Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Yes, There is a Coming Apocalypse (part 2) - by: Gary Stearman -
https://prophecywatchers.com/yes-there-is-a-coming-apocalypse/ THE GREAT BALANCE In the study of eschatology, balance is everything. Eschatology comes from two Greek words, eschatos, meaning "last," and logos, meaning "word, or discussion." It is a discussion of last things, in other words, apocalypticism. It is the general discourse upon how and when Christ will be revealed ... the "who, what, where, when and why" of His coming. The proper study of eschatology is vital in the accurate understanding of Scripture as a whole. Christ's coming touches upon every aspect of theology. The great subjects of sin, redemption, resurrection and judgment must all be understood in terms of prophecy, both in past fulfillment and future discovery. God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the inspiration of the Word, the Virgin Birth, Israel in History and Prophecy must all be fitted within the context of the ages. Satan, the angels (both good and evil), the Body of Christ, stewardship, reward and service, sanctification, personal tribulation, international tribulation and ultimate glorification are parts of the eschatological picture. A misunderstanding of prophecy invariably blanks out the perception of His overall plan. Sound doctrine depends upon sound prophetic interpretation. At least a third of Scripture is specifically tuned to people and events that were future at the time of the writing. Liberal extremists will deny that any Scripture at all is prophetic. In fact, even some sound pastor-teachers will avoid the direct teaching of prophecy. First, they find it too difficult to interpret prophecy. And this is for good reason: prophecy often presents complex and thorny issues. Second, they find that it tends to split their congregations, since prophecy cuts into the heart of worldly belief systems that may have crept into the church. In the end, there are two common extremes. On one side, there are sensationalists, with special revelations about the date of the rapture, or a new eye-opener proving that the church will go through the first half of the Tribulation. Grandstanding and self-promotion are not unheard of in the world of Bible teaching. Conversely, there are those who have declared prophecy to be the purview of wild-eyed self-promoters. They react by throwing up their hands and declaring prophecy off-limits. Neither extreme is correct. Balanced study of prophetic Scripture will include all aspects of systematic theology, from the sin of Satan to the Restoration of the cosmos, and from atonement to glory. Balance is everything. The true apocalypticist knows this. THE APOCALYPTICIST AS WITNESS For at least two reasons, a thorough knowledge of eschatology is absolutely necessary for a convincing presentation of the Gospel. The first has to do with the inspiration of God's Word. If it can be shown that Bible prophecy is inerrant, it can also be shown that the message of the Gospel is true and reliable. Earlier, we mentioned that many Old Testament references to the Messiah were fulfilled in the New Testament. The presentation of ancient prophecy that has already seen fulfillment is surely one of the best tools we have for effectively bringing the Word to the unredeemed world. The prophet Isaiah, alone, has brought many to Christ: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). The virgin birth - dating back to the "seed of the woman" prophecy in Genesis 3:15 - can be presented while witnessing for Christ. His miracle birth, death and resurrection set the terms of salvation. To be born again, is to experience the new birth in Christ. The entire fifty-third chapter of Isaiah is a witness to the One who bore the sins of mankind. The fact that it has been entirely fulfilled is - in and of itself - a phenomenal witness for Christ: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:3-6). In fulfillment of the ancient prophecies, He came to provide redemption for all. Prophecy demonstrates God's plan in a palpable way. And just as it convinces, it can also convict. This brings us to the second aspect of eschatology in the presentation of the Gospel. The apocalypticist knows that no other device is quite as capable of sounding a warning to the unsaved and the ungodly. Prophecy, in both Old and New Testaments, is most often concerned with bringing stern warning to the wicked and immoral of the world. Those who have never been introduced to the Bible are often shocked to learn that many global events are being brought to the staging point right now. The world may soon radically change, and for the first time, they will be forced to face themselves. Currently, there is a perfect example that fits this model. It is the 38th chapter of Ezekiel, in which a massive enemy alliance stages itself for an invasion of Israel. A number of current political analyses, articles and even novels have shown that Ezekiel's scenario is currently having its final details set on the world stage. Russia, mired in post-Communist degeneration, is looking for ways to regain her lost power. To the south, an array of sheikhdoms and Islamic dictatorships cry out for someone to bring them out of the continual chaos that plagues them. Meanwhile, Turkey and Europe are rapidly falling into the subtle clutches of radical Islamic jihadists who threaten to dominate their culture. The apocalypticist has long since recognized that this is precisely the setting for Ezekiel's prophecy: "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts o armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. (Ezek. 38:1-6). Magog (Russia), Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, Libya (Northeast Africa), Togarmah (Turkey) and Gomer (Germany and Eastern Europe), unite to invade Israel. Now, that's apocalyptic! And it's a warning to the ungodly that judgment is coming. Even the most secular mind must give pause in the face of the growing evidence that just such a scenario is building at fever pitch. It's happening ... right now! At the same time, and in the same way, the ungodly can, through prophecy, be made to understand that the God of the Old Testament is Deity. It is no coincidence that these nations have come together since Israel became a nation once again. The apocalypticist, well grounded in prophecy, can point this out in a powerful way. Furthermore, Ezekiel's prophecy tightly links God's judgment to the outcome of the battle of "Gog, the land of Magog." The enormous force that comes against Israel will be overthrown, and that action will precipitate the Day of the Lord: "And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the Earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the Earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground" (Ezek. 38:18-20). In these verses, the apocalpyticist naturally sees the apocalypse! Far more than a mere military action, and far more than nuclear weapons, it will be a time of geological upheaval unlike anything ever witnessed by man. Massive shifts in the Earth's crust will be accompanied by volcanism and meteorological upheavals. Fiery objects will fall from the heavens. Judgment will come upon all those left on Earth after the rapture. Most interesting of all, "the great and the terrible day of the Lord"(Joel 2:31) will come "at the same time" as the defeat of Gog's forces. The awesome power of the Lord will be revealed to all men. Jesus rebuked the Jews of His day for failing to discern "the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:3). Prophetic awareness tells us that life on planet Earth is not going to get better and better. The apocalypticist watches in sadness as "Bible Belts" become casino carnivals, and thinks, "How many casinos did I drive past to get to church today?" "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come ... But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived" (II Tim. 3:1,13). CENTURY TWENTY-ONE PARADOX This brings us to that perennially favorite debate question: "Are we living in the last days?" And here, we come to an interesting paradox. (As an apocalypticist, you will have noticed that prophetic study usually presents you with a paradox.) Christians are used to this: Did the Lord choose you from before the foundation of the world, or did you choose to follow Him? The answer is "yes" to both. But of course, that answer is impossible. Then again, nothing is impossible with God. But, back to the question about the last days. When the Apostles use the term, they are referring to the closing days of the church age. In the broadest sense, however, they are describing the general deterioration that has characterized the entire church age. To the apocalypticist, the term "last days" holds no clue as to timing or dating. But it does indicate a trend, as when Peter wrote: "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the Earth standing out of the water and in the water" (II Pet. 3:3-5). Clearly, Peter was writing about a time following his own. Today, in retrospect, we know that, through the leading of the Spirit, he was writing about the naturalistic philosophy called uniformitarianism. It declares that for millions of years, the Earth has slowly and uniformly formed itself into the environment we see today. Science now denies that God has any part in the natural world. They scoff at believers who want to describe nature's intelligent design. Is this proof that we are living near the time of the rapture? No, but it gives you that certain "last days" feeling. And let's not forget all those preachers, crying out, "Jesus is coming soon!" Don't bother telling them that we are not at the end of the church age. All that may be said, is that we are - or we are not - living in the last days. A paradox, indeed. But apocalypticists are quite accustomed to living in such slippery environments. And speaking of paradoxes, perhaps the greatest paradox of all is so obvious that it's often overlooked. Namely, that we are living in the twenty-first century. At this writing, it has been about 2,022 years since Christ's birth in 3 B.C. That's two millennia, plus! We are now well into the third millennium since the coming of the Messiah. And what it so important about this fact? Prophecy has long suggested that it would be about two thousand years between His first and second comings. And upon this point, we are reminded of a key Old Testament prophecy: "For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early. Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the Earth" (Hosea 5:14-6:3). Here, in one of the most wonderful prophecies of the entire Bible, written in the eighth century B.C., the Lord speaks to Israel and Judah through the prophet Hosea. He says that He will come to both the northern and southern Kingdoms as a rampant lion, then return to His place in heaven. Of course, this prophecy has long since been fulfilled. Israel has been judged and scattered and repeatedly afflicted. They have earnestly sought Him for nearly two thousand years - represented by the "two days" mentioned in the above portion of Hosea. As of May 14th, 1948, they have been "revived." They are now a secular state, regathered in unbelief. They have been revived, but not "raised up," (a term referring to Israel's spiritual rebirth). This is prophesied to happen in the "third day." If millennia are depicted in Scripture as days, we are now living in the third day. We can therefore expect Israel to be spiritually reborn, and very soon. The Bible is most emphatic about this event. It comes at the beginning of the Tribulation period, as shown in the seventh chapter of Revelation (The Apocalypse, for all you apocalypticists), where the 144,000 Jews are sealed and anointed by the Lord. Repeating for emphasis - as apocalypticists often do - this is the time period in which we now live! But just how can we say that we are now living in the third day? Well, according to the "millennial-day" theory, the seven days of creation foreshadow the seven millennia of human history, each "day" being a thousand years in length. The Epistle of Barnabas was, at one point, considered for canonization in the New Testament. The great nineteenth-century scholar, J.B. Lightfoot, published a famous English translation, from which the following selection is taken. In condensed fashion, it presents a belief which is thought to have been common among the disciples of Jesus in the first century: "Of the Sabbath He speaketh in the beginning of the creation; And God made the works of His hands in six days, and He ended on the seventh day, and rested on it, and He hallowed it. Give heed, children, what this meaneth; He ended in six days. He meaneth this, that in six thousand years the Lord shall bring all things to an end; for the day with Him signifyeth a thousand years; and this He himself beareth me witness, saying; Behold, the day of the Lord shall be as a thousand years. Therefore, children, in six days, that is in six thousand years, everything shall come to an end. And He rested on the seventh day. this He meaneth; when His Son shall come, and shall abolish the time of the Lawless One, and shall judge the ungodly, and shall change the sun and the moon and the stars, then shall he truly rest on the