Archive for the ‘Prophecy’ Category

America Series Part 5 – Daniel’s Seventieth Week

Posted: August 23, 2014 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Study!, Uncategorized
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NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book on America in Prophesy called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which was updated in 2022 and includes more info and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)

This is the only “seven year” scriptural reference I know of that is used foundationally for the complete duration of the “seven year tribulation” with the perceived division being “in the midst of the week” when, according  to popular understanding of the doctrine, the antichrist does away with the animal sacrifices that were reinstated in a rebuilt temple.  There are however, many scriptural references to “seven years” –

  1. The two periods of seven years which Jacob labored for Rachael and was given Leah instead, then the next seven years for which he indeed received Rachael.
  2. The seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine with Joseph in Egypt.
  3. The seven years of famine under David and Samuel.
  4. The seven years of famine with Elisha.
  5. The seven years of burning weapons after the war with Gog and Magog, (which if there is a seven-year tribulation immediately before the return of Christ, this war needs to take place before it then.)

Since seven years divided by two equals three and a half years, it must be acknowledged that there are also several three and a half year periods in scriptures referred to as “time, times, and half of time,” or periods of 1260 days, 1290 days, and 1335 days. With all these segments of time recorded in scripture, it is not surprising there has always existed a curiosity as to what these times meant and when would they occur. However, it is astounding the extreme lengths some have labored to prove they know the dates of these times and when they will occur, when scripture clearly states the revelation for some of them are sealed until the end.

I am personally persuaded that to assume these three and a half year periods mentioned must be referencing to either the beginning or end of the tribulation period,  would be as imprudent as believing all the previously mentioned seven-year periods were the same. Clearly a simple reading of them all brings a quick dismissal of such nonsense. Therefore caution must be taken when asserting things from scriptures, for history shows it isn’t hard to earn the title of “false” teacher or prophet.

However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t consider such texts in light of history and prayerfully seek understanding through the Holy Spirit’s illumination. We must be students of God’s word, for perhaps the greatest reward of persistent prayer and seeking to prove all things, will be the avoidance of being carried away by the flood of false doctrines that the Holy Spirit warned would be promoted abundantly by demons through arrogant men thinking themselves to be something they are not.

True understanding is given by direct commandment of God who tries the hearts of men. It is never the product of clever men being able to calculate their way through hidden codes in scripture; Harold Camping’s date setting errors should be a sufficient warning to any aspiring date setter. But that doesn’t mean we cannot know the times in which we are living. (more…)

The Eighth Beast – Is America missing in Prophecy?

Posted: August 21, 2013 in America, Prophecy
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NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book on America in Prophesy called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which was updated in 2022 and includes more info and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

Chapter 18

Is America missing in Prophecy?

This chapter was actually written many years ago as a stand-alone article. However, in light of all we have reviewed thus far, it is being included here in hopes it will now serve as a lasso to help pull together much of what we’ve covered to provide a solid answer to the question above and the one below.

We hear it all the time, “Isn’t it amazing that the scriptures are silent about America?” I once thought the same thing myself, but after prayerful re-examination of the history of America and scripture, I don’t believe that is true anymore. Therefore I submit the following for those open enough to examine for themselves whether or not America is mentioned in scripture. Though, I admit nowadays with the rising flood of endtime theologies, it is getting harder to convince most people that it is. As Mark Twain once said, “It is easier to fool someone than it is to convince them they have been fooled.” Likewise, it has been proven over and over again, that the greatest hindrance to people accepting the truth is a prejudice or presupposition to it before they fully hear a matter.

He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and a shame to him.” (Proverbs 18:13)

Please do not hastily jump to the wrong conclusion that I am anti-America. I simply believe that a holy and righteous God must deal with the sins of America the same way He would with any nation. The supporting information provided in this article is only a fraction of the information available and even this tends to be overwhelming for most people when first considering this concept.

Revelation 17:9 – And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

Revelation chapters 13-19:4 speak of an end-time’s judgment of the LAST in a succession of empires. Though the chapter begins concentrating on a seven-headed beast, the primary focus is that last empire which the angel referred to as “The Eighth.”  In order to gain understanding of whom or what the eighth spiritual Babylon is, one must give heed to the clues given to John by the angel in chapter 17.

A critical clue concerning this succession of empires was given to John when he was told by the angel “the beast that was, and is not, yet is.” This clue reveals there would be an interruption in a succession of what could be called “spiritual Babylons” being represented by this seven headed beast; a time when this beast “was not” going to be represented in history by a literal country. However after an unstated duration of time, the beast would again briefly exist as the seventh head, (or seventh empire). Lastly, it would “rise up out of the sea” as that final and last beast (or empire) which would fulfill all these prophecies. Thus the whole imagery of a “seven headed beast” is designed specifically to expose that last, eighth, and final empire that “goeth into perdition,” or complete annihilation.

The “sea” from out of which the beast rises up, and upon which the woman sits, we are told in 17:15 represents “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” This is one of the verses in this chapter that leads many to conclude that this beast and/or the woman upon the beast is the Roman Catholic Church since Rome has established itself in every corner of the earth. Regardless, I am persuaded this symbolic beast with the woman is a multifaceted-representation and must be recognized as demonstrating a succession of specific political entities or nations, as well as their particular religious institutions.

I believe this clue given by the angel reveals that the critical key of knowledge concerning Israel’s history will be required in order for the door of understanding to be open concerning just who this Eighth Beast and woman are. Only from there can a firm foundation for understanding be built from which we can properly discern the correlation of each of these empires to Israel. For scripture and history corroborates that Israel, like the beast, “was, and was not, and yet is.” That is not to suggest Israel is the beast and, or the woman, rather it is to substantiate the correlation between the seven headed beast and Israel. Nevertheless, we can see in scripture where Israel is “spiritually called Sodom and Egypt,” (Revelation 11:8).

The majority of the Jews rejected Jesus and the purpose of His crucifixion, which was evident by their continuance in the Mosaic Law. By Jesus having fulfilled the Law meant its lawful intent was now exhausted having accomplished its purpose; which was to foretell the necessity of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for redemption and forgiveness of sins as foreshadowed in the prophetic action of its mandatory sacrifices. Therefore by rejecting Jesus’s death and atoning blood, the Jews defiantly chose to remain in the dead and decaying institution of Judaism, which waxing old was ready to vanish away, (Hebrews 8:13).

For this reason Israel is now “spiritually called Sodom,” to signify how any manner of religion they now practice can be nothing more than a perversion of the truth since they lack both the temple and priesthood which were destroyed for their rejection of their promise Deliverer, Jesus the Christ. Likewise, Israel is “spiritually called Egypt” to signify that without Jesus’s atonement they remain under the bondage of sin and death.

Another key point to remember is that the subject of Revelation 13-16 is the rise and fall of the final Eighth Beast and the introduction of the woman sitting upon it. When judgment foretold begins to fall upon them they become synonymous in chapters 17-19. This is conceivably due to a legal arrangement and thus (though perhaps unwittingly) a spiritual covenant that joins them inseparably, comparable to the covenant of marriage whereby two are made one flesh in the eyes of God. Such is why the angel tells John, “I will show you the judgment of the great whore that sits on many waters” and “I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her.” The angel’s clue to this “mystery” reveals how the woman and the beast consent to unite and thus merge together as one to war against God and His holy people in these last days.

The woman, representing false religions all throughout history, will in the last days be greatly exemplified in the leaders of pseudo-Christianity and their followers. These are those who have prostituted themselves with the Eighth Beast for political and economic reasons, and willfully diluted the teachings of Christ in order to maintain their influence and power over the ignorant. I know it is difficult for many to accept, since for many it is just the way it has always been; but Christians need to honestly reconsider how their churches and faith-based organizations in America have willfully agreed to submit to government oversight in exchange for their tax-exempt status. Many have assumed it was mandatory, but it’s not. But people forget that government will always imply, take and keep all authority you allow it. And so the blind compliance of America’s former religious leaders has set a precedence that now compels others to blindly follow in their tracks. The nearsighted wisdom of these carnally-minded church leaders, who thought it was all going to remain profitable and benign, has in reality proven it all to be malignant and powerfully advantageous to Satan. For now we are witnessing the end of his strategy as he begins to exercise his authority about what can be “legally” taught from the pulpits and must be performed in church sanctuaries, i.e. sanctioning homosexual marriages.

Similarly, the beast’s seven heads prophetically represent seven actual empires, each with their particular false religious system, and each having a time of direct interaction with the nation Israel. Another clue the angel gives John is “here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits.” This is where many began to talk about the Seven Hills of Rome and began to apply all this to Catholicism; however the Holy Spirit saw to it that the word was translated “mountains” and not “hills” and continued by saying “There are seven kings five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come.”

Both biblically and historically together we can accurately verify six of these seven mountains with their seven kings as six distinct and literal empires that have had a direct impact on the nation Israel; which at the time of John’s vision was still intact as a nation. Mentioning that fact makes this a good time to recall the clues given by the angel that the beast “was, and is not, and yet is,” and concerning these kings the angel also clearly told John that at that time “five are fallen, and one is.”

It is actually rather simple to determine who these six empires are. Clearly, the sixth one existing at the time was Rome. As prophesied through Daniel, Rome “had great iron teeth: it devours and breaks into pieces, and stamps the residue with the feet of it and was diverse from all the beasts that were before it.” Thus Rome fulfilled God’s promise of judgment against Israel as was forewarned in Deuteronomy 28 for their not cleaving unto Him and obeying His voice. Therefore, in 70 A.D. Israel ceased to exist as a functioning nation. Just like the beast, Israel which “was,” soon became an “is not” as the Roman General Titus was obliged to execute God’s judgment upon them when he was unable to negotiate peace with the stiff neck and rebellious Jews.

By recognizing that the seven heads of the beast are intended to represent seven empires which have a direct correlation with the nation Israel, all we have to do to verify their identity is to simply start with the birth of Israel to see who these empires are.

We will start our review with Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers and sold as a slave, only to end up sitting on a throne in Egypt. While out of jealousy his brothers meant it for evil, God meant it for good. For through this brotherly betrayal came the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham; to make his descendants a mighty nation and give them for an inheritance the land of Canaan.

However, after 400 years the Egyptians grew fearful of the multiplication of the Jewish settlers in their land and therefore enslaved them. Through all of this it was God’s intent to show both the Hebrews and the Egyptians the greatness and the surety of His word, and to date God is still showing it to the entire world. Thus, Egypt is head number one of the beast, for out of it Israel as a nation was born.

Many years later, after the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam was confronted by Jeroboam who represented the ten northern tribes. Jeroboam had come to petition Rehoboam to lower the high taxes his father Solomon had placed upon them. Rehoboam first sought the tried and proven wisdom of “the old men that stood before his father… But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him,” (1 Kings 12). The result of Rehoboam walking in their ungodly counsel was a division of the nation Israel.

Having revolted, the ten northern tribes made Jeroboam their King. However, Jeroboam soon became concern that, “If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of the people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah… Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, it is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”

Rehoboam’s sin of turning the people to idols brought God’s judgment upon them by His rising up Assyria to take the ten northern tribes of Israel into captivity. Making matters worse, in captivity they continued rejecting God’s commandments and intermarried with the Assyrians. Losing the purity of their heritage as Hebrews they became the despised Samaritans. Thus the ten northern tribes were lost, not by misplacement, but rather by forfeit of their pure identity as Hebrews. Thus Assyria is the second head of the Beast.

Over two hundred years later we see Judah to the south falling into idolatry and committing whoredoms against God, so she too was carried away captive by Babylon for seventy years. Thus Babylon becomes the third head of the beast. In Daniel 8:20-21, we see the two empires to follow Babylon prophesied by the angel Gabriel would be the Medes/Persia Empire and Greece; heads number four and five of the Beast. So at the time of the Apostle John’s vision the five that had fallen were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medes/Persia, and Greece, the sixth head being Rome which destroyed Israel as a nation.

From Israel’s destruction in 70 A.D. and prior to 1948, maps did not recognize any land as “Israel,” for Israel “which was, was not.” Yet faithful to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God preserved their descendants and gathered them back to the land of their inheritance. Thus, today the whole world beholds Israel “that was, and is not, yet is” today. Therefore, as it has been with Israel, so has it been with the seven-headed beast.

Now what worked to re-establish Israel as a nation (apart from God’s sovereignty) was a near global sympathy for the Jews after their persecution in World War II, whereupon at that time, the land was still recognized as part of the British Empire.

History tells us that while Britain was willing to allot a portion of land for Jewish settlers, they did not want to relinquish control or possession of the land. After the Jews increasing frustration with England and Arabs, on December 1st 1947 the Arab Higher Committee proclaimed a three-day strike as Arab bands began attacking Jewish settlements. The Jews, initially being placed on the defensive as war broke out against them quickly moved to the offensive and prevailed, gaining control and occupancy of more land. At which point England conceded and (under international pressure) gave the land to the Jews so they could once again be a people and a nation.

Now this all may seem to be all good and well on England’s part, except God requires that a gift must be given cheerfully and of one’s free will if it is to be acceptable and thus blessed by Him. Otherwise, it is not a true gift of charity. Therefore, England, who did not cheerfully choose to bless the descendants of Abraham with a free will offering, ultimately forfeited the blessing of God. This can be seen in that though Britain and its allies were ultimately victorious in the war, the Empire rapidly began to decline.

