Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
The Judgement of the Prince and Power of the Air, and Mankind (Part 2) - By pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-judgment-of-prince-and-power-of-air.html
IN the first part of this series we looked at how Satan fell from the throne room of God and is condemned to be cast into the lake of fire.The adversary, Satan the devil, the prince and power of the air will eventually loose what he could have had. We will do a quick summary of that message, and then look at we who have been created in the image of God and the downfall of mankind and ultimately, being judged in the Age of Grace that is fast coming to a close and the last 7 years of the rule of mankind. We being reconciled to God, because of the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ during this time period of the Age of Grace will be Kings and Priest to our God. 10 "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into." (1st Peter 1:12) Mankind is a mystery to the angels. God has charged them as ministering spirits to the heir of salvation. They are given the understanding that the heirs of God will judge them in the end of time. "10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:10-14) We will instruct and judge angels, and that is why God created mankind in His own image, for the express purpose of being His family and judging in the world to come. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:27) It is something that one angel just could not handle, and rebelled against the purposes God laid out. LUCIFER IS CAST OUT (a recap) Not being there, but imagining in my own mind, what must have gone through Lucifer's mind when God created man and gave him dominion over the whole earth. Lucifer was given the earth to administer for God and it is theorized that from Genesis 1 to verse 2 could have been a billion years, as God is outside of time and the planets could be that old. But here we have God giving what Lucifer must have imagined, an upstart called Adam priority over him. I mean, this was God's anointed Cherubim who was one of the ark angels that covered the mercy seat. Who was given an image that was glorious to behold. "What was God doing by giving my earth to a man"..Lucifer may have thought. Jealousy and pride made the anointed Cherubim rebel against the Creator of all of the universe, which included even, Lucifer. The Prophet Isaiah introduces us to the first outbreak of sin in the universe when Lucifer, the most anointed of the angels, uttered the first of his five famous "I will's": "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." (Isaiah 14:13) War broke out in the heavens, as Lucifer convinced 1/3 of the angelic host to follow him in rebellion. For his sin of arrogance, God pronounced judgment on Lucifer, the most honored of His angels, and those rebellious angels who followed him; "Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." (Isaiah 14:12-15) I've often wondered, why those who were created by God Almighty, the legions of angels would follow another created being and join Satan, (which means adversary) in open rebellion. Did they not know WHO they were standing against? Did they not know that the God who created them, could not be over come by even their power? What made them so crazy? Perhaps they felt God was being unjust in His dealing with Lucifer and in so doing, were also guilty of sin and cast out. Or maybe they joined with Lucifer at the moment that God unveiled His plan to create the human race and make the angels subject to their judgment. Maybe they were jealous. It is a unanswered question, as the Bible doesn't specifically say what was their reasoning and to join Satan. Did they really think they could win against Almighty God, YHWH? SIN OUR COMMON DENOMINATOR It is worth thinking about and considering, while mankind is a mystery to the righteous angels who did not rebel, the fallen angels understood mankind only too well. That's because we have something in common with these fallen angels. That commonality is called "Sin". Sin is the great equalizer between even fallen angels and fallen mankind. From the context of the story of the fall of Satan, reading the five "I WILLS" give the impression that Satan was upset over God's decision to put man in charge of the earth. It was a bone of contention of who was going to rule, who was in charge. ..Mankind, by implication, is the reason that Lucifer felt betrayed and his pride caused his rebellion. Lucifer just could not handle that mankind, an inferior race of created beings, was going to be served by the angels in submission and then at the end of the age, be their judge. Now Satan has a deep hatred of mankind. Thinking about this and trying to picture what Satan must have thought when given this plan of God, Lucifer just could not handle that plan of God and his pride got in the way of his obedience to God's ultimate plan. This is where the Five "I WILLS" began and Lucifer decided he would rise above even God. DESCRIPTION OF WHAT WAS, SON OF THE MORNING As mentioned, Lucifer was the anointed angel of God. He was the most blessed, the most beautiful, the most entertaining, and not so much a stretch of the imagination to say he was the most popular of all the angels. The prophet Ezekiel speaks of the beauty of Lucifer : 13 "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."