“mingled people”, who and what warning? 521-2 - 15 - 4

As an aside, when I first looked at this question about mingled people I thought of the church of Pergamos often referred to as the married church. This was the marriage of the early apostolic church and pagan Rome.

Emperor Constantine had a vision during the campaign against Maxentius in which the Christian sign appeared in the sky with the legend “In this sign, conquer.” As a result of his victory, Constantine converted to Christianity. There is some question as to his total commitment to Christianity or whether his was just a political move. In any event, the church of Thyatira resulted with its many pagan icons and practices.

So here the mingling the apostolic church with the pagan church resulted in hundreds of years of false doctrine and relegation of the laity to the authority of the clergy.

Then there is the interesting concept of fallen angels and their off-spring.

Ezekiel 30:5, “Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.”

Does this harken back to Geneses 6:2, “That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.”

 Continuing in Geneses 6:4, “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.”

Giants, Strong’s H5303, a bully or tyrant: - giant

Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Definition: 1) giants, the Nephilim

Daniel 2:43, “And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.”

Strong’s H6154 – mingled, a mixture, (or mongrel race): - Arabia, mingled people, mixed.

Man has long tried to explain these Nephilim/ hybrids as the off-springs of the gods of old seducing the women of earth. The Greeks and Romans had very similar myths of beings who were half men and half god. What I once discounted as interesting fiction now resonate as fallen angels impregnating earth women.

References are made to the Rephaites in Genesis 14 and in Numbers 13:33, “We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” There are additional references in the Old Testament, enough to prove that they were still around after the flood.

The human species is beings coming so evil that perhaps Satan doesn’t need his minions, the fallen angels, to corrupt humans. There are hints of research in the area of Chimeras perhaps driven by the dream of the perfect soldier. As humans flirt with Transhumanism, the singularity point and introducing animal DNA into humans we are indeed in the days prophesied “As it was and the days of Noah.” Perhaps the greatest warning against research into combining human and animal DNA is the concern that Chimeras are unredeemable.

I believe that all kinds of monsters exist today, however, far more concerning are the monsters being created in the minds of men. In our continuing arrogance surely we will “Inherit the wind.”

The Preparing myself spiritually for the Day of the Lord and the final judgment upon the earth. 519-1 - 6 - 7

Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Peter provides excellent advice as we approach The Day of the Lord. 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” and 1 Peter 4:7, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”

According to Strong’s sober (G3525) vigilant (G1127) and watch (G3525) reinforce each other and also include be discreet, keep awake.

As a believer I could chose to passively rest in the knowledge that I’m protected from Satan by the covering blood of Jesus. However, as a believer I must be proactive by staying in the Word and daily putting on the “Full armor of God,” including “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

As a believer I want to be like the five wise virgins of Matthew 23 and have my lamp full of oil so I can greet the bridegroom when he comes. Also, I don’t want to be like the wedding guest in the Kingdom of Heaven parable (Matthew 22) who is not properly dressed to attend the wedding of the king’s son and was cast “into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” I work at being the spotless bride preparing for the wedding feast, nevertheless, I too often fail.

While I labor at being spiritually prepared in the end times, what of the unbelievers? When I stand before the Lord at the Bema judgment seat I want to hear the Lord say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" and not be the unprofitable servant who is "passed into outer darkness." The first servant had profitably invested the Lord's 10 talents and the unprofitable servant had buried the gold talent for fear of losing it. This parable reminds me that I risk losing friends by being productive with my witness for Jesus Christ. The days before the return of the Lord are growing short and it is past time to be concerned about what friends and family may think.

It’s time to be like Paul in Ephesians 6:1-20, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Discerning the distinctions between metaphorical terms and literal terms 519-1 - 6 - 3

Literal terms are just that, literal. “A metaphor is a comparison made between two or more things using figurative or descriptive language. Metaphors serve to make difficult to understand ideas or concepts more tangible. Metaphors also infuse written text with vivid descriptions that make the text more vibrant and enjoyable to read.”

The above is a quote from the webpage “15 Famous Metaphors in The Bible”

http://literarydevices.net/15-famous-metaphors-in-the-bible/

The 15 examples of Metaphors listed include two by Isaiah.

 Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”

Isaiah 5:5, “And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:”

The other 13 Metaphors listed are Proverbs 13:14, Psalms 23:1, John 6:35, John 8:12, Revelations 19:7, Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 18:2, Revelations 21:6, Genesis 49:9, John 14:6, John 15:5, Corinthians 5:17 and Matthew 5:13.

So how do I discern the distinctions between metaphorical terms and literal terms? By reading the Word, discerning areas of agreement and disagreement:

Although Revelations 21:6 is included as a metaphor I believe God meant it as literal when He said, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end."

Same for John 14:6, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” The author states that “In this example, followers of Christ are said to be “a new creation.” It is metaphorical, of course, because something already existing cannot be created.” Wrong, we are a new creation as we reject our old self.

Metaphors not mentioned in the above webpage:

John 10:7, “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.”

John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

Surely Jesus was not saying that he was an actual door, rather that he is the way to salvation.

Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34 quote Jesus as saying, "how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!"

Jesus has feathers, I think not! Rather Jesus seeks to gather us up and cover us with the redemption he earned for us through His work on the cross.

Then there is twisting of Scripture which is metaphoric in nature but used as literal to promote an agenda.

Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This has been twisted by the Roman Catholic Church to qualify the apostle Peter as the first pope establishing an unbroken line of popes since the days of Christ. The rock that Jesus speaks of is indeed Himself. The name Peter (Petros) means a small stone. This passage has been used to justify revelations by the pope as having more authority than the Word of God.

When Jesus told the disciples in Corinthians 11:24 and 25 to drink wine and eat bread in remembrance of Him it was just that, a commemoration of the gift of Jesus provided by his death on the cross. This is also been twisted by the Roman Catholic Church into the doctrine of transubstantiation, that the wine and bread actually becomes a very blood and body of Christ. When Jesus initiated this ritual he was physically in the presence of his disciples, obviously a metaphor.

What is “God fearing” and How does the fear of God manifest in my life? 519-1 - 5 - 2

As an aside, when considering the expression "the fear of the Lord" two other terms come to mind, “The Day is Near” and “The Day of the Lord.” Throughout the Old Testament warnings of this day is given by a number of the prophets. Our awesome God is a loving God, however, he is also a righteous God and will not permit sin into His presence. Nevertheless we are promised 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

I work at being humble, praying, and seeking His face, and turning from any and all wicked ways. And always having oil in my lamp for fear of missing out when the bridegroom comes.

Searching Scripture helps me in understanding the term “God fearing.” Proverbs is rich with admonitions. Proverbs 2:5, “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” This is not fear in the usual sense rather it is having a right relationship with God, of being absolutely in awe of God, holding him in complete respect and being obedient to His will.

A few more verses in The book of Proverbs that refer to the fear of the Lord are 2:5, 3:7, 9:10, 10:27, 14:26 and there are several more.

Job was schooled by God; Job 28:28, “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

In addition to having a sense of awe and knowledge and understanding of God, I’m aware of the many warnings of coming judgment. Warning passed on by Isaiah, Joel, Ezekiel, Job and more. Isaiah 2 speaks to judgment beginning in verse 1 with “a rod out of the stem of Jesse” and in verse 2 “knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” With thanks to Strong’s H3374, here fear is infinitive; morally reverence; dreadful, exceedingly, fearfulness.

Last year and in another class I was responding to a question concerning “the fear of the Lord.” This brought to mind the famous sermon by the fire and brimstone preacher from the 1700s Jonathan Edwards; “Sinners in the hands of an angry God.” In today’s Church of the Laodicea’s, this sermon would likely be considered unacceptable and certainly not PC.

I've listened to this very visual sermon which is more than 40 minutes in length. It should “Put the fear of the Lord” into anyone hearing it. Rev. Edwards reminds us that we are held by a fine thread above Hell. Only the hand of God holds us securely if it is His desire. Thankfully I know from Ephesians 2:8 that it is by grace that I’m saved through faith; and that not of myself, rather through the gift of God.

What is the most convincing evidence that we are in the Last Days? 519-1 - 5 - 6

For years there has been a pervasive anticipation that we are in the last day. In my opinion, most people fit into one of four groups. One group ignores the possibility and gets caught up in reality shows such as “Dancing with the Stars.” Members of the second group are the unbelievers and are often frightened without knowing the source of their fear, just that these are scary times. Then there is the third group waiting to be rescued by ET. As a member of the forth group, the BACs, I’m filled with expectation and seeking to be with the Lord.

An Internet search for “end of days” resulted 829,000,000 hits. The website, “Signs of the End of the World” was interesting.

http://www.signs-of-end-times.com/the-last-days-end-of-world-signs.html

To me the most convincing evidence that we are in the Last Days is how closely world events are fulfilling Bible prophecy.

Daniel 12:4, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." More than 800 million search results, knowledge increase? Many do run to and fro either physically with international travel or through cyber-land.

Paul had much to say about the last days and cautioned that “In the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1

Perilous times you say? In the United States we have a hapless administration either totally out of its league or following the dictates of its handlers. More and more countries are becoming nuclear with her their leaders’ fingers poised above the red button as “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Luke 21:10. There is concern about an EMP attack from other countries or a solar flare, either of which could potentially send us back to the 19^th Century. Israel is becoming more and more isolated as even the United States is turning on her.

Jesus shared with his disciples the signs of his coming including great earthquakes in divers places, famines, pestilences and signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars. The great earthquake of a few years ago released radiation from a Japanese nuclear facility. There have been four blood moons in the last two years as well as unusual eclipses.

2 Timothy 3:2-5, in my opinion, has a correlation to Isaiah 5:20, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Men are lovers of self, are covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy and that is only verse 2. Verse 3 continues with men lacking natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good.” “Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” in verse 4. As a BAC I follow the warning in verse 5, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

As it was in the days of Noah, so it is today. I am so grateful that I know my destination and it is glorious and coming shortly.

