Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
THE FIRST RESURRECTION - By Pastor Mike Taylor - http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-first-resurrection.html
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."(Revelation 20:4-5) I have had emails wondering about what is the first resurrection and believing that the rising of the saints will not happen until after the tribulation has played out. They say "Those verses plainly teach that the FIRST resurrection (as in "dead in Christ rising" I Thess. 4:16) takes place AFTER the tribulation saints have resisted the mark of the Beast. How do you think you will be "raptured" before the mark of the Beast, when the Bible plainly says that the first resurrection is AFTER the mark" People look to these passages and reason that the dead in Christ will not rise until the end of the Tribulation. But are they correct, or are they missing something? I have a dear sister, that I will call "Judy" and emails me all the time with her "proof" of a post tribulation coming of the Lord Jesus, who is adamant that the first resurrection will not take place until after Jesus returns, one time only, at the end of the tribulation. Is she right? Let's see. THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST RESURRECTION. At first glance at the aforementioned scriptures, it would seem to the casual Bible reader that the first resurrection does take place after the tribulation, but we must take the whole of scripture and not take one verse, or a set of verses out of context, as the bible CANNOT contradict itself, as the Word of God supports itself no matter what verse you are reading. A better interpretation of the First Resurrection would be the interpretation of the "resurrection of the righteous"! 52 "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many."(Matthew 27:52-53) The Gospels chronicle the blessed event of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. By these verses above, the saints who had died believing the promise of the coming of the Messiah were raised to life as well. They believed looking forward to that blessed event, even as we look backward at the completed event, but we both believed. These were saints who had fulfilled the years of their mortal life. As Jesus was the First Fruits of the resurrection, so were these people. Just as Jesus was on the earth for a full 40 days to witness to the masses of Jews that would believe His resurrection, so did these raised saints witness during these 40 days by their being raised to life. They witnessed to many during this time and so are we to believe that after they finished, they just died again? What witness would that be? No, I believe that Jesus took these saints with Him sometime during His days on earth after the resurrection, as Jesus and these resurrected saints were the beginning of the "First Resurrection". As Jesus entered into the heart of the earth, He removed those found in Paradise, as Paul spoke of: "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)"(Ephesians 4:8-10) But this was just the start of the resurrection of the righteous or the 1st resurrection... 23 "But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power."(1st Corinthians 15:23-24) If you understand the implication of the verses that speak of Jesus as the first fruit of those born of the dead, then you realize that Jesus also was part of the first resurrection. As with any harvest of fruit, as the term "first fruits", is important, as fruit is gathered in stages, not all at once of many a variety of agricultural products are harvested. So this harvest of God's people will come in stages, but all will be part of the 1st resurrection. 18: "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."(Colossians 1:18) There is no record of these raised saints in subsequent books of the bible, in Acts, or any of the epistles of Paul, that these people did anything but rise from the dead. They had no need to die again, as their sins had been forgiven, as they believed the promise that had just been fulfilled. As Jesus became a new creation with a new body that we will experience, so they also were part of that new creation. We don't know who they were, their names, or where or how far this miracle reached, but we do know that they came to life and were resurrected, just as our Lord was raised. If it was any other way, this fact would have been recorded to further the Gospel. If we return to the verses in Revelation 20, then we must understand that this is the culmination of the resurrection of the righteous who are called collectively, the First Resurrection. Then if there is a collective series of resurrections, beginning with Jesus Christ, our Lord, then by implication, there must be others or a chronological order of events that will take place that will be called the First Resurrection, not just one. THE TWO WITNESSES Let's take a look at another resurrection. Let's look at the raising to life of the two witnesses. Revelation chapter 11: 7 "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them,COME UP HITHER. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them."