(Ezekiel 28:13-15) From the description, Lucifer was adorned with precious jewels, and must have been a player of music, or singing praise to God around His throne. It also, isn't much of a stretch to wonder what the other angels in heaven that did not join the rebellion thought about the severity of the punishment. The existence of humanity is often described by theologians as the 'trial of Satan'. Why a trial? Because God is just. Let us paint a picture of the scene of Satan being judged and awaiting the sentence that will finally be brought upon him. Lucifer was highly favored before God, as he was the most beautiful, and God anointed him as a covering cherub, as verse 14 of Ezekiel 28 plainly says. What was the rebellion that Lucifer pursued that brought judgment upon him? Isaiah 14:14 defines that first sin as, "I will" -- the sin of pride. The trial is to prove what 'one little sin' can do -- the classic 'slippery slope' scenario. This trial is really, on close examination of the age of human history from the perspective of God's angels who did not join in the rebellion, who have no knowledge of sin, or how it really works. Let us examine the evidence in this trial of Satan before the heavenly angels, and mankind in general; MANKIND AND SIN ARE PUT ON TRIAL (First: Adam and Eve.) -God creates a perfect environment for two perfect people He created and give them dominion over the whole earth, with only ONE commandment. They were not to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Eve allowed Satan to deceive her, and the thought of being wise and knowing what God knows appealed to her vanity, so she ate, and was deceived. But Adam was not deceived and ate the fruit against the commandment of God. He knew that Eve would be condemned, so some say, out of love for her, he decided to join her. Obviously, he never envisioned what the penalty would be when he did so, as they were cast out of the Garden of Eden and were destined to die in the future from their sin. So man inherits a sin nature. (Second piece of evidence) - Man is allowed to reign until the flood and do what was right in his own mind, or the so-called "Age of Conscience" Without direct interference by God, man was allowed to follow his sinful heart, whereas mankind became so sinful and corrupted, that God repents of even making mankind and decides to destroy mankind in a Great Flood. This was the time period where fallen angels mated with human women and created giants known as the Nephilim, with the express purpose of defiling the DNA of mankind being half human and half demon. "There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."(Genesis 6:4) This was an attempt at preventing the salvation of mankind to what he was created for. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (as his bloodline and DNA had not been corrupted), and his family are saved in a wooden ark that God commanded him to build. (Third piece of evidence) - God makes a covenant with the Age of the Patriarchs beginning with Abraham, then Isaac, Jacob, Lot, etc. Each of them having spoken directly with God commit a sin against God. Having come from the Age of Innocence with only one commandment of not eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, to direct confrontation with God during the Age of the Patriarchs, God progresses to giving mankind His Ten Commandments (the Age of the Law) None of mankind has ever kept what God gave as what He expects from His creation, and broke all of the Commandments of God handed down by God to Moses at Mt. Sinai. Each of them sinned against God's standard for living a righteous life, no matter what the circumstance. (Remember, King David broke most of them.) (Fourth piece of evidence) - During the Age of the Law, during which time that man corrupted the Law of God and perverted it so by following pagan gods from Moses to the Prophets who warned of judgment for sinning against God's Law, that God decided to scrap the whole Age of the Law, as man could not keep it..and replaced it with the Age of Grace. This was planned before the foundation of the world. (Fifth piece of evidence)- God knew that mankind could not stand before Him by keeping the Law of God, as all have sinned: 20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" (Romans 3:20-24) Knowing this, God stepped out of the Glory of Heaven, shed His Divine nature and became a man, kept the law perfectly on our behalf, and paid the price for our sin, by dying in our place. 24 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:24-26) By this unselfish act of supreme love for His creation, God through Jesus (God in the flesh) laid down His life, to save ours, an act of supreme sacrifice to redeem the family of man, to become the FAMILY OF GOD. In doing so, Jesus gave all mankind the free offer of mercy and grace. 6 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Romans 5:6-9) MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN But God knew that man's pride would not want to submit to God's offer of this grace and mercy. God knew that only a remnant down through the ages would accept this free offer, which is a gift that none of us can do anything to receive it, but by faith believing. I can only imagine the shock that must have filled the angelic host who gasped in disbelief of the refusal of mankind to return to what was lost, and that is a relationship with God who created them and Paradise lost. The Angelic host see how "one little sin" in the Garden of Eden, has thus far brought mankind to the point it is in today. God has allowed mankind to earn the wages of his own willful pride and the sins he commits. "20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:20-23) (Sixth piece of Evidence - The Tribulation Period. The Age of Grace ends with Jesus coming to "snatch away" His chosen people, the Bride of Christ. This HARPAZO (the forceful snatching away by definition) spoke of by Paul the Apostle in 1st Corinthians 15 and 1st Thessalonians 4 and even found in the Old Testament in Isaiah 26, removes the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit, giving Satan and the sin of mankind to grow unabated and given free reign for seven horrifying years. The end result is the near complete destruction of all human life on this planet. As Jesus said: 21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."