India and Pakistan gained their independence in 1947, and in 1948 King George the VI abandoned the title Emperor of India. In 1949 Ireland formally declared it a republic and left the Commonwealth. In 1950 India became a republic and King George adopts the new title of Head of the Commonwealth. Through all this, King George the VI was afflicted with health issue to which he succumbs and died in 1952. Thus, it is historical fact that George VI, King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, lived only four short years after the rebirth of Israel, only to be succeeded by his elder daughter, Elizabeth. England therefore, governing the land of Israel’s rebirth, is the seventh head of which prophecy predicted, “when he cometh, he must continue a short space,” (Rev. 17:10).

Revelation 17:11 – And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

Rising up out of the sea comes the Eight Beast, which we are told is “of” or from, the seven. Could this mean that the Eight Beast is a mixture “of” the seven heads or empires, a great melting pot of cultures? For in it are “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Or does “of the seven” refer to it being a direct descendant or offspring “of the seventh” empire? Either way, we find America alone as the Cinderella for this glass slipper, for she is both a land of immigrants as well as the offspring of England. Remember, Revelation 13-16 is about the rise and fall of the Eight Beast that goes into perdition, and in chapter 17 we are given clues to help clarify who is the eighth by giving us a progression of empires.

So I ask, what was it that catapulted America to the place of global supremacy she had held for a long time? Was it not the same thing that set the stage for the decline of the British Empire and the rebirth of Israel, World War II?

Now then, if this Eighth Beast could in fact be America, it obligates us to reconsider a section of scripture that has constantly been applied to an individual. For in Revelation 13:3 where we see the Eighth Beast received a wound to one of its heads “as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” How then do we connect this to America if verses 1-3 have actually been speaking of an empire and not an individual as many interpret it?

Knowing some are being painfully forced to set aside their long-held beliefs here, I seriously proposed the possibility this wound to the head from which the beast amazingly recovered was Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, a historical event which significance keeps resurfacing. It was the attack on Pearl Harbor that rallied the people of America into one mind to go to war, thus we entered WWII. Despite Japan’s fury, speed and might, Pearl Harbor somehow survived and came back to defend itself. Incredible.

But recall now how the war ended, with the dropping of The Bomb on Hiroshima and the second bomb on Nagasaki. Such display of power was never before witnessed. It could fittingly be asserted that the posture of the whole world was, “Who is like unto the beast?” and “Who is able to make war with Him?”

How did these things come to pass? In his vision John beheld “another beast coming up out of the earth and he had two horns of a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. And he exercises all the power of the first beast.” This second beast whose appearance is like a lamb (having two horns) and SEEMS to be for peace is that person who, “exercises ALL the authority of the first.” If the first beast “from the sea” is America, then this second beast from “the earth” would be none other than the office of the Presidency. Though seeming to be for peace, His mouth is really promoting the agenda of the dragon, “… and he does great wonders, so that he makes fire, [i.e. The Bomb], come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,” (verses 11-13).

Upon having ascended to a position of global supremacy, American presidents soon began asserting their power and meddling in the affairs of other sovereign nations under the guise of peaceful intentions. Regimes fell and puppet leaders with American backing rose to power to assist an agenda that surpasses the greedy intent of mere men, for it is clear that “The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority”

Since President George H. W. Bush Sr. postured America against Israel by proposing “land for peace,” every president since has continued to assert the right for a Palestine State to exist and the necessity for Israel to forfeit its covenanted land. As lambs supposedly laboring in the name of peace, these American presidents and statesmen have relentlessly pressured Israel with the threat of losing American support if they fail to comply with imposed mandates against them under the banner of “peace talks.” Now read again the fate of the Eighth Beast from Rev. 13-18 and ask who fits this better than America?

The Woman on the Beast

At the revelation of the rise of the Eighth Beast in Revelation 13:1, initially we can see there is no mention of a woman sitting upon the beast at the time of its ascension to “his power, and his seat, and great authority.” Chapters 14 and the beginning of 15 speak solely of the iniquities of the beast and the rest of chapter 15 and 16 speak of the judgment that would befall it. This vision so overwhelmed the Apostle John that in chapter 17 we see the angel comes to him to clarify all he had seen and continues to reveal how God’s judgment would surely come upon both the beast and the apostate religious system which would be riding the beast into the end of history. Thus chapters 18 and 19 speak of the absolute destruction of the beast and woman while proclaiming the praise and glory given to God for all His righteous judgments.

When the Eighth Beast rises to its might in Revelation 13 there seems to be a respectful separation between the beast, (the civil system) and the woman, (the religious system) as the woman is not mentioned, perhaps representing a separation between church and state. BUT, in order for the civil government to do what it is prophesied to do in the last days and initiate a new joint identification and economic system, it will need the support of the religious sector, or faith-based organizations, to assure that such a new system is benign and ok with God, hence in chapter 17 the woman now rides the beast.

Foolishly, churches in the mainstream religious system have subjected themselves to be fully regulated by the beast’s system in exchange for their tax exempt status. Hence these dead religious churches will feel obliged to assure their congregants that the implementation of the new identification mark that the beast says is necessary for the restructured economic system is not the damnable “mark of the beast.” This will not be difficult for the whoring daughters of Babylon to do, for having perpetuated so many false end time doctrines they have only “waxed worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” and now openly celebrate their joyful embracement of clear damnable heresies and moral atrocities.

Our adversary has spewed out of his mouth a flood of false end time messages and lying doctrines that he might cause the true Church to be carried away with the flood of error that is rampant in today’s churches which seek to serve men and mammon rather than God; sacrificing God’s truth for increased attendance lest they offend their contributors.

Just as God has always had His civil and spiritual leaders, so likewise the devil imitates this structural order in his attempt to defeat God’s people; hence the beast and the woman who rides it. Because of their greed for power and filthy mammon in these final days they will selfishly merge and become “one” in heart and purpose.

Remember, no one can serve both God and mammon.

The following is a compilation of interesting quotes and points in history deserving of your attention and consideration:

 An excerpt from President Roosevelt’s speech after the Pearl Harbor attack:

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan . . . As Commander in Chief of the army and navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory… With confidence in our armed forces-with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God…”

Considering President Roosevelt’s expressed confidence in “the American people in their righteous might” that they will surely “win through to absolute victory” due to “our armed forces-with the unbounding determination of our people,” I am compelled to ask just what does the word of God say about one who boasts in the strength of their flesh? Some may wish to immediately object and demand the direction of my attention to President Roosevelt’s inclusion of “so help us God…”

But I will simply point out that nowhere did he express his confidence to be in God’s righteousness or might, as the foundation and strength whereby the American people through their unwavering faith in God would surely overcome their enemies. No, this short inclusion of “so help us God,” has actually been the last four words attached to many threats of revenge by proud and indignant people. Perhaps those who are more patriotic and loyal to their country than they are concerned about the kingdom of God, or personal godliness, to such President Roosevelt’s speech may well have sounded “religious” by his employing such phrases as “righteous might” and “so help us God.” But in truth, an honest critique exposes the usage of these phrases for what it was, the white-washing declaration of a successful implementation of a strategic agenda that was being utilized to rally the citizenry of America, to not only support a foreign war effort, but to create a willingness among them to send their fathers, husbands and sons into it as well.

So, again I am asking, just what does the word of God say about one who boasts in the strength of their flesh?

Jeremiah 17:5 – Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

Interestingly, it must be noted that President Franklin D. Roosevelt suddenly died nearly three and a half  years after making this famous speech and therefore did “not see when good cometh” at the conclusion of the war. I say nearly, because if we use the Julian calendar, it was only 3 years, 4 months, and 4 days excluding the end date. However, scripture reveals God calculates time differently, using both the solar and the lunar cycles. One solar cycle was an approximate biblical year which was adjusted periodically with an extra month approximately seven times during nineteen solar cycles. The biblical months varied between 29-30 days based upon the lunar cycle which fluctuates and therefore the months average out to approximately 29.5 days. Since it was a total of 1,221 days duration from President Roosevelt’s speech to his death we can simply divide that time and see it was a duration of 41.39 biblical months, or 42 months. Perhaps even more interesting is the timing of President Roosevelt’s death which actually occurred on the New Moon of April 12, 1945.

Revelation 13:5 – And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

Admittedly, my studies have brought me to the conclusion that America is this eighth and final beast, partly because it is evident that America “the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” The tsunami of evil deception in America continues to rise with a flood of sorcery, paganism, Wicca, false cults, blatant corruption, wickedness, immorality, disobedience to parents, hate groups, etc., etc…

Also, it must be acknowledged that there are many sincere believers which declare the Catholic Church is the beast and harlot system. However, she fails to meet the full criteria of the plurality of “seven kings, five of which have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come, and when he comes, he must continue a short time.” For it is evident that the beast is always referenced in the masculine with its kings.  We simply must recognize both as separate entities, civil and religious, church and state, that join forces in an unholy union for a final ride into perdition.

Nevertheless, the Catholic Church is undoubtedly part of the spirit of this whorish woman who rides the beast; but it is not the beast itself. Furthermore, the Catholic Church has been a hoarder of wealth, but not a distributor of it. For where, or when, could we apply to the Catholic Church how “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies?” Or “Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness!?”

How does one apply this to the Vatican? – “Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.”

“Sorceries” implies witchcraft, or the calculated manipulation of men’s wills to consent to sin. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,” (1 Samuel 15:23). It is evident that America’s leaders have failed to embrace God’s word and have refused to be subject unto Him. Rather they have continually tried to exalt themselves higher and higher while constantly seeking to manipulate the minds and wills of the people to control them in order to further the agenda of the dragon.

There are many other things that have worked together to strongly persuade me that America is the Eighth Beast. There are specific details and events in our founding history that have been suppressed from public awareness but are still openly evident, too many to thoroughly disclosed here. However, there are the Masonic symbols on our currency, government buildings, as well as the curious layout and design of certain parts of District of Columbia which nearly mirrors some aspects of the Vatican in Rome.

The designation “District of Columbia” can accurately be rephrased the “Realm of the control of the Queen of Heaven,” referencing the goddess Columbia. Columbia has also been worshipped through history and regions of the world under the names, Isis, Semiramis, Ishtar, Diana, Artemis, Ashtoreth, Astarte and Libertas.  It is not mere coincident that the Statute of Liberty has mimicking aspects to many of these pagan idols.

Plus there are specific details that have been made public under the Freedom of Information Act concerning various memorandums, discussions, military exercises and other various events that have exposed covert efforts of the American government to manipulate situations so as to assure our involvement in WWII, and ultimately those events that led to the ending of the war.

After World War I, Americans had for the most part become isolationists, having virtually no interest for any interference or involvement in foreign wars. According to a pre-war Gallup poll, 88 percent of Americans were solidly opposed to any involvement in the rapidly expanding European war. It was this temperament of Americans that was successfully exploited by President Roosevelt while campaigning as he promised over and over again, “Your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars.” As a result he won the election.

However, as early as 1940, a code clerk at the U.S. embassy in London had discovered secret communications between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill revealing a strong determination on Roosevelt’s part to engage America in the war. Unfortunately for the clerk he was caught trying to smuggle some of the documents out of the embassy. Consequently, he was charged with obtaining documents that “might be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy” and in a secret British court was convicted and therefore confined to a British prison until the war ended. The clerk’s name was Tyler Gatewood Kent.

On October 7, 1940, A memorandum from Lieutenant Commander Arthur H. McCollum, head of the Far East desk of the Office of Naval Intelligence, advocated eight specific actions that were deemed suffice to provoke Japan into attacking the United States. In it the Commander wrote, “If by these means Japan could be led to commit an overt act of war, so much the better.” Consequently, President Roosevelt over the following year enacted all eight of McCollum’s recommendations.

Later in January 1941, President Roosevelt’s close advisor, Harry Hopkins, met with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and informed him, “The President is determined that we [the United States and England] shall win the war together. Make no mistake about it. He has sent me here to tell you that at all costs and by all means he will carry you through, no matter what happens to him – there is nothing he will not do so far as he has human power.”

March 1941, President Roosevelt sold munitions and convoyed them to belligerents in Europe, both acts of war and both violations of international law; specifically the Lend‑Lease Act.

June 23, 1941, Advisor Harold Ickes wrote in a memo to President Roosevelt the day after Germany invaded the Soviet Union, “There might develop from the embargoing of oil to Japan such a situation as would make it not only possible but easy to get into this war in an effective way. And if we should thus indirectly be brought in, we would avoid the criticism that we had gone in as an ally of communistic Russia.”

July 25, 1941, President Roosevelt froze all Japanese assets in US cutting off their main supply of oil, forcing them into war with the United States while all intelligence information was withheld from Hawaii from this point forward.

August 14, 1941, At the Atlantic Conference, P.M. Churchill noted the “astonishing depth of Roosevelt’s intense desire for war.” Consequently Churchill cabled his cabinet “(President Roosevelt) obviously was very determined that they should come in.”