seventh day" (Barnabas 15:3-5). As an apocalypticist, this comes as no news to you. You have long since acknowledged with some exhilaration we are living at the very beginning of the seventh day since creation ... the seventh millennium. This is the day in which Barnabas said the "Lawless One" would be defeated. For this to happen, he must be revealed. It is logical to assert that this event must happen in the near future. Not long ago, the media wondered aloud whether he might be alive today. Then, in a paroxysm of scorn, they tossed the idea into newsroom wastebaskets across the land. You, however, quietly retained your thoughts on the matter, and kept your eyes open. Speaking of quiet thoughts, the apocalypticist may muse, "Since I'm already living in the seventh millennium, can I still be called a Premillennialist?" Without a doubt, that's an interesting question. Apocalypticists will not have missed late developments in the United Nations, where the corrupt meet to redistribute the world's wealth to their sons and daughters. They also regard the United States as a huge pie, to be cut up and served to the "more deserving," which will then be governed by their paid lackeys in a system that divides the world into ten zones of control. Hmmm ... doesn't the Bible say something about ten kings, one of whom will rise to power as the man of sin, the antichrist? And apocalypticists must be watching the breathtaking rise of China as a world trader and manufacturing colossus. A generation ago, the Chinese couldn't even own property. Now, China boasts dozens of nouveaux riche millionaires, who, in a rampant orgy of conspicuous consumption, say that they will become the world's most powerful class. The "kings of the east," are on the march. And surely, apocalypticists will have noted that the most potent concentration of geopolitical power in the world is now squarely focused on old Persia (the new Iran), Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Arabia. One can almost feel the nuclear heat radiating from the area. These are but a few examples of why the apocalypse must be very, very near. Allow me to say that it's no accident that many preachers have risen to proclaim "Jesus is coming soon!" The Spirit of the Lord has moved them to speak these words. And soon...means soon! So, am I an apocalypticist? What do you think? Is the Psalm 83 Battle Looming on the Horizon? - Pastor Bill Hoganson - [email protected] We are now witnessing increased military strikes by Israel against Iranian proxies located in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Gaza. With what's now happening, one may wonder if the so-called Psalm 83 battle is near. Perhaps you are unfamiliar with Psalm 83's prayer concerning Israel's conflict with the "surrounding" nations. If so, you may want to read this article. In recent years, very good Bible prophecy students have been fussing among themselves over the nature and meaning of Psalm 83. The fuss is primarily over whether, or not, Psalm 83 concerns an actual military battle between Israel and the surrounding nations. Some students believe that Psalm 83 lays the foundation for Israel becoming a Super State that will dominate the region. And, all of this is to take place "before" the Tribulation. Is this a solid, Biblical view? Let's check it out. So, the current on-going debate is over whether Psalm 83 is simply 1) an imprecatory prayer, 2) and/or a prophecy that has already been fulfilled, 3) and/or a prophecy waiting to be fulfilled. These three views can be summarized as follows: 1) Psalm 83 is an Imprecatory Prayer: This view holds that Psalm 83 is "only" a prayer, and not a prophecy, written around 1000 BC by Asaph, King David's chief musician (1 Chr. 16:5-7). Asaph's prayer implores God to deal harshly with the surrounding nations that had been attacking Israel over the previous four hundred years (cf Judges). 2) Psalm 83 had a "past" fulfillment - two basic views are summarized, as follow: a. Psalm 83 is prophetic prayer that was already fulfilled in the "ancient" past. This view claims King Jehoshaphat's army defeated the surrounding Psalm 83 nations in the 9th Century BC (2 Chron. 20). b. Still, others believe Psalm 83 was fulfilled in 1948 when Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq invaded Israel. They claim all "ten" Psalm 83 people groups, described in Psalm 83, are connected to the 1948 Arab nation's invasion. 3) Psalm 83 is awaiting "future" fulfillment - two basic views are summarized, as follows: a. Psalm 83 will be fulfilled when the Ezekiel 38-39 Russian Coalition invades Israel during the Tribulation. This view claims Ezekiel 38:6's use of the phrase "many people are with you" is conclusive evidence that the "ten" Psalm 83 people groups are included in the Russian Coalition. b. This next view lines up with the one identified in the opening paragraph, claiming that Psalm 83 is an actual battle that is to be understood in the context of many O.T. prophecies still awaiting fulfillment, including Ezekiel 25:14; Zephaniah 2:9; Zechariah 12:6; Obadiah 17-18; Isaiah 11:14 and 19:16-18; Isaiah 17 (in conjunction with Jeremiah 49:23-27). All these Scriptures have one thing in common: they all support the idea of Israel having an "exceedingly great army" (Ezk. 37:10) which will, directly or indirectly, defeat and take control of the "surrounding" nations turning Israel into a Super State. (Bill Salus popularized this view in his book "Israelestine." View 3b., presented here, is similar to his book, but with a slightly different spin.) In any case, let's now consider the Biblical efficacy of each of these views... Which of the above Views best Fits Israel's "Last Days" Scenario? Psalm 83 as an Imprecatory Prayer View It is true that Psalm 83 is a prayer; however, this view ignores the following: 1) Asaph was a prophet (2 Chr. 29:30---seer), 2) the Psalms can be prophetic (e.g., Psa. 2, 16, 22, etc.), and 3) God will answer Asaph's prayer. Psalm 83 can be both a prayer and a prophecy that God can, and will, answer and fulfill. Psalm 83 had a "Past" fulfillment View View 2a. teaches that 2 Chronicles 20 fulfilled Psalm 83 in the ancient past. It sounds good, but it doesn't line up with Psalm 83. How so? At most, only six people groups can be counted there, while Psalm 83 identifies ten people groups. So, they don't match up... View 2b. teaches Psalm 83 was fulfilled in 1948, which is on the right track, but it falls short in at least four areas, as follows: 1) Today, the people groups that invaded Israel in 1948 (Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq) continue to seek Israel's destruction, so that "the name of Israel be remembered no more" (Psa. 83:4), suggesting Psalm 83 is still open for fulfillment. Egypt and Jordan currently have a peace agreement with Israel, but, for how long; especially since their majorities hate Israel? 