 

“The Harbinger” by Jonathan Cahn revisited 519-1 - 4 - 7

Isaiah 9:10, “The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.” [KJV]

Jonathan Cahn wrote a best seller titled “The Harbinger: The ancient mystery that holds the secret of America's future” released 2011-09-03. The book compares the reaction of Northern Kingdom to the first invasion of the land by the Assyrians to that of the United States after 911. Neither the Northern Kingdom nor the United States repented their sins and with great defiance stated that they would rebuild even better.

As it was in the Northern Kingdom thousands of years ago so it is today in the US, defiance rather than repentance. The day after 9/11 Senate Majority Leader, Tom Daschle in a statement concerning a 'Joint Resolution of Condemnation for the September 11, 2001 stated the following: “But there is a passage in the Bible from Isaiah that I think speaks to all of us at times such as this: 'The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.'” [The Harbinger page 117]

New York City Mayor, Rudolph Giuliani and New York State Governor, George E. Pataki said much the same; Major Giuliani after the attack and Governor Pataki when dedicating the building of the "Freedom Tower" on the 4th of July 2004. [The Harbinger page 62]

When he was the Democratic Candidate for Vice President John Edwards spoke the same verse while at a prayer breakfast. Again, no repentance and Senator Edwards careen was later destroyed. [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=84922#axzz1M02bgo9D]

There is a message for America In the book the Harbinger. We started out as a very God centered and blessed country. We have mastered the trifecta of evil, abortion on demand, same-sex marriage and throwing Israel under the bus. God is dropping/ has dropped His hedge of protection from America. It is my prayer that it is not too late to salvage our country.

As an aside, three years ago I wrote a Sorites for an Issachar course based on Jonathan Cahn’s book and Isaiah 9:10.

Israel (Northern Kingdom) worships idols and is warned by the prophets

The prophets are ignored by an Israel who does not have ears to hear

An Israel without ears to hear is defeated by the Assyrians

A defeated Israel is a defiance Israel

A defiance Israel says we will rebuild

A rebuilt Israel fall falls again never to again be a nation.

America has/ is replicating the defiance of the Northern Kingdom. We have turned away from God and made idols of our celebrities, bigger homes and such. So another Sorites intentionally left open-ended.

We in America are to live by God’s commandments

The Commandments are ignored by a defiance America

A defiance America watches as her towers fall

The fallen towers inspire the still defiant America

An inspired defiant America has defiant leaders

Defiant leaders vow we will rebuild America

A rebuild America experiences an economic collapse in 2008

An economic collapse in 2008 results in major political changes

Major political changes give power to a very liberal administration

A liberal administration encourages a dependent, immoral society

A dependent, immoral society votes for four more years of the same liberal agenda

Revisiting Hosea 5 and the second coming? What are the roots of anti-Semitism? 521-1 - 14 - 5

Hosea 5:15, “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.” As the people of Israel cry out in desperation they will finally realize that Yeshua, who they rejected, was and is the Messiah they have sought for so long.

Before the second coming the world will have gone through a seven year tribulation. At least seven years before the second coming there will be a rapture of the Church according to the pre-trip proponents. Revelation chapter 12 suggests a mid-trib rapture with the second coming occurring three and a half years later. Pre, mid or post tribulation, there will be a seven year tribulation before the return of Christ. Then Jesus will descend with the two edge sword of the Word and annihilate Israel’s enemies at the glorious second coming.

As to the roots of anti-Semitism, it started in the garden with thousands of years of plotting and scheming by Satan. Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [KJV]

Then there is “The Everlasting Hatred” of the Edomite’s and Ishmaelite’s. Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, was told by God that she had two nations warring in her womb. These were Jacob, later renamed Israel by God, and Esau. The story is well known of how Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of porridge and how Rebecca and Jacob later deceived Isaac and to giving Jacob his blessing. While in my opinion God orchestrated his covenant being passed on to Jacob there has been an obsessive hatred of the Jews by the descendants of Ishmael and Esau. Romans 9:13, “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” [KJV]

Surprisingly enough, during the Great Tribulation the remnant of Israel, the woman in Revelation 12, will seek refuge in Edom/ Petra and will be supernaturally protected there.

The Roman Catholic Church was/is responsible at least in part for the heresy of Replacement Theology. The Reformers never completed the Reformation and also allowed Replacement Theology to creep into the Protestant churches.

There were concordats between the Roman Catholic Church and Adolf Hitler and the Roman Catholic Church and Mussolini. By these agreements the church was not to interfere with the state and vice a versa. Pius XII earned the less than desirable title of “Hitler’s Pope.” The Roman Catholic Church has attempted to redact history, however, there are many, many pictures available demonstrating a very cozy relationship.

The current United States administration is not only distancing itself from Israel, it is seeking to undermine their country. It brings to mind the expression, “Keep your enemies close and your friend even closer.”

Mystery Babylon 521-2 - 13 - 5

Revelation 17:5, “And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth.” [KJV]

Revelation 17:9, “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.” [KJV] Seven mountains, Rome and the Vatican?