October 16, 1941, Secretary of War Henry Stimson wrote in his diary, “We face the delicate question of the diplomatic fencing to be done so as to be sure Japan is put into the wrong and makes the first bad move – overt move.”

October 18, 1941, Diary entry by Secretary of Interior Harold Ickes: “For a long time I have believed that our best entrance into the war would be by way of Japan.”

November 25, 1941, Secretary of War Henry Stimson wrote in his diary that FDR said an attack was likely within days, and presented the question, “How we should maneuver them into the position of firing the first shot without too much danger to ourselves. In spite of the risk involved, however, in letting the Japanese fire the first shot, we realized that in order to have the full support of the American people it was desirable to make sure that the Japanese be the ones to do this so that there should remain no doubt in anyone’s mind as to who were the aggressors.” Thus Stimson made another entry that day stating, “The question was how we should maneuver them [the Japanese] into the position of firing the first shot…”

November 26, 1941, An ultimatum was sent to Japan’s ambassadors demanding as prerequisites to resumed trade a complete withdrawal of all troops from China and Indochina, and in effect abrogate her Tripartite Treaty with Germany and Italy.

Therefore we can see why in 1944, British Minister of Production, Oliver Lyttleton stated, “Japan was provoked into attacking America at Pearl Harbor. It is a travesty of history to say that America was forced into the war.”

In his 1948 biography, “Roosevelt and Hopkins: An Intimate History,” Robert Sherwood wrote, “If the isolationists had known the full extent of the secret alliance between the United States and Britain, their demands for the President’s impeachment would have rumbled like thunder through the land.”

All this being noted is in no way an attempt to deny or excuse Japan’s ferociousness in its war efforts, for there can be no excusing their heinous actions against the people and government of China and Indochina. However, as Christians we must not allow ourselves to be so blindly patriotic that we willfully shut our eyes to the truth that the American government intentionally provoked Japan in order to get involved in the war. Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor the Roosevelt administration froze Japan’s assets in America, restricted them from use of the Panama Canal, ceased vital exports to necessary to Japan’s war efforts and ultimately joined Britain in an all-out embargo.

So, again I ask, “How did these things come to pass?” True to the Apostle John’s vision, “another beast” came “up out of the earth; and he had two horns of a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. And he exercises all the power of the first beast.” History proves that though this second beast had the appearance is like a lamb and claimed to be for peace, he was really promoting the agenda of the dragon. For over and over President Roosevelt promised the American people, “I have said this before, but I shall say it again and again and again: Your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars.” Nevertheless, it was the President of America who authorized “…great wonders, so that he makes fire [i.e. The Bomb], come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.”

I admit that initially for years I only casually researched this, but was stunned when I ran across The Frank Report of June 11, 1945. It is a “Memorandum on Political and Social Problems of the Bomb by scientists at the Metallurgical Laboratory of the University of Chicago, Manhattan Project.” This report was written for delivery to President Truman, who inherited the “Project” after President Roosevelt died.

However, President Truman never received this letter before giving the order to drop the bomb on Hiroshima. That is because Secretary of War Mr. Stimson had intercepted it. He is documented as stating in regards to bombing decisions on Japan, “This is one time I’m going to be the final deciding authority. Nobody’s going to tell me what to do on this.”

(http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/library/correspondence/groves-leslie/corr_diary_groves.htm)

“The President never received the letter and all the scientists’ initiatives were frustrated because of the opposition of Byrnes, Groves, Oppenheimer, and other policy makers and scientists in control of the nuclear program.” (See “A PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,” 3rd paragraph, @ http://www.dannen.com/decision/45-07-17.html).

The following is “Dwight Eisenhower’s expressed view on using the Atomic Bomb”

“In 1945… Secretary of War Stimson visited my headquarters in Germany, [and] informed me that our government was preparing to drop an atomic bomb on Japan. I was one of those who felt that there were a number of cogent reasons to question the wisdom of such an act . . . During his recitation of the relevant facts, I had been conscious of a feeling of depression and so I voiced to him my grave misgivings, first on the basis of my belief that Japan was already defeated and that dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary, and second because I thought that our country should avoid shocking world opinion by the use of a weapon whose employment was, I thought, no longer mandatory as a measure to save American lives. It was my belief that Japan was, at that very moment, seeking some way to surrender with a minimum loss of ‘face.’ The Secretary was deeply perturbed by my attitude, almost angrily refuting the reasons I gave for my quick conclusions.”

Here is perhaps the most startling excerpt from “The Franck Report” that was signed by the top scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project.

“All of us, familiar with the present state of nucleonics, live with the vision before our eyes of sudden destruction visited on our own country, of a Pearl Harbor disaster repeated in thousand-fold magnification in every one of our major cities.”

(See the Franck Report: http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/key-issues/ethics/issues/scientific/franck-report.htm)

A thorough reading of the Franck Report will show just how President Truman and other government leaders rejected the counsel of the wise, just like Rehoboam rejected the wisdom of his father’s counsellors when he was asked by Jeroboam to lower the taxes. After the scientists realized their letter had not been delivered they wrote a second petition to President Truman, from which the following excerpt was taken.

“The war has to be brought speedily to a successful conclusion and attacks by atomic bombs may very well be an effective method of warfare. We feel, however, that such attacks on Japan could not be justified, at least not unless the terms which will be imposed after the war on Japan were made public in detail and Japan were given an opportunity to surrender.”

“If such public announcement gave assurance to the Japanese that they could look forward to a life devoted to peaceful pursuits in their homeland and if Japan still refused to surrender, our nation might then, in certain circumstances, find itself forced to resort to the use of atomic bombs. Such a step, however, ought not to be made at any time without seriously considering the moral responsibilities which are involved.”

“The development of atomic power will provide the nations with new means of destruction. The atomic bombs at our disposal represent only the first step in this direction, and there is almost no limit to the destructive power which will become available in the course of their future development. Thus a nation which sets the precedent of using these newly liberated forces of nature for purposes of destruction may have to bear the responsibility of opening the door to an era of devastation on an unimaginable scale.”  (http://www.dannen.co…n/45-07-17.html)

To read these solemn warnings that were given to President Truman and to think he rejected their counsel is horrifying. Even General MacArthur, who was leading the war against Japan, petitioned strongly against the use of the bomb. He didn’t even know there was such a bomb until 48 hours before the first one was dropped. Upon being made aware he bitterly objected to its usage, stating the war was over. It was just a matter of negotiating the surrender, so as to allow the Japanese people to save face because they were a proud (honorable) people.

Still, or perhaps regardless, President Truman was the one who ordered the “fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” Now listen to the righteous judgment of God, “If any man has an ear, let him hear. He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword [or weapon of war,] must be killed with the sword, [or the same weapon of war].”

Revelation 18:8 – Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. 9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 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.”

Russia and China are not America’s only threats, but rather serious concern needs to be given to all the European and Middle East nations. People might laugh, but I will simply remind them what the Bible says, “the ten horns . . . shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For 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.”

Some have foolishly argued there isn’t a national army over there big enough, (at least not at the time of the original writing of this in 2002.) However, initial formation of the new European Army was headed up by a German General. Didn’t Germany contribute greatly in the start of the two World Wars? And remember the scriptures clearly state, “…the ten horns which thou saw 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. For God has put in their hearts to fulfil His will…”

And what will be the lure of Satan dragging men to war again? Money and power of course. We in America are rapidly falling headlong into an Electronic Identification and Electronic-Cash-Credit-Debit system. As far back as 1998 an article in Time magazine predicted one could send their daughter in college E-Cash and she “can store the money any way she wants-on her laptop, on a debit card, even (in the not too distant future) on a chip implanted under her skin. And, perhaps best of all, you can program the money to be spent only in specific ways.”  (Time APRIL 27, 1998 VOL. 151 NO. 16)

Also mentioned in this article in Time was how the “smart card” with an RFID for the E-cash system could ALSO keep your medical history. Wasn’t it President Clinton and his wife Hillary who were trying to get all Americans issued such a card so they could all have medical insurance? Is it really about OUR health and well-being? Or is it really about THEIR wealth and control? And now we have Presidential Obama-Care which is said to require all to have an implantable RFID chip.

Back in 2002 when I first wrote this article I spoke about how the European Union was rapidly printing out their new “Euros” and ready to begin distribution that year. I commented on how the European Union’s common currency would only prove to add to the conflict of global monetary standards. The Bible says, “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit” (Proverbs 18:11).

Now, with the current global economic crisis, I am persuaded America will eventually attempt to force upon the European Union (and perhaps parts the rest of the world) a new E-cash credit/debit method of economics…  which I presently suspect the European Union and other nations will deceptively consent to. For again, “the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”

Their deceptive acceptance of America’s proposal (which will most likely be pushed forcefully upon the European Union and other countries with the same arrogance that led to the dropping of the bombs), will only be for the purposes of their buying time to carry out a plan to finally eliminate the competition.

While admittedly I am only speculating as to why and how the ten horns/kings “receive power as kings one hour with the beast,” it nevertheless remains a biblical fact that “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… these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God has put in their hearts to fulfil His will.”

 

Further points worthy of prayerful consideration:

Evidence that the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a crime against International Law

Title: PROTECTION OF CIVILIAN POPULATIONS AGAINST BOMBING FROM THE AIR IN CASE OF WAR

UNANIMOUS resolution of the League of Nations Assembly,

Dated: September 30, 1938

To: The Assembly,

Considering that on numerous occasions public opinion has expressed through the most authoritative channels its horror of the bombing of civilian populations;

Considering that this practice, for which there is no military necessity and which, as experience shows, only causes needless suffering, is condemned under the recognised principles of international law;

Considering further that, though this principle ought to be respected by all States and does not require further reaffirmation, it urgently needs to be made the subject of regulations specially adapted to air warfare and taking account of the lessons of experience;

Considering that the solution of this problem, which is of concern to all States, whether Members of the League of Nations or not, calls for technical investigation and thorough consideration;

Considering that the Bureau of the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments is to meet in the near future and that it is for the Bureau to consider practical means of undertaking the necessary work under conditions most likely to lead to as general an agreement as possible:

  1. Recognizes the following principles as a necessary basis for any subsequent regulations:
  2. a) The intentional bombing of civilian populations is illegal;
  3. b) Objectives aimed at from the air must be legitimate military objectives and must be identifiable;
  4. c) Any attack on legitimate military objectives must be carried out in such a way that civilian populations in the neighborhood are not bombed through negligence;
  5. Also takes the opportunity to reaffirm that the use of chemical or bacterial methods in the conduct of war is contrary to international law, as recalled more particularly in the resolution of the General Commission of the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments of July 23rd 1932, and the resolution of the Council of May 14th, 1938

(Documents located at: http://www.dannen.com/decision/int-law.html#D & http://www.dannen.com/decision/int-law.html)

NEXT

Appeal of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Aerial Bombardment of Civilian Populations, September 1, 1939 –

The President of the United States to the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and His Britannic Majesty, September 1, 1939

The ruthless bombing from the air of civilians in unfortified centers of population during the course of the hostilities which have raged in various quarters of the earth during the past few years, which has resulted in the maiming and in the death of thousands of defenseless men, women, and children, has sickened the hearts of every civilized man and woman, and has profoundly shocked the conscience of humanity.

If resort is had to this form of inhuman barbarism during the period of the tragic conflagration with which the world is now confronted, hundreds of thousands of innocent human beings who have no responsibility for, and who are not even remotely participating in, the hostilities which have now broken out, will lose their lives. I am therefore addressing this urgent appeal to every government which may be engaged in hostilities publicly to affirm its determination that its armed forces shall in no event, and under no circumstances, undertake the bombardment from the air of civilian populations or of unfortified cities, upon the understanding that these same rules of warfare will be scrupulously observed by all of their opponents. I request an immediate reply.  FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

(Documents located at: http://www.dannen.com/decision/int-law.html#E & http://www.dannen.com/decision/int-law.html)

NEXT

President Truman’s Speech, August 9, 1945:

In a radio speech to the nation on August 9, 1945, President Truman called Hiroshima “a military base.” It seems likely, considering his July 25 diary entry, that he personally was not aware that Hiroshima was a city. Otherwise, he was being untruthful about the nature of the target. Truman delivered his speech from the White House at 10 P.M. Washington time on August 9, 1945. By this time, the second atomic bomb had already destroyed the city of Nagasaki. Because of the great length of the speech, most of which dealt with Germany, only the relevant paragraph is quoted here.

“The world will note that the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a military base. That was because we wished in this first attack to avoid, insofar as possible, the killing of civilians. But that attack is only a warning of things to come. If Japan does not surrender, bombs will have to be dropped on her war industries and, unfortunately, thousands of civilian lives will be lost. I urge Japanese civilians to leave industrial cities immediately, and save themselves from destruction.”

What does this all mean? It means the bombing of Japan was not only against the counsel of those who developed the bomb; it was also illegal according to international law and contrary to President Roosevelt’s international petition.

U.S. Government and Military Leaders’ Responses

To Dropping the Bomb

FIRST QUOTE:

Harry S. Truman, the President of the United States who ordered the Atomic Bombing:

“This is the greatest thing in history.”

