when does the tribution start

 

 

 

WHY THE TRIBULATION?   "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people [Daniel and the Jews] and upon thy holy city, [Jerusalem] to (1) finish the transgression, and to (2) make an end of sins, and to (3) make reconciliation for iniquity, and to (4) bring in everlasting righteousness, and to (5) seal up the vision and prophecy, and to (6) anoint the most Holy." (Daniel 9:24)   As we tick down the hours to the end of this present age, I notice that more and more Christians, perhaps assuming things can't get much worse, are coming to the conclusion we must be in the first half of the Tribulation now. Are we?   I have received comments, emails, and even articles for publication in that those who wonder if we are in the Tribulation right now. Many wonder about all the different ideas of when Jesus will come for His Church. They site pre-trib, pre-wrath, and even post-trib that we all will go through the coming Tribulation. Course, anyone who follows my sermons, knows that I am totally Pre-Trib, but the question raises, “why cannot Christ coming for His elect occur during the first half of the coming tribulation? There is no solid verse in the Bible that limits the “catching away” of God's church to only these three time periods....It speaks of imminency, that Christ could come pretty much anytime, when the King of the Universe, God our Father, tells His only begotten Son to bring His children home. But I am reminded of a verse that Solomon used to denote that things have a purpose, and sometimes we don't understand that purpose.   "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)   The Tribulation Period is no exception to that rule. It has its primary and secondary purposes. The Prophet Daniel tells us that its purpose is six fold and it opened this message as a heading:   "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people [Daniel and the Jews] and upon thy holy city, [Jerusalem] to (1) finish the transgression, and to (2) make an end of sins, and to (3) make reconciliation for iniquity, and to (4) bring in everlasting righteousness, and to (5) seal up the vision and prophecy, and to (6) anoint the most Holy." (Daniel 9:24)   For every born again believer who is patiently waiting for the SOON return of our Lord, the points that Daniel makes in Daniel 9, the first four have been accomplished at the cross. The final two points are yet future and do not apply to the church. Who does it apply to?   The prophecy is to the Jews and of Jerusalem and the Temple. And the anointing of the Messiah takes place at the Temple following the 2nd Coming.   The primary purpose of the Tribulation, therefore, is to effect the national redemption of the Jews. God made a promise to Daniel and listed what will usher in the Kingdom Age. When Christ was cut off during the middle of His ministry, the time clock that pertained to Israel in its Spiritual application, ceased. The clock stopped.   “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” (Daniel 9:27)....   We all know the history surrounding this time period. God has a habit of allowing 40 years for judgment to be withheld, and only brings that judgment when ample time has elapsed. Hence when Jesus died on a cross in roughly 30 AD...then 40 years later the temple was totally destroyed and razed to the ground. But that left an unfinished 7 year period to complete the prophesy in Daniel 9, and we have been waiting for nearly 2000 years for that prophesy to be fulfilled. And make no mistake about it, God keeps His promises, and that prophesy will come to pass.   WHAT IS THE REASON BEHIND THE TRIBULATION?   I have made the bold statement, that is backed up by scripture that the coming Tribulation is designed for two things...we have stated that the Tribulation is for the national redemption of Israel, but there is another, secondary purpose. That purpose is outlined in Revelation starting in Revelation chp. 6 and is a main theme through the whole of the book after this chapter. And what is the theme besides the national redemption of Israel? It is the complete annihilation of all rebellion on this earth. God will wipe this earth clean of all men and women that follow the Beast system, and those who take its mark.   15 “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:15-17)   If God is taking out judgment on all mankind present for their rebellion and sins against God, then by definition, to be a Christian, one must accept Christ and repent of their sins. So the Church has no purpose in God's judgment against unrepentant sinners who are in rebellion.   But let us take a third reason for the Tribulation that is fast approaching. The tertiary purpose for the Tribulation is to permit Satan free reign over the earth.   Among the many purposes of Heaven outlined in Scripture is the trial of Satan. At the conclusion of the Tribulation Period and the end of the coming reign of Christ, called the Millennium, there will remain no doubt among the angels and the redeemed saints of God as to the depth of Satan's guilt or the severity of his punishment, as Satan will be loosed for “a little season” to tempt and pervert men's minds to come against God and His Holy City, and fire will come down out of heaven and destroy them all. Then Satan will be captured and thrown into the Lake of Fire where the AC and the false prophet already are.   "Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?" (Isaiah 14:15-17)   DOCTRINE OF IMMINENCY   The doctrine of imminency teaches that the Rapture could have taken place at any time from Paul's day until the starting point of the Tribulation Period. But God has allowed time to continue to our present day and for this purpose to be fulfilled, Satan must have total control of this earth, but to achieve that, the restraining force, (the Holy Spirit) must taken out of the way.   6 “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:” (2nd Thessalonians 2:6-8)   But Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will indwell me until He returns. I have no part in the Tribulation, I am neither a member of the elect House of Israel nor a Christ-rejecting Gentile.   Jesus also promised that He will never leave me without the power of His Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would be with me till the end of this age.   16 “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)   If the Holy Spirit must be 'taken out of the way' BEFORE the Antichrist can be revealed, which is the only logical way to interpret these passages, then He cannot leave me comfortless without breaking His Word. And we know that God keeps His promises.   No matter how I try to make it read otherwise, I cannot. If the Holy Spirit is NOT 'taken out of the way' then that Wicked CANNOT be revealed. And if the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way, so am I...and so are you, if you be found in Jesus Christ and Him crucified for your sins.   Let's identify the players in that previous verse of 2nd Thessalonians, as there are many slow to able to discern among us, who cannot see the obvious, but speak of their own intellect.   "The mystery of iniquity" -- the spirit of Antichrist. (1st John 4:3) "He who letteth". First, "he" is a personal pronoun, so this isn't a 'thing' to be taken out of the way, but a 'Him'. 