(emphasis mine)(Revelation 11:7-12) These two prophets are unquestionably part of the first resurrection's company of believers. The assembly which makes up the first fruits harvest contains at least two other groups of believers. It is often overlooked that Rev. 20:4-5 speaks of these two distinct groups. If you look at the verses in Revelation chapter 20, it shows one group that is sitting on thrones. They can't be angels, as angels are never given authority to rule or to judge. That blessing is given to only one group, and that is the Church. So these judging saints have been resurrected some time before those being resurrected here. The second group are those that were beheaded during the Tribulation period (Revelation 6:10-11, and 7:9) and ends the chronological order of events called the First Resurrection, or the resurrection of the righteous. They were killed for their faithfulness to Christ, the beheaded faithful are blessed because they have a part (literally, to experience along with others) in the first resurrection. Only by spiritualizing this passage and ignoring the textual details can this group be made to represent all believers of all the ages. John clearly intends a smaller group, every single one being beheaded. Obviously, not all Christians raised to life will have this detail of being beheaded. Of the first group, if we go back to Revelation chapter 4, I believe you can grasp who these resurrected saints are and when they were resurrected. 4"And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold."(Revelation 4:4) These are the symbols of the resurrected saints, called the Church who are part of God's government on the earth. They are not angels, as previously mentioned, but glorified saints before God's throne sitting on thrones with crowns on their heads. (see Lk. 22:30, Rev. 3:21 & I Cor. 6:2-3). Those sitting on these thrones could not be there, unless Jesus had resurrected them to life before this time. This is confirmed by Matt. 16:27 and Jesus' words found in Rev. 22:12 where He declares, "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to His work." As I have preached many times, the tribulation is designed for two things and two things only. First is the refining of Israel as silver is refined in the fire. 2 "But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. 4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.(Malachi 3:2-4) It will be the most terrible tribulation that will fall upon those who have rejected their Messiah for 2000 years, save for a few who have been shown mercy and their eyes opened to the truth of their Savior. The second truth of the Tribulation is to purge and destroy all who are in direct rebellion against God's Laws, and the blasphemy against God's only Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord. It makes no sense for God to inflict this level of His Holy wrath upon His own bride, as Jesus has paid the price for our sins, and we have no need to be converted to Christ, as that blessing has been accomplished at the cross for all eternity. That would smack of purgatory, or being refined further, as Jesus and His blood just wasn't good enough. Was it enough? You know the answer to that one...Yes, it was enough and when He said it was finished, my brethren, indeed it was. No need to refine the church further, as they have been redeemed at the cross. Rev. 4:4 and 5:8-10 reveal that the Church will have received their reward of crowns before Jesus Christ initiates the Tribulation Period with the breaking of the first seal in Rev. 6, 1 "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see."(Revelation 6:1) This is the beginning of God's wrath, so to begin God's wrath, the church must be removed, as Paul wrote under the Holy Spirit's inspiration, "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ",( 1stThessalonians 5:9.) 1st Peter 5:4 reveals that these crowns could not have been issued to believers unless Jesus Christ had already been seen by them at the gathering of His church to life "...when the Chief Shepherd appears.v.4 "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." A SIDE POINT One point that makes obvious sense, and would make no sense if the opposite conclusion were true, which is this. If there is ONLY one resurrection at the end of the Tribulation and Jesus returns and destroys all rebellion with the sword of His mouth, then those raised will be spirit beings with new bodies, and those who are wicked will be destroyed. Matthew chapter 13 confirms this: 49 "So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."(Matthew 13:49-50) My question is....who will go into the Kingdom Age being mortal to repopulate the earth? See the problem? There will be no one. A better explanation is that Jesus is not coming back to change all into spirit beings, as that has been done earlier. What He is coming back for is to set up His Kingdom. Those who survive the tribulation will go into the Kingdom Age being mortal but have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior during the tribulation, but escaped martyrdom and will repopulate the earth. As it was in 70AD, those who believed escaped to the Jordanian Fortress at Petra and were preserved alive. So it will be in the Tribulation, as spoken of in chapter 12 of Revelation. 14 "And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth." (Revelation 12:14-16) These are those who believed Jesus when He spoke of in Matthew 24 and escaped the oncoming slaughter begun by the Anti-Christ: 15 "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 "Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:16-22) This is repeated in Revelation chapter 12 that we just covered. Those who believed escaped and were brought alive into the coming Kingdom of God to repopulate the earth...they will be mostly Jewish by birth with a minority of Gentiles who also surived. Those who have died, not accepting the mark of the beast, will be raised to life and will comprise the fulfillment of the first resurrection and receive their new bodies, the same as with Jesus Christ and the saints raised with Him, the first fruits of the two witnesses and the redemption of the His body, the Church approximately 7 years prior. TWO DIFFERENT TRUMPET CALLS Another point that is made right along with the verses that began this sermon, is that the trumpets in 1st Thessalonians, is the same trumpet blown by the 7th angel in Revelation 11:15. There is a misconception that these are the same trumpets blown. The biggest reason that I can find is they announce two different events. The one that Paul writes in 1st Thessalonians is followed by nothing but sheer joy. We have been redeemed from the earth. Each in his own order: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1stThessalonians 4:16-18) Now compare this with the trumpet that is blown by the 7th angel that is erroneously thought to be the last trump that Paul speaks of and the third woe. But also note that Paul wrote his epistle about the last trump a clear 30 years before John had the revelation of these events by Jesus Christ.: 15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned."(Revelation 11:15-17) In subsequent verses, we see the third woe being enacted upon a rebellious earth and it's inhabitants. Bowl judgment after bowl judgment is poured out of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. How fast? We don't know, but when it comes it is NOT a trumpet to signal joy, but a signal of unspeakable horror, violent death, and suffering beyond any of our imaginations. They are two trumpets blown, but separated by some amount of time. One trumpet for joy and "rapture" and the last one of death and destruction are their plain, distinct differences. Understand that? Good, let's move on. THE SECOND RESURRECTION The nature of the second resurrection is brought forth in Revelation, which depicts the unrighteous dead being released from the power of death for the purpose of a final judgment, "11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15 ). This is called the Great White Throne Judgment and the books will be opened. 9 "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:9-10). What books will there be? We know that there is what the bible calls a "book of life". Someone asked me what the difference was in the "Lamb's book of Life, and the "book of life" mentioned in the bible at several places. The book of life, in my belief, is the written history of every human being that has ever been born and chronicles how their life was lived, either for God or in sin by following Satan's temptations and lies. The Lamb's book of Life are those names that have been re-written at the moment of salvation and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Master of their life. Those whose names are not written in this book or the Lamb's book of Life will be cast out and thrown into a great inferno and will be in torment forever, called the Lake of Fire. What are the other books? I believe they are the books of your Bible, God's Holy Word. By God's Word, each man and woman will be judged who are raised in the 2nd resurrection.. Those who have been resurrected unto life in this chronological order of the 1st resurrection will have their name in the book of life. Judgment will be passed on the wicked as not being found in this Lamb's book of life at this final resurrection, as the righteous have been rewarded before this time for they have been covered by the blood sacrifice of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. WHICH RESURECTION FOR YOU? What each of us have to decide is, which resurrection will you be involved with? Obviously, the first resurrection is the one that any sane person would choose if they were convinced of the penalty imposed for not following the clear message of the Books of your Bible. Many will be deceived. Many will revel in their unrighteousness. Many will follow the god of this world, Satan, the devil to their own destruction. What about you? Will you choose life, or will you choose death? Eternal death awaits for the resurrected wicked raised at the 2nd resurrection, BUT life eternal awaits those who are part of the 1st resurrection. It is promised : 1st Corinthians, 51" Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"(1st Corinthians 15:51-55) Whether we live or whether we die, being part of the 1st resurrection, those who have died will be raised to life, and those who are still alive, then each of us will meet the Lord in the air, at His coming for His Bride. This is at the rapture of the Church, but the 1st resurrection will be completed when those who have died during the Tribulation and have not taken the Mark of the Beast will also be raised to new life with immortal spirits. This will end the 1st Resurrection. Where will you be? Will you be in the first resurrection? How do you obtain life through the first resurrection? 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.(John 3:16-18) Believing starts in the heart and man's spirit, then we must confess our Lord to others by witnessing that very thing that happened to us. Not to a priest, pastor, but to others around you, your family, your co-workers, or your neighbors as God leads. 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." (Roman 10:8-13) Believe right now the Lord Jesus Christ and His payment for our sins on the cross at Calvary and those who do so, this side of the coming Tribulation will be assured to be in the 1st Resurrection and will never see the coming wrath that will be poured out on this earth for 7 years of unspeakable horror and death upon the earth. Jesus promised us this very thing when you read Revelation chapter 3: 10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." (Revelation 3:10-11) As I have preached before, the phrase "will keep these from" in Greek is the word "EK", which literally means to be removed from the time and space of the coming event. What event was Jesus speaking of? Is was in reference to the coming Tribulation. Will you escape the coming Tribulation and be in the 1st Resurrection? Jesus is the ONLY WAY. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, andthe life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) Tribulation is coming and the removal of the Church is imminent, so won't you accept Jesus now and be removed from that event and live forever with Jesus in the Family of God? 2 "(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" (2nd Corinthians 2:6) This is Pastor Mike Taylor praying God's love in your life through His Son. See you at the First Resurrection. If you have any needs for prayer, counseling, or just a listening ear, email me at [email protected] , or visit me online at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com , God bless you, till we meet at Jesus feet. A new proposal for the Gaza Strip - Mike Evans - https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/A-new-proposal-for-the-Gaza-Strip-571548 Over the past 30 days, I have presented a new plan to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump administration officials and European Union leaders, all of whom have received it with great enthusiasm. The plan is based around a simple idea: Establish an Israeli desalination plant, built on Israeli land, funded by Saudi Arabia, the Europeans and others, that provides clean water to Gaza. An economic team, including some of the top experts in regional cooperation, are still completing portions of the plan that has been 10 months in the making. After decades of discussions and plans, especially on solving the water problem for the Gaza Strip, I believe this plan is the most feasible and realistic. The plan is based on the new atmosphere in the Middle East. I recently held several meetings with US administration officials, leaders of numerous leading Middle East nations as well as global financial institutions and found that new regional developments under the leadership of President Trump has provided us with a unique opportunity. Israel now is in a position to have workable relations with Gulf states. Their leadership and financial strength is a true and practical option for significant investment by both foreign governments and international financial institutions. Thus, what is being proposed is an American-Israeli-Egyptian sponsored effort to create water and energy infrastructure on the Israeli or Egyptian border with Gaza, in addition to sending (all or most of the output) of such facilities to Gaza. (In the past week a similar model with Qatar oil to Gaza worked). Gaza has many challenges. Gaza's continuing and growing water and energy crises are well known. The population of the Gaza Strip is nearly two million, with a growth rate of nearly 3% per year and an unemployment rate of 40+% (youth unemployment is nearly 60%). At the most basic level, there are simply not enough sustainable water sources in Gaza. Less than 4% of freshwater sources are drinkable. Finally, Palestinian leadership in Gaza does not engender confidence from international governments, and the overall economy makes investments by financial institutions nearly impossible. My desire is that the administration would not make this a part of the peace plan. The plan is for the funds to be provided for the desalination plant, property, the ongoing supply of water, and creation of a terrorism-free zone either on Egyptian or Israeli land to protect the plant. The cost of the project should not exceed $500 million, and that should not to be part of a peace plan. The companies are ready and all that is needed is a compassionate "Yes" from Trump. The US has gained over $200 million just from the funding cut to UNRWA, and there is no doubt the Europeans and Gulf States will donate. When I presented the project to the crown prince, I told him that Jared Kushner was studying it. He said if Kushner was interested he should contact him. We Evangelicals who know Donald Trump, know him to have a heart of compassion. Providing fresh water to children in Gaza is a basic human right that must transcend politics. THE ANCHOR INVESTMENT for the project would be a desalination plant for producing 50-80 million cubic meters of water per year. This plant would be large enough to address more than 50% of Gaza's current drinking water needs. Egypt or Israel would provide the land and the pipeline to Gaza, and the US and other donor countries would provide the construction capital and an annual subsidy for proper and actual delivery of water to Gaza. The technology for the plant can come from an Israeli company technologies based on similar projects built in the region. One can assume that the cost of such a facility would be in the range of $200m.-$300m. Importantly, such a model could potentially serve as a conduit for other similar infrastructure projects such as solar energy, traditional electric power plants and even waste treatment facilities. Alternatives The first alternative is a donated facility. As described above, Egypt or Israel provides the necessary land and pipeline, and the US (together with other donor countries) will cover the cost of construction. The project would be conducted via an Israeli or Egyptian government tender with coordination from the US to identify a general contractor for the project. Following the construction, water and energy will be supplied to Gaza at a subsidized price or even at no cost for Gaza water authority. The second alternative is BOT, build operate and transfer. According to this model, a private company (following a tender managed by the Israeli Government or the Egyptian infrastructure authority) will build, operate and deliver water to the Gaza Water Authority for a period of 25-30 years. That private entity will charge money for the water shipped. On the basis of this longterm contract, which Egypt and the US would guarantee, the private company would invest its own capital and attract international financing partners for the cost of construction. The cost of water would be subject to a maximum (i.e., subsidized) price so that Gaza gains a true benefit (i.e., cheap water). Meanwhile