2) The same 1948 Arab nations continue to push for a Palestinian State, even quoting Psalm 83, saying, "let us take for ourselves [for the Palestinians] the pastures of God for a possession" (Psa. 83:11). On this point, Psalm 83 remains unfulfilled. 3) Asaph's prayer that the "ten" Psalm 83 people groups be destroyed "as fire burns the woods, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire (Psa. 83:14)" still needs God's answer. And 4) Today, these same 1948 nations reject the LORD God, thus, leaving Asaph's prayer unanswered (Psa. 83:16-18). On the surface, View 2b. sounds good. But to claim that the 1948 Arab invasion of Israel, by itself, fulfills the Psalm 83 prophecy, is insufficient, still lacking fulfillment as demonstrated above. Psalm 83 is awaiting "Future" fulfillment View View 3a. - to conclude that the "ten" Psalm 83 people groups are found in the phrase ""many people are with you (Ezk 38:6)" is going way too far! This vague and inferential conclusion stretches itself into a non-sequitur. Yes, it is true that inference is used in the other views, but not to this presumptive degree. View 3b. raises interesting points. Israel's powerful military does play a major literal role in the "last days" as seen in the listed O.T. verses under 3b. on page 1. We will spend the remainder of this article on View 3b., by analyzing the future role of Israel's powerful military in Bible prophecy. What Role does Israel's Military Play in the "Last Days?" Israel's military play a "significant" role in the last days, but "when" does Israel's military have a role? Zechariah describes Israel's military role in the "last days" when the "surrounding" nations seek to take control of Jerusalem, as follows: Zechariah 12:2 (NKJV) - "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem." Jerusalem will come under attack by the "surrounding" nations. And then we read in Zechariah 12:6 (NKJV) - "In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited..." Notice, the "surrounding" nations will fail to take control of Jerusalem, why? Israel's powerful military will "devour" them. So, at this point, it is Israel's powerful military that defeats the "surrounding" nations. But later, Israel's powerful military is absent, as follows: Zechariah 14:2 (NKJV) - "For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city." What happened to Israel's powerful military? They were present in Zechariah 12, but they are no longer present in Zechariah 14. Don't bail out on this article now. Please keep reading... Israel does have powerful military that defeats the "surrounding" nations in the "last days." But, when do they defeat the "surrounding" nations? Consider the following: #1 "After" the Tribulation #2 "During" the Tribulation #3 "Before" the Tribulation #1 - "After" the Tribulation View - this view can be rejected forthright because Isaiah tells us that after Jesus comes "neither shall they learn war anymore" (Isa. 2:4). There will be no need for armies during the Millennium. #2 - "During" the Tribulation View: Many good prophecy students "assume" that Israel's "exceedingly great army" will exist "during" the Tribulation (Rev. 6-19). However, Israel's powerful military is absent when Jerusalem is overrun (Zec. 14:2). Where did they go? In fact, Revelation 6-19 provides no hint that Israel's powerful military even exists. Certainly, Israel will have underground Jewish militias (Zech. 14:14), but there is no indication in Revelation 6-19 that Israel has a powerful IDF-like military. Revelation 6-19 reveals that Israel's Jews will be delivered from their enemies in four ways, as follows: 1) Israel will be delivered by God's "two witnesses" during the Tribulation's first 3½ years (Rev. 11:3-6) 2) Many Jews are delivered from Antichrist forces by fleeing out of Judea into the wilderness (Matt. 24:15-16), where God will supernaturally protect them during the Tribulation's final 3½ years (Rev. 12:14-17) 3) After Jerusalem is captured, Jewish underground militias (Zech. 14:2, 14) will attempt to deliver Israel. But they will fail! Two-thirds of the Jews will die (Zech. 13:8), mostly during the latter half of the Tribulation 4) In the end, Jesus Himself will deliver the Jews after a majority finally recognize Jesus as their Messiah. They will cry out to Him "blessed is He that comes in the name of the LORD" (Matt. 23:39). Jesus responds "delivering" them from their enemies, and all Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:26-29; Rev. 19:11-21). It is clear in Revelation 6-19 that Israel's Jews do not rely on a powerful IDF-like military to deliver them from Satan's wrath. It is safe to assume that Israel's military is absent during the entire seven-year Tribulation. At the very least, Israel's powerful military is absent during the Tribulation's final 3½ years. The "Before" the Tribulation View: This view has that greatest Scriptural support. Multiple unfulfilled O.T. prophecies are in the process of coming to pass before our very eyes. The majority of these O.T. prophecies require that Israel have a powerful IDF-like military. Let's get into it... Multiple O.T. prophecies require that Israel have a powerful IDF-like military in the "last days." Check out the following yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies requiring Israel to have a powerful military in the "last days": * Isaiah 11:14 (NKJV) - "But they [Israel] shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west [Gaza]; Together they shall plunder the people of the East [Syria]; They shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab [Jordan]; And the people of Ammon [Jordan] shall obey them. * Zephaniah 2:9 (NKJV) - Therefore, as I live," Says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Surely Moab shall be like Sodom, And the people of Ammon like Gomorrah- Overrun with weeds and saltpits, And a perpetual desolation. The residue of My people shall plunder them, And the remnant of My people shall possess them." * Zechariah 12:6 (NKJV) - In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place- * Obadiah 18 (NKJV) - "The house of Jacob shall be a fire, And the house of Joseph a flame; But the house of Esau shall be stubble; They shall kindle them and devour them, And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau," For the LORD has spoken. * Ezekiel 25:14 (NKJV) - "I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, that they may do in Edom according to My