out to Him, and ask for His forgiveness. You do that with a humble and contrite heart knowing that without Him, you will die for all eternity...not just physically, but spiritually for all eternity. And our Great God and Savior will honor your plea and see your humble heart and come into your heart as you open your life to Him...Remember, don't wait...evil grows in this last days to overcome those who wait. Perilous times aren't future, they are with us now. 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) This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying for your eternal salvation today. 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 Rise of Altered Mindset - By Terry James - https://www.raptureready.com/2020/05/06/rise-of-altered-mindset-by-terry-james/ Our nation and the nations of the world have throughout recent history been on a collective course of anti-God thinking. It seems they've arrived at the same time at the destination to which such a course couldn't do other than lead. The COVID-19 or coronavirus is but the vehicle that has brought us swiftly to the end of this journey into madness. Every national governing body and the people they either rule with authoritarian dictatorship or govern democratically are bound tightly by an entity so infinitesimal as to require a microscope to detect it. A worldwide, altered mindset has fully blossomed. All nations are bound up in fear. It is fear that seems to have a life of its own. It is paralyzing the freedom of action and movement of the most liberty-loving, liberty-endowed people to have lived upon the planet. Fear is the symptom most manifest in this pandemic that sprang, apparently, from the center of perhaps the world's most massive dictatorship. The fear continues to grow, not abate, despite all of the many draconian measures foisted on us by bureaucratic "medical experts" entrenched within government. "Shutdown" seems to be what these demand, no matter that this outbreak doesn't come anywhere near the virulence of the various strains of flu that assault and kill hundreds of thousands each year. It is, I think, a legitimate pondering to think on Paul's warning about those who forget God, or turn against the Creator of all things. The apostle, under Holy Spirit direction, has some rather relevant wisdom for our current situation, in my view. We've considered that wisdom many times within these commentaries. We are forewarned that when a person or people turn their thoughts from the governance of God toward doing what is right in their own eyes, the ramifications are dire. The ultimate results are...well, let's let the Apostle Paul tell us once more: Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1: 29-32) We back up to one verse before this list of accusations to see where all the rebelliousness leads. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. (Romans 1:28) We think of these chilling, scriptural warnings as applying only to the most egregious sins-in our "looking through a glass darkly" view of things. Homosexual activity is the sin we most associate with God's condemnation here. But, these represent things much more profound. These are characteristics of the whole of lost, sinful humanity as time progresses deeper into human history. These are, no doubt, things that prompted the Lord to end, then start things again, with the Flood of Noah's day. These are the characteristics of the generations since that are going to bring about God's final judgment and wrath during the Tribulation. Certainly, in one way or the other, this generation exhibits these characteristics so anathema to the God of Heaven. We have witnessed these get worse, just as Paul predicted. "Men and seducers have grown worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." I believe just the last five years of the corrupt political process and all attendant to it prove Paul's prophecy as moving toward fulfillment. The evil manipulations and collusion at the highest levels of America's supposedly patriotic intelligence agencies make the point vividly and graphically. The argument could be made that the great fear gripping the nation and the world is the result of pulling away from God at every level. Because of this virus that is nowhere near as virulent as the flu bugs that assault each year, the globe is suffering from a paralysis that has altered normal life as it's been known to this time. In effect, the global mindset has been altered. I think this has been done supernaturally. Most now act and interact from what Paul calls in the KJV a "reprobate" mindset. There is, observably, the inability of governments and peoples throughout the world to think straight in this COVID-19 matter. The collective fear that makes everyone act contrary to reason it has brought about is the true contagion that infects the planet. We're continuing to see the rise of this altered mindset. God's prescription for the reprobate mind is as follows: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 1:18-20) Stop Scoffing and Start Believing - Nathele Graham - [email protected] We are living in prophetic times. There is "something in the air" and many people feel the change that's coming. Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled very quickly, and that's exactly what Scripture says will happen. It will be slow for a long time, but then the events will happen faster and with more intensity. There are many who deny it or just don't believe that we are nearing the end. We always think that monumental events are meant for another time and another place. That thought can encourage a denial of Biblical truth and a feeling that everything is just as it always was. That feeling is, in fact, fulfillment of prophecy. Peter said that there would be scoffers in the latter days who think things are just "business as usual". "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 2 Peter 3:1-4. The truth is, things are very different than any other time in history. Those who scoff just aren't aware of the signs of the times. There are scoffers who haven't seen the significance of Israel being re-established as a nation in the land given to them by God. Yes, there are scoffers who would have us believe that the Jewish people who have gathered there aren't truly Jewish. People go out of their way to live in denial and scoff at prophecy. Many events that have taken place since then prove the scoffers wrong. The prophet Isaiah makes it clear that the there would be a second gathering of Israel. The first was after the Babylonian captivity, but the second would be at the end of the age. "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the Islands of the sea. And he shall set up and ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." Isaiah 11:11-12. Ezekiel spoke of this event when he prophesied about the dry bones coming together and gaining life (Ezekiel chapter 37). The Jewish people are gathering again as a nation and the Holy Spirit is beginning to be recognized; they are spiritually coming to life. Many of them are looking for their Messiah, but sadly they are looking for the wrong one, but that's another commentary. They will not be uprooted from their land again. "And I will bring the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God." Amos 9:14-15. God said this so it must be the truth. So, if you are one of the scoffers, do some research into prophecy. You'll find that the various end-time prophecies are unfolding today. The more we believe Scripture the more amazing it is that God chose to record what will happen so we can know where we are in history. Oh, and by the way, the Jewish people are still God's chosen people and have not been replaced by Christians. They will face horrendous times, but will finally turn to Jesus and recognize Him as their true Messiah. Christians already recognize Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. He is the Messiah. The Old Testament prophets were given many prophecies regarding the time in which we live, and if you scoff at them then maybe you'll believe some New Testament facts. Jesus tells us to be aware of the days in which we live. We cannot know exactly when the Rapture will happen, but if we are to be totally ignorant of its approach, Jesus wouldn't have told us what signs to look for. Even the disciples were curious and asked Jesus about the end of time. At the time these men questioned Jesus about the end, they had no idea about the Rapture. That would be revealed later, but they knew that there would be an end of the age. The signs which Jesus gave were pretty generic, but they would grow stronger as the end nears. He warned about false prophets deceiving people during the end. "And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them." Luke 21:8. These false prophets have been around for centuries. In John's first letter he mentioned them. "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." 1 John 4:3. The deception will grow stronger as we approach the end. The antichrist spirit has deceived many and will continue to deceive many more before the end. Instead of listening to the liberal mainstream news for answers, (they are filled with the spirit of antichrist) turn to Scripture. You'll learn much more and His word is reliable and unchanging. After the Rapture, deception will grow stronger until that man of sin (who we quite often refer to as the Antichrist) will deceive the entire world population. He will elevate himself above all things and demand to be worshipped as god. He will require everyone to take a mark and we are seeing the precursor to that today. Take comfort in the fact that this evil man won't be revealed until Jesus calls Christians Home in the Rapture. Take heed, though. John said that that spirit was in the world during his day, and we can be sure it is continuing today and growing stronger as we approach the end. The signs which Jesus pointed to are recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and each account needs to be studied carefully so we can be able to witness to others and warn the lost that they need to follow Jesus now. Remember, these accounts are speaking of a time that will come to a head after the Rapture. These signs begin mildly but grow in intensity as the end of days draws closer. Have you ever taken a road trip with the intention of ending up in a small city? Usually the road signs tell you the distance to a larger city beyond your destination. As the signs point to the large city getting close, you know that your destination is even closer. Jesus gave the signs to look for as the end of time approaches, and as we see these signs growing stronger, we know the Rapture is even closer. "Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." Luke 21:10-11. These things have always happened, but not with quite the intensity of today. Almost every nation is at odds with other nations, and civil strife within nations as intensifying. The