Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Our Father Knows Best - By Pastor Mike Taylor -
https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2020/08/our-father-knows-best.html 105 " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments." (Psalms 119:105-106) When I was a child, I followed my parents teachings, because they said so. Being a little guy, these people I called "mommy and daddy" were relied on for everything. They were so much stronger and bigger than me and how could I not do as I was told? When my dad said jump, it was usually "how high?". Or at least in following his verbal command, I jumped at doing what he said because of fear. All of us remember as being children, when our parents told us something to do, even though we did not understand why, we did it anyway. Remember being a little person and saying that often uttered word, "why"? In my house, the response was usually, "because I said so". And if we disobeyed the rules of our parents or the warning not doing as we were told, what was the end result? Correct, we got our behind tanned with a wide belt or a paddle. We obeyed out of fear. Fear of discipline and the pain it would result in. 42 "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes."(Luke 12:42-47) If you were around in the '60s, there was a show called "Father Knows Best"....it was a family show that dealt with family issues...in the end, the father of the family knew what was best for each of them. So it is with our Heavenly Father...He knows the beginning from the end and everything in between. He watches over us and gives us blessings that we don't deserve, if we follow what He has told us in His Word...... 28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:28-29) "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) OUR HEAVENLY FATHER I remember growing up in church and hearing messages that could only be described as "hell fire and brimstone" sermons. A lot of people came to the altar to repent out of having the living daylights scared out of them. No one who came down wanted to experience a never ending judgment of torment by fire. Was their basis for repentance based on faith or pure unadulterated fear of an all consuming God? Of course, the answer was fear, but better fear than no response at all. Many of these same people when they felt that had appeased God, returned to their lifestyles, as if nothing had ever happened in their lives. Why is that? Because they got past their fear. Oh, they knew that to sin was not part of their "being saved", but hey, (I did it this time and nothing happened, right? If I do it again, maybe nothing will happen again. God doesn't see and I won't get caught.) So they keep doing the same sin, over and over and expect no discipline for their actions. They reason "God is love and He saved me, so I'm good". No need to fear anymore. I have many people email me and lament that the world believes that if they say a simple prayer, that they have a free pass now to do whatever they want and get away with it. Let us make a bold statement. You can not offend God. God is not a God of meanness. You can not cause Him any injury or inflict harm on Him. God does not sit around just waiting for you to mess up and hit a button labeled "SMITE". But God IS a God of judgment. God will ultimately discipline all who He calls His children and those who do not belong to Him, as they have rejected the only payment for their sin, Jesus Christ death on the cross and resurrection., God will bring judgment onto every one of us, just as your human parents did, in love for those who are His. Why? Because He wants you to grow in His nature and His ways. He wants to spend eternity with His children and cannot abide sin in our lives. God disciplines on two levels, first in correction and then in final judgment. Question? How much can you push God, by repeating the same sins over and over and not have correction and final judgment? Yes, God is a God of mercy and patience, but there is a time when God's patience runs out. 11 "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: 13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God." (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13) Those who have no fear of God and have no need for God, think they can do whatever they please, as they rely on themselves. Godly fear is a product of wisdom and those who do not fear God out of respect and reverence, God calls a fool. I didn't say it, GOD does. 1 "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one."(Psalms 14:1-3) BLESSINGS AND CURSES Looking back at the bible's example of a people most blessed, and those most cursed because of their disobedience, we look at Israel who disobeyed God and did not continue to fear Him. 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.(Deuteronomy 28:1-2) As you read this passage, God explains to the nation of Israel the blessings they will receive if they hearken unto the voice of God and follow His commands. But beginning in verses 15 to the end of the chapter, God warns them of not following His commandments. The curses and judgments are staggering 15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: 16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. 17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. 