(Matthew 24:21-22) Jesus returns in wrath in the 19th Chapter of Revelation, and Satan is bound for a 1000 years, while the King of Kings reigns from Jerusalem. " And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." (Revelation 20:1-3) IN this age of the Kingdom of God, man has no excuse. Jesus is right there in front of them. He is in Person, for all to see. Each man and woman is given the free will choice to accept Jesus as personal Savior, as the Saints of God, Kings and Priest to God have instructed them in the ways of righteousness and revealing the mercy and grace of God through Jesus, by even beginning Temple sacrifices during this time, to point to the only Savior of them also. Satan is restrained, lifespans increase like it was right after the Garden of Eden (up to a 1000 years), wars are banished, famine and poverty are but a memory, and the world is returned to the Eden-like state as it began...PERFECT. (Seventh piece of Evidence) - With God Himself on the Throne of human government, ruling with a rod of iron for a thousand years, Satan is loosed for 'a little season'. 7"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea." (Revelation 20:7-8) I can't even begin to imagine that having perfect harmony of God's creation, God reigning on earth for the entire time, and returning the world to what it was intended to be, when Satan is loosed "for a season" his influence is able to raise an army to come against the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords Himself....To me, this is total madness to come against a Living God. "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law." (Romans 2:12) 7 "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." (Revelation 20:7-10) We are not told how long this loosing of Satan is, but his temptation of mankind who is still able to sin, causes them to follow their evil heart and desire to be rulers of themselves, not subject to a Living God. MANKIND IS JUDGED AND SENTENCED The trial of mankind is over. Sin has been judged according to it's works, and all appeals have been exhausted. Sentence of Satan and the rest of mankind is pronounced and justice is about to be served: "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them." (Revelation 20:10) This is the SECOND resurrection. Unlike the first resurrection, it has only one phase. 11 "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."(Revelation 20:11-15) The first resurrection had many phases, as Jesus was the beginning of that resurrection, and those raised at the end of the Tribulation will be the end of the 1st resurrection. Here, there is only one phase and it is the Great White Throne judgment of all who have ever lived and have died in their sins and not accepted the Free Gift of Eternal life found through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Man has been found to not be able to be trusted in his mortal state. Even with God in the middle of them, man is prone to pride of what made Lucifer to fall. God will change all who belong to Him, into what the Church has been changed into...spiritual, immortal beings and .the image of Jesus Christ.. As the Apostle John wrote in explaining of what we will be, what mankind will be going into eternity...he wrote: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2, Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (1st John 3:1-2) We will be just like our Savior, Jesus Christ. In all points we will be just as He is, save His deity. We will have the mind of Christ, be immortal, and unable to sin ever again. In the grand Plan of God, as revealed in the Holy Bible, everything has a purpose. There is no omission, there is no mistakes, or inconsistencies. From Genesis to Revelation, a central theme is that sin is the cause of death. Sin is what condemned Lucifer and all who follow his deception and sent all of them into the Lake of Fire to be forever separated from God Almighty for all eternity. Sin will be eradicated from existence. And all who have rebelled against God and have not received Jesus will receive the ultimate judgment. BEHOLD I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW This is not the end of the story...judgment has been passed on all sinful mankind, the Anti-Christ, the False Prophet, Satan and his demon angels and all sinful mankind. Men, Satan, and his angels were created immortal, so they had to go somewhere. The Lake of Fire was created for sentencing Satan to outer darkness and was not designed for mankind, but man chose to follow Satan's deception, just as the fallen angels did, because of pride and desire for sinful living. God gives them what they want, as He is a just God who is completely fair. Each of these beings had free moral choice to choose God, or choose evil. Judgment is passed, and sentencing is carried out...the Case against mankind is closed with this last judgment...but wait, God is not done yet. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." (Revelation 21:1-5) Thus begins our Love and Devotion to God Almighty being part of the family of God, as we bathe in His power and glory, never to see evil again, to ever shed a tear, or to depart from being obedient to God for all eternity. Reminds, me of a passage of scripture that as a finite, limited, and mortal man cannot fully grasp in this life what is coming for all who put their faith and trust in the Only Begotten Son of God for the remission of sins, and promise of future glorification: "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor earheard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. " (1st Corinthians 2:9) I can only imagine the glory that will be found in us.... 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."(Romans 8:16-19) TO ALL WHO WILL....COME! But I close up this message with what is written at the end of the last book of the Bible. The Spirit and Bride beckon to all who will come to this place called eternity with God Almighty and become part of the Family of God.. "17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17) The Bride of Christ, whose names have been written down before the beginning of time, before the foundation of the world was laid, have had their names written in the Lamb's book of Life, as God foreknew who would be His. The Church, the bride of Christ, beckons to all who will hear "let him who has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the Churches,"...the Bride and the Spirit beckons all who will heed the call to come join them, in this glorious period of end of the Age of Mankind into eternity...It is the last proof that the Church, the Bride of Christ, calls to those who endure the Tribulation to endure to the end and to join them. 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18) "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) CASE CLOSED. This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying you find the door that is Jesus Christ, my Lord. If you should need prayer, counseling, or just a listening ear, email me at [email protected] , God bless you all TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET Danger: Iran's Arms Embargo About to Expire - by Majid Rafizadeh - https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/16119/iran-arms-embargo Among the many concessions that the Obama-Biden administration gave to the ruling mullahs of Iran, was one setting a date when Iran's arms embargo would be lifted. The Obama administration agreed to add a provision in the nuclear deal -- which, by the way, Iran never got around to signing -- allowing the lifting of an arms embargo. Now, again thanks to the Obama-Biden administration, the arms embargo is set to expire in October 2020. It is important to point out that the Obama administration erased years of efforts and significant political capital that the international community had invested to impose the arms embargo in the first place. From December 2006 to 2010, the five members of the United Nations Security Council finally agreed to pass series of resolutions (Resolution 1737, Resolution 1747, and Resolution 1929) imposing significant restrictions on Iran's arms activities. The UN Security Council resolution 1929 stated: "Iran shall not undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic missile technology, and that States shall take all necessary measures to prevent the transfer of technology or technical assistance to Iran related to such activities". The ban encompassed a wide range of weapons, including large-caliber artillery, combat aircraft, battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, attack helicopters, some missiles and missile launchers, and warships. The mullahs, in addition, scored a major political victory when the US administration in 2015 added a section to the nuclear deal permitting the lifting of the arms embargo through two sunset clauses. It was mind-boggling that the Obama-Biden administration decided to include such an appeasing and dangerous provision in the nuclear deal. Both Democrats and Republicans were, in fact, stunned by the move. At the time, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and the leading Republican in Congress, John Boehner, pointed out : "It blows my mind that the administration would agree to lift the arms and missile bans." Senator Ben Cardin, the former leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, agreed. "It's hard for us to accept it, so we just want to take a look at it," he said. If the arms embargo on the theocratic establishment of Iran were lifted, the Iranian regime would be allowed legally to export and import advanced weapons, which would subsequently strengthen the military apparatuses of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its elite branch, the Quds Force. Who will benefit from lifting the arms embargo? Russia and China. They would most likely be the preferred arms exporters to Iran. With prospects for multi-billion dollar deals, Moscow and Beijing would doubtless be delighted to sell weapons to Iran. That is probably why the Russian Foreign Ministry last month pointed out: "It has been said in Congress that the United States would try to convince Russia and China not to veto the draft UN Security Council resolution on extending the arms