'To let' is an old English phrase that signifies indwelling, as in the phrase, "Room to Let."   That "Wicked" is also a personal pronoun and in context, refers to the one whom Jesus destroys at His Second Coming.   Let's read it again and translate into modern English: "The Antichrist won't be revealed until after the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence is taken out of the way."   So the whole argument comes down to when will the Holy Spirit be removed? The clear implications based on spiritual discernment is the when the Holy Spirit is removed, we will be removed right along with Him...and that will happen before the Anti-Christ is revealed. To even think that I would lose the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence while I am still alive on this Christ rejecting planet is unthinkable and entirely not scriptural upon a close examination of the text AND in context. To believe otherwise is akin to the false notion of “catholic purgatory” that the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus was just not good enough to save us and we must be refined right along with Israel and the nations.   HOW LONG IS THE TRIBULATION?   In looking at my opening statements on this message, where do I come up with the Tribulation being 7 years?...Daniel says the AC will rule for one week of years. It is the final week of Daniel's 70 week year prophesy that is yet to be fulfilled. The period is broken up into two distinct time periods. The first part is a collusion between church and state, where the Harlot Church will do much like she did during the Middle Ages...accuse and try those who will not follow her edicts, and the state will commit the executions. She will blend all religions into a One World Religious abomination that has her as the head of power, as she controls the reins of the Beast she rides...As I have mentioned before, it may well be a blend of apostate Christianity and Islam known as Chrislam.   11 “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.”(Revelation 13:11-14)   The last half will see the “Abomination that causes desolation” stand in the Temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God...He will have no use for the Harlot Church and will destroy her.   15 “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:15-18)   No matter how you slice and dice it..the bible shows how the Tribulation will play out into two periods of 1260 days and total 2520, which is a 7 year period.   Since Israel marks time with a 360 day using a lunar calendar (right to this very day) finding another time frame that fits requires some seriously wishful thinking. The first half of the Tribulation will see many being killed by this Harlot, as she has done in the past, but the second half of the Great Tribulation, will make this time pale in comparison....There will be natural wonders and many are slain because of the wrath of God poured out on this Christ rejecting world, but the second half is where God unleashes the entire cup of His indignation that is flowing to the brim.   9 “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:9-11)   But praise be to our God that He has given us a promise that we will NOT receive His wrath...there are two passages that are used over and over again, because they lay out that we are not the object of what is coming upon the earth.   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. 11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11)   The phrase in verse 10 “Keep thee from the hour” is the Greek word “EK”..look it up on Google...We will be removed from the time and event coming upon the earth, as Jesus talks of the coming Tribulation.   And the most quoted verse that Paul wrote to let us know, that we will not see the coming wrath of God: 9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (1st Thessalonians 5:9-11)   LETS ANSWER THAT TRIBULATION QUESTION..   Now let us address the question that was raised. “ Can Christ come during the first half of the Tribulation or the first 3.5 years?”   Because as we have noted, the Tribulation is lined out for the purpose of judgment that is to last for these last 7 years.   The Tribulation is not the Church's season of redemption. It is Israel's. The purpose of the Tribulation is either redemption for, or judgment against the lost.   The Church is neither under judgment or in need of redemption. So that would eliminate the need for the Church to be even present during this time, as I explain below.   TRIBULATION SAINTS??   A serious misconception found in some churches, as that suffering must happen after the “catching away” of the church. I have to totally disagree with that idea, as man has lived through much suffering coming from other men. The suffering will continue after Jesus comes for His church, but in exponentially more severity, as suffering grows as the time of the Tribulation goes along. One person asked me where in the book of Revelation is the term “Tribulation saints” is found, as he couldn't find one verse to back up the idea....He was a little bit of a scoffer at the idea that there is extreme suffering during this time period.   What I felt he was trying to do, is find no difference between church age saints, and tribulation saints. True there has always been suffering and martyrdom all down through the ages populated with mankind. But during this period of time, everything has changed on this planet. Men will continue to persecute other men, as man is evil and without constraint as the Holy Spirit being withdrawn to Pre-Pentecostal manifestations of His power...oh, He will still be here, but not in the same position that God occupied during the Church Age, by His Spirit. But during this time, God will smite this planet with plague after plague and as the Bible tells us, if it were not cut short, “No flesh would be saved”...it will be that severe to near total annihilation of all living, breathing flesh.   But let us see if there is a difference found in scripture that points to two different groups of people, before and after the Tribulation starts.   As to the concept of "Tribulation saints" -- I'm assuming that the notion that they are not the Church Age saints is the 'mild scoffing ' referred to. Any possible alternative identification, however, begs a bigger question. Who are the Church Age Saints. The apostle John identifies what each group is. John writes concerning church age saints:   4”Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”(1st John 4:4-6)(my emphasis)   That set of verses applies to those who have Jesus Christ as Personal Savior and have been “Born Again” into the coming Kingdom of God. So we are overcomers, as Jesus overcame, so have we, through Him...   33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)   But on the flip side of this coin, we have a people called “saints” that Jesus said would be over come.   6 “And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:6-8)   Note that the apostle John wrote both verses...Jesus tells him that the saints will overcome this world, because Jesus has overcome the world as Satan or his agent, the AC cannot overcome God's Holy Spirit that resides in every born again believer. It is not speculation to assume that the differences in status are not relevent?   