18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 20 The Lord shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me. 21 The Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it. 22 The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish. Read the entire chapter of blessing and curses, but God will discipline those who rebel against Him until God says: 65 "And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: 28:66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life" (Deuteronomy 28:65-66) Israel's disobedience to the voice of God affected the national character, until many years into the future, God had had enough of their disobedience of His Word and His people, the nation of Israel were sent into exile, not once, but twice until modern day revival of that nation. So it was with them, so it is with us...God does not change and the man who is wise follows after Him, as a sheep after a Good Shepard. JESUS, GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT ON EARTH Travel with me, many years into their future, after Israel had been returned to their homeland to be rebuilt at the end of the Babylonian exile into the time of the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ on earth. When Jesus began to teach, one of the most memorable of His sermons was the Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus explained what was meant in the Old Testament of the commandments given to their fathers. What did Jesus say ? 5:18 "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:18-19) In this sermon, our Lord developed what was written in the Old Testament, known to them as the Torah, or Teachings. These were the commandments given by this same God standing before them having fleshed them out in their spiritual intent so it could be understood plainly. A CLARIFICATION OF MEANING Let me make something very plain to the reader who may misunderstand. This is not about Law keeping, as no one can keep the Law. Paul spoke of this very fact, they were are not subject to the Law and it's penalties, because we have been saved by grace and the Law has no effect on us....in penalty. What does Jesus mean then when He spoke of the commandments of God, emphasized by Himself and preached with authority? Jesus was saying that if you follow the commandments as a way of life, to trust God that He knows what is best for each of us, then blessing will result. If we do not, then curses will follow. Let me illustrate. Look at any prisoner in our penal system. Have any of these people followed the commandments of God? Of course not, as they have broken norms of society that are based on law. Man made laws came from one authority, Almighty God and based on the Ten Commandments and His judgments. If you follow the law, you will have blessings such as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and our Constitution, but if you break the laws, as each of these prisoners did, then you have lost your rights and have been cursed and are incarcerated for a predetermined amount of time. You have lost your freedom, your property, possibly your family, and ultimately some loose their life. Turning to the born again Christian who follows after Jesus in belief and faith. What has happened to this person? They have become a new creature in Christ Jesus and they follow His example. What is His example? Following what He said beginning with the Law of God handed down to mankind and ultimately to His sermon on the mount. Jesus gave us commandments to follow for a reason. It is the recipe for a productive and meaningful life. The world follows after their own lust and do what is right in their own eyes. Right or wrong, they follow their own humanistic idea of what is good for them. They have no need for God. Why? Because they do not trust Him. They don't wish to know Him because they love their sinful ways. We who are called of God, have put our trust in our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus who knows the beginning from the end, and ultimately what is best and right for each of us. Each of us choose consciously who we will follow. Jesus said: 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him."(John 14:6-7) Our Father in Heaven, God Almighty, knew that we could not keep the letter of the Law. It is not in our nature or character to seek God or to know Him. 10:3 "For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. 4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. 5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them."(Psalms 10:3-5) Man by nature, who is mortal, and prone to sin, does not follow after God or search for Him. God seeks us and draws us to Himself, through the work of the Holy Spirit to see Jesus, the only payment for the sins that we commit. 10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes."(Romans 3:10-18) But God's Holy Spirit is at work in this world, calling all who will heed the call: 44 "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me."(John 6:44-45) When we accept Jesus Christ by faith, as our Savior and Redeemer, we use that faith and belief to follow His way of life. Why do we follow His example and live His commandments? Because we TRUST Him! To follow after Jesus produces blessing in this life, and all of eternity. To not follow after Jesus, accept Him as personal Savior by faith, leads to the flip side of this life, curses in this life and for all eternity. Follow Jesus produces right living and being obedient to His command produces another by product of our belief......character. Through trials and life's never ending struggle to put on the new man and avoid evil, we become more like Jesus Christ and less like the world. It will never be complete in this life, but will be accomplished finally when our Savior and Lord changes us into what He is....Immortal Spirit. 