anger and according to My fury; and they shall know My vengeance," says the Lord GOD. Today, Israel's powerful military continues to defeat and hold off the "surrounding" nations, keeping them from driving them into the Sea. However, many of the above O.T. prophecies are still awaiting fulfillment. How so? Israel has yet to take control of the surrounding nations. Let's just take one example of the above unfulfilled prophesies. Consider Isaiah 11:14 (NKJV) "But they [Israel] shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west; Together they shall plunder the people of the East; They shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; And the people of Ammon shall obey them." This prophecy has never been fulfilled. How so? In context, verse 14 is to be fulfilled "after" Israel comes back to the LAND a second time (Isa. 11:11). Israel's Jews came back to the LAND the "first time" beginning in 537 BC under Zerubabbel and Joshua. The Jews came back to the LAND a "second time" during the 20th Century, becoming a nation in 1948. Verse 14 will be fulfilled "after" 1948, when Israel is back in the LAND for a second time. Is the stage being set for fulfillment of this prophecy now? Let's take a look... Isaiah 11:14 can be broken down into three parts, as follows: 1) Firstly, we are told that Israel will "swoop down on the shoulder of the Philistines..." The "shoulder" of the Philistines describes the location of their power, which is the same location as today's Gaza Strip. Israel will "fly down" upon the Gaza Strip like a bird swoops down on its prey to devour. Is Israel about to "swoop down" upon Gaza to bring it under military control, perhaps setting up military garrisons to be used in the same way Jewish settlers were used prior to 2005? 2) Secondly, verse 14 tells us Israel will "plunder" the "peoples of the east." The "peoples of the east" includes Syria (cf Gen. 29:1; Num. 23:7). Israel will "plunder" Syria. Perhaps, the Isaiah 17:1 prophecy fits here, when Damascus becomes "a heap of ruins, a city no more." After plundering Syria, perhaps Israel will set up garrisons, much like King David did (2 Sam. 8:6). Is Israel on the verge of plundering Syria? 3) Thirdly, verse 14 tells us that Israel will "lay their hand on Edom and Moab (Jordan)" and "the people of Ammon (Jordan) shall obey them." It appears Israel takes control of Jordan, in the same way David took control of the Edomites, by setting up military garrisons there (2 Sam. 8:14). On a side note: during the Tribulation, a Jordanian puppet government to Israel allows Jewish "fugitives" to "take refuge" in Petra/Sela (Isa. 16:1-4), apparently after the Antichrist invades the region (Dan. 11:41). Is Isaiah 11:14 just one of the many O.T. Scriptures that describe what may be an answer to Asaph's Psalm 83 prayer? If so, then Israel may very well be on its way to becoming a Super State----which appears not to be too far off in the future! God bless you as you seek Him... Pastor Bill Hoganson The Marching Rage to Armageddon! - David Pepe - https://www.theignorantfishermen.com/2011/08/marching-rage-to-armageddon.html As lawless individuals rage against authorities and powers, they are totally oblivious to the demonic hypnotic state of mind which they possess (Rom. 1:18-32, Jude 1:10). We can see this now more than ever with all this abounding anti American sentiment here in last days America. The lawless are held prisoners of themselves by their own delusional subjective narcissistic world of victim status and burning rage. These have reaped their OWN lawless doings and need a scapegoat to destroy and to avenge their own self afflicted adversities (Gal. 6:7). The State - who is almighty god to them - has put them in these socialistic "self afflicted" prisons, yet they rage against the very ones who provide the capital, which provides them food, shelter and a measure of aid. As the day grows exceedingly darker and the hour of the Day of the Lord draws ever more nigh, expect to see this lawless rage, hatred, violence and hardness of godless man EXPONENTIALLY intensify (Matt. 24:12, Rom. 3, 2 Tim. 3:1-4, Rev. 9:20-21). For what you are witnessing are the global rumblings of the armies of Lucifer massing to the final epic expression of godlessness and hatred ever displayed! The Battle of Armageddon! Today human technology, violence, godlessness, oppression and darkness has saturated the world and is EXPONENTIALLY at its height; Lucifer is putting the final touches and preparing this present world and his fallen angelic hosts for the final showdown AGAINST Almighty God and His ETERNAL sovereignty of RIGHTEOUSNESS. In Lucifer's darkened vision and agenda he is seeking for himself the worship from Almighty God's creation,, the establishment of his 666 global state under his anti Christ and the FINAL delusional designs for the eradication of his Creator (Almighty God). Ever since his expulsion from Heaven's courtroom Lucifer has been so zealously at work to establish his darkened delusional kingdom and self worship. Whatever masses of raging humanity that remain during the last days of GREAT tribulation, Lucifer will lead to the plains of Megiddo for the Battle of Armageddon (Isa.14:12-17, John 8:44, Rev. 13: 4, 16:13-16). The Battle of Armageddon will commence near the end of the seven year tribulation period in which a sin ravished "EXPONENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC" world's remnant will march to war against Almighty God and His ETERNAL sovereignty over His creation (Joel 3:2,12, Zech. 12:2, Rev. 16:13-16). This global remnant of rebellious humanity of the ravished world at this time will make their final delusional destination, clawing and crawling to war against their Creator. So focused, so driven, so blind with such EXPONENTIAL subjective, vindictive hatred that seven years of the EXPONENTIAL horrific consequences of godless man along with the SUPERNATURAL Divine judgments of Almighty God will NOT DETOUR these individual's godless passion, hatred and consuming desire to establish their insane and delusional godless utopia and seek the full eradication Almighty God from His creation (Rev. 9:20-21, 16:9,11). No wonder Almighty God will laugh His head off at the full blown insanity of the nations of this period (Psalm 2). Just before this battle's commencement - as the world's global armies under Lucifer's demonic leadership and the anti Christ's despotic mandate - which are comprise the 10 regions of the world (Dan. 2:34,40-44, 7:7-27, Rev. 17:12-17) - will ADVANCE their way through seven years of global catastrophic obstacles and tribulation to war with Almighty God (Dan. 