People ask me how the Rapture of the church would bring glory to God, through His Son? Would he not receive more glory by showing up and rescuing all the saints on earth from persecution and dealing a death blow to all who persecute and kill the saints? I guess it's just human nature to doubt, when the evidence is found in Hope...we can't see what's coming. We can only read about it...Paul mentioned this Hope that is in us, in one of most favorite chapters in all the Bible..   19 “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:19-25)   Let me make a point here that might sum up the preceding verses. During the Age we live in, the Church Age, salvation is attained through belief and faith in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. If a most powerful, and glorious King of kings and Lord of lords comes to rescue all that believe in Him, how much faith would you have to have to believe what you are now witnessing, right in front of your eyes? ...This God of the Ages, the Great I AM, that I AM, just appeared in the heavens in all His glory would that negate that unseen Person that gives us HOPE?....Jesus said plainly for all to understand:   23 “And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: 24For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” (Luke 10:23-24)   The Bible speaks also of what Jesus spoke of when “doubting” Thomas saw the Lord Jesus glorified standing in front of him and telling him to reach and feel where his side was pierced:   28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”(John 20:29)   We are those who hear, but do not see...We seek, but He promised we will find...If we seek Him with our whole heart, Jesus, our Blessed Hope will reveal Himself to all who seek His face.   12 “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”(Titus 2:12-14)   With this discussion, does it not stand to reason that God is working everything out in Dispensations? Are we not in the Age of Grace that will soon end? Will not God deal with this planet and its inhabitants called the Jews and the Nations One on one those that is still here and will be subject to the extreme wrath of a Vengeful God, who will make Himself known in all His anger?   Are there two standards for salvation in the Church Age? Of course not. Does that not suggest and confirm the existence of two separate administrations of God?...Yes, I hope you can see the differences in the two groups, before and after the Tribulation starts...And friend, that beginning could be as early as tomorrow....We don't know and it is not revealed....But God has given us appointed times that He has revealed Himself to His people, and most likely will do it at the end of the Age...If you have been a follower of my sermons, you know what I'm talking about...during any coming fall will be a time that Jesus could come....I SAY MAY...I make no predictions, but look to scripture that says God has a Plan for Mankind known as the Feast of Trumpets around September....Half of God's Feasts are finished as Jesus completed them on the exact day of their observance...the other half is waiting to be completed...The next Feast to be completed is the afore mentioned Feast of Trumpets.   Confusing, no? Now, is God the author of confusion?...Wanna know what I speak of? Go to this message on my blog https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2018/09/gods-end-of-days-plan-for-man.html ..there you will find your answer..   As bad as it seems, the Rapture not withstanding, we are NOT now in the first half of the Tribulation. We wouldn't be in the Tribulation even if the Rapture is really mid Trib. Or Pre-Wrath. Or Post trib. The AC has to be revealed before this time gets underway. A peace treaty needs to be confirmed...I say confirmed, as there already is a peace treaty and could it be the “deal of century” that POTUS Trump is proposing, but that we know the Palestinians will reject, and it will be dead on arrival...The Bible says that the AC will CONFIRM a prior peace treaty already written and make specific promises to the nation of Israel and it's surrounding neighbors....As I posted last time, the third temple is all set to begin construction...It only takes a powerful leader to give the go ahead and make a confirmation of a peace treaty “HE SAYS he will honor”....course we know he is a liar...and that man is on the world stage right now....when will he appear??? When the church is gone, THEN the Tribulation will begin.   The Antichrist has not yet been revealed. The peace treaty has not yet been confirmed. Temple worship has not yet been restored. All these are events that take place BEFORE the Great Tribulation begins. It is that termination of sacrifice that begins the Great Tribulation.   The Antichrist can't cause the sacrifice to cease until AFTER it has begun. That can't happen until the Jews possess the Temple Mount. The Antichrist cannot take his seat in the Temple of God, causing Israel to reject him, which kicks off the Great Tribulation, until AFTER there is a Temple to sit in.   These events are clear, unmistakable AND independent of the Rapture. None of them exist because we aren't in the Tribulation Period. We are indeed close.   WHERE WILL YOU BE IN THAT HOUR?   You who are reading this, will you be here when the Tribulation actually starts? WE have a guarantee that our “Blessed Hope” will come to remove us out of the way of the coming Wrath of God which starts in chp. 6 of Revelation, as Jesus opens each seal of the Tribulation and reclaiming His creation, earth and mankind. How do you not be present during this coming 7 years event? Two passages are the encapsulated means of not being on this earth when Jesus comes. It is the essence of the “love letter to mankind” that is found in your Bible:   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. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He 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) 8 “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13)   Make that decision for Jesus Christ and believe in your heart what those two passages proclaim and you will miss “Tribulation that is just over the horizon”.   This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying you are among those who hear the cry of our Lord to “come up, hither.” ...It could be any day now....will you be ready? If you need counseling, prayer, or just a listening ear, email me pastormiketaylor@yahoo.com , or visit me online for more message dealing with the prophecy of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven at www.REALTEAM1999.com@sbcglobal.net, God bless you all, TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET

 