private companies that have been pre-qualified for quality and financial strength would compete against one another on the basis of three main factors: The minimum upfront payment provided by the US as a construction subsidy; the price they are willing to charge the Gaza Water Authority (the lower the better); and the level of annual guarantee requested (again the lower the better). After 30 years, Israel or Egypt would own the facility and could use it for any purpose it so desires. How can the Gaza water situation be saved? I told a European president last week that the answer is simple. If it is so important for the European governments to assist the Palestinians in Gaza, the problem itself must be addressed. The inability of the Hamas to manage the Gazan water problem can be solved by handing the Israelis or the Egyptians the funds to desalinate water on the Gazan border and pump it to Gaza. In other words, Europe should be part of a consortium of nations that will fund the construction and operation of a desalination plant based in Israel or the Sinai. The European president was very enthused by the idea and I am sure his nation and others will be part of the plan. Nearing Midnight: The Fallout from the 2018 Election - Todd Strandberg - https://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/ There were no real big surprises in last week's midterm election. As generally predicted, the Democrats won control of the House, and Republicans kept control of the Senate. There were four key battles that Republicans won despite massive support from the liberal media. Republican Iowa Rep. Steve King, who is accused of having strident anti-immigrant rhetoric, secured a ninth term in Congress, beating Democratic opponent J.D. Scholten. Texas Senate incumbent Ted Cruz defeated opponent Beto O'Rourke, which was one of the most talked about races this midterm election. Beto raised more than $38 million in the third quarter, three times the amount Cruz raised in that same period, and about $100 million overall. Much of that money came from Hollywood donors who hoped to turn Beto into the next JFK-type superstar. Andrew Gillum, whose campaign drew the attention of the likes of Barack Obama who campaigned with him in the final days, was looking to be the first black governor in the history of Florida. Gillum, the mayor of Tallahassee, was surrounded by a cloud of corruption scandals. Leftist Polls released a day before the election showed him with a seven point lead, but in reality he lost by 2 points. The press did its best to avert the backlash against those who voted against Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Yet Democratic Senators Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Indiana's Joe Donnelly, Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Florida's Bill Nelson all suffered defeat. "Every Dem Senator in a competitive race who voted against Kavanaugh lost," tweeted Tom Bevan, Co-founder of RealClearPolitics. The Democrats had their best showing at the polls by pushing the diversity agenda. If you are part of some sub-group, there is a place for you in their party. Here are some headlines that show how the left is moving us away from traditional Christian values:
The loss of the House will mean that the speaker of the House is likely to be Nancy Pelosi. The 78-year-old Democrat from San Francisco, California, who was House Speaker from 2007 to 2011. Throughout the 2018 midterms, Republicans tried to connect Democratic candidates to Pelosi - they've run more than 250 anti-Pelosi TV ads in some 75 House districts during the last months of the campaign. Some candidates saw the need to repudiate Pelosi, but most didn't even respond to the ads. It is just amazing that she has been to more gay parades than I've had birthdays, and people in Red states don't care that they are voting for someone who will have Pelosi as their leader. Few people care about moral issues these days. So, as long as they have job growth and strong health care, they don't mind if America turns into Sodom and Gomorrah. Another fallout from the Democrats having won control of the House of Representatives: the Trump administration can expect to be hit by a wave of investigations and subpoena requests from Capitol Hill. There are dozens of House committees and subcommittees, and each no doubt has its own to-do list. Three of the worst people in politics will likely head powerful offices:
The person I dread most gaining power is Maxine Waters. Nancy Pelosi has something wrong with her brain, so she can do little damage under her own power. Waters has a tenacity that comes from the pit of hell. She has called for the impeachment of Trump from the day he stepped into office. Waters is dumb and old, but she is pure evil. "Last August, Waters moved unsuccessfully to subpoena Deutsche Bank AG for records concerning 'internal reviews of the personal accounts of the President and his family,' as well as more information about fees levied against the bank concerning lax money-laundering detection policies that could have allowed Russian operatives to funnel cash without a paper trail," Fox News reported. Overall, I think the 2018 election perfectly fits the Bible's description of the last days. Because we are so near to the tribulation hour, everything is naturally doomed to relentlessly get "worse and worse" as deception permeates society. We Christians have hope that Jesus will soon rescue us from this mess. "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:13). Pathway To The Beast? Macron Pushes 10-Nation European Army - http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=2729 France's Emmanuel Macron has called for a "real European army" to reduce dependence on the United States and suggested such a coalition of European nations could