most prophetic fighting is aimed at Israel, another sign of the times. That was prophesied by Zechariah. "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round abut, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it." Zechariah 12:2-3. There is no earthly reason for the anger towards Israel. There is a spiritual reason, though. Satan is still trying to win against God Almighty. God won the war at the cross, but Satan is still full of pride and thinks he'll win. Peace treaties will never bring peace in this spiritual battle. Peace will come when Jesus Christ reigns. Jesus told of many more signs to look for, and He wants us to be aware of what's coming. "But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things." Mark 13:23. Scoffers might believe that we aren't to study prophecy or that God doesn't want us to know about the future, but they're wrong. Scripture is filled with prophecy. By not studying it you have to throw out most of Scripture! Why would God fill Scripture with prophecy then not want us to study it? He even tells us to pay attention..." take heed". Every word in the Bible is God breathed. Prophecy is God's way of warning us of what's coming. If we are forewarned with God's truth, we can examine our lives and our motives. Do you love Jesus? If so, are you living a life that pleases Him? The Rapture is a very real event that will happen prior to the beginning of the Tribulation. Christians won't face God's wrath and will be called Home prior to that final seven-year period of time. If you happen to be a "pew warmer", who only sits in a pew on Sunday morning out of habit, or a "Christian in name only", who never truly accepted Christ for salvation, then you need to make some changes. The truth is, mouthing words doesn't bring redemption, nor does religious ceremony. If you didn't mean those words you said when you asked Jesus to forgive you, then you haven't truly accepted Him. God knows of every secret sin you're hiding, and every sin can be forgiven, but you must truly repent and ask Him to forgive you. The signs of the times are intensifying. The end is drawing near...very, very near. God doesn't want you to choose to spend eternity in Hell. He paid the price of your redemption, but you need to accept His gift. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16-17. He loves everyone, but unless you truly accept His free gift of salvation for yourself, you will be left to face horrendous judgments. Don't scoff. Don't delay. Don't be deceived. Study Scripture and see that time is running out. There's nothing more important than turning to Jesus today and asking Him to forgive your sin. The signs are intensifying. The end is near. "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28. Stop scoffing and start believing. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [email protected] Ron and Nathele Graham's previous commentaries archived at http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed. If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. The Great Quarantine Revival You Are Not Hearing About - By PNW Staff - https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=4028 Thursday, May 7th is the National Day of Prayer and it presents a unique opportunity to reflect on how God has moved upon our nation during this time of national and global crisis. You won't hear about it in the mainstream media, but a significant tremor of spiritual revival has been happening across our country during this time, so much so that it is now being referred to as "The Great Quarantine Revival". While no doubt many have turned to periods of self indulgence in their time of isolation and quarantine, many have used this opportunity to question and search for meaning and purpose in life. Often we do not see how desperate we are until our health is taken away or we experience the loss of a job and realize we are up against something so big that we need outside intervention. That's us right now. We are in deep need. Not only because of this virus-plague, but because we have forgotten God. We think our greatest need is to get a vaccine or to get the economy back. These are important. But they are not our greatest needs. What we need more than anything else in this land is a spiritual awakening. With no sports, little entertainment and lots of time to reflect without distractions - it is a unique time in history where people are acutely aware of their need and willing to reach out to others. Not only do people have the time to listen but are open and willing to do so. A poll conducted by the Joshua Fund back in March found that 43.4% of all respondents say yes, we are experiencing a "wake up call" from God. One-in-five non-Christians (21.5%) polled said the crisis is causing them to start reading the Bible and listen to Bible teaching and Christian sermons online even though they usually don't, search online to learn more about Bible prophecy and God's plan for the future of mankind, and have more spiritual conversations with family and friends. For Christians it has also been a time of deeper spiritual connection with four-in-ten self-identified Christian (40.1%) respondents said they are reading the Bible more than ever, watching or listening to Bible teaching and Christian sermons online and searching online to understand Bible prophecy and God's plan for the future of mankind. The polls indication that people are willing to read the Bible more than ever before has been reflected