Digging Into Details of Daniel’s 70th Week - By Gene Lawley - https://www.raptureready.com/2023/04/26/digging-into-details-of-daniels-70th-week-by-gene-lawley/   When is or was Daniel’s 70th week, and what is it all about? In Daniel 9:24-26, he reports the message from the angel Gabriel, saying, “Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.   “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times.   “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined.”   In this prophecy, the angel foretells to Daniel (and anyone who desires to know the past and future as we stand in time today) what the future is for the Jewish people.   The first seven weeks of years are the times of Ezra and Nehemiah when they were writing of the restoration of the temple and the walls of the city. Then, sixty-two weeks until the time of the coming of Jesus Christ for a total of sixty-nine weeks of years. No specific 70th week is mentioned after that point.   The next event after the Messiah is cut off at the 69th week is His resurrection and forty days of instructions to His disciples with directions to go into all the world and tell of His death, burial, and resurrection, and that belief in Him would result in their everlasting life.   That commission has been ongoing and intentional until His return in the future. It was not for the Jews as a body of participants, however, for God had other intentions for them. The 70 A.D. destruction of Jerusalem and its temple had fulfilled God’s promise to scatter the Jews into all the world as punishment for disobedience to Him.    We see, then, that destruction of the city and its temple when Rome conquered Israel and fulfilled God’s pronouncement that He would scatter the Jews into every nation of the world. It took 65 years to see the total abandonment of Jerusalem by Jewish people, then 1,800 years of desolation came over the land of Israel. It was God’s way of preserving the land for the later habitation of His people.   His promise to restore the land to Israel began as nomadic Jews drifted into that desolate place. Annual rainfall, having been absent in any quantity during those years, began to increase, as did the Jewish population. Then many more years passed.   So where is that 70th week the angel proclaimed to Daniel?   After Messiah’s resurrection to heaven, He will return for His body of believers. It is a gigantic event at the end of the Christian church age, as Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Then we will be with Him.)   This “ingathering” is told in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 in detail, and in 5:2 as: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.”    When that “ingathering of believers in Christ” called the Rapture happens, John describes their appearance before the Lord Jesus Christ on His throne and receiving the representative twenty-four “elders” who have golden crowns issued to them. This is recorded in Revelation 4, and further information on them is in John 14:2-4 and other chapters in Revelation.   That Rapture event clears the way for God’s full attention to the 70th week we are learning about. This Rapture is the “snatching away” of those who have been saved by believing in that One who was “cut off, but not for Himself,” mentioned earlier in Daniel 9. The Apostle Paul writes of it in his two epistles to the Thessalonians, as he says in 2 Thessalonians 2:1, “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him ….”   In the turmoil when millions of believers in Christ have suddenly disappeared, a cry will go out for someone who can take control and lead the world out of its dilemma. Then that one of Roman heritage will come forth and be accepted. (Could it be that one who “has been primed to lead us into a New World Order?) With that authority, he will “confirm a covenant with many” nations that gives the Jewish people seven years of peace with their long-term enemies, the Arab/Muslim world. It will be the Jewish people who will exclaim “Peace and safety,” as is told in 1 Thessalonians 5:3.       Then the one who is the Antichrist will take control of a world of turmoil. Daniel 9:27 tells of this one who comes from the heritage of the Romans and shows up in prophecies of the future:   “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined is poured out on the desolate.”   The Jews will think of him as their friend and their Messiah, for he has no nail holes in his hands and feet, and he allows them to rebuild their temple. For three and one-half years, he will be forming his takeover as that seventh head of the Beast that the Apostle John describes in Revelation 13 and its fulfillment in Revelation 17.   But verse 3 continues with “then sudden destruction shall come upon them as labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and none shall escape.”   Is this illustration particularly meaningful here? Look at it like this: The birthing process begins, first, as the woman’s “water breaks” and the labor begins. The Jewish people begin a powerful struggle for survival, with “labor pains” that will end with a totally new-born nation rightly related to their Messiah and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord. This is that 70th week.   As the angel Gabriel described this 70th week to Daniel, he said it was “to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.”   As the seven years of tribulation come to its halfway point, the Antichrist declares he is God and demands that all worship him as God. The Jews realize he is not their Messiah, and as Zechariah 12:10 tells us, “They look upon Him whom they have pierced and mourn as one mourns for his first-born son…” They will celebrate this new revelation at the Feast of Atonement after the Antichrist reveals his true identity at the mid-point of the 70th week.   Then comes that half of the period called the Great Tribulation because it brings in all of the vicious actions of the Antichrist as he sets up the Mark of the Beast, killing all who do not take the mark. The preview in chapter 6 tells of this increased judgment as Jesus opens that sixth seal.   The Antichrist and his false prophet are coming into their ultimate goal, the solitary 8th head of the Beast, as foretold in Revelation 17. All opposition has been conquered… except God. The Second Coming of Jesus wraps up the end of that 70th week at the Feast of Tabernacles of that time. And the Antichrist and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire to burn forever and ever.   As Jesus takes authority over the world from the “throne of David” in Jerusalem for the Millennium, then the angel’s message comes forward, and there is “an end to transgressions, to sins and inequities, and everlasting righteousness is brought in to finish the missing “70th week of Daniel.”   Contact email: andwegetmercy@gmail.com

The Prophetic Chess Pieces Are Moving: Iran Supplies Russia Massive Military Aid – By Erick Stakelbeck - https://harbingersdaily.com/the-prophetic-chess-pieces-are-moving-iran-supplies-russia-massive-military-aid/   The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Iran, over the past six months, has supplied Russia with some “300,000 artillery shells and a million rounds of ammunition.” Russian cargo ships are taking these materials by way of the Caspian Sea and Russia is using them for its war against Ukraine. Folks, that’s a pretty massive military supply from Iran to Russia, over just a six-month span.   Of course, it comes on the heels of persistent reports that Russia has received hundreds, if not 1000s, of these suicide drones from Iran. They’re mass-produced inside Iran, packed with explosives, and are flown into the target.   Russia has used these with great and deadly effect in Ukraine, in places like Kyiv, attacking civilians with these Iranian-made drones to the point where Iran plans to open a drone factory in Russia, east of Moscow, very soon, where they will mass produce. No surprise there. Iran views itself as a drone superpower, using them not only for their own ends, but to attack—by the way—US bases in Syria and Iraq.   