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."(Romans 5:1-5) "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."(1st John 3:1-3) NATIONAL DISOBEDIENCE As the individual decides to follow or to not follow after God, it permeates into all of society when a society has thrown the commandments of God to the curb. I have seen what I never thought I would see, but I have. What I have seen in our nation is an apathy for doing what is right in political office. Never would I have thought to have seen that the office of the past so called "leader" of the most powerful nation on earth, the President of the USA be given a pass over lewd behavior, or lying to the people, or trampling on our freedoms. It didn't just start with this past "Idiot in chief" president, but has been going on for decades. We saw Bill Clinton who had an affair while in office and nobody held him accountable, they even glorified his behavior stating "When Clinton lied, nobody died" meaning GW Bush was guilty of lying and then gave a pass for a Liberal President for sexual misconduct and lying while in office. OH, Bush had his grievous errors in judgment and people blame him for starting unneeded wars, but this President that graced our TV's most every night, by and far, took the cake. And we the people, do not hold our elected officials that are supposed to be speaking for us to a higher standard of conduct. This includes our Congressman, our Senators, and our local officials at the state levels. No, we have become them. They are a reflection of the moral decay and the departure from common decency and following after God's commandments, and the commands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in both halves of the Holy Book we call the Bible. Remember what we just quoted in Deuteronomy 28 concerning blessing and curses? The national tone is one of moral bankruptcy and a decline in righteous living. No other nation has been given so much, as to require even the more. 48, " But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."(Luke 12:48) All the world knows better but ignores the God of the Bible. As for mentioning the USA, she has turned her back on the benefactor who made her great. Nation after nation has fallen because they did not follow the ways of God and chose not to honor or reverence Him. The USA is not any different. She has been blessed more abundantly than any nation on earth. She has had her zenith and her star has shown to the ends of the earth, but she has rejected her God and taken on pagan gods of idolatry and filth of perversions. Just look what is going on right now in this country with rioting, looting, murder, thievery, burning down property, the destruction of statues and even a call to demolish Mount Rushmore, as symbol of our history. Evil is growing rampant in this country with attempts to bring in Socialism/Communism all leading to a New World Order, or One World Government which will ultimately lead to the Anti-Christ. It all starts with you and is a reflection of our national tragedy. You who read this, are you following the commandments of God? Have you followed His way of living based on the life of Jesus Christ? Have you believed in your heart, repented and decided that you have no hope apart from Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on Calvary's cross to be the substitute for what you and I both deserve, which is death? Put your trust in the only hope you have for blessings in this life and the next. If you feel down, depressed, hooked on drugs or alcohol to numb that empty feeling of hopelessness you feel inside, then look up from the bottom of that pit you are living in and see the outstretched arms of God in the flesh, Jesus the Christ. He seeks to deliver you from the life you are living and only wishes to fold you in His arms. Feel and listen to that still small voice who speaks to your inner being? Jesus is the way, the only way and there is NO other way to be saved. OBEDIENCE BY FAITH! Obey His voice and His calling by faith. Accept His invitation to repent of those sins you have committed and will commit in this mortal life. Stand before Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and ask for forgiveness and mercy to cleanse you from all unrighteousness...You know what? He will do as you ask. 37 "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day"(John 6:37-39) Paul the apostle wrote in Romans 23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (ALL OF US, my emphasis) 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 (substitution) 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 3:23-26) 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) 3:16 "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. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."(John 3:16-21) Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I firmly believe that this coming election is the most important election of our lifetime. It will determine if we follow the path that God and our Fore-Fathers laid down to create this nation, or we will have a government that will lead us into loss of freedoms, and the rise of Socialism/Communism with "Big Brother watching you". But nationally, we have a choice to make, although I don't see it happening, as I believe we are that close to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the coming rapture of His church, the Bride of Christ...but just in case, the Father who knows best lets this go on for a few years, then we as a nation need to commit to following our Heavenly Father and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. 