embargo on Iran. But it is no use raising this matter in the Security Council. There are no grounds for this. The time-frame and conditions coordinated in 2015 are not subject to revision." Tehran will likely utilize the sophisticated weaponry to advance its hegemonic ambitions in the region, increase its military adventurism in the Middle East, and ship arms to its proxies and militia groups to destabilize the region and trigger an arms race across the Middle East. Notably, the arms embargo is to be lifted against a regime that is the world's top state sponsor of terrorism. Iran has already been caught several times smuggling weapons to its militia and terror groups in violation of the UN Resolution 2231, which ostensibly prevents Iran from transferring arms directly or indirectly out of its territories without the approval of the UN Security Council. For example, it was revealed that Iran has been shipping weapons and military advisers to the Houthis either directly to Yemen or via Somalia. If the arms embargo on the Iranian regime is removed, imagine how much more the "top state sponsor of terrorism" will ratchet up its delivery of weapons and ammunition to militia and terror groups. In short, thanks to the Obama-Biden administration, Iran's arms embargo, set to expire in few months, would further assist the mullahs' predatory regime even more powerfully to pursue its destabilizing, militaristic and aggressive policies across the world. Kneeling for Peace and Safety - By Terry James - https://www.raptureready.com/2020/06/18/kneeling-for-peace-and-safety-by-terry-james/ Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison took a knee when confronted by a group of protesters of George Floyd's death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Bettison complied with the enraged protesters' demands, later saying he did so for "tactical reasons," apparently since a kneeling policeman threatens no action against anyone. Bettison said he did so because he "didn't want any violence." The performance was against police protocol to be ready to put down actions of unruly gatherings that threaten public harm. It was all quite ironic since Bettison, a black man, was kneeling before a mob that included a number of white people. Again, his purpose was, he said, to prevent violence. It was a noble gesture, I suppose, since it seemed to work in that instance. Detroit, of all places, seems to have avoided some of the extreme acts of destruction and anarchy of other inner cities. Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and others didn't fare so well. Seattle, of course, was completely taken over in one section of downtown by anarchists who demanded extortion money from business owners and even residents to "protect" them in the absence of cops, who abdicated even their precinct headquarters to the gun-toting mob. Abdication of individual rights quickly turned into kneeling before the people who are determined to break the nation into individual "protectorates." I use the term facetiously, of course. These extortionists and destroyers of law and order are following the dictates of the minions that direct them. Satan is the lawless one at the head of all such activity, regardless of the noble purposes within which the destroyers try to deceptively couch their protestation. There is a place in America for protests-for free speech against perceived or actual wrongs. The Constitution provides that protection to individuals and to groups of peaceful protesters. But it is peace that is disturbed-is taken away-when the mob mentality takes over and lawlessness prevails. When violence ensues if others don't kneel before them and their "causes"-this is iniquity of the first order. This is lawlessness. We see God's thoughts on iniquity, the biblical synonym for lawlessness, throughout His Word. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12) Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4) For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is taken out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7) And then will I declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:23) It can be conjectured, I think, whether the lawlessness we are witnessing is bringing about the cry for peace and safety prophesied for the time leading up to the day of the Lord-the time when the Age of Grace will end. This will be the moment of the Rapture. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3) The officer in Detroit was kneeling as a symbolic cry for peace and safety for the people he was supposed to be protecting. Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo attended a protest at which she did not agree to calls by protesters to take a knee. The mob became unruly and the crowd refused to allow her to speak. Two days later, she took a knee during the Pledge of Allegiance at city council meeting, but her action was rejected as "an encore performance." But the most despicable act for purpose of political pandering, in my view, came when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi led House and Senate Democrats in a group kneel at the Capitol's Emancipation Hall. It was a blatant statement against constitutional law and order yet perpetrated by an official at that level of federal government. It showed disdain for men and women in law enforcement who die every year to protect us from those who would make us kneel before them. And make no mistake; it is indeed a thin, blue, line (law enforcement) between