Iran is also supplying these drones to the likes of Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Houthis in Yemen, and those Shia militias in Iraq and Syria. Iranian proxies, one-and-all, are armed to the teeth by their masters in Tehran, so it makes perfect sense that Iran would also supply these drones to its good friends in Vladimir Putin’s regime.   The big question is: What does Iran get in return?   There have been reports that Russia may look to replenish its stockpiles with some ballistic missiles from Iran—Russia has also reached out to North Korea on that end.   But Iran is giving a lot here, folks, 1000s of drones, a drone factory on Russian soil, a million rounds of ammunition 300,000 artillery shells in the past half year alone. This begs the question, is this a quid pro quo relationship? The Iranian regime is not doing this out of the goodness of their hearts; what do they get in return?   Now, a few things here, Russia is reportedly supplying more up-to-date fighter jets to Iran; the Iranian Air Force is severely outdated. Additionally, Russia could look to provide Iran with nuclear know-how.   The alliance has become so close, and Russia is now, to an extent, reliant on Iran, not only for weaponry, but for support in the diplomatic arena as well, just as Russia is cleaving closer to China on that end, too.   So yes, Russia could return the favor by supplying Iran with military hardware— and it’s done so already—but the bigger option for Russia, which Iran has been requesting now for the past several years, is that Russia create a no-fly-zone in Syria.   Why is that important? Over the past several years, Israel has carried out hundreds, if not more, airstrikes against Iran, Hezbollah, and their various jihadist allies in Syria, at Israel’s doorstep.   Russia, which has 1000s of troops in Syria, is closely aligned with Iran and Hezbollah. Nonetheless, Russian forces have stood back and allowed Israel to carry out these airstrikes. Could a day be coming when Russia says, “no more, we are creating a no-fly-zone and Israel, we will no longer let you operate in Syria against our close allies”?   Folks, for Israel, that’s a non-starter. This is an existential threat in the form of Iran and Hezbollah at Israel’s Northeastern border in Syria. Iran is attempting to transmit precision-guided missiles into the hands of Hezbollah, which would be used to strike Israel in a very deadly fashion. Again, this is a red line for Israel. They’re not going to allow it. That’s why freedom of movement in Syria is crucial for Israel.   If Russia suddenly says, “the game’s over; we’re not going to allow it anymore,” What happens then is a very precarious position for Israel—that’s one reason Israel has sought to not anger Russia when it comes to Ukraine.   This is a very complex position for Israel right now, folks. I believe this is leading to what I’ve called the great betrayal, where Russia eventually will turn very nastily against Israel, and lead up that Ezekiel invasion force laid out in the book of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. The war of Gog and Magog. Funny name, I know, but you should know it very well!   Russia will, I believe, align with Iran, Turkey, and others against Israel. The good news is that they don’t get very far. They meet their demise on the mountains of Israel when the God of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of the Bible, intervenes in a very powerful way.   I’ll leave it at that because I want you to go and actually read Ezekiel 38 and 39. Folks, the prophetic chess pieces are moving on the board, no doubt.   WATCH - Iran Supplying Russia MASSIVE Military Aid; Israel & Russia Collision Course? FINAL 4 DAYS TO ENTER OUR DRAWING!!!

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Your Support is Important to this Ministry - We Could Not Do This Without Your Support!   Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! II Corinthians 9:15     Worthy of Your Support?   It has been said, one of the most reliable ways to determine if a ministry is worthy of your financial support is to examine its fruits. If Prophecy Update is keeping you informed and if that information inspires you and causes you to draw closer to the Lord, if Prophecy Update equips you with valuable information and knowledge to share with and encourage other believers and open the eyes of non-believers and if Prophecy Update keeps you connected to current events relating to Bible Prophecy then you are partaking of the fruit produced through this ministry. None of this would be possible without the Lords blessings and your support. I believe where the Lord guides, the Lord provides and most of the time He provides through the willing and generous hearts of believers just like you and me.   I genuinely believe that Prophecy Update and many other like-minded ministries, are needed now more than ever! The world is getting darker daily, almost hourly, but never has the light of the Word of God shone so brightly. Never in our history has there been such a thirst for Truth and a need for a Savior! The Prophecy Update website, newsletter, and Video Channels are all dedicated to providing the truth, encouraging and informing believers, and prayerfully opening the eyes and hearts of non-believers with the Gospel, but none of it would be possible without your prayers and support.   DONATE HERE Your can also mail your support to: Prophecy Update PO Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384

What’s Mercy Got to Do with Bible Prophecy? – Jonathan Brentner - https://www.jonathanbrentner.com/https/jonathan-brentner-g8fgsquarespacecom/config/2023/4/14/whats-mercy-got-to-do-with-bible-prophecy   Ruth, my wife, and I have a cat named Adaline. On the surface, one might wonder why she has captured our hearts. I don’t fully understand why I’m so attached to her, although she is adorable.   She most often demands her own way and audibly grumbles when that doesn’t happen. Adaline exhibits “management qualities” when she senses a change in our routine. In spite of all that, she has become a beloved member of our family since the day we chose to adopt her and brought her into our home.   Does that not illustrate, albeit to a small degree, God’s mercy toward us? I’ve gained a better understanding of His steadfast love toward us since the day we rescued Adaline.   Romans 5:6-8 gives us a window into His great love for us:   For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   The understanding of God’s compassion in forgiving all our sins makes an enormous difference in our walk with God as well as in what we believe about biblical prophecy. A key false teaching in regard to future things developed in the early church because of theologians not fully grasping the extent of Lord’s mercy toward sinners.   Lest you think I’m a bit crazy for saying that, let me explain.   UNDERSTANDING GOD’S MERCY   My conviction regarding the necessity of comprehending God’s mercy also grew through my long-term study of several minor characters in the Bible, many of whom ruined their lives because they failed to grasp its significance. My book, Cancel This! What Today’s Church Can Learn From the Bad Guys of the Bible, details the failures of several “bad guys” and explains how a deeper understanding of God’s merciful forgiveness of all our sins enables us to avoid their errant paths and reckless decisions.   