14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."(2nd Chronicles 7:14) Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. That Water of Life, is Jesus Christ. He paid the penalty for disobedience to His righteous law that convicts us all. To come to Him, is to make a personal choice to follow Him, to trust Him, by faith and actions to live as He lived to the best of our mortal ability TILL HE COMES. SO COME LORD JESUS. This is pastor Mike Taylor, praying you obey that still small voice calling you to repentance and accepting Jesus as your personal Savior, by FAITH. If you need prayer, counseling, or just a listening ear, email me at [email protected] . God bless you, till we meet at Jesus feet. Nearing Midnight: Messiah Mania - Terry James - https://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/ The nation and world are in the throes of increasing tumult. Anxieties and fears of every sort have invaded the psyche of the human race in general as a result. There is, accordingly, a proliferation of pleas for something, for someone, that can calm or at least damper the trepidation that can't otherwise be solved or even salved. Jesus said this would be the human condition as the time of His return nears. He said such turmoil will bring with it great deception. Deceivers of all kinds will foist their nefarious wares upon earth's inhabitants, taking advantage of the spiritual-driven neuroses that will be affecting and infecting people everywhere. Among the deceivers will be those who even claim to be Christ, Himself. Religious deception and a profound increase in lawlessness (iniquity) will be the order of the day as the time of the Second Advent closes in. Jesus said, for example: And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Matthew 24:11-12) He warned about a particular form of false prophecy that would especially be directed toward deceiving and misleading Israel-the Jewish people: Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24 23-27) Jesus was telling his brethren, the Jews, that they didn't need to look for Him when the false prophets-the deceivers-bid them to search out various places. His coming will be spectacular. It will be seen all over the world. Now, I must be quite careful here. There are increasing reports that the Messiah is on His way or is already amongst us on earth today. My purpose is not to point to the following example as the Jewish leader in question being a false prophet or a deceiver of the ilk to which the Lord was referring. However, the fact that this topic is in the headlines points strongly at where we must stand on God's prophetic timeline. Some of today's most revered Jewish religious leaders have for some time been speaking and writing on how soon Messiah will come to earth to rescue and restore Israel in all the ways promised by Jehovah. The following is one example: In his book Siach Nechama (Discourse of Comfort), Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky writes that the Messiah lives and is with us right now, and the redemption is ready and waiting. When Israel merits it. The Messiah will be revealed and redeem them immediately. The rabbi's new announcement was explained in the Hebrew language website, Hidabroot. As an explanation, Rabbi Kanievsky quoted the words of the Jerusalem Talmud in Tractate Brachot (2: 4) and Midrash Rabbah on the Book of Lamentations (Chapter 1), in which it is stated that on the day of the Temple's destruction, the Ninth of Av, the Messiah of Israel was born. "It seems that what the Sages wanted to say was that even though the Temple was destroyed, redemption exists everywhere. The Messiah is alive with us and passes on in each generation to another body," Rabbi Kanievsky wrote, adding: "And this is the message: that you should never despair because redemption is already here, Amen." "It seems that [the Messiah] will only come in the moment of distraction, [which contradicts the commandment] to wait for him at any moment, in which case [the Messiah] will not come," the rabbi wrote. "But there really is no contradiction here. Because the very belief and waiting every moment for the coming of the Messiah causes the desired distraction. He will come to His sanctuary and the Messiah will be revealed. Because even if you wait for him, you still do not think the moment will come." (https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/155596/rabbi-kanievsky-announces-the-messiah-is-here-among-us/ ) Talk of the Jewish Messiah coming to make Israel the head of all nations, of course, doesn't sit well with the majority of earth's national leaders. All but a very few countries object vehemently to Israel's right to nationhood. Most, by far, believe Israel is an intruder in the Middle East, an imposter that has usurped the Palestinians' rightful claims to the land. All nations-sadly including America-still seek to divide the land granted to Israel by the God who created all that exists. The "Messiah mania" we're beginning to witness today is yet another end-times indicator for prophecy watchers to take into account. Israel's cry for their Messiah will, again sadly, result in their accepting a false savior, one who will impose upon on the Jewish people a holocaust more horrendous than the one with a capital "H" that was accomplished by the Nazi regime. Antichrist will inflict upon that people a "Final Solution" that will try yet again to achieve Satan's ages-long rage to rid the world of the Jew. Thankfully, that attempt will result in Lucifer and his followers being destroyed in judgment from on high. Israel will be a nation forever. We have God's very Word on it. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. And I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojourning, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. (Genesis 17:7-8) Free Speech Gone Thanks to Covid 19-84 - By Jan Markell - https://www.raptureready.com/2020/08/12/free-speech-gone-thanks-to-covid-19-84-by-jan-markell/ This weekend, YouTube/Google decided Understanding the Times Radio was not keeping the proper narrative on Covid 19-84. They took our radio programming down. We lost likely at least 100,000 viewers. Here's just some of what was discussed:
My radio guest, Twila Brase, heads Citizens Council for Health Freedom and has been named in the top one hundred most influential people in health care. She is the author of the book, Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records. Learn more at her website, www.cchfreedom.org . You can always find our videos at LightSource, a feature of OnePlace.com. Watch this week's program below where you will learn more inconvenient truth. If necessary, the programming we post on our Facebook page will also link to LightSource. You can also find programming on our website and on His Channel. The audio format now airs on almost 900 radio stations. It is tragic that big tech has their own narrative, and those who don't hold to that narrative are now being silenced. You expect this in a banana republic but not in the greatest nation on earth. Why such mystery surrounding a flu-like illness from which 99% of its victims recover? Perhaps because it's the crisis the one-worlders cannot let go to waste and the many questions it is raising may never find answers. I encourage you to hear some of the insights shared in our most recent radio program, deemed unsuitable by big tech, at the link below. https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/understanding-the-times/ What's Stopping You? - Nathele Graham - [email protected] What an amazing time to be alive. Prophecy is being fulfilled so fast it's hard to keep up. The world seems to be falling apart and cold-hearted violence is everywhere. In truth, that's the way of the world. Satan is the god of this world and he's a loser. He and his minions have no love for humanity and have patiently corrupted the minds and hearts of many people who are allowing hatred to rule their lives. Christians are the only people who are standing in the way of Satan totally taking over the world because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. As long as we're here, we need to take a stand for Jesus. How can the lost people of the world ever come to salvation if we keep silent? "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:13-14. The news is filled with reports of violent riots in cities throughout the United States and they just don't quit. The people who are destroying businesses and people's livelihood are filled with a satanic hatred that's hard for me to understand. When I see their faces in news reports my heart breaks. These people need prayer. They're lost and ignorantly being led by other people who are lost. They aren't the enemy, Satan is. Satan has gripped their lives and his hatred flows through their actions. Are we to hate them? We need to follow the example of Christ and pray for them. We need to tell them about Jesus. Those of us who say we follow Christ need to get about the business of presenting the Gospel to this lost world. It's not only those who are rioting who need to hear, but lawmakers who pass laws that legalize sin and who are doing their best to stop Christians from worshipping together. You might ask your neighbors if they know Jesus. If they don't, then share the Good News with them. Can you explain to someone who's not a bad person, by human standards, why they need to repent and accept Jesus? It might be a good idea to study Scripture now. Everyone sins, but when facing God's judgment that isn't an acceptable defense for your sin. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23. Sin began in the Garden of Eden and sin separates us from God. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:22. Because God loved us with perfect love, He provided the only way for us to spend eternity with Him. He entered His creation and willingly offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption. He shed His own blood for you and me. "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures;" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. If you've accepted His free gift of salvation, then you need to share the Gospel with others. Many Christians are under the false impression that life is continuing just like it always has. They see the horrible violence happening worldwide, but like to say "These things have always happened and every generation has felt they lived in the final days". The people who say that don't study Biblical prophecy. Peter told us that this would be the attitude of many people in the last days. "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 creation." 