us and the tyrants who want to enslave Americans-enslavement, the history of which is the very thing this current kneeling nonsense is supposed to show solidarity against. The following article excerpt offers a bit of hope for the nation in standing against the kneeling, if I may put it that way. The ritual [kneeling in solidarity /protest] has caught on and people from around the world are now following suit... Though the murder of George Floyd is universally condemned, not everyone who supports the fight against racism agrees with taking a knee. Lily Mei, the first Asian-American and the first woman mayor of Fremont California, was addressing a protest on Tuesday when the crowd called for her to take the knee. "Taking a knee is something that I'm not going to be doing," she told the crowd. She explained her decision... "I have been asked why I will not kneel at events like the one from earlier today," Mei wrote. "Because of my faith, I will never kneel to anyone but God. You will see me kneel in church, but you will not ever see me kneel at any other event except in prayer." This statement of faith was also expressed by Georgia State Trooper O'Neal Saddler, who was allegedly asked to kneel during a demonstration in Hartwell. "If I didn't have any respect, I wouldn't [be here]," Saddler explained. "I was supposed to be out of town this weekend with my wife. I took off today, this weekend, but I'm out here to make sure y'all are safe." He added, "Don't go there with respect, OK? I have much respect, but I only kneel for one person." Someone in the crowd replied: "And that's God," which the trooper confirmed: "God." This is Georgia State Trooper O'Neal Saddler. He was asked to kneel today, and this was his response. God Bless him! ("Rabbis Agree: Kneel Before No One Except God," Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz, June 9, 2020, Breaking Israel News) People of America and the world take heed. Don't kneel before the lawlessness perpetrated by the lawless one-Satan. Kneel only before the One Who truly has the keys to peace and safety, to death and hell, to salvation. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11) The Holy Spirit is Our Guide - Nathele Graham - [email protected] People like to feel unique. Just go to any shopping mall and you'll see just how unique people like to be. Pink hair, tattoos, clothes that can leave you shaking your head in wonder. You don't need a multi-colored Mohawk to show your uniqueness. All you need to do is live your life to please God instead of pleasing the world. Those of us who try to please God are unique, and even "peculiar". "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:14. Jesus redeemed us from our sin and sees us as "a peculiar people". Christians belong to God, which makes us different from those of the world who belong to Satan. If you belong to Jesus you should be eager to do good works to honor Him. Let's take a look at our Guide in spiritual matters, and indeed in every facet of life. Our Guide is the Holy Spirit. The best place to start is in the beginning. The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity. Like God the Father and God the Son, He has always existed. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1. Satan wants us to believe that we evolved from pond scum, but that's just one of his many lies. We first see the Holy Spirit at work at the creation of all that is. "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2. Throughout the Old Testament we see the Holy Spirit at work. We read of Him coming upon various people, but never indwelling. Nobody loved God more than King David and his desire was to please Him. When David chose to sin with Bathsheba, he could have lost his place with God. David was heartbroken over his sin and turned to God instead of allowing his pride to lead him to Hell. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me." Psalm 51:10-11. Read the entire Psalm and you'll feel David's anguish over his sin and the fear that he had lost his anointing. As you read through Scripture, remember that the Old Testament is a history book and there are many lessons to be learned by reading and pondering the truths found there. Those men and women looked forward to the coming of the Messiah and God worked with them in a very different way than He works today. The Cross changed everything. We live in a very unique time. Christians have a blessing that nobody had before the Cross nor will have after the Rapture. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. When we make a true and honest profession of faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is sealed within us and our salvation is secure. God knows if you really meant the words or if you were just pleasing your parents or maybe you were in a bad situation and promised God that if He got you out of it you would follow Him. If you didn't mean the words, you aren't sealed with the Holy Spirit. God knows your heart. On the other hand, if your profession was sincere then you're indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit. "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." 