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:9-12, Rev. 16:13-16). These people from the 10 regions of the anti Christ will ADVANCE through the seas and rivers of blood which have been cursed by Almighty God (Rev. 16:3-6, 17:13-14), they will ADVANCE through the catastrophic global landscapes covered with the horrific carnage of global war (Rev. 6:1-8, 9:14-21, 16), they will ADVANCE through the catastrophic obstacles of the natural and SUPER natural disasters inflicted by Almighty God in His wrath (Rev. 6-16). In their insanity and rage they will NEVER STOP MARCHING UNTIL THEY HAVE ARRIVED AT THEIR FINAL DESTINATION AND SHOW DOWN. These will NOT let go of their hatred and rage as it absolutely consumes them. They are all FULLY unrepentant and possess a "Pharaoh's heart of rebellion and stone". Their only consolation and motivation for existing will be to let out their EXPONENTIAL rage on the very One who has judged them for their EXPONENTIAL godless deeds (2 Thess. 2:10-12, Rev. 9:20-21, 16:9, 11, 21). As this global horde continues their raging ADVANCE to Megiddo in the midst of all Almighty God's Divine obstacles, Almighty God will unleash His FINAL 21st Divine judgment on this raging demonically induced ADVANCING global host (Rev. 16:17-21). In this FINAL "Bowl Judgment", Almighty God will proclaim to ALL His creation, "IT IS DONE!" and will cause every global tectonic fault line to move out of their place and institute a global earthquake that is absolutely incomprehensible (Rev. 16:17). This earthquake will be so EXPONENTIALLY catastrophic, so EXPONENTIALLY horrific, so EXPONENTIALLY ravishing that it will completely transform and ravish the entire world's continents causing super tsunamis, obliterating all islands, coastlines and mountains. It will obliterate ALL of the world's great cities, technologies and millions of human lives will be wiped out (Isa. 24:5-6, Hag 2:6, 7, Rev. 16:18-20). As the aftermath of this EXPONENTIALLY INCOMPREHENSIBLE judgment quiets down, one will begin to hear the stirring of men who have survived in the global desolation and rubble. As the dust clears from this Divine EXPONENTIALLY EXPONENTIAL global earthquake judgment, the remaining surviving masses of the armies of the anti Christ will amass and CONTINUE their ADVANCE to Israel to the plains of Megiddo (Rev. 16:13-16)! Oh my friend, what a consuming passion of wrath of these hordes! What consuming vindictive rage filled with burning hatred (Psalm 2:1-5)! They are fully UNREPENTANT as they march to their ETERNAL doom (2 Thess. 2:10, Rev. 9:20-21, 16, 19:11-21)! As they regather themselves, crawl and claw their way to Megiddo, Almighty God will send the FINAL part of the Seventh Bowl Judgment on them! This final judgment is the heavenly bombardment of 70-100 lbs hailstones from Heaven (Rev. 16:21)! As these 70-100 lbs hailstones bombard the remnant of the Anti Christ satanic hosts, these will CONTINUE their ADVANCE to Armageddon DRIVEN WITH ALL CONSUMPTION OF HATRED AND RAGE. Thousands upon thousands will fall to these great hailstones but despite these horrific judgments - like those of the past seven years - these WILL NOT be distracted nor repent! They will CONTINUE to slander and blaspheme Almighty God until their final eradication with the Lord Jesus Christ's return from heaven's glory (Dan. 2:43-45, ,7:13-14, 2 Thess. 2:10, Rev. 19:11-21). It will be after these two last horrific global cataclysmic events that their personal rage and hatred towards their Creator and RIGHTEOUS SOVEREIGNTY will be at a demonic fever pitch (Psalm 2:1-4)! As these surviving dregs of the nations make their final ADVANCE into the valley of Megiddo, these - due to the EXPONENTIAL and CATASTROPHICALLY HORRIFIC events of the last seven years) will most likely have nothing but stones and sticks in their hands to wage war against Almighty God and His people Israel (Zech. 12:1-4, 9, 14:2-4)! Oh my friends, how pathetic a picture. Be it great atomic rockets or be it stones, these will strike out and seek to eradicate Almighty God from out His creation. This final conflict will reveal to all that fallen humanity has an incurable heart problem in (Jer. 17:9, Matt 15:19-20, Gal. 5:19-21). In all reality, only a REMNANT of all of the nations will survive the godless trek to Megiddo. The Anti Christ's armies at "Battle of Armageddon" will be the remaining violent dregs of a godless rebellious world (Isa. 24:5-6, Rev. 19:21). Their rage and hatred has produced a fanatical drive to survive and reach their final destination, only to be destroyed at Christ's second coming and cast into outer darkness and flames (Isa. 24:5-6, Zech. 14:12, 2 Thess. 2:8, Rev. 19:11-21, 20:11-15). Oh, how godless the heart of man when he continually rejects reality and the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Almighty God (Jer. 17:9, Rom. 1:18-32, Rev. 9:20-21)! Man WILL NOT let go of his godless rage and rebellion EVEN when under honorific tribulation. Man - when he fully rejects Almighty God's witness, revelation and proclamation of salvation will ONLY continue FOREVER spiral downward into the subjective darkened abyss of delusional darkness and vanity (Matt. 25:41, John 3:19-21, Rev. 20:11-15, 22:11). So it is no wonder that during this period man's hardness will only exceedingly intensify and manifest its self to the EXPONENTIAL heights of depravity (Jer. 17:9)! As we come to the very hour in which the seven year tribulation period will commence (Dan. 9:27, Rev.6), May I ask you this very pertinent question? Do you PERSONALLY know the Lord Jesus Christ as your PERSONAL Savior? My friend IF NOT, harden NOT your heart as we approach this day. May it be that you see things from Almighty God's ETERNAL and BIBLICAL perspective. Call on the Lord Jesus Christ and YOU will be saved (Acts 16:29-31)! May it be so! The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Whom Do You trust? - Nathele Graham- [email protected] "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust." Psalm 16:1. When I was a child, I had an older brother. How I pestered him! Although we argued like most kids, he taught me many things. Thanks to Mike I learned how to lather my hands with soap and blow bubbles through my fingers. He also taught me to hold a blade of grass between my thumbs and make a whistle. Sometimes, if I hadn't pestered him too much, he'd let me sit on the bar of his bike and would peddle me around the yard. He was seven years older than me and I thought he was wonderful. One day he had an idea. "Let's see how much you trust me". I was to stand with my back to him and fall backwards. He promised to catch me before I hit the ground. I'll never