Babylon is mentioned 265 times in the KJV of the Bible. Babylon was the capital of the 1st World Dictator, Nimrod/ Rebel, meaning "a mighty hunter in defiance of the Lord." Fast forward to the End Days, coming, a one world government united with a one world religion.

Was Jezebel, the Harlot, the woman who rides the beast the Roman Catholic Church as foretold by Jesus in His letter written to the church in Thyatira? Revelation 2:20, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” [KJV] This reference was to Jezebel, wife of Ahab. Her method of procuring the vineyard of Naboth for her husband was a model for the RCC’s Inquisition.  

Eventually Ahab repented and temporarily stayed the hand of God. Jezebel didn’t fare as well and met the end prophesied in I Kings 21:23, “eaten by dogs.” The Harlot – future One World Church, Rome, Babylon? Forewarning of what would happen to the Harlot when the dogs/ kings of the earth turn on her?

Revelation 17:18 refers to the woman as “That great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” Revelation 18:3, “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” [KJV]

As for the kings of the earth and merchants, Revelation 18:10, “Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.” [KJV]

 “To the nearly I billion Roman Catholics misinformed by their hierarchy; to the 400 million Protestants equally ignorant of the facts; and to the genuine martyrs on both sides, this book is dedicated.” So opens Dave Hunt’s “A Woman Rides the Beast: The Roman Catholic Church and the Last Days.” Dave Hunt identifies the Roman Catholic Church as the Whore (Harlot) of Babylon based on the prophecies in chapters 17 and 18. The book ends with appendix I: "The Lutheran – Catholic Joint Declaration Justification," the joint declaration (JD) was signed on October 31, 1999. October 31, the same day as in 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle chapel. A move to a one world religion? 

Yes, God judges nations on the basis of their dealings with Israel! 521-1 - 1 - 2

Ezekiel 36:23, “And I will sanctify (H6942) my great name, which was profaned among the heathen (H1471), which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen (H1471) shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified (H6942) in you before their eyes.” [KJV]

God is jealous of his name and keeps His Unconditional Covenants with his chosen people:

The Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 1 7:7-8

The Land Covenant: Genesis 15:18-21

The Davidic Covenant: 2 Samuel 7:16

The Everlasting Covenant: Genesis 26:3-4

And yes, this still applies today. In recent years we in the United States have had a number of warnings or “shakings” to quote Messianic Rabbi Jonathon Cain. There are voices “crying in the wilderness” that is present day America, however, few listen. Rather most are doing “what is right in their own minds,” filling their inherent spiritual gap with the untempered mortar of sinful behavior.

I have posted any number of times concerning God’s dropping of the hedge of protection that is been around the United States since its inception. We have been a longtime supporter of Israel though lukewarm at times. When we act against the interests of Israel we pay for it. Perhaps the best recent illustration of this was during the withdrawal from Gaza. The Israeli settlers were removed from Gaza and in the United States people had to evacuate due to hurricane Katrina.

Again and again the POTUS and his minions fail to support/ undermine Israel in her right to the land deeded to her by God in His unconditional covenant and so much for His hedge of protection. Isaiah 5:5, “And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden (H4823) down:” [KJV]

Last year Israel was been in a violent struggle with Hamas who has fired thousands of rockets into Israel from Gaza, recall the ill-fated Gaza withdrawal and our reward of Hurricane Katrina.. The residents of Israel have seconds to run for cover from the incoming missiles. Israel’s iron Dome has been likened to the hand of God protecting Israel and has done an exemplary job. Israel is now very involved in a ground offensive to wipe out missal launching sites and tunnels used by the terrorists. Israel was criticized for not responding proportionately to Hamas. If while it is true that many more were killed in Gaza than Israel, it must be remembered who started firing the rockets and who uses human shields to protect those rockets.

Ref: Strong’s and Touch Bible:

H6942 – sanctify, verb:

Includes To consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy and set apart.

H1471 – heathen:

Nation, people usually non-Hebrew. Also, a swaem of locusts

H4823 – trodden:

Abasement, a trampling place, trampling

What of the occult today? 519-1 - 4 - 3

I’ve mentioned before that I circled the drain of the New Age years ago. This has provided me with discernment. 2 Timothy 3:5 pretty much sums up the New Age, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” [KJV] too often new agers think they are a little gods in the making. I remember when we would greet each other with “The Christ in me sees the Christ in you,” Holy Spirit perhaps. This form of spirituality can seem close to Christianity thereby opening one up to the deception of thinking they actually are Christians.

Pride often comes into play as it did thousands of years ago in the garden when Satan said you can become as God. Colossians 2:18, “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,” [KJV] When one thinks one is approaching little godhood most assuredly they are vainly puffed up by his/ her fleshly mind.

Colossians 2:19, “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” [KJV] Jesus is our Head and we, the Church, are His body. Unbelievers often substitute other and bizarre gods and/ or rituals when denying Jesus as the Head.