2 Peter 3:3-4. It's understandable that a non-believer might say that, but it's hard to understand how those words can come from a Christian. Yes, I've heard those words from the mouths of more than one Christian. Jesus fulfilled many prophecies at His first coming, such as the virgin birth, being born in Bethlehem, and the manner in which He would die. That wasn't the end of prophecy. Since Israel was reinstated as a nation in 1948, many, many more prophecies have been fulfilled. It won't be long until the Rapture happens and Daniel's 70th week begins...just as prophecy says. From the time of Abraham, the Jewish nation has been God's chosen people. Throughout their history they have sometimes been in proper fellowship with God and other times they've fallen away. When Jesus came the first time, He walked among the Jewish people to bring them to faith in Him. Sadly, the leaders rejected Him. A spiritual blindness has prevailed among most of those people since then. "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." Romans 11:25. That blindness is beginning to lift. That fact alone tells us that the end times are upon us. It won't be long until Christians are taken Home in the Harpazō (also known as the Rapture). We don't know when it will happen, but prophecy points to it being very soon. That's why we need to take a stand for Jesus and share the Good News with everyone...including those mislead people who are raging a violent attack on America as they riot in the streets. Since God alone knows what number constitutes the fullness of the Gentiles and when that fullness will come about, what should we be doing? Should we sit idle and speculate on dates that the Rapture might occur, or should we work to bring the lost to salvation so the fullness of the Gentiles will be accomplished? Jesus told us to preach the Gospel. "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15. That wasn't a suggestion by our Lord, but a command. Maybe you aren't called to go to Portland, Oregon, or to New York City and evangelize to the rioters, and maybe you're not called to travel to remote jungles to share the Gospel, but you are called to preach the Gospel to every creature. Picture this: You're walking in the park one day and see an old man sitting on a bench. He looks very sad and a little afraid. You have a sudden urge to speak to him. He's a widower and his children all live in another state. He's just found out he has cancer and only has a few months to live. You could pat him on the shoulder and say "I'm sorry" or you could say "I'm sorry, but can I ask if you know Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life He offers?". It might take some courage to speak to him about Jesus, and you need to have answers to any questions he might ask. Wouldn't it be wonderful if he was the one? The last Gentile that would trigger the Rapture? "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23. You have to let him know that only Jesus Christ will bring eternal life. Whether or not he's the one who brings about the Rapture isn't your call. He's a sinner who needs to know that Jesus Christ offers eternal life. He needs to ask Jesus to forgive him before it's too late. Jonah is an interesting figure in history, and most of us have some idea of what he did. God called him to go to the evil and wicked city of Nineveh and tell them to turn from their sin or they would be destroyed. Of course, Jonah ran in the opposite direction! Does that sound like Christians today? God says to go and be a witness, but we run. It took a life-changing experience for Jonah to finally do what God said. "Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." Jonah 1:17. After the great fish vomited Jonah onto the shore, he reluctantly went to Nineveh. Jonah hoped they would ignore his words and that God would destroy them. He was very disappointed that the leader and all the people of Nineveh repented and their judgment was delayed for many years. If you're a Christian then you've had a life-changing experience by accepting Christ as your Saviour. Are you, like Jonah, running away from sharing the message of salvation with others? Do you think that some people just don't deserve to hear the Good News? Jesus gave all of us a job to do. We must share the Gospel of Christ. Jesus said we must. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20. Baptizing is important and I don't want to marginalize it, but what good is baptizing someone who doesn't understand the reason behind it? We need to preach the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and tell the lost why they need salvation. Every Christian should be anticipating the Rapture. There are many signs that tell us it's on the very near horizon and it's not wrong to be very excited. God wants us to anticipate it. Paul tells us there's a reward waiting for those who look forward to His coming. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8. Believe me, I'm as anxious for the Harpazō as anyone, but I must be about my Father's business right up until I hear His voice calling me Home, or until I die. Is there any way to hurry it along? Well, since we are to be Raptured when the fullness of Gentiles is complete, I need to tell more people about Jesus. It's much better to be out there on the battle front preaching the Gospel instead of sitting around and dreaming of the Rapture. Scripture encourages us to evangelize. The Rapture of Christians must occur before Jesus' Second Advent. We are to yearn for it, and until our last breath we need to do what we can to share the Gospel. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. That's the question at the heart of the matter of evangelism. Do you love Him? Do you love Him enough to keep His commandments and go and teach all nations, even your own? Prophecy is exciting and a great study; there is much to learn and be excited about. Through the study of prophecy, we know that the Harpazō is imminent, which means it can occur at any moment. That's very exciting. There's nothing standing in the way of that awesome event except possibly that one person God has been putting on your heart to seek out and speak to. Maybe it's the old man on the park bench or a waitress at your local café. Listen to the urging of the Holy Spirit and share God's truth. What's stopping you from sharing the Gospel? The events that are unfolding in Israel and in the streets of America tells us that time is swiftly coming to an end. Obey Jesus' command to share the Gospel. Don't let anything stop you. 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: An injustice to one is an injustice to all - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com The First Amendment reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." The likes of California's Democratic Party bosses, including Senators Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti seek to shut down the free exercise of religion, free speech and the right of the people to peaceably assemble through their ongoing jack boot tactics against churches in California. Many other places under Democratic Party control are experiencing the same. Christians are asking what to do as we are losing our rights across the country where Democrats are in control of states and cities. They demand that the economy continue to be locked down, depriving people to assemble at workplaces to put food on the table. Crime skyrockets because Democratic Party Mayors, City Councils, and governors are defunding or tying the hands of police. These politicians allow extremists to gather en masse, riot in the streets, burn and ravage businesses day after day, night after night, endangering the public safety. Yet these same Democratic Party officials forbid, under penalty of excessive fines and arrest, the peaceful gathering together of Christians answering the call to worship. It is time to stand up against this tyranny. Yes, we needed a reasonable amount of time to understand what we were dealing with regarding COVID 19. That time is past. While many of us have known people who either contracted or have succumbed to COVID 19, we need to look at the facts-even if they cannot be trusted, are overreported or otherwise. This virus infects about 1.5% of the population and the death rate is far less than that-about 5/100 of the population. Yet your job, your way of life, your freedom is rushed away like a flood down the river of fear. This is an injustice to us all. We are losing our country and politicians, whose only agenda is to get rid of the current president, are happy to see the nation crumble. What to do? Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, gives the example. In defiance of Los Angeles and California state orders, he held church services last Sunday. An estimated 7,000 people showed up. Pastor Rob McRoy of Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park, CA did the same. McRoy was forbidden by court order to hold church. He defied it. Civil disobedience. As Peter and the Apostles said in Acts 5:29, "We ought to obey God rather than men." I'm not saying be reckless in your disobedience. Take precaution that you don't cause another to stumble, i.e. get COVID 19, but it is time to stand up for your rights before you lose them. If you are healthy, stay healthy, but fight the good fight. Fear has shut down our nation. Courage will reopen it. Daily Devotion: Advancing into Enemy Territory - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. -Psalm 61:3 LISTEN: https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/advancing-into-enemy-territory/ The Christian life is not a playground; it's a battleground. In fact, the Bible frequently uses the images of war and conflict to depict the Christian life. The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, "Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3 NLT). He also wrote, "I have fought the good fight" (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT). Anyone who chooses to follow Jesus Christ will face severe opposition from the Enemy. But the good news is that we have a choice in the spiritual battle. We can win this war. And here's more good news: we'll win in the end. Jesus said the gates of Hell would not prevail against the church (see Matthew 16:18). To understand what that means, we have to look at the way they conducted warfare in ancient times. Armies in that day used the common military tactic of breaking down the gate of the enemy's fortress with a battering ram. (You've probably seen it in movies.) They sometimes lit the battering ram on fire to burn down a wooden gate. Then the soldiers rushed in and defeated the occupants of the fortress. Jesus was saying the gates would not prevail against the battering ram. So, as we move forward as Christians, we gain ground-we don't simply hold ground. And hopefully we don't lose ground, either. God has told us how to win this spiritual battle. Our objective is to reach as many people as we can with the gospel. And as we advance into enemy territory with the gospel message, ultimately, we will win the battle. So, if you feel a little overwhelmed in the spiritual battle right now, understand that God is with you. If you're a follower of Jesus Christ, then you're under His protection. He's watching out for you. 
FROM THE HEART
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