2 Corinthians 1:21-22. When the Holy Spirit is sealed within you, it's an unbreakable seal. Does that mean your troubles all go away or you never sin? No. Trouble and temptations will come your way and you'll have to make the choice of choosing to follow God's will or follow Satan's ways of worldly actions. The Holy Spirit will guide your choices but you need to listen to Him. Study Scripture and pray. This is God's way of telling us how we're to make choices and the Holy Spirit will illuminate Scripture. We still have the right to refuse to listen and our poor choices hurt God. "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30. If you've truly committed your life to God, why would you want to grieve Him? If you can easily make sinful choices then you may not have truly accepted the salvation that only comes through Jesus. We'll never stop sinning while we live on this side of Heaven, but our sin should grieve us just as it grieves the Holy Spirit. Is there any evidence of your commitment to Christ? If you truly love Him your life will show it. The Holy Spirit will lead you to honor God in your words and actions. Your life will bear fruit that honors God. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Galatians 5:22-24. Examine yourself. Do you see these characteristics being manifest in your own life? Have you crucified your lusts of the flesh? Jesus Christ is our example in all things, and His life was the epitome of each of these traits. You might think He had an advantage because He was God. The truth is, when Jesus entered His creation, He emptied Himself of His divine nature and relied upon the Holy Spirit. The miracles He did were done through the power of the Holy Spirit. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8. Jesus wasn't ashamed to become a servant in the form of a human in order to save us from our sin. Using His example, we need to humble ourselves before God and be more like Jesus. In addition to the fruits, which are traits every Christian should demonstrate, we also are given gifts from the Holy Spirit. Those gifts vary from one Christian to another. Some Christians can speak in tongues, some can heal, and some can teach. There are many gifts and God may give you one or more. Whatever He blesses you with, be sure you use your gift for His glory. How do you discover what your gifts are? First of all, don't waste time trying to figure it out. Get busy serving the Lord and you'll soon discover what your strengths are. You may find that He will give you a gift in an area that you never thought of. Look for ways to serve Jesus and you'll discover how God wants to use you. Offer yourself to God and be willing to serve Him. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1. You may never be fully aware of a specific gift you have, but if you're serving Jesus with no thought of your own glory, you'll find that you've been using your gift without knowing it. The Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you, but you must understand that He will never tell you to do anything sinful. Too many people who profess to be Christians still follow the world in thoughts and actions. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2. If you keep your thoughts on worldly matters you won't hear the pure word of God. You run the risk of twisting Scripture to fit your world view rather than fitting your life to God's ways. Prayerfully study Scripture to find out how God desires you to behave. Scripture is very clear about sin, and I know too many people who take Scripture out of context or twist the meaning so they can justify their favorite sin. It takes humility for a person to admit they're wrong. Humbly go before the Lord and ask forgiveness; turn away from sin even if it means losing friends. It can be done through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, the Holy Spirit lives inside you and when you choose to ignore Him and sin, you take God with you into the sin. No matter how hard you try to justify your actions, sin is sin and God doesn't excuse your sin because you've got a "good reason" for your actions. He may not excuse you but He will forgive you. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:9-10. The Holy Spirit will lead you along a path of righteousness. Listen to Him. It was God the Father who sent the Comforter...the Holy Spirit...in Jesus' name. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26. Christians are blessed to have this precious gift sealed within us. Jesus said "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." John 10:27-30. Those who follow Christ have this assurance of security. It won't always be that way. There's coming a day when Christians will be Raptured and the Holy Spirit won't indwell people any more. He will still be very active and people will come to know Christ during the Tribulation period, but the sealing of the Holy Spirit won't happen anymore. Don't wait to truly repent and ask Jesus for His gift of salvation. Don't think that you have time and can live sinfully now and repent later. You cannot know when a fatal accident will happen or the Rapture will take Christians home. If you're not sealed with the Holy Spirit you won't like your eternal destination. If you're not sure if you've truly given your life to Christ, do it now. The choice is yours. Don't rely on "infant baptism" or any baptism. Only your sincere acceptance of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will give you eternal life. Once you've accepted His gift, start allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you away from sin. The blood of Jesus Christ saves you and the Holy Spirit seals you. Trust Jesus now and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout your life. You'll be eternally glad you did. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [email protected] Ron and Nathele Graham's previous commentaries archived at http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed. If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. Daily Jot: Antifa sets up fascist state in Seattle - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com In the name of freedom and anti-fascism, Antifa has taken over part of Seattle and has established a fascist enclave. It is difficult to obtain information on exactly what is happening there. Nonetheless, there are several collaborative accounts from anonymous sources, including those claiming to be Seattle police, that report Antifa leaders are carrying AK-47s, there are checkpoints backed by armed guards, they are stopping citizens at gunpoint. One report indicates that Antifa is setting up an ID system and creating a currency. There are many videos online that confirm citizen harassment. Reports cite that protests about racism were hijacked by Antifa terrorists who are supported by Seattle city council members. The Daily Jot reported in October 2017: The masked thugs that comprise Antifa are visible reminders of how people are trying to tear down American society, destroy the American ideal. They attack police officers. In the name of anti-fascism, they perpetrate fascism. A militant arm of Antifa is the Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement (RAM). On its website RAM says it, "is a political movement dedicated to freeing people from bondage and building resistance in the United States. We situate our political movement in the context of the abolitionist struggle against slavery and continue in the tradition, from Nat Turner to the Black Liberation Movement...as revolutionary anarchists, the abolitionist struggle must be extended to the state and capitalism, the perpetrators of oppression....We will burn down the American plantation once and for all." On April 25th, 2017, The Daily Jot reported that Antifa stands for "anti-fascist action" and, by its own definition, is an organization of anarchists and communists fighting to end fascism. Antifa is working unofficially and with plausible deniability in collaboration with the ex-"president's" Organizing for Action, which boasts a following of protesters some 30,000 strong with 250 offices across the country. OFA is the George Soros-funded $40 million front group set up as the ex "president's" shadow government and leads other non-profits in signaling protests across the country. Antifa shows up as the "enforcer" to violently dispirit pro-Constitutional Americans. On June 3, the San Diego Union Tribune reported that the "ex-president," while participating in an online round-table event from his Washington, DC home, said, "For those who have been talking about protest, just remember that this country was founded on protest - it is called the American Revolution." A week after these remarks, Antifa moved on Seattle and took control of an area now called the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ). Breitbart and Fox News reported the armed takeover, while CNN and the New York Times refuted these reports, siding with the Mayor and City Council, calling the takeover "part street festival, part commune." CNN and others claimed these takeover reports were absolutely false. This is not a drill. It's real. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Do not be deceived by denials, especially when these people justify violence in the name of protecting social justice and free speech while, in reality, they oppress both. This includes the news media, some elected officials, and a political narrative. It is an example of how an issue that needs to be sincerely addressed is hijacked and choked out by those claiming to be something they are not. Deception and rebellion are in the air, making it difficult to breath truth. Daily Devotion: The Possibilities in Prayer - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org Never stop praying. -1 Thessalonians 5:17 Have you ever been in what appeared to be an impossible situation with no way out? Or, have you ever thought there was no future for you, and that it was just too late? Maybe you're facing troubles today you never thought you'd see. If so, then you need to know more about the power of God and what can take place through prayer. What certainly stands out in the pages of Scripture is that prayer can dramatically change situations, people, and on occasion, even the course of nature itself. But, what prayer changes the most is you and me. God will allow hardship and difficulty in our lives so He can reveal himself and put His power and glory on display for those who are watching. When we pray, we're acknowledging our weakness. And we're acknowledging our need for God's help. Maybe that's why we don't pray as much as we ought to. Prayer is an admission of weakness on our part, and some people don't like to admit they have a need. Yet we're foolish if we think we don't need God. After all, who was the strongest man who ever lived? It was Jesus Christ Himself. We read repeatedly in the Gospels that Jesus prayed, and He prayed a lot. He would spend the night in prayer. He would rise up early while the disciples were still sleeping and pray as well. And as the crucifixion approached, He turned to the Father in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39 NKJV). So, if Jesus, who was God, prayed a lot, then you and I need to pray a lot too. 
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 
|
|