For me it is Sola Scriptura using the King James Version of the Bible. Unfortunately there are many organizations claiming to be Christian while promoting a very shaky doctrine. Some in the New Apostolic Reformation are claiming to manifest gold teeth, gold dust and gemstones. Nothing new here as this is just recycled Eastern spirituality as practiced by the late Guru Sai Bara for decades.

Dabbling with occult tools such as Ouija boards seem to be getting more press these days. Entities have been known to jump on an Ouija board and pretty much take over a person’s life. An example is the late Jane Roberts who channeled an entity named Seth for decades. Ms. Roberts died at the relatively young age of 55 and had been ill for decades.

Today our world calls good evil and evil good. It’s like there’s a mindset bordering on demonic possession on the part of many in power throughout the world. In his commentary Angels Volume 2: The Invisible War, Chuck Missler warns that “You and I are involved in a invisible war in hyperspace—a supernatural warfare in which we are both the puppets and prize!” CM discusses fallen angels, demons, spiritual warfare, and our ultimate protection as Christians: the Armor of God. Very informative!

The importance of Isaiah 7:14 519-1 - 3 - 5

Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” [KJV]

As Ahaz refused to ask for a sign, God would give one of His own choosing, a sign for the ages far beyond the time of Ahaz. The sign would bring to a culmination the prophecies and promises relating to "the house of David.”

Why a virgin birth? Because God said so, a favorite subject that I have written about before. Isaiah 7:14 is just one of the hundred plus prophecies concerning the coming Messiah.

It is awesome to realize how God works and how interwoven His Word is. In Genesis 3:15 we learn of the coming Messiah. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” [KJV] A women doesn’t have a “seed”, rather it comes from a man so a prophecy of the virgin birth.

It is amazing to see how God laid the groundwork for the virgin birth. In the time of Moses the daughters of Zelophehad had no brother for their father to leave his goods and property to. The daughters petitioned Moses. Numbers 27: 4, “Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.” [KJV] In turn Moses brought the problem of no male heir before God who said , Numbers 27:8, “And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.” [KJV] When the daughter married her father would adopt his son-in-law as his son.

Later God had all He could tolerate from King Jeconiah, a descendant of King David. Jeremiah 22:30 “Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.” [KJV] The blood curse pronounced on Jeconiah and his sons, the only males in the royal line, meant that the Messiah could not come from a male in the line of David. However, the petition of the daughters of Zelophehad provided a work-around.

Mary had no brother so her father could adopt her husband Joseph. Joseph was in the line of King David via Solomon thus under the blood curse. Mary was in the line of Kind David through his son Nathan. Mary was the biological mother of Jesus born of her “seed” as proclaimed by God thousands of years before in the Garden of Eden. God is awe-inspiring!

The “Six Woes” mentioned in Isaiah 5, true then and true today 519-1 - 2 - 4

With thanks to CM for a simplified listing of the Six Woes:

1. Materialism

2. Hedonism

3. Flaunting Sin

4. Denial of the Word of God

5. Relativism

6. Lack of Justice

As for materialism today, a recent example would be Black Friday. On Thursday Americans were giving thanks. Less than 24 hours later thousand were pushing and shoving each other in stores hoping to get stuff at huge discounts. Diametrically opposite to unbridled materialism was the apostle Paul. Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” [KJV]

Hedonism, “1. The pursuit of pleasure. 2. The ethical theory that pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life.” [http://www.hedonism.com/what-is-hedonism/] Hedonism harkens back to the expression eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die. The downside to such a lifestyle, in addition to boredom, is there may be a less pleasant eternal destination.

As for flaunting sin, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) community has hijacked God’s rainbow. They are having considerable success in getting their deviant lifestyle to be treated as normal. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed not just for the homosexuality of their citizens, rather also for the acceptance by the communities of homosexuality.

Denial of the Word of God, Atheists work very hard to prove the God they don’t believe in doesn’t indeed exist. So no surprise that atheists deny the word of God. In my opinion, while not directly denying the word of God, many claiming to be Christians do even greater harm. Higher criticism is "The study of the Bible having as its object the establishment of such facts as authorship and date of composition, as well as determination of a basis for exegesis." [Dictionary.com] This prideful and arrogant denial had its start in the garden with the question, “Did God really say that?”

Relativism, "The doctrine that no ideas or beliefs are universally true but that all are, instead, “relative” — that is, their validity depends on the circumstances in which they are applied." [American Heritage Dictionary] Relativism embraces the belief there are no absolute truths, only what is right in his/ her own eyes. Not so, Proverbs 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” [KJV]

Lack of Justice due not just only to corruption in the judicial area but with those authoring laws and the POTUS who has a phone and a pen.

God speaking through Isaiah pretty well summed it up; Isaiah 5:20, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” [KJV]

God gives five positive exhortations. Very applicable today 519-1 - 1 - 6

Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [KJV]

The ISV states the passage slightly differently:

1. Learn to practice what is good

2. Seek justice

3. Alleviate oppression

4. Defend orphans in court

5. Plead the widow’s case.

Nature abhors a vacuum so for the first exhortation, learn to practice what is good, I work at keeping my mind focused on God and immersing myself in His Word.