In contrast to the Jesus’ Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35, several of them viewed the sins of others as far greater than their own disobedience to a holy God. As a result, they refused to let go of their anger, pride, and bitterness toward those that wronged them. They felt justified in harboring bitterness and in exacting their own revenge.   The words of 2 Corinthians 5:21 sum up the wonders of God’s great mercy toward us in not only canceling all our sins, but applying the “righteousness of God” to us:   For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.   This lies at the heart of our “justification by faith,” which Paul explains in Romans 5-8. When we call upon the Lord in saving faith, He declares us righteous in His sight. The word Paul used for “justify” came from the law courts of his day. It signified a judge declaring the accused to be “not guilty.’   That’s the depth of God’s mercy to us. At the moment of our salvation, God declares us to be “not guilty” of all our many sins, past, present, and future. And the good news is that it’s impossible for anyone to overturn that verdict! That’s the glorious message of Romans 8:31-39.   If you think it might be difficult, or even impossible, to overturn an earthly judges’ “not guilty” verdict, try attempting to do that with an all-knowing and sovereign God who has already seen all the evidence one could possibly bring to His attention.   WHAT DOES MERCY HAVE TO DO WITH BIBLICAL PROPHECY?   “What does mercy have to do with biblical prophecy?” you ask.   During the early centuries of church history, an error regarding Bible prophecy sprang up because of a failure to understand God’s mercy. Just like many of the guys in my book Cancel This!, the proponents of this false teaching believed that the sins of others were far greater than their own transgressions.   As a result, they placed the blame on the Jews of the first century AD for Jesus’ crucifixion and as a result, they refused to believe that God could possibly bless them with a future kingdom. Yes, other factors such a Platonism were also involved, but anti-Semitic passions fueled this false belief from the fifth century through the entire time of the Reformation.   These theologians overlooked three critical considerations in their errant rush to assume that God had rejected Israel as a nation and replaced it with the church.   First, Jesus willingly laid down His life as a sacrifice for our sins. In Mark 10:44, Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As God, He had the power to avoid arrest and death. He could have called upon thousands of angels to rescue Him, but He didn’t. Instead, He freely gave up His life as an atonement for our sins.   Second, it was the sins of all the redeemed of all the ages that put Jesus on the cross. These early theologians erred in their failure to understand the full scope of God’s mercy in forgiving their own sins via the cross. They overlooked the truth that Jesus gave up His life so that they themselves might call upon Him in faith might receive forgiveness of sins.   Third, Jesus’ arrest, trial, death on the cross, and resurrection fulfilled biblical prophecy. The God who promised a gloriously restored kingdom for Israel also revealed the death and suffering of the Messiah on the pages of the Old Testament.   You see, if God can change His mind regarding His unconditional covenants He made to Israel based on behavior He knew all about at the time He made the promises of a still future kingdom for Israel, then we are all in whole lot of trouble.   What does it say about the Lord if He’s capable of reneging on promises based on behavior He knew all about when He made those promises?   IT’S ALL ABOUT GOD’S MERCY   Why did the apostle Paul write Romans 9-11 after affirming unchangeable nature of our justification in Romans 8:31-39?   It was to show that with both our election as New Testament saints and God’s unconditional calling of Israel as a nation, it’s all about His unchanging mercy.   In Romans 9:14 the apostle asserts God’s sovereignty in the matter of His choices, “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom is have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Just as God decided to choose Abraham and subsequently bless Jacob and all His descendants, so He justifies the elect as New Testament saints (see Romans 8:30). It’s all about His sovereign mercy for both Israel and us.   Paul declares in Romans 11:29 that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” This signifies that just as His calling and justifying of us can never be undone, the same is true of His determination to bless Israel in the future. Romans 11:28-32 confirms what the apostle said in earlier in the chapter, “God has not rejected his people [Israel].”   As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.   Why are we eternally secure as New Testament saints? It’s solely because of God’s sovereign mercy toward us. The One who justifies us will never let go of us. No one can overturn God’s verdict of “not guilty” regarding us. Don’t let anyone tell you that one can lose their salvation or walk away from their faith; such a statement displays a serious misunderstanding of what it means to be “justified by faith.”   Why will God keep His promises to restore a glorious kingdom for Israel? Again, it’s solely because of His unfailing mercy to the people that He chose long ago. Just as for us, His compassion never fails! He keeps all His promises to His beloved.   A biblical understanding of God’s mercy negates all forms of teachings that deny the restoration of a glorious future kingdom for Israel and claim that the church has replaced Israel as the Lord’s kingdom. The church is the body of Christ; it’s not God’s physical kingdom.   Those who properly comprehend God’s mercy have no problem believing what the Bible says about the abundant blessings ahead for the nation of Israel. They understand the connection between His holiness and the resulting multitude of future blessings for Israel as explained in Ezekiel 36:22-38. There will be a remnant of Jewish people who turn to Jesus at the end of the Tribulation and inherit the glorious kingdom promised to them throughout the pages of the Old Testament.   A.W. Tozer, in his book, The Knowledge of the Holy, wrote this about the necessity of understanding the person of God as a believer:   What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us….   We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God. This is true not only of the individual Christian, but of the company of Christians that composes the Church. Always the most revealing thing about the Church is her idea of God, just as her most significant message is what she says about Him or leaves unsaid, for her silence is often more eloquent than her speech.   It’s solely because of God’s sovereign mercy that we have hope in Jesus’ appearing to take us home to glory. Just as with His promises to the nation of Israel, the Lord can’t renege on His gift of eternal life to us and our blessed hope in Jesus’ appearing. This is the best news we could ever hear!    Maranatha!