(http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/library/biographies/bio_truman-harry.htm)

NEXT QUOTE:

General Henry “Hap” Arnold, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Forces Under President Truman:

“It always appeared to us that, atomic bomb or no atomic bomb, the Japanese were already on the verge of collapse.”

NEXT QUOTE:

General Dwight D. Eisenhower:

“I had been conscious of depression and so I voiced to (Sec. Of War Stimson) my grave misgivings, first on the basis of my belief that Japan was already defeated and that dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary, and secondly because I thought that our country should avoid shocking world opinion by the use of a weapon whose employment was, I thought, no longer mandatory as a measure to save American lives. It was my belief that Japan was, at this very moment, seeking a way to surrender with a minimum loss of ‘face.’”

NEXT QUOTE:

General Dwight D. Eisenhower:

“Japan was at the moment seeking some way to surrender with minimum loss of ‘face’… It wasn’t necessary to hit them with that awful thing.”

NEXT QUOTE:

Admiral William D. Leahy, Former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

 “It is my opinion that the use of this barbarous weapon at Hiroshima and Nagasaki was of no material assistance in our war against Japan. The Japanese were already defeated and ready to surrender… My own feeling was that in being the first to use it, we had adopted an ethical standard common to the barbarians of the Dark Ages. I was taught not to make war in that fashion, and wars cannot be won by destroying women and children.”

NEXT QUOTE:

John McCloy:

 “I am absolutely convinced that had we said they could keep the emperor, together with the threat of an atomic bomb, they would have accepted, and we would never have had to drop the bomb.”

NEXT QUOTE – This one just absolutely amazes me:

From President Harry S. Truman’s diary entered July 18, 1945 – just 17 days before the bombing of Hiroshima:

“P.M. Churchill & I ate alone. Discussed Manhattan [PROJECT] (it is a success). Decided to tell Stalin about it. Stalin had told P.M. of telegram from Japan Emperor asking for peace.”

NEXT QUOTE:

Stewart L. Udall, US Congressman and Author of “Myths of August”

 “Some of my conclusions may invoke anger and even ridicule. For example, I offer my belief that the existence of the first atomic bombs may have prolonged – rather than shortened – World War II, by influencing Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and President Harry S. Truman to ignore an opportunity to negotiate a surrender that would have ended the killing in the Pacific in May or June of 1945. And I have come to view the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings that August as an American tragedy that should be viewed as a moral atrocity.”

NEXT QUOTE:

From: U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey’s 1946 Study:

 “Certainly prior to 31 December 1945, and in all probability prior to 1 November 1945, Japan would have surrendered even if the atomic bombs had not been dropped, even if Russia had not entered the war, and even if no invasion had been planned or contemplated.”

NEXT QUOTE:

J. Samuel Walker, Chief Historian, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission:

 “Careful scholarly treatment of the records and manuscripts opened over the past few years has greatly enhanced our understanding of why Truman administration used atomic weapons against Japan. Experts continue to disagree on some issues, but critical questions have been answered. The consensus among scholars is the that the bomb was not needed to avoid an invasion of Japan… It is clear that alternatives to the bomb existed and that Truman and his advisers knew it”

NEXT QUOTE:

1995 – Nagasaki Mayor Hitoshi Motoshima:

“It was a matter of course for atomic bombs to have been dropped on Japan, which had launched a war of aggression. Japan does not have the right to criticize the atomic bomb.” for Kyodo News’s interview. He is also quoted as saying, conversely, that the bombing was “one of the two great crimes against humanity in the 20th Century, along with the Holocaust”

NEXT QUOTE:

March 16, 1995 – Los Angeles Times

Heading: Japanese Mayors Call A-Bomb Attacks a Crime

Underscoring a wide “perception gap” between Japan and the United States, the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Wednesday sharply challenged the prevailing U.S. view that the nuclear attacks on their cities were necessary to end World War II.

Nagasaki Mayor Hitoshi Motoshima called the attacks “one of two great crimes against humanity in the 20th Century, along with the Holocaust.” Although he conceded that the attacks helped hasten the war’s end–a concession Hiroshima Mayor Takashi Hiraoka refused to make–he questioned the price.

“Does avoiding the death of servicemen justify the sacrifice of tens of thousands of guiltless noncombatants?” Motoshima asked, pointing out that the bombs indiscriminately killed men, women and children. “This is tantamount to killing a flea with a sledgehammer. It can hardly be called a justified act, even in wartime.”

The bombs, dropped in August, 1945, killed and injured 130,000 people in Hiroshima–almost half the city’s population–and 74,000 in Nagasaki. Hundreds of thousands of survivors suffered cancer and other radiation aftereffects.

The mayors, in a joint appearance before foreign correspondents, argued that the United States dropped the bombs mainly to intimidate the Soviet Union, verify the weapons’ effectiveness and justify the $2 billion spent to develop them.

LAST QUOTE:

Osama bin Laden, when asked by ABC reporter John Miller-

“Mister bin Laden, you have issued a fatwah calling on Muslims to kill Americans where they can, when they can. Is that directed at all Americans, [or] just the American military, [or] just the Americans in Saudi Arabia?”

Osama bin Laden’s answer;

“…The Americans started it and retaliation and punishment should be carried out following the principle of reciprocity, especially when women and children are involved. Through history, American has not been known to differentiate between the military and the civilians or between men and women or adults and children. Those who threw atomic bombs and used the weapons of mass destruction against Nagasaki and Hiroshima were the Americans. Can the bombs differentiate between military and women and infants and children? America has no religion that can deter her from exterminating whole peoples. …We believe that the worst thieves in the world today and the worst terrorists are the Americans. Nothing could stop you except perhaps retaliation in kind. [Therefore] We do not have to differentiate between military or civilian.”

(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/who/interview.html)

Shocking I know, and very uncomfortable to hear and consider these things. Doubtless many are so angry at seeing Osama bin Laden being quoted that they have nearly forgotten all the quotes of the American leaders who likewise were offended by America being the first to make use of The Bomb. Sin is sin whoever commits it, be they American, Arab, Christian, Jew or Muslim. However, in light of all this, please consider afresh what God has stated in regards to the use of weapons and His judgments –

“If any man have an ear, let him hear, He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword [or whatever weapon of war] must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints,” (Revelation 13:9).

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man [or nation] soweth, that shall he [or it] also reap,” (Galatians 6:7)

Let us therefore give more earnest heed to Jesus’ admonition, “Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of man,” (Luke 21:26).

Come out of her My people . . .

Posted: February 13, 2013 in End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book on America in Prophesy called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which includes more information and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

Come out of her 2

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

(From my America Series – Part three)

Re 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”

After John explained the mystery of “the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many water,” the last angel now enters which is mentioned that comes down from heaven prior to the Lord’s return. Keep in mind that the waters represents “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” as stated in Rev 17:15, and how the American military has a foothold presence literally all over the world on “many waters” as well. Now here in chapter 18 we see an angel comes from heaven with such great power and authority that the earth is lightened with his glory of his descent. Now, whether this lightening of the earth by the angel is literal, or prophetically symbolic of something else, we can but only speculate. However, what we can be sure of is that the fall of Babylon the great into perdition has begun at this time.

While God’s judgment against America is multi-faceted, it is still primarily because of her sins that she “has become the habitation of devils,” which implies a deluge of demonic power would ascend upon America as birds in a “cage.” I do not feel the use of the word “cage” implies their imprisonment, but rather assigned territories whereby they will tirelessly labor to further ensnare the inhabitants of the land thru their corrupt and seductive deceptions. Therefore they are depicted as unclean and hateful birds, creatures of opportunity seeking easy prey and consuming every seed of truth not buried in the heart of the hearer. One hardly needs to labor to expound upon either of these to establish evidence to the profane and malicious elements of the diverse cultures contending in America.

Being now in my mid-fifties, I remember stories from my youth about homosexuality existing, it was lurking out there, yet for the most part barely seen in open society. Its existence and practices brought a sense of revulsion, especially when contemplating what would happen to the natural order of a society’s continuance which depended upon a healthy family environment if it were to be openly exposed to such vile inordinate affections. The thought of one’s own father having no affection for your mother, or even for other women, but rather lusting after another man was inconceivable. I remember as a child hearing of the most profane indulgences of immorality and homosexuality, that a man would utilize what was of divine design for procreation (to which all nature bears witness was for the planting of life bearing seed into a womb) and seek to joined together with another male where bodily waste is discharged – such a thought was so revolting I was near certain it was only a myth cruelly designed to scare children. Yet now today the American armed forces are actively training its leaders on what to tolerate or discipline regarding public displays of affection by openly homosexual recruits as well as the Navy now allowing chaplains to perform same sex marriages in military chapels.

Sadly, it isn’t necessary to labor to establish the aspect of the “hateful bird,” for many in this country have so perfected their hate that there has even been the legislated the concept of “hate crimes.” Surely many of the readers have similar stories to tell possibly similar to my own, having grown up in Miami and experiencing the racial riots in my school between the “whites and the blacks.” My early years were exposed to a spirit of hatred that was not learned at home. But with the influx of Cubans and Haitians taking over certain neighborhoods, there was a prevailing amount of resentment and hatred on all sides. So much so, many lifelong residents left their homes in south Florida half-jokingly saying “The last American to leave . . . please bring the flag.”

Even when my time in the Air Force required my (Cuban) wife and I to move to Idaho, we were both taken back by the extreme prejudice and hatred of the locals towards the Indian populace. It just seems that no matter where you go, people apparently just need to hate someone.

Having been exposed to so much hatred, one might think I would be inclined to embrace the “hate crime” concept. However, I cannot escape the feeling that the enforcement of it is unevenly favorable to certain groups and not equitably enforced for all. It seems as if “hate crime” laws and their enforcement are actually designed to be a weapon for retaliation to be used by some to force their own immoral itinerary upon the rest of society.

Rev 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.

The above verse is one of the reasons why I reject the Eight Beast as being the Roman Catholic Church, for where have all the “merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies?” Seriously, the Catholic Church has not made anyone rich except those who have access to indulgences because of its own materialism and gluttonous spirit. But all the nations of the world with all their merchants have become extremely wealthy by their catering to the great consumer nation of the world, America where there is an unquenchable craving for materialism, fashion, entertainment and pleasures. (Please note – I distinguish the various key players of Revelation here)

To make matters worse, the American mentality of entitlement have so saturated all age groups and cultural backgrounds nowadays that the good old-time work ethic is virtually extinct. That doesn’t mean people are no longer willing to work, but certainly too many seem to work harder at not having to work by striving to get as much as possible in exchange for as little as possible. The true notion of “fair trade,” meaning rendering a fair hard day’s work for a fair day’s wage has essentially disappeared. America has now become the habitation of embezzlers and purloiners; people who feel they deserved to be paid simply because they have to go to work and therefore are not able to just go and do the things they would rather be doing . . . and here we are many trillions dollars in debt still spending with no end in sight.

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

The Bible teaches Christians are called to be separate from the world and from the vain and dead “camp” of religiosity. Therefore is we were truly seeking to worship God in spirit and truth, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, we would be a class people notably different. However, I believe this call to “come out from among her” is more than a call to just be spiritual and culturally distinct, but a literal call to obey geographically as well.

Yes, one day we might need to separate from this country’s social, economic, and religious systems if we are to successfully continue seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is a call to “come out” is to warning to flee before God’s wrath befalls the Eight Beast as it goes headlong into perdition, equivalent to call in the following passages admonishing believers of old flee

Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance; He will render unto her a recompense.

Jeremiah 51:45 My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.

I know some believe this is the rapture call of Christ coming and stealing away His bride, but personally I am persuaded it is a call for God’s people to leave as a final witness against the wicked prior to the out pouring of God’s judgment. For having exhausted God’s patience and longsuffering, they have gone too far and now their judgment is imminently hanging in the balances as they are found to be wanting. Prayerfully consider the words of Jesus when He sent forth the seventy giving them power to be witnesses of the Kingdom of God having come unto man.

Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,  11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.  15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.  16 He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me.

Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

I believe this will be possibly the last and greatest godly witness to warn wicked and religious unbelievers in America – as the body of Christ with the same faith as father Abraham leaves their natural country in obedience to God who has called them out and prepared for them an enduring City with no end.

Please, there will be no survivalist mentality in this coming out; no seeking to save our own lives, no trusting in the wisdom of man, or the strength of the flesh, or confidence in silver and gold. No, this is the simple obedience of faith for the glory of His Name alone. A public testimony and witness against them, just like the faith of Noah, of whom scriptures say condemned the world to its destruction by his own obedience. Faith like righteous Lot who left all his possessions obedient fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah.

I have met many who are sincerely preparing for the hard times they believe are coming, but sadly it is mostly in the wisdom of the flesh as they prepare hording up silver and gold, trusting in its earthly worth and ready to fight for their own survival. But I ask, when did God ever deliver His people through filthy mammon or the arm of the flesh?

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised.

Zephaniah 1:14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,  16 A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.  17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Even now judgment has been sweeping across our land, but all this, they will not hear.

Rev 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.  7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.  8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

America has become a nation that drinks iniquity like water, and according to her works God has been rewarding her. Ever since President Bush Sr. introduced to the world the “New World Order” with plans to divide the heritage of Abraham with God’s enemies for peace, clear examples of judgment can be given. For God has faithfully correlated His judgments with our nation’s actions of against His holy land often times within a twenty-four hour period or less.