As for seeking justice, decades ago I had hoped to become a lawyer and become an advocate for abused children. Although this dream was never fulfilled, I supported the American Center for Law and Justice for several years. The ACLJ is located in Washington DC and protects the rights of Christians and the unborn.

As for alleviating oppression, I will unpack that shortly.

In Isaiah's day a widow might have Levirate marriage. If not she could glean or prostitute herself. Today in America many widow either have their own work history or can draw on their late husband's benefits. Orphans are more or less cared for in this country by the Child Protection Agency. That said, I support programs that help women and children in third world countries start cottage businesses.

As for the third exhortation, alleviate oppression, where was compassion last year for Iraq's Yazidis who were trapped and hiding from ISIS in the mountains.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/08/world/meast/iraq-yazidi-people/

Today more than a year “After Massacre, Iraq’s Yazidis a Broken People.”

http://m.voanews.com/a/iraq-yazidis-anniversary-of-massacre-by-islamic-state-militants/2896195.html

And today, there are thousands of people wandering through Europe as refugees, the greatest number since World War Two. Saudi Arabia is rumored to have a tent city that could hold up to 3 million refugees but the tents are empty.

http://100percentfedup.com/saudi-tent-city-could-hold-up-to-3-million-refugees-but-sits-empty/#

Western governments including the US are under pressure to take in refugees. Rather than widows and orphans many of the refugees are men without family. Either the men are single or they left their wives and children undefended.

Bible passages such as the following are used to convince Christians to welcome refugees who have not had a through security evaluation. Matthew 25:40, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [KJV] Often overlooked is that brethren refers to Jews.

From an interesting article Published by: Dan Calabrese on Friday November 20th, 2015, "Politics: What does the Bible really say about taking in Syrian refugees?"

"It's always problematic when you look to the mainstream media and other left-wingers for an understanding of what Scripture says. To listen to them, you'd think Jesus was concerned with little more than sending checks to the poor, installing solar panels on roofs and surrendering to any and all foreign enemies."

http://www.caintv.com/what-does-the-bible-really-say

As for application, 1 Chronicles 12:32 “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.”  [KJV]

From an article "Invasion U.S.A." By Jim Torres “Towers”

"They have the resources and abundant land, not to mention the same ideals and faith. There is a word in the Muslim faith, it is Al Hijra, which means taking over another country by means of infiltration, proliferation and subversion. Could this be some kind of sinister game plan to topple our country?"

https://www.raptureready.com/soap2/torres39.html

Even with the light of Jesus today’s spiritual climate is sinking fast 519-1 - 1 - 7

2000 years ago Christianity spread throughout the known world pretty much by word-of-mouth and documents written through the inspiration of God. No Google searches at that time and no mass produced Bibles. Today in free countries Bibles are readily available both in hard copy and in digital format. Favorites of mine are e-sword for PC and IPhone and Touch Bible for Android. These are great software packages that also have Strong’s Concordance and other Bible aids at your fingertips.

Unlike people in countries where Christianity is suppressed, we are without excuse. Even in countries where the Bible is suppressed, missionaries are bringing them in. There is a video that went viral on the Internet showing the reaction of people receiving their first copy of the Bible in their own language. Strangely enough, Christianity seem to flourish when and where under persecution.

Act 28:26-27, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

In the above, Paul is quoting Isaiah 6:9-10. As it was in both Isaiah’s and Paul’s day as it is today. In hearing the truth of the gospel many will not hear, seeing biblical prophecy fulfilled they still do not see.

According to Strong’s G4106 delusion is "objectively fraudulence; subjectively a straying from orthodoxy or piety: - deceit, to deceive, delusion, error." And that delusion is a judgment. 2 Thessalonians 10:11-12, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

The six orchestrated terrorist attack in Paris last week were horrific and done by the spawn of Satan himself. Sadly, nearly 100 people were gunned down in the Bataclan Concert Hall. Two things really stand out. This happened in a gun free zone where people were helpless to protect themselves and the Eagles of Death Metal were performing that night. Rumor has it that the shooting started as the band was playing “Kiss the Devil.” Also, many attendees were making the sign of the devil during this blasphemous performance. Delusion, self-fulfilling or both?

Many are lost and rushing through the wide gate. One fact I use as a witnessing tool is telling people that the Septuagint Bible was completed nearly 300 years before the birth of Jesus and that He fulfilled more than 100 prophecies found therein. I also recommend several of CM’s teaching such as “How We Got Our Bible,” “How to Study the Bible” and “Footprints of the Messiah.” My attempt to bring a little light into a rapidly darkening world.

The Church and the woman of Revelation 12, a mid-tribulation rapture? 533-2 - 8 - 8

The prophecy in Revelation 12:1-9 begins with a description of a woman clothed with the sun and having the moon under her feet. She is wearing a crown of twelve stars and is about to give birth to a man child.  A great red dragon is set to devour her child as soon as it is born, but before he is able to, the man child is caught up into heaven and the woman flees into the wilderness where God has prepared a place to feed her for three and a half years.  This time period is described in Daniel 12 as a time of trouble that has never been seen before and is often referred to as “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble.”