in record numbers of Bible app downloads including the YouVersion Bible App which saw 40.6 million people complete daily reading plans on Easter, up 54 percent. During Holy Week, another 14.1 million people shared verses, up 30 percent from the year before. Traditional print Bible sales also saw a dramatic rise in April as did Google searches for "prayer" and "Christianity". That wake up call has taken many forms and shapes but the response online for salvation according to several ministries has been unprecedented. One of the largest online evangelistic events was put on by Nick Hall of Pulse Ministry. An estimated 1.7 million people from 167 countries across the world tuned into Pulse's service which included translation into 40 different languages. The crusade featured talks by Hall, renowned apologist Ravi Zacharias, bestselling author Max Lucado, NFL Super Bowl Champion and Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy, Francis Chan and Rev. Samuel Rodriguez. It also had worship by Lauren Daigle, Michael W. Smith, and singing duo Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. As a result of the online crusade over 100,000 people indicated they wanted to put their faith in Jesus after hearing the gospel. The responses, which came via international call centers, email, website and text messages, are evidence that God is at work in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Nick Hall, who founded Pulse and was the creative mind behind the outreach. "We were literally getting smartphone photos from all over the world--from Nigeria to India and China--of families gathering in their living rooms around 18-inch cathode-ray TVs, laptops and HD screens watching our services," Hall said. "The doors to our church buildings may have been closed, but the church has not closed. We are living through a Great Quarantine Revival, and I think God is just getting started." Two other well known ministries are reporting similar experiences. David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, and host of the radio program "Turning Point," says that ever since the shutdown began, viewership of his online services has dramatically skyrocketed. "The church is alive and well and maybe more responsive now that I can ever remember except for the possible exception of 9/11," he said. "What we've learned from all of this is God doesn't need a building for there to be a church." The founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries revealed that on Easter Sunday, a staggering 90,000 people tuned into his online worship service. "I'm preaching right now to more people than I have ever preached to my life," he said, adding that after the service, he gave viewers the opportunity to receive Christ. According to Jeremiah, over 600 people clicked on that button. "I've been doing this for over 50 years; I'm all over media, and I've never had anything like that happen, ever," he emphasized. "Would I rather have the 12 or 15,000 people that we have on Easter sitting in the church with our choir and orchestra and the Easter lilies and everybody cheering and praising? Yeah, I'd rather have that. But this is a new and different thing that God is doing. It's unprecedented." Megachurch Pastor Greg Laurie received quite a bit of attention during the pandemic when President Trump said that he planed to tune into his online service during Easter. Laurie says that increasing numbers of young people are starting to embrace the Gospel during this time. "Last week, we had over a million people tune in for church. These are people literally from all around the world, from every age and background, who are missing church. So, to the best of our ability, we are bringing church to them. What's more, hundreds of thousands of them are people whom marketers would refer to as the 'target demographic' between the ages of 18 and 34." Ever since the shutdown began, viewership among millennials has increased 235%, he said. Churches have been attempting to reach younger generations with the Gospel for decades, seemingly in vain, Laurie elaborated, highlighting the plethora of news stories and surveys in recent years about declining church attendance and the rise of the "nones" -- those who never have or no longer affiliate with any particular religious tradition. But the worldwide coronavirus outbreak has fundamentally changed the environment. "Could it be that simply by responding as best and as quickly as we could to something no one saw coming, we've unwittingly stumbled into part of God's answer to a generational riddle?" he asked. "But here is the most surprising thing to me about this new, burgeoning online congregation. At the end of my message, I extended an opportunity for people to pray and ask Jesus Christ to come into their lives. At last count, over 31,000 have responded. That's in four weeks," Laurie said. "You've heard of 'life imitating art.' Well, this is virtual reality becoming actual reality." "Let's hope and pray that it continues. America is long overdue," Laurie concluded. The pandemic has triggered a "historic spiritual moment" - but like the lessons learned after 9/11 - we can easily be lulled back into complacency. Churches that were full after 9/11 quickly went back to normal in the weeks after. Let us pray this Thursday that this revival lasts. Daily Jot: Is tyranny in KC a nationwide model? - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com On May 4, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced the City's reopening dictum that no doubt is a slippery slope to tyranny akin to the very tactics employed by communist regimes around the world leading to oppression and licensing local government to single out non-conforming citizens. On the surface, given the current COVID-19 crisis, the Order may seem deceptively reasonable, but intentional or unintentional conflicts in the order possibly open the door to extreme and dangerous measures that could result in persecution of business owners and Christ followers. Why? Enforcement power of police and the public health department, and no sunset provision as to when these jack-boot regulations end. Here are highlights of some of the details (underlines added by The Daily Jot): Section 1: Stay At Home: ...All individuals shall exercise social distancing requirements at all times...Section II... In the interest of public health and to avoid a Covid-19 outbreak in the community, those business operations should consider maintaining a record of customers on the premises...Any information collected under this subsection by the business operation or the Department of Public Health shall remain confidential to the extent allowed by law and be utilized only for public health purposes or to address public health concerns...Religious gatherings, including, but not limited to, weddings, funerals, memorial services, and wakes, of 10 persons inside...and 50 people outside may resume, provided social distancing is maintained... ...[Religious] event organizers should consider maintaining a record of attendees where appropriate. Attendees are not required, however, to provide their names or contact information at any religious gathering. In the event of a Covid-19 outbreak connected to a religious gathering, a religious gathering may contact those potentially exposed and, subject to confidentiality, provide the names and other relevant information voluntarily provided at the gathering to the Department of Public Health. Any information collected under this subsection by the religious gathering or the Department of Public Health shall remain confidential to the extent allowed by law and be utilized only for public health purposes or to address public health concerns. (NOTICE ALL CHURCHES HAVE THE NAMES OF THEIR ATTENDEES ANYWAY, AND THAT THE DEPT. OF PUBLIC HEALTH CAN COLLECT SUCH INFORMATION] Section 5. Violation of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat, creates an immediate menace to public health, and shall be considered a violation of Section 50-155 of the City's Code of Ordinances. All remedies prescribed by the provisions of this order shall be cumulative, and the use of one or more remedies by the city shall not bar the use of any other remedy for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Order. IN OTHER WORDS, BUSINESSES AND CHURCHES VOLUNTARY COLLECTION OF NAMES IS ACTUALLY MANDATORY WHEN IT COMES TO ENFORCING REMEDIES AGAINST AN IMMINENT THREAT OR IMMEDIATE MENACE. Section 6 allows the City and/or Police to enter "all property" to enforce the provision and shut down the operation upon receipt of a complaint. KCTV News reported that businesses and religious organizations can reopen "so long as" names and contact information is kept and that if someone wants to report noncompliance of these guidelines, they "should call the city 311 line." An FAQ released by the Mayor's Office says contact information must be kept for 30 days minimum, but did not specify a maximum time or a method of disposal. This opens the door for unlimited abuse. ANY GOVERNMENT ENTITY ISSUING SUCH ORDERS SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE OF A LACK OF SUNSET PROVISIONS AND METHODS FOR DISPOSING OF THE NAMES. This is dangerous for all citizens. It is the use of a crisis to make precedent and institute long-term forms of tyranny. As Christ said in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Take a stand. Daily Devotion: Find Your Place at the Table - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. -1 Corinthians 12:1 All too often I think we overly mystify the Holy Spirit Himself, and as a result, we overly mystify the gifts of the Spirit. Although it's a very simple thing. First, we ask God to fill us with His Spirit. Then we ask Him to reveal to us what our gifts are. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant" (1 Corinthians 12:1 NKJV). This is still a problem today. There's a lot of ignorance about spiritual gifts. Whether this is because we neglect our spiritual gifts or don't understand them, we miss out on them. Maybe one reason is that we've seen excess in this area, causing us to recoil. People sometimes do rather strange things in the name of the Holy Spirit. So we say, "Well, I don't want that in my life." Yet, every believer has been given gifts of the Spirit if he or she is filled with the Spirit. Jesus said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13 NKJV). God goes out of His way to find the most unexpected instruments to use for His glory. That includes you. He has given you spiritual gifts. Maybe you've never discovered them, so you need to start praying about what they are. Make an effort, and see what you can do for God's glory. Because the church needs you, and you need the church. We're a family, though not a perfect one. So, find your place, and when you do you'll find that church will change radically for you. 
FROM THE HEART
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