Time and space prohibits cataloging each and every detail, the following are but a drop in the bucket recorded in William Koenig’s excellent book Eye to Eye.  .

  • On October 18, 1991 the administration of Senior President Bush sends letter of invitation to each participant of the Middle East Peace Conference in Madrid, Spain to introduce the “Land for Peace” concept. October 20, 1991 the Oakland Hills Firestorm, the East Bay Hills Fire, and the Tunnel Fire erupt and ultimately killed 25 people and injured 150 others. At least 1,520 acres were destroyed including 3,354 single-family dwellings, 437 apartment/condominium units resulting in an economic loss estimated at $1.5 billion.
  • On October 30 – November 2, 1991 the Madrid Middle East Peace Conference transpires while the Perfect Storm, also known as the No-Name Storm develops and moves up along the east coast and into President Bush’s home in Kennebunkport Maine where the windows are blown out as 30 foot waves hurl 100pound stones into his living room – Total damage estimated to be $208 million with 12 deaths. Worst storm in 100 years,
  • Between February 18th-25th, 1993 having already has been to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon, U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher of the Clinton administration visits Israel in an attempt to reopen the Arab-Israeli negotiations. On February 26, 1993 the World Trade Center bombing occurs with $750 million in damage.
  • On March 2, 1992 having been granted an audience with President Clinton, PLO Chairman Arafat arrived in Washing D.C. for requested meeting to protest Israel building housing units in East Jerusalem. March 1-2, 1997 severe weather conditions developed causing Mississippi and Ohio flooding and tornadoes. President Clinton’s home state of Arkansas was devastated by tornadoes with a total of67 dead ( 26 in Arkansas) and an estimated $1 billion damages. On March 4 the New York Times headlines “In storm’s wake, grief and shock” was adjacent to photo of President Clinton and Chairman Arafat with caption reading “President Clinton rebukes Israel”
  •  On September 24, 1998 President Clinton announced meeting with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu and PLO Chairman Arafat. The purpose of meeting was to pressure Israel to give up 13% of land. September 24-28, Hurricane George develops in Gulf of Mexico on the 24th and makes landfall on three days later with 110 mph winds, heavy rains and extensive flooding resulting in an estimated $5.9 billion damages.  Hurricane George dissipated when Arafat left U.S.
  • Next year September 13, 1999 is the first meeting between Israel Foreign Minister and PLO official to work out Palestinian State borders. Between September 7-17 Hurricane Floyd grows into a monstrous storm on Sept. 13th causing the greatest evacuation in U.S. history. Total estimated $6 billion in damages.
  • March31, 2001 President George W. Bush Jr. welcomes both Egypt President Mubarak and Jordan King Abdullah II to the White House. Their purpose was to persuade him to be more aggressive in Middle East talks and to continue pressure and support the “Land for Peace” initiative. Same day a Chinese fighter “bumps” into a highly technical U.S. reconnaissance plane and forces its 24 member crew to make an emergency landing in China.
  •  August 25 – September 10, 2001, according to an article in the Washington Post, President Bush, Secretary Powell, and Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer together with cooperation with the Saudis worked on the most comprehensive plan concerning “Land for Peace” proposal which was scheduled to be delivered by Secretary Powell on September 24th to Israel.  On September 11, Terrorist reportedly used 2 airplanes to attack the World Trade Center towers in New York City and supposedly a 3rd to attack the Pentagon, while a 4th plane which was intended for the White House has its debris scattered in Pennsylvania leaving almost 3000 dead and $ 40 billion in damages.
  •  On November 7, 2002 President Bush hosted a dinner at the beginning of Ramadan for Arab Ambassadors. The President publically honors the Koran and Islam by saying, “We see in Islam a religion that traces its origins back to God’s call on Abraham. We share your belief in God’s justice and your insistence on man’s moral responsibility.” November 9-11, 88 Tornadoes rip through 7 states; some are category F-4 with 200 mph winds, one of the worst November outbreaks on record. Normal tornado season is in March – July.
  • On January 31, 2003 Secretary Powell states President Bush would become more involved in Israeli-Palestine talks, laboring towards goal of Palestinian state by 2005. February 1, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart directly above Palestine, Texas while re-entering earth’s atmosphere. First time an Israeli was on board a shuttle mission. The entire world watched as the Columbia became a shooting star across the sky. It is noteworthy that stars, shooting stars, and comets are often considered bad omens. In Revelation 16:10 speaks of how “the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.” Such a description could easily describe the results of a nuclear detonation over and area. It is also noteworthy that the seat of America is the District of Columbia.

This pattern has continued into Obama’s administration as easily witnessed last April 19, 2010 when Israel celebrated its independence. Gallups says in the narration in this video, “On April the 19th, Fox News reports that the U.S. will no longer automatically support Israel in the United Nations.” April 20th, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explodes. Even now we are witnessing record drought and fires in Texas while a few hundred miles away record flooding displacing thousands as tornadoes are now setting new records in strength, intensity and cost of lives and damages . . . and for all this the wicked still will not see, repent or amend their ways.

Therefore, all these judgments have been as it were blows of the axe being laid to the root of the tree.

Mt 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

As with Babylon of old, the sins and arrogance of America has overtaken it. The rebellion steadfast too long and judgments certain and now the tree is condemned. As with the cutting down of any tree there comes a time when the axe-man can stop striking at the tree, the strength is broken and it is able to fall. All the axe-man needs is to lay his hand against the tree and push and it descent begins with what seems almost slow motion as it soon comes crashing down.

Da 4:11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:  12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches.

 Re 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.  8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.  9  And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,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. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee.

Here is the scariest verse pertaining to America’s soon fall as she is forsaken of the Lord –

Revelation 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

It is not just that the power grid will be crippled and taken out and men have to sit in dark powerless houses. It is far worse than that, no more light of the Gospel, no more the voice of Christ the bridegroom being heard pleading with men to repent, no more is the church, Christ’s bride there as a watchman crying out “Repent” and “This is the way, walk ye in it.” The time is at hand when Christ will once again say the time is fulfilled, it’s over, it’s too late.

Re 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  12 And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  14 Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

 Awake!

Awake, you sleeper! Awake! Arise and make yourself ready! It’s time to put aside those childish pursuits and your endless musing with vanities. Awake, I say! Do you not realize the time in which you are privileged to live? Now more than ever can the sound of the bridegroom’s coming be heard. Surely He draws near. The need to purify yourself has grown greater, for the time allotted has grown shorter. The dark of night has already conquered the eastern horizon as the sun glow fades in the west. The king had long ago sent out His invitation. He proclaimed to all, “COME!”

Yes come. Make haste! Don’t you know that if you refuse to comply with the King that His anger will be kindled against you? Yet in His longsuffering He says, “Come! Come to the greatest of all feasts! There are food and wine and much song and dance. Joyful dance to celebrate the wedding of all weddings. Come and attend My wedding.”

The bridegroom has long been ready, yet He has patiently waited. He has waited for you! Arise therefore you sleeper! So much remains for you to do. TODAY you must prepare. Set aside simplicity and mature! Strive to increase your knowledge and understanding so you may be completely resolved to live your life solely for the King of kings! Rise up and cast out reservation and hesitation, these are foes have hindered and killed countless before you. Arise! Answer His call! It’s your only reasonable response . . .

“Awake thou that sleepest, arise from the dead, Christ shall give thee light. Awake to righteousness and sin not. For some [of you] have not the [intimate] knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (Ephesians 6:14, I Corinthians 15:34)

Live for Jesus Christ The Resurrected King!!

Parts 1 and 2 here

Biblical End Times Players of Revelation

Posted: November 27, 2012 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Study!
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NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book on America in Prophesy called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which was updated in 2022 and includes more info and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

To discern America in scripture, it helps to distinguish certain specifics regarding the main players mentioned in Revelation chapter 13-19. While we might not be able to distinguish absolutely the identities of all of them, concerning specifically who they are, we can still establish some very definite conclusions from Biblical references made regarding their particulars. I would like to say up front that this is a topic that has always seemed to be part of the focus of my walk with Christ for almost a quarter of a century. Perhaps it has to do with what the Lord impressed upon me long ago, events I addressed in another article I wrote titled, “I doubt many will believe it, though a man declares it unto you.”

The thoughts I will share here and in the next few articles are the results of years of reflection, which with much prayer was rewarded with measurable clarity as I patiently sought to know and understand these end time events and players. At times it has unsettled me, leaving me obligated to make specific adjustments in my life and commitments. It may very well require adjustments of some of you as well, or even provoke you to anger.  For sadly, sharing these convictions have more than once provoked even some of my own family members and friends to anger over the implications.

To start, I would like to say that my thoughts are very different from those who unquestioningly adopted the perspective of the admittedly fictional “Left Behind” series, which very popular even among non-Christians. It was astonishing, even making news headlines as the public impatiently waited for their next release, eager to ingest each of the “16 best-selling novels” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Sadly, to me that fact alone seems only to affirm the truth spoken under unction of the Holy Spirit that in the latter times men would not be able to endure sound doctrine. But instead they would swallow the mere fables of men as if it were the truth of God, fables which only serve instead to promote the doctrines of devils. I still chuckle to myself when I remember a comment I once overheard someone make about Moses’ strong appearance . . . because they had seen Charlton Heston in the movie The Ten Commandments.

Before I get too deep into these things in Revelation, I want to submit a couple of thoughts for everyone’s prayerful consideration. First, it is not my conviction that there will ever be a realization of a unified one world government under one leader which many today would call the “antichrist.” I know I probably lost a lot of readers right there. But please note, I am not saying that I fail to see such a Luciferian globalist plan in the works; I just don’t see God permitting it to reach the fruition the globalists intend.

If you bear with me through this post, I will attempt to establish a few points along the way that may offer some support to my position. That does not mean my position is unshakable, it may very well be nothing more than a three-legged table, if that. However, if some of these points do in fact have any credibility, then regardless what you have always believed or been taught by whoever, scripture would obligate you to prove all things that you may hold fast to that which is in fact good and solid. (more…)

America

Posted: July 8, 2012 in Prophecy, Wake Up!
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NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book on America in Prophesy called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which includes more information and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

Biblical End Times Players of Revelation (America series – part one)

Because of the “times and seasons” I have been feeling a need to clarify my position on the main players mentioned in Revelation chapter 13-19. This is a topic that has always been in the forefront of my walk with Christ for almost a quarter of a century.  I say that not to convey any type of obsession with Revelations, it just seems to be one of the main topic apart from the Gospel that the Lord has kept me attentive to while watching and praying. Perhaps it has to do with what the Lord impressed upon me long ago. The thoughts I am intending to share over the next few of posts are reflections which over that time have come to offer the most clarity in my view of end time events and players. Much of it has unsettled me personally during that time and obligated me to make many adjustments in my own life and commitments. Sadly, the sharing of my convictions has proven to cause many of my family and friends to become angry over them.

To start, I would like to say that my thoughts are usually very different than most who have unquestioningly ingested the perspective of the admittedly fictional “Left Behind” series with its “16 best-selling novels” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Sadly, to me that fact alone seems only to affirm the truth spoken under unction of the Holy Spirit that in the latter times men would not be able to endure sound doctrine. But instead they would swallow the mere fables of men as if it were the truth of God which only serves to promote doctrines of devils instead. I still chuckle to myself when I remember a comment I once overheard someone make about Moses and his appearance . . . because they saw Charleston Hesston in the movie The Ten Commandments.

Read more here . . .

The Eighth Beast (America Series – part two) 

This is part two following “Biblical End Time Players of Revelation.” In this post I wish to deal with “the eighth beast.”

In seeking to understand the meaning of this prophetic symbol the “Beast,” it is impossible to find a higher authority than God’s own scriptures birthed by the Holy Ghost’s inspiration and consequently must serve as its own interpreter. Therefore, what is understood by the term “Beast” in one prophetic vision is most likely the same intent when the term is utilized elsewhere in similar passages of Scriptures. What adds certainty to the intent is when God has employed His holy messengers to bring absolute clarity to the visions God has given unto His prophets. As we can see by the angel’s interpretation of Daniel’s four beasts, there is no room left for speculation as to what the vision symbolized.

Daniel, in chapter seven, having been desirous to “know the truth of the fourth beast which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, and of the ten horns that were on his head,” was enlightened by an angel who interpreted the vision for Daniel. “The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms . . .” The angel plainly declares that the four beasts in Daniel’s vision are four civil, or municipal, kingdoms and hence the term “Beast” is used as a prophetic symbol for earthly civil kingdoms.

Read more here . . .

Come out of her My people . . .  (America Series – Part three)

Re 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

 After John was explained the mystery of “the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many water,” now enters the last angel which is mentioned that comes down from heaven prior to the Lord’s return. While I mentioned in an earlier post that the waters represented “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” as Rev 17:15 states, the foothold presence of the American military is literally all over the world and on “many waters” as well. Here in chapter 18 we are seeing an angel comes from heaven with such great power and authority that the earth will be lightened with his glory of his descent. Now, whether this lightening of the earth is literal by the angel, or prophetic of something else, we can but only speculate. However, what we can be sure of is that the fall of Babylon the great into perdition has begun at this time.