The above is from an article I wrote for I610 and posted on my blog. “It’s All About Israel.”

http://sallycp-inthebeginninggod.blogspot.com/2015/04/its-all-about-israel.html

There are differing opinions as to who the woman of Revelation 12 really is. Some in the Roman Catholic Church claim she is Mary about to give birth to Jesus. Also, there is a minority who believe the woman is the Church which will hidden and supernaturally protected during the second half of the tribulation. Most Bible commentaries, however, identify the woman as Israel. Many things described in Revelation can be understood by information provided in the rest of the Bible, especially the Old Testament.  Genesis 37:9, the dream of Joseph is paramount to the identity of this woman. Both scriptures speak to the sun and the moon and 12 stars. Also, Israel is frequently referred to as a woman in the Old Testament; Isaiah 47:7-9, 54:5-6, 66:7-8; Jeremiah 4:31; Micah 4:9-10; 5:3.

The woman gives birth her child, Revelation 12:5, “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” As the Church do we represent the body of Christ and are we being raptured at this time? In verse 6 the woman flees into the wilderness where she will be protected during the second half of the tribulation, the period of time known as Jacob’s trouble. This would place the Rapture of the Church at the middle of the seven year Tribulation.

My prayer continues to be that there will be a pre-tribulation rapture of the Church. Our world is in tribulation, however and in my opinion, not The Tribulation. I eagerly awaiting the call of Jesus to come up, nevertheless, it will be in God own timing.

Tthe seven letters to the churches authored by Jesus are as relevant today as 2000 years ago 533-2 - 8 - 2

Jesus wrote letters to seven churches of the first century; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodiceans. These churches seems to embody the characteristics of churches throughout the ages. Within two generations of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus His message of the good news was being distorted.

Jesus had concerns about all churches except for the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia. The church of Ephesus was the early apostolic church and guarded itself from “them which are evil” and liars at the cost of losing their first love.” It has been said that the greatest distance in the 18 inches from the head to the heart. It is one thing to read of God’s love and quite another to internalize it, to give it a home in the heart.

The church in Smyrna was the suffering, persecuted church. In the days of Nero Christians were set on fire and used to light pathways. Fast-forward nearly 2000 years and there is a growing intolerance towards Christians in the United States. Add to that the horror of torture and murder of Christian in countries that practice Islam..

The church in Pergamos allowed the gospel to be compromised by paganism, and today?  While denying the divinity of Jesus, many worship the created rather than the creator. Rather than sacrificing babies to Moloch in the last half century millions of babies have been sacrificed on the altar of a woman’s choice.

The church in Thyatira is in danger of being required to go through the tribulation. The Roman Catholic Church is at best a pagan religion with its Mary worship, veneration of saints plus not believing Jesus when he cried out on the cross “It is finished.” At its worst, the Roman Catholic Church is responsible for the torture and murder of millions over the centuries. While the torture and murder by officials within the Roman Catholic Church seem to have stopped, there is the perversion of the belief of millions thereby possibly condemning them to an eternal separation from God.

The church of Sardis foretold of the many denominations in the Protestant church. Breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church was a good start but the Reformation has never been completed. Replacement Theology crept in resulting in the marginalizing of Israel and ultimately the Holocaust. Today Anti-Semitism is prevalent throughout much of the world.

The church at Philadelphia represents the Church that I strive to be a member of and fail daily. Jesus told the church that “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.” Revelation 3:10.

The church of Laodiceans was lukewarm and so distasteful to Jesus that He spits them out of His mouth. Like some of today’s mega-churches, the Laodiceans considered themselves rich and did not have a passion for God. Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” So here is Jesus standing outside of the church of the Laodiceans waiting to be asked in. This is a great demonstration of the mercy of God and his desire that none should be lost.

It is time for the church to wake up and regain its early passion for Jesus and for spreading the Word to the outermost.

Discuss the objective of Paul’s teaching in Acts 28:23. 533-2 - 7 - 7

Act 28:23, “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.”

More than a hundred prophecies in the Old Testament were fulfilled by Jesus as alluded to by Peter. 2 Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

By teaching out of the Law of Moses and out of the prophets Paul was using common ground to present the ministry of Jesus, His birth, death and resurrection in such a way that it couldn’t be refuted and would perhaps be more acceptable to the listeners.

CM often states “The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed; the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.” Proverbs 25:2, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Does this Proverbs not apply to us, the Church, as we are referred to as priests and kings?

When Jesus walked the earth there was no New Testament. Jesus taught from either the Hebrew Bible or the Septuagint and most often from Deuteronomy. After the crucifixion and resurrection Jesus taught two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:27, “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. “

The prophecy of the incarnation of God as the human Jesus was prophesied in the Garden. Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. A reference to the scarlet thread that would have its final culmination on the blood stained cross. Psalm 22:6, “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” This harkens back to the Coccus ilicis, the scarlet worm. When she reproduces, the female attaches herself permanently to a tree and covers her eggs with her body. The worm gives her life to feed her baby worms resulting in a crimson liquid that leaves a red stain on the tree.