help deter the growing surge of nationalism in some countries. The coalition of 10 European nations ready to react to crises near the continent's borders was launched last week with Germany, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Finland joining the French-led initiative. "In an environment where threats and upheavals of a geopolitical or climatic nature are multiplying, the initiative must send the message that Europe is ready, that Europe is capable," a French Defense Ministry official said. President Trump has already criticized the plan on Twitter saying, "President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the U.S., China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly!". Macron's push for European military independence; however, is not new. The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, has previously cited President Trump's pledge to demand other NATO allies to pay their fair share and his isolationist policies as a reason to rebuild Europe's defensive capabilities. The EU's top diplomat has even suggested Europe transform itself into what he called a "superpower" that could act as a "global security power". He went on to say, "the Americans, to whom we owe much ... will not ensure the security of the Europeans in the long term. We have to do this ourselves....a joint EU army would show the world that there would never again be a war between EU countries" German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen has also previously presented a plan to build a EU army. Last year she published a piece in the German media in which she laid out her arguments for forming a European army in response to the new course that she believes both Brexit and the US election have set. With such a plan come more questions than answers at this time. How can the EU hope to speak with one voice due to different approaches, priorities and security interests, which include the fear of a diminished NATO role, among other reasons. The top concern seems to remain the loss of national sovereignty as currently exercised by each EU country over its respective armies. Past suggestions for a EU army have indicated all member states would have to reach an agreement by unanimity, or a decision would have to be made by a qualified majority vote; a long decision process could end up weakening a common EU force and limiting its effectiveness. It remains unclear what final form this army will take and just how integrated such an army would be - although most politicians have indicated they have no desire to see it supersede NATO. The idea of an EU army idea has been around since the days of Churchill and seems to be revived every decade. While most attempts have failed there are some followers of Bible Prophecy who see the potential for a future 10 nation alliance out of Europe to fulfill the prophecies of the Book of Daniel & Revelation in which a 10 nation alliance from Europe becomes the seat of power for the Antichrist on his way to global domination. Some have speculated about whether these prophecies refer to 10 nations, 10 world regions, or simply 10 leaders. When the European Union first emerged and eventually grew to 10 member nations, prophecy students were sitting up and taking notice, until the EU grew past 10 nations (current EU members total 28 nations). Then the excitement died down considerably. Now with talk of a charismatic European leader uniting 10-nations in military co-operation, people are starting to pay attention again. Especially as it coincides with so many other important prophetic events happening such as Israel's 70th anniversary, the players for Ezekiel 38 all in alignment, the advancement of microchipping and other end times technology and the potential for Trumps "deal of the century" peace plan to transform the region. Is it possible this new EU army will act as an enforcer of the Trump plan to be a neutral party guarantor to the agreement? There are more questions and speculation than anything else at this point regarding the future of this new force but with so many prophetic events converging at this time it is time to be paying attention more now than ever before. Daily Jot: A prophetic people amidst Islamic slaughter - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com The US State Department has sent an entourage to Nigeria to investigate the ongoing slaughter of Christians there. International Christian Concern estimates that In October, there were 260 Christians killed at the hands of Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, bringing the total to over 2,300 killed so far this year, and 16,000 Christians killed in the past three years. This is the same issue we are dealing with in our Ghana ministry. In September 2011, I interviewed eyewitnesses in the Northern Region of Ghana to how the Fulani sized up a village, attacked it, killing the elders who resisted, raping the women, and stealing what they could. It was in this way that they brought villages under Islamic control. Many did not believe my reports. We had to travel under armed guard to even visit the area. Our missions partner in Ghana, Pastor William Agbeti, says the reports sparked awareness. He says the villagers decided to fight back, and much to the Fulani's surprise, the tables turned. He wrote in November 2011: "Many were those who did not believe you when you started reporting on the atrocities that Fulani herdsmen were meting out to Ghanaians. Your reports were wake up calls. Today, the truth has finally come out. Everybody in Ghana now knows the Fulani herdsmen have been and are responsible for most armed robbery cases, murders, rapes and destruction of farms and villages; as several of them have been arrested and caught in the act of committing various crimes." This, however, did not stop the