know for sure if he would've caught me because I just couldn't bring myself to trust him that much. I was never fully able to trust my brother, but over the years I've learned that I can always trust God. "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works." Psalm 73:28. God will never ask you to do something that's contrary to Scripture, but you may be asked to do something based upon trust. Maybe God will ask you to step out in faith and witness to people around you. With so much sin and wickedness around, that can be intimidating. That happened to Noah. People had fallen into an utterly depraved way of life. "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 6:5. The fallen angels had corrupted all flesh and that's the reason for God's judgment; only Noah and his family had stayed genetically pure. God told Noah that the entire earth would be flooded and all flesh would be destroyed. Noah was told to build an ark. He and his family would only be saved from the judgment if Noah trusted God. "And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." Genesis 6:12. God waited as long as possible to send His judgment, but there was no repentance in the hearts of people. Noah trusted God's directions and built the ark. In so doing he was a witness to the wicked people around him. Nobody repented, but in spite of what others did, Noah was obedient and trusted God. We can learn from his example. Another great example of trusting God was shown by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were young when they were taken captive from their home in Jerusalem to the pagan city of Babylon, but they never stopped trusting God almighty. Some of King Nebuchadnezzar's advisors, who hated these men, wanted to get rid of them. They knew that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God Almighty and would continue to be faithful in their worship of Him. These evil ones devised a plan. A huge golden statue was created and a decree was issued commanding that at certain times, everyone would fall down and worship the golden idol or be thrown into a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the statue and wouldn't even pretend to worship that false god in order to save their lives. They were arrested and taken before Nebuchadnezzar, who demanded to know why they disobeyed the law. "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." Daniel 3:16-18. They trusted God to either deliver them from death in the furnace or to deliver their souls from eternal death. Their trust was rewarded. They were tied up and thrown into the furnace, but God protected them and they survived the fire. When they were taken from the furnace, they weren't singed and didn't even smell of smoke. Their trust in God was a witness to Nebuchadnezzar, who admitted that the God they served had delivered them. When you face choices or temptations, where do you go for guidance? We usually know who will give us the advice we want instead of the advice we need. Christians should always go to God first. Pray and let the Holy Spirit guide you. He will never lead you into sin, but will guide you along the path of righteousness. Also search Scripture to find many examples of men and women who trusted God and acted in faith. In addition to the above examples, there's Moses who needed to trust God in order to face Pharaoh and ask him to let the Israelites go. He was turned down many times, but God kept sending him back and Pharaoh finally let them go. When Moses failed to trust God, they wandered for 40 years in the wilderness. Then there's Hannah who yearned to have a son. She trusted God and prayed that He would allow her to become pregnant. In God's perfect timing, she gave birth to Samuel who grew to be a wonderful prophet of God. Because Esther trusted God, she found courage to go before the king and expose a plot to kill all the Jewish people. One of my favorite examples of trust, is Peter. The disciples were in a ship during a violent storm. Jesus had stayed behind but decided to go to them. How? Well, He walked on the water to get to them! The disciples were troubled by this, but Jesus calmed their fear. Peter was never shy and wanted to walk on water too. "And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." Matthew 14:28. Jesus invited him to come and Peter got out of the boat and began walking on the water to Jesus. "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying Lord, save me." Matthew 14:30. Had Peter kept his eyes on Jesus and not looked at the storm around him, he wouldn't have failed. "And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matthew 14:31. We are much like Peter. We trust Jesus until we look at the storms, then we sink. He's always faithful to catch us when we cry out to Him. We all need advice at times, and it's important that we choose our mentor wisely. Before you trust someone for advice, be sure they're grounded in God's word. "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." Ephesians 5:6. Are you lonely and desire to be married? God ordained marriage, but finding the person God has in mind for you is challenging. "Living together" isn't an option for a Christian, so instead of asking Facebook friends who may or may not have a Biblical foundation or life experience in such matters, go to a Christian who has trusted God with such feelings. "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;" Ephesians 5:3. Is your job a challenge? There's a solid Christian near you who has had trouble on a job and can help you to be a good employee in spite of trouble. "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;" Ephesians 6:5. Are you tempted to use misleading facts to get what you want? That's called bearing false witness and there is a God-fearing person you can go to who will guide you in God's ways. If you have financial trouble, trust God for help. Every situation in life needs to be put in God's hands. Trust Him and don't stray from His ways. If you live in opposition to Him, you can't expect Him to honor your cry for help. Sometimes we trust things. Instead of trusting God to provide what we need to survive in this world, we think possessions and money will solve all of our problems. That's not true. Oh, it's good to have enough money to pay the bills and to have a little left over, but don't put your trust in it. The love of money can cause you to make wrong decisions in order to get more money. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10. Remember, it's God who provides for your needs, so the money is actually His. Use it to glorify Him. "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy:" 1 Timothy 6:17. Money comes and goes, but God is eternal and He will never leave you. Put your trust in Him. One of our human failings is the lack of patience. We want answers and we want them now. God's timing is perfect because He sees the future and knows when the time is right for His perfect answer. "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14. While you wait you need to prepare for Him to fulfill your request. If it's a job you need then learn the skills required, if it's marriage you desire then learn how be a godly spouse. Don't compromise in your choices. Trust that God is making a way. There are many details that need to be put in place before your prayer can be answered. On the other hand, maybe what you're praying for really isn't best. Maybe God has something better for you. This is why Christians need to trust God. Today it seems as if people, even Christians, trust in everybody except the Lord. Instead of going to the Lord in prayer when there's a problem, or talking with a Christian friend who lives by Scripture, the first choice is social media. That's a real problem in society today. If you have a problem and go to a friend for advice, will that advice be based upon Scripture? If the friend is a Christian then there's a chance it will be Godly advice, but many people who claim to be Christians don't live by Scripture. Too many Christians have compromised with the world so their advice can't be trusted. "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Psalm 62:8. Even when we don't fully understand His reasons, we can always trust God. I didn't trust my brother because I doubted that he would catch me. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.". Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust God because He will always catch 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: Of Truth and criticism - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com Many are upset with the recent Daily Jot where a reader said he was grieved by both the radical left's visceral attacks and the President's response to it. For example, DW writes, "We, too, have grieved. Even appreciated your posts pointing it out that others feel as we do. But now we are discouraged with this Pandora's box of criticism that you have opened up...Our President is there by a move of God. He happens to be flawed along with the rest of us." EM writes: "As far as President Trump...Of course he says things he shouldn't. Who doesn't?...I don't believe there is another person in our country who could have stood up to the evildoers who have been trying to destroy him from day one of his presidency...I thank God for Donald Trump." I dare say it's not President Trump's responses or the antics of the leftists that are causing this spiritual grieving we have been discussing this week-they are just the outward symptoms of the disease, the repulsive bursting puss of the viciousness of the fight. This is what propels folks to respond evil for evil. It is not God's way. The root of the disease is that Satan has us all fighting. Fact is, God will fight the battle, guiding his people to act on his behalf, using his ways. So why are we grieving? We know what is happening is wrong. We see the darkness in it. Deep down, perhaps not even realizing it, we are convicted. Yes, convicted in the spirit. In my opinion, the lack of relevancy of the "church" over the past 40 years, which many have contributed to directly, indirectly or by indifference, has led us to this current environment. Hence, Christians have become so entangled in the hate and visceral that our faith principles have been compromised to justify retaliation. This is contributing to the overall darkness, convicting us and also resulting in a grieving of our spirit. Isn't this Satan's snare? Would a better way be to respond as Christ did when his detractors came at him? He got the point across without behaving the same as his critics. He put them in their place with truth. All I am hearing is a bunch of "Yeah, but's" on this. If we got so passionate over making disciples as we do when it's pointed out that our side is fighting the wrong way, the ungodly would be so few in number that they wouldn't pose a challenge. Remember where judgment begins-there's a reason for that. Man's engagement model, which many Christians embrace, doesn't work. Christ's does. The grieving in the spirit is rooted in the principalities of darkness. Galatians 5:14-15 says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another." Speaking the truth in love, without malice, is not criticism. The hoards of darkness are empowered by suppression of the truth. We can't be so caught up in the fight, that we don't hear reason. We need to have a movement of Godly resistance to the oppression of Satan. We are grieving because a deep darkness has fallen over this country. With God, it can be overcome, but not if the fight is conducted on Satan's terms. We need to change it. We can change it, but first we need to drag ourselves out of the pit of the fight itself and hear that still small voice of the Lord. Daily Devotion: The Undeniable Universal Law - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.-Galatians 6:7-8 My wife came home from the market awhile back and asked me to unload the car. I like to get as many bags on my arms as humanly possible so I don't have to make multiple trips. I had all these bags in my arms and was carrying them in when I dropped one. Guess which one I dropped? It was the one with the eggs, of course. Of all those bags, I dropped the one with the eggs. There's a law of the universe called Murphy's Law, which says that if anything can go wrong, it will-and usually at the most inopportune moment. Of course that isn't a real law, but there are real laws that govern our universe. There's the law of gravity, which basically says things tend to go downward. Or, to put it a simpler way, what goes up must come down. One of the laws of thermodynamics essentially tells us that all things are breaking down. And there's the law of sowing and reaping, which is found in the Bible: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life" (Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV). Just as surely as there's a law of gravity as well as laws of thermodynamics, you can be sure there's a law of sowing and reaping. We tend to think of that law in a negative sense, but the law of sowing and reaping is both positive and negative. If you sow to the flesh, you'll reap corruption, or deadness, and that is negative. But if you sow to the Spirit, you'll reap life everlasting. 
FROM THE HEART
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