Luke 24:44, “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”

Still the doubt; John 5:46, “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.”

According to CM, “on twelve different occasions Jesus was presented as the Messiah from the Hebrew Old Testament.” From morning till evening Paul carried that message to “the uttermost part of the earth.”

I believe the man of God rather than the experts 533-2 - 7 - 3

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/man-of-god,:

1. a clergyman.

2. a holy or devout person, as a saint or prophet.

I’d believe the man of God, second definition, rather than the experts when it comes to who to believe. An expert has been described as “A squirt under pressure” or someone 50 from home; all too often correct! To me the test is who is speaking based on Sola Scriptura.

In his book Final Warning author Carl Gallups reminds us that “Jesus stood alone against all those scholars – and the scholars were wrong. Practically every one of the now-revered biblical prophets stood alone against all those scholars. And again, the scholars were wrong. The apostle Paul regularly proclaimed absolute heresy, as far as his religious-elite peers were concerned, when he insisted that Jesus was the Christ. Nevertheless, he was right, and the scholars were wrong. The wise men from the East were willing to go against the accepted dogma of all those scholars of their day, and they found the Messiah … the scholars did not.”

As an aside, Carl Gallups also authored the very controversy book The Rabbi Who Found Messiah: The Story of Yitzhak Kaduri and His Prophecies of the Endtime.

There is the group of “experts” called “Christ at the Checkpoint.” The first point of their manifesto is, “1.The Kingdom of God has come. Evangelicals must reclaim the prophetic role in bringing peace, justice and reconciliation in Palestine and Israel.”  Replacement Theology as well as denigrating God’s chosen people; no Sola Scripture here.

http://www.christatthecheckpoint.com/index.php/about-us/manifesto

I tend to group scholars, false prophets, false teachers and experts together. There is the New Apostolic Reformation movement where the self-anointed anoint each other and so on. The few times I’ve watched Word of Faith tele-evangelists the word anointed is freely thrown around as is prophet. 2 Peter 2:1, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”

The best protection against false teaching is to study the Word and “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11.

CM reminds to be like the Bereans, Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

IMO, Jude’s book was written for such a time as this and written to today’s “The Beloved.” As believers we are part of the beloved whom Jude is pressuring to “Contend Earnestly for The Faith.” Jude was writing to counter the apostasy that was occurring within the infant church and the arrival of many false teachers; as it was nearly 2000 years ago so it is today.

Finding the 10 Lost Tribes of Israel 533-2 - 6 - 3

In researching this question I came across some very interesting information concerning Anglo-Israelism & British Israelism.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/anglo_is.htm

Anglo-Israelism & British Israelism: “The principal belief of Anglo/British Israelism is that the British (and by extension Americans, Canadians, Australians, and others) are the spiritual and literal descendants of the ancient Israelites.”

British Israel writers developed the belief that these "ten tribes" were able to retain their identity and cohesiveness, became lost to history, and wandered far even to the British Isles. In my opinion, things get rather convoluted with the stone (Stone of Scone) used in the coronation of King David being transported to the British Isles and being used for the coronation of British queens and kings. The Anglo-Israelism belief was mostly discounted in the early 20th century, however, John Allen’s book “Judah's Scepter and Joseph's Birthright" spread the concept through the Adventist and other churches. I suspect that Mr. Allen’s book was used as more fuel to the fire of the heresy of Replacement Theology.

Several weeks ago I had a discussion with a Mormon concerning the DNA studies that disproved any linkage of a lost tribe of Israel and the Native American Indian. I recall that he mentioned something about Joseph and the migration to England. Perhaps he was referring to Mr. Allen’s book.

“The History of the Ten ‘Lost” tribes Ango-Israelis Examined” by David Baron, provides many relevant scriptures including the two cited below.

http://reluctant-messenger.com/judahs_sceptre_josephs_birthright.htm

2 Chronicle 11:16, “And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.” So representatives from the Northern Kingdom tribes relocated to the Southern Kingdom to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

This is reinforced by 2 Chronicle 15:9-15 details that numbers of the religious and more spiritual of the Ten Tribes joined forces "Judah."

The Abrahamic Covenant that God unilaterally made with Abraham is an unconditional covenant. Relevant Scriptures include:

Genesis 28:15, “And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”

Ezekiel 39:28, “Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.”

If any of the twelve tribes of Israel were to be lost it would likely have been the tribe of Benjamin. In the Book of Judges the tribe of Benjamin is nearly wiped out in what to me is a very strange series of events. Judges 19; a Levite and his concubine stopped for the night in an area belonging to Benjamin. The men of Benjamin demanded "...Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him." Instead the Levite gave his concubine to the men of Benjamin. In the morning the concubine was dead so the Levite cut her into 12 pieces, "and sent her into all the coasts of Israel." 

As a result "the children of Israel" killed all but a few hundred Benjamins. "The children of Israel" asked God Judges 21:3, "And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel?" Wives were found for the remaining Benjamins so they could continue, the result, no lost tribe. Great men such as the Apostle Paul and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are from the tribe of Benjamin.