Who do you want to rule over you? - Nathele Graham az - twotug@embarqmail.com   Israel has always been a unique nation. It was established by God, but its history is filled with many ups and downs. When they obey God, they prosper. When they rebel, things aren’t good. Even in rebellion, God never deserts them. They had strong leaders in Moses and Joshua. These men led them from captivity and conquered the land that God had promised to Abraham forever. God’s plan was that He would be their King and they would prosper. After they settled in the land God promised them, there were disputes. Instead of a human king to rule over them, God raised up judges, but the people eventually demanded a king.    Samuel was a prophet and a godly man who served God faithfully. His sons weren’t as honorable as their Father. “And it came to pass when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” 1 Samuel 8:1-3.   Samuel served God, but his sons weren’t honorable men. Still, they became judges over Israel. There had been judges for many years, but no king. Judges and kings are human, and unless God is looked to as the ultimate King, there will always be failure of nations. The rule of the judges was a time when Israel rebelled. “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25.   That same attitude seems to be governing our world today. The people were fed up with the evil in their land, and today in America, the people are getting fed up with the corruption. The people in Israel approached Samuel with their dissatisfaction “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 1 Samuel 8:6. The people went to Samuel, another human, asking him to make them a king, but they should have gone before God, then waited for His answer. People haven’t changed much over the many, centuries since that time. Instead of wanting a king just like the nations, they should have desired for God to be their King.    History is a good teacher if we pay attention. We forget to consult God when we choose our leaders. Samuel wasn’t happy with the people, but he did turn to God. He felt that he had been rejected. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:7.   God should have been their king, but the people rejected Him. God gave them what they deserved: Saul. He looked good…tall, dark and handsome, but those aren’t qualifications for a God-fearing leader. If the people had been patient and waited, God would have provided a godly king. That’s really what causes most of our problems in life. We try to solve our problems by our own efforts in our own time. The people demanded a king and Saul was selected. He wasn’t the best leadership material. He had mood swings and was a violent man who couldn’t lead his army with competence. Not the best choice for king. In addition to that, he was a Benjamite. The Kings were to come from the Tribe of Judah, so he was wrong on every point. It was a young boy from the tribe of Judah named David whom God had chosen for their king. David was the youngest son of Jesse, and a shepherd. God was preparing him for leadership but it would be many years until he was skilled in fighting enemy armies and leading the nation of Israel. God allowed Saul to be king until David was ready.   David was a great king and his heart was humble. He was far from perfect, but when sin was brought to his attention, he didn’t try to justify his actions. He turned to God in humble repentance. “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” Psalm 51:3-4.   David had committed more than one great sin. He lusted after a married woman named Bathsheba and she became pregnant by him. Her husband was a very loyal member of David’s army, and David made sure he was put in a position in battle where he would be killed. The sin was great and worthy of David’s death. At least, David didn’t have the baby murdered in the womb. When his sins were brought to his attention, David was broken. He realized that he could lose the closeness he had with God. That’s when he went before the Lord and acknowledged his sin. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.   How do you react when you sin? Do you just keep on sinning and justify your actions? Or do you go before the Lord, repent, and then turn away from sin? David ran the very real risk of losing his salvation. Christians are sealed with the Holy Spirit, but David lived before the Cross and his salvation could be lost. He loved the Lord, but he understood the seriousness of his sin. He repented and was forgiven. Brothers and sisters, do you acknowledge the sin in your life and go to God for forgiveness? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. God loves us and will forgive all sin, but then we need to turn away from our sin.    David and Bathsheba’s baby was born in very poor health. David had mourned deeply as the baby struggled for life. David fasted, and prayed, and mourned. Then the child died. “Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.” 2 Samuel 12:20.   King David did what was right. He sought God while the child was alive, but when the baby died, David cleaned himself up, and went “…into the house of the LORD, and worshipped…”. Again, here’s a lesson to be learned. Pray fervently while we can, but when God’s answer isn’t what we prayed for, it’s important to make ourselves presentable and worship the Lord. Never blame or accuse God.    Bathsheba was also in mourning for her son. “And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.” 2 Samuel 12:24.   Time passed and eventually Solomon became king over Israel. Solomon began his reign as a God-fearing monarch, and God granted Solomon wisdom. “And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes. And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.” 1 Kins 4:32-34.   Solomon had a father he could look up to and use as an example of a godly man and king, but Solomon didn’t follow David’s example of worshipping God and wasn’t a good steward of God’s blessings. Solomon made many mistakes, such as marrying pagan wives, and building them pagan places of worship. He never forgot God, but he never honored God in the way David did. Solomon did do some very good things, such as building the Temple which David had desired to build for God.    God was pleased with Solomon’s efforts, but He had a warning and a promise for Solomon, the Jewish nation, and for Christians. The warning was for all of God’s people. “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 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.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14.   God’s blessings are all around us, but there are troubles too. Natural disasters, famine, and more. God wants us to turn from the wickedness of our daily life. If all of God’s people would turn from wickedness and turn to God, we would be amazed at the blessings we would receive. Sin is out of control within Christian congregations. Just like Samuel’s sons, authority is being abused and God’s truth is being perverted and rejected. Many congregations today take pride in accepting sexual sin within the congregation and leadership.   Read the first chapter of Romans to see what God thinks of rejecting Him as the Creator. The lie of evolution isn’t a minor issue. The punishment is homosexuality. It’s a sin to participate, but also a sin to accept it as normal. Take a look at the nations that are on the verge of collapse, and ask yourself whether we should turn from our wicked ways. The answer is “Yes”! I listen to news reports and there are some encouraging things happening. Men who think they are women are being stopped from competing in woman’s sports, many states are coming against abortion, and some states are requiring the 10 Commandments to be posted in public schools as well as Bible study. This is a start, but Christians need to get behind these laws. We need to stand strong for our Lord and King, Jesus. America will soon have elections to choose leaders. We must vote for candidates who support Biblical truth.    