The motivation of God’s judgment against America is multi-facet, but primarily because this country has become the habitation of devils, which is implied by how the demonic powers would resort here as birds in a “cage.” The use of the word “cage” is not to imply imprisonment, but rather more of an assigned territory whereby they tirelessly labor lay hold upon the inhabitants of the land with their seductive deceptions. Their presence and workings are witnessed by their descriptions as unclean and hateful birds, creatures of opportunity seeking easy for easy prey and consuming every seed of truth not buried in the heart of the hearer.

Read more here . . . 

Before the Seventy Weeks (America – part 4)

It is assertedby those who embrace the doctrine of a seven-year tribulation period that its primary scriptural foundation comes from Daniel chapter 9. In this chapter the angel  Gabriel tells Daniel that “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Gabriel then continues by telling Daniel of the vision that “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city.”

We must remember that Gabriel was sent forth at the beginning of Daniel’s supplications when he was confessing his own sins and the sins of Israel. Therefore the “matter . . . and the vision” Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand was connected to his prayer for Israel in captivity. There were seven specific things Gabriel prefaces this “understanding” of the vision with.

  1. It was a period of time (seventy weeks) regarding Daniel’s people and the holy city (Jerusalem)
  2. It was to “finish the transgression”
  3. It was to “make an end of sins”
  4. It was to “make reconciliation for iniquity”
  5. It was to “bring in everlasting righteousness”
  6. It was to “seal up the vision and the prophesy”
  7. It was to “to anoint the most Holy”

Gabriel then proceeds by dividing up the seventy weeks into three specific time periods-

  1. Seven weeks               7
  2. Sixty two weeks           62 + 7 = 69
  3. The last week              69 +1 = 70

Da 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

It is this seventieth week that has become known as the Seven Year Tribulation and is being referenced to Daniel in 9:27. Therefore I wished to start this post by listing  the particulars of the seventy weeks vision.

Read more here . . . 

 Is America Missing in Prophecy?

If you are an American Christian, I feel that you owe it to yourself to prayerfully consider the following. It is a progressive reasoning of just how America may well be mentioned in scriptures.

We hear it all the time, “Isn’t it amazing that the scriptures are silent about America?” And I thought the same thing myself, at one time, but I don’t believe it to be so anymore. Therefore, I submit the following for those concerned enough to prayerfully ponder whether America is, or is not, in scriptures.

Please do not assume I am anti-America. I’m not. I simply believe God is going to deal with the sins of America like does with every nation. I have only submitted a fraction of information available as  it can be overwhelming to some when first considering this concept. Also, I will endeavor to satisfy any questions posed.

Thank you.

“Here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.”

Read more here . . .

The End of America

In light of the current world events, I feel it is worth everyone’s time to not only watch the two videos, but to read John Price’s book as well.

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not;and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Re 17:8

This verse tells me that the Church should not be “wondering,” but rather aware as God’s children of light.

See Videos here

Elenin was a true sign! The Rapture is at hand! The destruction of America is imminent as war in the Middle East explodes!

Posted: April 12, 2012 in End Times, Prophecy
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It is amazing the how much attention is garnished by those predicting the Rapture and pointing to the all the calamities happening in the world as signs of the end. There is an insatiable appetite out there with people wanting to know what is going on and where. Some people’s whole lives are absolutely consumed with watching and keeping up with global events.

Dictators are falling while Islam is gaining influence and power all across the world, even President Obama welcomed the Muslim Brotherhood into the white house under the guise of peace and establishment of foreign policy while Islamic radicals burn the American and Israeli flags chanting “Death to America, the Great Satan” while promising to drive all Jews into the sea to cause them to cease from being a people.

We have volcanoes becoming active, recent earthquake and solar flares, CME’s and solar storms eroding our atmosphere, putting tension on our planet stressing the tectonic places. There have been unexplained noises in the heavens and under the earth that have been makes news. The weather is erratic, drought in one region – floods in another. Firestorms and freak arctic storms and tornadoes spreading destruction across the Land. Today a freak spring storm actually dumped two to four feet of hail in the Texas Panhandle this afternoon.

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The Mystery of Iniquity at work in the world today.

Posted: December 31, 2011 in End Times, Prophecy, Uncategorized, Wake Up!
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The mystery of iniquity is at work in the world today, and no wonder, because it has been working ever since God purposed to reveal His truths unto men. From the very beginning when the adversary crept into the garden he began to preach another gospel, “For you can be as gods.” This is a very sinister evil that causes men to sin in pursuit of such great spiritual ambitions. It is one thing for men to succumb to their basest appetites and become as Paul referred to the Cretians, “evil beasts, slow bellies.” But it is a completely different and mysterious evil that leads men down the road of religiosity to exalt and justify themselves in their own pious arrogance to the condemnation of others, such is the mystery of iniquity.

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Why do the heathen rage?

Posted: September 24, 2011 in End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts
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Prophesy is coming to pass before our eyes, Abbas gets standing ovation from UN

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Ps 2:1  Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His anointed, saying,

 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

 5 Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure.

 6 Yet have I set My king upon My holy hill of Zion.

 7  I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.

 8 Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.

 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.

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Peace to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

Daniel’s Seventieth Week

Posted: June 22, 2011 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Study!
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NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book on America in Prophesy called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which was updated in 2022 and includes more info and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

As I stated in my last post, It is asserted by those who embrace the doctrine of a seven-year tribulation period that its primary scriptural foundation comes from Daniel chapter 9, verse 27 in particular.

Da 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

This is the only “seven year” scriptural reference I know of that is foundationally used for the complete duration of the seven years tribulation with the perceived division being “in the midst of the week” when, according  to popular understanding of the doctrine, the antichrist does away with the animal sacrifices that were reinstated in a rebuilt temple.  There are however, many scriptural references to “seven years”  –

  1. There were the both the seven years which Jacob labored for Rachael and was given Leah instead, then the next seven years for which he indeed received  Rachael.
  2. The seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine with Joseph in Egypt.
  3. The seven years of famine under David and Samuel
  4. The seven years of famine with Elisha
  5. The seven years of burning weapons after the war with Gog and Magog  (which if there is a seven-year tribulation immediately before the return of Christ this war must needs be before it then)

There are also several three and half year periods in scriptures referred to as “time, times, and half of time” or 1260 days even 1290 days even 1335 days. It is astounding the extreme that men have labored to know and define these times for years when scripture clearly states in regards to some of them that these things are sealed until the end. I am personally persuaded that for anyone to assume that each of these times mentioned are referencing to the same time period would be as imprudent as to believe all the previously mentioned seven-year periods were the same, which a simple reading of them all would easily bring a ready dismissal of such nonsense.  Therefore one must take caution when asserting things from scriptures because they can quickly earn the title of “false” teacher or prophet.

Nonetheless, in regards to Daniels seventieth week, one can certainly prayerfully consider the text in search of understanding by the Holy Spirit’s illumination. Perhaps reaping the greatest reward of avoiding being carried away by the flood of false doctrines brought forth by both demons and ignorant men thinking themselves to be something they are not.

True understanding is given by commandment of God. It is never the product of clever men being able to calculate their way through hidden codes in scripture; Harold Camping’s date setting errors should be a sufficient warning to any aspiring date setter. But that doesn’t mean we cannot know the times in which we are living. For I am persuaded that Peter understood full well the duration of time left for fulfillment before the Lord’s return

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America Series – Part 4

Posted: June 13, 2011 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Study!
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Before the Conclusion of the Seventy Weeks

To download article’s MP3 file:  1. Click on this link  2. Right click on page  3. Select “save as”

NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which includes more information and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

It is asserted by those who embrace the doctrine of a seven year tribulation period that its primary scriptural foundation comes from Daniel chapter 9. In this chapter the angel Gabriel tells Daniel that “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Gabriel then continues by telling Daniel that “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city.”

We must remember that Gabriel was sent forth at the beginning of Daniel’s supplications when he was confessing his own sins and the sins of Israel. Therefore the “matter . . . and the vision” which Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand was connected to his prayer for Israel in captivity. In all, there were seven specific things Gabriel prefaces to the “understanding” of the vision with –

  1. It was a period of time(a) regarding Daniel’s people and the holy city(b)
    1. Seventy weeks
    2. Jerusalem
  2. It was to “finish the transgression”
  3. It was to “make an end of sins”
  4. It was to “make reconciliation for iniquity”
  5. It was to “bring in everlasting righteousness”
  6. It was to “seal up the vision and the prophesy”
  7. It was to “to anoint the most Holy”

The Angel Gabriel continues explaining to Daniel that the seventy weeks are going to be divided into three specific time periods, whereby each will serve specific prophetic purposes with outlining events and definite conclusions –

  1. Seven weeks                    7
  2. Plus sixty two weeks           7 + 62 = 69 weeks total
  3. Plus the last week              1 + 69 = 70 weeks total

Let’s quickly review these verses to give us a fresh recall of them before we continue-

Daniel 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 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.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

It is that last week in verse 27, commonly referred to as Daniel’s seventieth week that has become accepted and known as the Seven Year Tribulation and linked to this verse in Daniel. Originally I had intended starting this post by listing the particulars of this seventy weeks revelation from the angel.

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A Compilation of Scripture, Commentaries, and History on Matthew Chapter 24

Posted: June 3, 2011 in End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Study!
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Because of the time in which we are living and because of the many different interpretations being giving of Matthew chapters 24 and 25, I have endeavored to compile some thoughts of some very learned commentators, some excerpts of history recorded by Josephus, as well as  some my own thoughts and reasoning with some scriptural cross references to clarify my present persuasion.

I share this for others considerations and encourage them to be fully persuaded in themselves as to the proper applications of Jesus’ words recorded by Matthew.

Matthew 24

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

This chapter contains a prediction of the utter destruction of the city and temple of Jerusalem, and the subversion of the whole political constitution of the Jews; and is one of the most valuable portions of the new covenant Scriptures, with respect to the evidence which it furnishes of the truth of Christianity. Every thing which our Lord foretold should come on the temple, city, and people of the Jews, has been fulfilled in the most correct and astonishing manner; and witnessed by a writer who was present during the whole, who was himself a Jew, and is acknowledged to be an historian of indisputable veracity in all those transactions which concern the destruction of Jerusalem. Without having designed it, he has written a commentary on our Lord’s words, and shown how every tittle was punctually fulfilled, though he knew nothing of the Scripture which contained this remarkable prophecy.

Christ foretells the destruction of the temple, vers. 1, 2.

His disciples inquire when, what shall be the sign of this  destruction, vers.  3.

Our Lord answers, and enumerates them-false Christs, vers.  5.

Wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, vers.  6-8.

Persecution of his followers, vers.  9.

Apostasy from the truth, vers.  10-13.

General spread of the Gospel, vers.  14.

He foretells the investment of the city by the Romans, vers.  15-18.

The calamities of those times, vers.  19-22.

Warns them against seduction by false prophets, vers.  23-26.

The suddenness of these calamities, vers.  27, 28.

Total destruction of the Jewish polity, vers.  29-31.

The whole illustrated by the parable of the fig-tree, vers.  32, 33.

The certainty of the event, though the time is concealed, vers.  34-36.

Careless state of the people, vers. 37-41.

The necessity of watchfulness and fidelity, illustrated by the parable of the two servants, one faithful, the other wicked, vers.  42-51

Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and His disciples came to Him for to shew Him the buildings of the temple.  2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Cross references:

Mark 13:1 – And as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples saith unto Him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

Josephus – Antiquities of the Jews – Book XV – Chapter 11:

“Now the temple was built of stones that were white and strong, and each of their length was twenty-five cubits [FIFTY feet long], their height was eight [SIXTEEN feet in thickness], and their breadth about twelve [TWENTY-FOUR feet broad].”

Matthew 24: 3 And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?

William E Males: In order to understand the answer Jesus gives to the disciples’ questions, we must first establish what the limit of their understanding was and what it was that they were expecting to soon come to pass. Only then might we find some reasonable clarity as to what they were truly asking, for only then could we hope to have some reasonable clarity as to what Jesus meant in His answer to them. The following scriptural references are to show the disciples awareness to the reality of the soon coming events and the reality of the Kingdom of God.

(For those willing to take the time I gave a teaching many years ago call “The Disciples did not understand” which I share here in an mp3 (audio) file. In the teaching I reason that it is important when endeavoring to interpret these verses to make sure we understand the mindset from which the disciples were asking these questions, for as of yet they have no comprehension of a resurrection from the dead or a “second coming.”)

Cross references:

John 13:36  Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards. 37 Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? John 16:16 A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father. 17 Then said some of His disciples among themselves, What is this that He saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me: and, Because I go to the Father? 18 They said therefore, What is this that He saith, A little while? we cannot tell what He saith. 19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask Him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me?

William E Males: From the above verses we can see that neither Peter nor the other disciples had any awareness of the Lord’s soon coming death, let alone His resurrection. Certainly this was not due to the Lord’s failure to forewarn them. Rather, their apparent incognizant was due to the stronghold of their own selfish preconceived ideas of what was about to take place, as we will see in the following verses.