ongoing Christian persecution by Islamists in neighboring Nigeria or in Ghana. Islam continues to roll across the rural areas, invading villages, establishing an organized shadow government of control and crime. In addition to the steady harassment, threats and bullying, the Muslims are now just stealing land and stripping it for its soil to sell for profit. Agbeti reports:"I went to take a look at the devastation the Muslims caused when they bulldozed the top soil away at the village. I took pictures, and the spectacle wasn't good. I also traveled through various villages bringing in building materials and saw massive destruction of land all over the place. These guys come with bulldozers and begin digging sand away from buildings and structures, destroying farms and all." William noted that these Muslims are armed with machetes and pistols, and "have formed themselves into various groups--illegal sand winners, notorious land guards, village raiders, forced marriage and child marriage contractors, harassing beasts, land jihadists, etc.--spread across the length and breadth of villages." This is why our church project in the outpost rural bush area of Busuafise is so important. Food, clothing, clean water-are all part of Christ's lovingkindness in our ministry to these gallant people who are laboring amidst peril. At times it seems overwhelming, but we remember 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Daily Devotion: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." -Genesis 22:2 God had asked Abraham to make the greatest sacrifice imaginable. Finally, Sarah did bring forth that promised child in her old age, and he became the light of Abraham's life. His very name, Isaac, which means "laughter," says it all. They loved that boy. But then God asked Abraham to sacrifice him. In many ways, you would have to say that to be tested on this level was quite an honor because the Lord knew Abraham could handle it. God knew that Abraham would rally. He knew that Abraham would pass this test. He knew that Abraham would take this setback and turn it into an opportunity. A disability can become an ability when it's dedicated to God. Maybe you're facing a hardship . . . a tragedy . . . the death of a loved one. My friend Joni Eareckson Tada, who became a quadriplegic due to a diving accident when she was teen, wrote these amazing words: "God's power always shows up best in weakness. So here I sit . . . glad that I have not been healed on the outside, but glad that I have been healed on the inside. Healed from my own self-centered wants and wishes." Joni has turned a disability into an ability. She has traveled around the world and inspired countless people. Maybe you're going through a test right now, and you're saying you can't handle it. Yes, you can. Otherwise, God would not allow you to go through it. You can't control what will happen in your life. All you get to do is decide how you will react to what comes your way. God is in control. You are not. But you can control what you do with what comes your way. World changers turn seeming setbacks into stepping stones. 
FROM THE HEART
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED THROUGH THIS MINISTRY, THEN WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD PLEASE REMEMBER PROPHECY UPDATE IN YOUR GIVING - WE ARE TRULY, TRULY, THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT Prophecy Update has no corporate sponsors. This ministry is paid for and prayed for by readers and supporters. Without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update, Please pray about becoming a monthly supporter - thanks! If ever there was a time to invest in God's Kingdom, it's now! What on earth are you doing for Heaven's Sake? "Share in the Blessings and Rewards that will last Forever!" "Folks, it's all beginning to unravel. America is in more danger of falling than at any time in its history. But I believe Bible prophecy predicts this very decline. From this point on, we believers have to get serious. We are going to face discouragement, disillusionment and, most certainly, persecution in the time between now and the Rapture. But don't be discouraged or disillusioned. The coming turmoil will provide us unrivaled opportunities to share the good news of the Gospel. So be ready to share your faith and your hope with those who need Christ. We still have time to reap a great harvest of souls for God's kingdom!" - Hal Lindsey 1) We need your prayers!- We proclaim the Truth of the Word of God and we are under constant spiritual and sometimes even physical attack. 2) We need your encouragement!- We need to hear from you, let us know how the Lord is blessing you through this ministry so that we can share it with others. 3) We need your input! - If you have a prophetic article or story or if there is a news related item we missed, let us know. 4) We need your financial support!- To put it quite simply, without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update. I ask that you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to get the Word out and keep the world informed. Remember, your gift, no matter how small, does make a difference! You will be helping to touch lives, around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to the internet your generosity carries a global impact! - Thanks! Our Prayer for You- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Prophecy Update is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt - non-profit organization, and all your donations are tax deductible. If you have been blessed by Prophecy Update and would like to help support this ministry financially. You can make a secure donation online by going to: DONATE NOW Or Visit our website: http://prophecyupdate.com/donations/ Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 
|
|