Saul was given an amazing blessing from God, but he didn’t appreciate it and was very much like the world in his attitude. David honored God, and even when troubled times came, he praised God. When he failed, he didn’t treat his sin lightly or cover it up, but humbly repented. Solomon was blessed by God with wisdom. He didn’t use his gift wisely and was very dissatisfied with life. His riches and wives didn’t bring the contentment that his father David found in serving the Lord.   There is a greater King. “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:13-16. All praise and honor to our King, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ!    Christians should learn a lesson from these accounts. God wants the best for each of us, but it might be that we want our way and we want it now. We can see the result of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. God’s truth must be first. God wants His best for us and will give it in His perfect time. When we pray, we need to listen to His answer and be content. It’s good to present our desires to God, but we need to be patient. Israel wanted a king like the nations had. Those kings were pagan, idol worshippers who didn’t know the True God. We need to turn away from the world and only worship God Almighty. Jesus needs to be the King of our life.   The world around us is getting darker and darker with wickedness and evil. Jesus is the Light. Live your life according to the Gospel. The world cannot understand God’s truth, so we need to shine brighter than the darkness. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light ot the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. Let the Gospel shine in you, and don’t let Satan make you blind.   Who do you want to rule over you? A fallible human who is only trying to please the world, or do you want the King of kings to reign? Jesus will soon call Christians Home to live eternally with Him. You would be wise to let Him be King of your life today.   God bless you all,     Nathele Graham twotug@embarqmail.com ron@straitandnarrowministry.com   Recommended prophecy sites: www.raptureready.com                                                    www.prophecyupdate.com                                                    www.raptureforums.com   All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed. If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know.

Daily Jot: The “Abort God” movement - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com   The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, makes it a federal crime to use force with the intent to injure, intimidate, and interfere with anyone because that person is a provider of “reproductive health care.” The Biden Administration sent the FBI in full SWAT gear to arrest Catholic activist Mark Houck, pointing guns at him, his wife and children. In January, a jury found Houck not guilty and acquitted him. This an example of the clash between a powerful federal government at odds with religious doctrine. A pro-abortion activist accosted Houck’s son while he was praying outside an abortion clinic. The FBI, however, is not so concerned when pro-lifers are attacked, as is the case in Ohio.   In Bowling Green, Ohio on April 15, a pro-life pregnancy center was vandalized by the radical group called “Jane’s Revenge,” whose members spray painted on the clinic “Abort God,” among other pro-death slogans. Jane’s Revenge is a militant extremist group that encourages and claims responsibility for vandalizing and firebombing crisis pregnancy centers and churches. Since the Supreme Court decision overturning the federal “right” to an abortion, Jane’s Revenge has been allegedly responsibility for attacking some 20 crisis pregnancy centers and pro-life offices. In June 2022, Kyle Shideler, a senior analyst for Homeland Security and Terrorism at the Center for Security Policy told the Catholic News Agency that there was a “very poor” federal response and such groups were treated as a local law enforcement problem.   Ohio Right to Life’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Range said in a statement, “In the broader context, though, there have been well over 100 attacks against pro-life pregnancy centers and pro-life organizations since last year. Everyone in this state and nation, no matter their political affiliation or stance on abortion, should support centers and organizations that help mothers. I pray local officials, statewide elected members, and national leaders will all rise to the moment and speak out against these attacks to put an end to these senseless attacks once and for all.” Let’s take an inventory: The FBI makes a big show about arresting somebody who is praying outside an abortion clinic, but leaves firebombing a pro-life crisis pregnancy center to local police. In Bowling Green, the local police say they are “investigating” the incident.   As in Isaiah 59:14, “Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off; For truth is fallen in the street, And equity cannot enter.” “Abort God,” really? It is very hard to imagine that the FBI, with all of its high-tech tracking ability, cannot find these Jane’s Revenge terrorists. There have been a lot of examples lately where the Biden Administration and the FBI, in particular, have been using their power to crack down on those who disagree with them politically. In many cases now, and in the future, the clash between religious beliefs and political ideology will become even more harsh. Being pro-life, also meaning God-fearing, is becoming more and more dangerous in this “one nation under God,” especially among those who wish to “abort God.”

Daily Devotion: When God Turns Away - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org   Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. —Isaiah 59:1–2   https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/when-god-turns-away/ - Listen   After years of walking with the Lord, the apostle Paul said, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me” (Philippians 3:12 NLT).   The great apostle was saying, “I have so far to go. I have so much to learn. So much is still before me. I’m going to forget what is behind me, not only my past failures, but also my past victories. I want to keep growing. I want to press on.”   If we can look at our lives and say, “I don’t really need to study the Bible that much anymore. I think I have it down. I don’t know that I need to go to church that often. I think I’ve heard all there is to hear,” then we are far from where we need to be.   If we have a sense of self-satisfaction about our spiritual lives and a resulting complacency, that is an indication that we’re in bad shape spiritually.   Certainly we have things in our lives for which we need God’s cleansing on a regular basis. There are sins of both commission and omission. A sin of commission is breaking a commandment, while a sin of omission is not doing what God tells us to do.   If we don’t confess our sins, then our prayer lives will come to a halt. And if we are holding on to some kind of sin, then we won’t have our prayers answered in the affirmative. The psalmist wrote, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18 NLT).   The closer we are to God, the greater our sense of sin will be.