Cross references:

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

Mark 8:31 And He began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And He spake that saying openly. And Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned about and looked on His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But He turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Matthew 20: 17  And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, 19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Mark 9: 31 For He taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; and after that He is killed, He shall rise the third day. 32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask Him. 33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house He asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

Luke 9:43  And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, He said unto His disciples, 44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. 45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask Him of that saying. 46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

William E Males: Part of the reason they had argued amongst themselves who should be greatest and had their preconceived ideas about what Jesus was about to accomplish for the Jewish nation was because common thought that the Messiah was going to restore a physical kingdom, as was evident of the incredible praise that had erupted with the people on final His entrance into Jerusalem.

Cross references:

 Luke 13:18 Then said He, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

Luke 17:20  And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, He added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Matthew 21:1  And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto Me. 3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. (Isa 62:11, Zec 9:9) 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set Him thereon. (2 Kings 9:13) 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. (Ps 118:25-26) 10 And when He was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? (Mr 11:15; Lu 19:45; Joh 2:13,15) 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary: 

Verse 9.  Hosanna to the Son of David etc. The word hosanna means, “Save now,” or, “Save, I beseech thee.” It is a Syriac word, and was the form of acclamation used among the Jews. It was probably used in the celebration of their great festivals. During those festivals they sang the 115th, 116th, 117th, and 118th psalms. In the chanting or singing of those psalms, the Jewish writers inform us, that the people responded frequently hallelujah or hosanna. Their use of it on this occasion was a joyful acclamation, and an invocation of a Divine blessing by the Messiah.

Son of David. The Messiah.

Blessed is he, etc. That is, blessed be the Messiah. This passage is taken from Ps 118:25,26. To come in the name of the Lord, is to come by the authority of the Lord; to come commissioned by him to reveal his will. The Jews had commonly applied this to the Messiah.

Hosanna in the highest. This may mean either “Hosanna in the highest, loftiest strains;” or it may mean a prayer to God, “Save now, O thou that dwellest in the highest heaven, or among the highest angels.” Perhaps the whole song of hosanna may be a prayer to the Supreme God, as well as a note of triumphant acclamation: “Save now, O thou supremely great and glorious God; save by the Messiah that comes in thy name.”

William E Males: This grand entrance into the city has a tremendous impact on the disciples and everybody. This was the entrance of a King coming. Immediately after entering the city Jesus went straight to the temple and condemned the condition and practices of the then present  religious system.

 Cross references:

Matthew21:12  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of hem that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. 14 And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple; and He healed them. 15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16 And said unto Him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? (Ps 8:2)

William E Males: All these things worked together to cause the disciples and others  to believe Jesus was going to soon be the new King over Jerusalem. This perception was founded upon their misunderstanding of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and Jerusalem. It was also this perception that enable the religious leaders to compel Palate to have Jesus crucified and post upon the cross the title “King of the Jews.”

Cross references:

Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked Him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

27:37 And set up over His head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

27:42 He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.

John 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

18:39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote Him with their hands.

19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

 William E Males: After his crucifixion and resurrection we see how Jesus needed to instruct His disciples as to what the scriptures really meant in order to open their understanding.

Cross references:

Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. 17 And He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19 And He said unto them, What things? And they said unto Him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. 21 But we trusted that it had been He WHICH SHOULD HAVE REDEEMED Israel [from Roman/Gentile rule] and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 25 Then He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

William E Males: Still even forty days later after his resurrection and up to just prior to His acsension, the disciples still were clouded with their own carnal perception of what was going to happen to Jerusalem. They would not fully understand until after the Holy Ghost would be given to them.

Cross references:

Acts 1:2 Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: 3 To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

John 14: 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28  Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I go My way to Him that sent Me; and none of you asketh Me, Whither goest thou? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. 7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.

William E Males: The importance of submitting  all these references was to establish the fact that the disciples had no idea or comprehension at all of a Second Coming of Christ for  “they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear,” (Luke 19:11).

Therefore, what was it they were really wanting to know when they asked the questions of Jesus, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” If we can figure that part out then we can begin to rightly divide Jesus’ answer to them.

What  we must remember that they asked the questions due to Jesus’ statement, “See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Therefore the first part of the disciples question, “when shall these things be?” deals with the destruction of the Herodian Temple. This was accomplish in 70 A.D. when as recorded in  Josephus, War, book vii. c. 1: “Caesar gave orders that they should now demolish the whole city and temple.

Now the disciples,  knowing that Jesus was of God and a promoter of true religion,  would certainly expect that if the Temple was going to be destroyed, as Jesus said, and if Jesus truly was going to be made “King of the Jews,” then the new King must be intending to put, as it were,  “new wine [system of religious worship] into new bottles [or a new temple].” Certainly none of this could not be accomplished under the present Roman/Herodian rule, Jesus must first come into power, hence the question, “What shall be the sign of thy coming?”

Matthew24:3 And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming . . .

 Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 3.   Tell us, when shall these things be?]  There appear to be three questions asked here by the disciples.  1st. When shall these things be? viz. the destruction of the city, temple, and Jewish state.  2dly. What shall be the sign of Thy coming? viz. to execute these judgments upon them, and to establish thy own Church: and 3dly. When shall this world end?  When wilt thou come to judge the quick and the dead?  But there are some who maintain that these are but three parts of the same question, and that our Lord’s answers only refer to the destruction of the Jewish state, and that nothing is spoken here concerning the LAST or judgment day.

William E Males: Finally, the 3rd part of the question, “Tell us, . . .  what shall be the sign of  the end of the world?

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

End of the world; or, of the age, viz. the Jewish economy, which is a frequent accommodated meaning of the word aiwn, the proper meaning of which is, as Aristotle (De Caelo) observes, ETERNAL  continual being: and no words can more forcibly point out eternity than these.

William E Males: The sign of the end of the world, refers to the end of this “age” of the existing governmental rule, the “the end of the world” as world then was. For if Jesus was going to be King, then Herod was going  to have be replaced. But Herod was but one of a lineage of “Herods,”1. King of Judah (Herod the Great)  Mt 2:1-23; 2nd.Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas)   Lu 3:1; 23:7; 3rd.  Son of Aristobulus (Herod Agrippa I)   Ac 12:1-23; 4. Herod Agrippa major or I, Acts 12.1-25; 23.35; 5. Herod Agrippa minor or II, Ac 25:1-26:32.

Therefore, if Herod was to be replace by Jesus as the new King, then the Government which put Herod into place would have to be overthrown as well, which was the Romans. Herod himself is shown to acknowledge their rule over him in the writings of Josephus.

Josephus Wars book XV – chapter 11;

“I am now, by God’s will, your governor, and I have had peace a long time, and have gained great riches and large revenues, and, what is the principal filing of all, I am at amity with and well regarded by the Romans, who, if I may so say, are the rulers of the whole world.”

 Matthew 24:4  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

 William E Males: Many come in the name of “Jesus,” but still preach,  “another Jesus, whom we have not preached, . . . another spirit, . . .  another gospel, . . .” II Corinthians 11:4.

Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

 FAMINES

Cross references:

Ac 7:11 Now there came a dearth [Famine] over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth [Famine] throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Josephus – Wars Book 4 -Chap. 1  – para. 9 -THE SIEGE AND TAKING OF GAMALA;

But of the people of Gamala, those that were of the bolder sort fled away and hid themselves, while the more infirm perished by famine; but the men of war sustained the siege till the two and twentieth day of the month Hyperberetmus . . .

Josephus – Wars Book 4 -Chap. 3 – para. 3 – HOW THE JEWS RAISE SEDITIONS ONE AGAINST ANOTHER [IN JERUSALEM];

. . . the captains of these troops of [Jewish] robbers, being satiated with rapines in the country, got all together from all parts, and became a band of wickedness, and all together crept into Jerusalem, which was now become a city without a governor . . . besides the seditions they raised, were otherwise the direct cause of the city’s destruction also; for as they were an unprofitable and a useless multitude, they spent those provisions beforehand [destroyed their own stored food] which might otherwise have been sufficient for the fighting men. Moreover, besides the bringing on of the war, they were the occasions of sedition and famine therein.

Josephus – Wars book 4 -Chap. 6 – para. 9 – HOW THE ZEALOTS WHEN THEY WERE FREED FROM THE IDUMEANS, SLEW A GREAT MANY MORE OF THE CITIZENS; AND HOW VESPASIAN DISSUADED THE ROMANS WHEN THEY WERE VERY EARNEST TO MARCH AGAINST THE JEWS FROM PROCEEDING IN THE WAR AT THAT TIME;

 . . . as freed from such men as might hinder their designs, and plat some stop to their wickedness. Accordingly, they made no longer any delay, nor took any deliberation in their enormous practices, but made use of the shortest methods for all their executions and what they had once resolved upon, they put in practice sooner than any one could imagine. But their thirst was chiefly after the blood of valiant men, and men of good families; the one sort of which they destroyed out of envy, the other out of fear; for they thought their whole security lay in leaving no potent men alive . . . Nor did Niger of Peres escape their hands; he had been a man of great valor in their war with the Romans, but was now drawn through the middle of the city, and, as he went, he frequently cried out, and showed the scars of his wounds; and when he was drawn out of the gates, and despaired of his preservation, he besought them to grant him a burial; but as they had threatened him beforehand not to grant him any spot of earth for a grave, which he chiefly desired of them, so did they slay him [without permitting him to be buried]. Now when they were slaying him, he made this imprecation upon them, that they might undergo bothfamine and pestilence in this war, and besides all that, they might come to the mutual slaughter of one another; all which imprecations God confirmed against these impious men, and was what came most justly upon them, when not long afterward. they tasted of their own madness in their mutual seditions one against another.

Josephus – Wars Book5 -Chap. 1 – para 4 – CONCERNING THE SEDITIONS AT JERUSALEM AND WHAT TERRIBLE MISERIES AFFLICTED THE CITY BY THEIR MEANS;

And now there were three treacherous factions in the city, the one parted from the other. Eleazar and his party, that kept the sacred first-fruits, came against John in their cups. Those that were with John plundered the populace, and went out with zeal against Simon. This Simon had his supply of provisions from the city, in opposition to the seditious. When, therefore, John was assaulted on both sides, he made his men turn about, throwing his darts upon those citizens that came up against him, from the cloisters he had in his possession, while he opposed those that attacked him from the temple by his engines of war. And if at any time he was freed from those that were above him, which happened frequently, from their being drunk and tired, he sallied out with a great number upon Simon and his party; and this he did always in such parts of the city as he could come at, till he set on fire those houses that were full of corn, and of all other provisions.  The same thing was done by Simon, when, upon the other’s retreat, he attacked the city also; as if they had, on purpose, done it to serve the Romans, by destroying what the city had laid up against the siege, and by thus cutting off the nerves of their own power. Accordingly, it so came to pass, that all the [storage] places that were about the temple were burnt down, and were become an intermediate desert space, ready for fighting on both sides of it; and that almost all that corn was burnt, which would have been sufficient for a siege of many years. So they were taken by the means of the famine, which it was impossible they should have been, unless they had thus prepared the way for it by this procedure.

 Josephus – Wars Book5 -Chap. 8 – para 2 – HOW THE ROMANS TOOK THE SECOND WALL TWICE, AND GOT ALL READY FOR TAKING THE THIRD WALL;

For God had blinded their minds for the transgressions they had been guilty of, nor could they see how much greater forces the Romans had than those that were now expelled, no more than they could discern how a famine was creeping upon them; for hitherto they had fed themselves out of the public miseries, and drank the blood of the city. But now poverty had for a long time seized upon the better part, and a great many had died already for want of necessaries

Josephus – Wars Book5 -Chap. 9 – para 3 – HOW THE ROMANS TOOK THE SECOND WALL TWICE, AND GOT ALL READY FOR TAKING THE THIRD WALL;

For that the Romans are not unacquainted with that famine which is in the city, whereby the people are already consumed, and the fighting men will in a little time be so too . . . And though their fortifications should prove too strong for the Romans to break through them, yet would the famine fight for the Romans against them.

Josephus – Wars Book5 -Chap. 10 – para 2, 3, 4,& 5 – WHAT INTOLERABLE THINGS THOSE THAT STAID BEHIND SUFFERED BY FAMINE, AND THE SAD CONSEQUENCES THEREOF;

2. The madness of the seditious did also increase together with their famine, and both those miseries were every day inflamed more and more; for there was no corn which any where appeared publicly, but the robbers came running into, and searched men’s private houses; and then, if they found any, they tormented them, because they had denied they had any; and if they found none, they tormented them worse, because they supposed they had more carefully concealed it

3. It was now a miserable case, and a sight that would justly bring tears into our eyes, how men stood as to their food, while the more powerful had more than enough, and the weaker were lamenting [for want of it.] But the famine was too hard for all other passions, and it is destructive to nothing so much as to modesty; for what was otherwise worthy of reverence was in this case despised; insomuch that children pulled the very morsels that their fathers were eating out of their very mouths, and what was still more to be pitied, so did the mothers do as to their infants; and when those that were most dear were perishing under their hands, they were not ashamed to take from them the very last drops that might preserve their lives: and while they ate after this manner, yet were they not concealed in so doing; but the seditious every where came upon them immediately, and snatched away from them what they had gotten from others; for when they saw any house shut up, this was to them a signal that the people within had gotten some food; whereupon they broke open the doors, and ran in, and took pieces of what they were eating almost up out of their very throats, and this by force: the old men, who held their food fast, were beaten; and if the women hid what they had within their hands, their hair was torn for so doing; nor was there any commiseration shown either to the aged or to the infants, but they lifted up children from the ground as they hung upon the morsels they had gotten, and shook them down upon the floor. But still they were more barbarously cruel to those that had prevented their coming in, and had actually swallowed down what they were going to seize upon, as if they had been unjustly defrauded of their right. They also invented terrible methods of torments to discover where any food was, and they were these to stop up the passages of the privy parts of the miserable wretches, and to drive sharp stakes up their fundaments; and a man was forced to bear what it is terrible even to hear, in order to make him confess that he had but one loaf of bread, or that he might discover a handful of barley-meal that was concealed; and this was done when these tormentors were not themselves hungry . . .

4. These were the afflictions which the lower sort of people suffered from these tyrants’ guards; but for the men that were in dignity, and withal were rich, they were carried before the tyrants themselves; some of whom were falsely accused of laying treacherous plots, and so were destroyed; others of them were charged with designs of betraying the city to the Romans; but the readiest way of all was this, to suborn somebody to affirm that they were resolved to desert to the enemy. And he who was utterly despoiled of what he had by Simon was sent back again to John, as of those who had been already plundered by Jotre, Simon got what remained; insomuch that they drank the blood of the populace to one another, and divided the dead bodies of the poor creatures between them; so that although, on account of their ambition after dominion, they contended with each other, yet did they very well agree in their wicked practices; for he that did not communicate what he got by the miseries of others to the other tyrant seemed to be too little guilty, and in one respect only; and he that did not partake of what was so communicated to him grieved at this, as at the loss of what was a valuable thing, that he had no share in such barbarity.

5. It is therefore impossible to go distinctly over every instance of these men’s iniquity. I shall therefore speak my mind here at once briefly: – That neither did any other city ever suffer such miseries, nor did any age ever breed a generation more fruitful in wickedness than this was, from the beginning of the world. Finally, they brought the Hebrew nation into contempt, that they might themselves appear comparatively less impious with regard to strangers. They confessed what was true, that they were the slaves, the scum, and the spurious and abortive offspring of our nation, while they overthrew the city themselves, and forced the Romans, whether they would or no, to gain a melancholy reputation, by acting gloriously against them, and did almost draw that fire upon the temple, which they seemed to think came too slowly; and indeed when they saw that temple burning from the upper city, they were neither troubled at it, nor did they shed any tears on that account, while yet these passions were discovered among the Romans themselves; which circumstances we shall speak of hereafter in their proper place, when we come to treat of such matters.

 Earthquakes

Josephus – Wars book 4 -Chapter 4 – paragraph 5;

And now did the Idumeans make an acclamation to what Simon had said; but Jesus went away sorrowful, as seeing that the Idumeans were against all moderate counsels, and that the city was  besieged on both sides. Nor indeed were the minds of the Idumeans at rest; for they were in a rage at the injury that had been offered them by their exclusion out of the city; and when they thought the zealots had been strong, but saw nothing of theirs to support them, they were in doubt about the matter, and many of them repented that they had come thither. But the shame that would attend them in case they returned without doing any thing at all, so far overcame that their repentance, that they lay all night before the wall, though in a very bad encampment; for there broke out a prodigious storm in the night, with the utmost violence, and very strong winds, with the largest showers of rain, with continued lightnings, terrible thunderings, and amazing concussions and bellowings of the earth, that was in an earthquake. These things were a manifest indication that some destruction was coming upon men, when the system of the world was put into this disorder; and any one would guess that these wonders foreshowed some grand calamities that were coming.

 Matthew 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows [birthpangs].

Cross references:

I Thess. 5:1 – But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (Note: “travail” is the same greek word as “sorrows”  above)

Heb. 8:13 – In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary [The Temple] .

Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Cross references:

Heb 10: 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Cross references: 

Acts 8:9 – But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

Matt 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Cross references:

Gal 1: 6 – I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

II Tim1:15 – This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

4:16  At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

 Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 13. But he that shall endure]  The persecutions that shall come-unto the end; to the destruction of the Jewish polity, without growing cold or apostatizing-shall be saved, shall be delivered in all imminent dangers, and have his soul at last brought to an eternal glory.  It is very remarkable that not a single Christian perished in the destruction of Jerusalem, though there were many there when Cestius Gallus invested the city; and, had he persevered in the siege, he would soon have rendered himself master of it; but, when he unexpectedly and unaccountably raised the siege, the Christians took that opportunity to escape. See Eusebius, Hist. Eccles lib. iii. c. 5

Cross references:

I Thess. 5:6 – Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath [the coming destruction of Jerusalem], but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Heb 10:35 –  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise [God hath not appointed us to wrath – I Thess. 5:9] 37 For yet a little while, and he [Titus the Roman general] that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Rev 18: 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Matthew 24: 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 14.   And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world]  But, notwithstanding these persecutions, there should be a universal publication of the glad tidings of the kingdom, for a testimony to all nations.  God would have the iniquity of the Jews published every where, before the heavy stroke of his judgments should fall upon them; that all mankind, as it were, might be brought as witnesses against their cruelty and obstinacy in crucifying and rejecting the Lord Jesus.

 In all the world, en olh th oikoumenh.  Perhaps no more is meant here than the Roman empire; for it is beyond controversy that pasan thn oikoumenhn, Lu 2:1 – “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that ALL THE WORLD should be taxed,” means no more than the whole Roman empire: as a decree for taxation or enrolment from Augustus Caesar could have no influence but in the Roman dominions; but see on Lu 2:1. Tacitus informs us, Annal. l. xv., that, as early as the reign of Nero, the Christians were grown so numerous at Rome as to excite the jealousy of the government; and in other parts they were in proportion.  However, we are under no necessity to restrain the phrase to the Roman empire, as, previously to the destruction of Jerusalem, the Gospel was not only preached in the lesser Asia, and Greece, and Italy, the greatest theatres of action then in the world; but was likewise propagated as far north as SCYTHIA; as far south as ETHIOPIA; as far east as PARTHIA and INDIA; and as far west as SPAIN and BRITAIN.

St. Paul himself speaks, Col 1:6,23, of the Gospel’s being come into ALL THE WORLD, and preached TO EVERY CREATURE under heaven.  And in his Epistle to the Romans, Ro 10:18, he very elegantly applies to the lights of the Church, what the psalmist said of the lights of heaven.  Their sound went into ALL THE EARTH, and their words unto the END of the WORLD.  What but the wisdom of God could foretell this? and what but the power of God could accomplish it?

 Then shall the end come.]  When this general publication of the Gospel shall have taken place, then a period shall be put to the whole Jewish economy, by the utter destruction of their city and temple.

Cross references: “preached in all the world”

Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

Col. 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.

Cross references: “for a witness unto all nations”

Matt 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Matthew 24: 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)

 Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 15.   The abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel] This abomination of desolation, St. Luke, (Lu 21:20,21,) refers to the Roman army; and this abomination standing in the holy place is the Roman army besieging Jerusalem; this, our Lord says, is what was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, in the ninth and eleventh chapters of his prophecy; and so let every one who reads these prophecies understand them; and in reference to this very event they are understood by the rabbins.  The Roman army is called an abomination, for its ensigns and images, which were so to the Jews.  Josephus says, (War, b. vi. chap. 6,) the *Romans brought their ensigns into the temple, and placed them over against the eastern gate, and sacrificed to them there.  The Roman army is therefore fitly called the abomination, and the abomination which maketh desolate, as it was to desolate and lay waste Jerusalem; and this army besieging Jerusalem is called by St. Mark, Mr 13:14, standing where it ought not, that is, as in the text here, the holy place; as not only the city, but a considerable compass of ground about it, was deemed holy, and consequently no profane persons should stand on it.

*Havercamp’s note here: “This (says he) is a remarkable place; and Tertullian truly says in his Apologetic, ch. 16. p. 162, that the entire religion of the Roman camp almost consisted in worshipping the ensigns, in swearing by the ensigns, and in preferring the ensigns before all the [other] gods.”

Josephus – Wars Book 5 -Chap.1  – para. 1 – THE SEDITIONS AT JERUSALEM AND WHAT TERRIBLE MISERIES AFFLICTED THE CITY BY THEIR MEANS;

Now as to the attack the zealots made upon the people, and which I esteem the beginning of the city’s destruction, it hath been already explained after an accurate manner; as also whence it arose, and to how great a mischief it was increased. But for the present sedition, one should not mistake if he called it a sedition begotten by another sedition, and to be like a wild beast grown mad, which, for want of food from abroad, fell now upon eating its own flesh.

para. 3 – . . . slew moreover many of the priests, as they were about their sacred ministrations. For notwithstanding these men were mad with all sorts of impiety, yet did they still admit those that desired to offer their sacrifices, although they took care to search the people of their own country beforehand, and both suspected and watched them; while they were not so much afraid of strangers, who, although they had gotten leave of them, how cruel soever they were, to come into that court, were yet often destroyed by this sedition; for those darts that were thrown by the engines came with that force, that they went over all the buildings, and reached as far as the altar, and the temple itself, and fell upon the priests, and those that were about the sacred offices; insomuch that many persons who came thither with great zeal from the ends of the earth, to offer sacrifices at this celebrated place, which was esteemed holy by all mankind, fell down before their own sacrifices themselves, and sprinkled that altar which was venerable among all men, both Greeks and Barbarians, with their own blood; till the dead bodies of strangers were mingled together with those of their own country, and those of profane persons with those of the priests, and the blood of all sorts of dead carcasses stood in lakes in the holy courts themselves. And now, “O must wretched city, what misery so great as this didst thou suffer from the Romans, when they came to purify thee from thy intestine hatred! ‘For thou couldst be no longer a place fit for God, nor couldst thou long continue in being, after thou hadst been a sepulcher for the bodies of thy own people, and hadst made the holy house itself a burying-place in this civil war of thine. Yet mayst thou again grow better, if perchance thou wilt hereafter appease the anger of that God who is the author of thy destruction.” But I must restrain myself from these passions by the rules of history, since this is not a proper time for domestical lamentations, but for historical narrations; I therefore return to the operations that follow in this sedition.

Cross references:

Luke 13:1 –  There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

 Josephus – Wars Book 5 -Chap.1  – para. 5

They agreed in nothing but this, to kill those that were innocent. The noise also of those that were fighting was incessant, both by day and by night; but the lamentations of those that mourned exceeded the other; nor was there ever any occasion for them to leave off their lamentations, because their calamities came perpetually one upon another, although the deep consternation they were in prevented their outward wailing; but being constrained by their fear to conceal their inward passions, they were inwardly tormented, without daring to open their lips in groans. Nor was any regard paid to those that were still alive, by their relations; nor was there any care taken of burial for those that were dead; the occasion of both which was this, that every one despaired of himself; for those that were not among the seditious had no great desires of any thing, as expecting for certain that they should very soon be destroyed; but for the seditious themselves, they fought against each other, while they trod upon the dead bodies as they lay heaped one upon another, and taking up a mad rage from those dead bodies that were under their feet, became the fiercer thereupon. They, moreover, were still inventing somewhat or other that was pernicious against themselves; and when they had resolved upon any thing, they executed it without mercy, and omitted no method of torment or of barbarity.

Josephus – Wars Book 6 -Chap.2  – para. 1 – HOW TITUS . . . PERSUADED JOSEPHUS TO EXHORT THE JEWS AGAIN [TO A SURRENDER].

And WHO IS THERE THAT DOES NOT KNOW what the writings of the ancient prophets contain in them, – and particularly that oracle which is just now going to be fulfilled upon this miserable city? For they foretold that this city should be then taken when somebody shall begin the slaughter of his own countrymen. And are not both the city and the entire temple now full of the dead bodies of your countrymen? It is God, therefore, it is God himself who is bringing on this fire, to purge that city and temple by means of the Romans,  and is going to pluck up this city, which is full of your pollutions.”

 Matthew 24: 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

 Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 16.   Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains]  This counsel was remembered and wisely followed by the Christians afterwards.  Eusebius and Epiphanius say, that at this juncture, after Cestius Gallus had raised the siege, and Vespasian was approaching with his army, all who believed in Christ left Jerusalem and fled to Pella, and other places beyond the river Jordan; and so they all marvellously escaped the general shipwreck of their country: not one of them perished.

  Matthew 24: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 17.   Let him which is on the house top]  The houses of the Jews, as well as those of the ancient Greeks and Romans, were flat-roofed, and had stairs on the outside, by which persons might ascend and descend without coming into the house.  In the eastern walled cities, these flat-roofed houses usually formed continued terraces from one end of the city to the other; which terraces terminated at the gates.  He, therefore, who is walking on the house top, let him not come down to take any thing out of his house; but let him instantly pursue his course along the tops of the houses, and escape out at the city gate as fast as he can.

Matthew 24: 18  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 18.   Neither let him which is in the field return back] Because when once the army of the Romans sits down before the city, there shall be no more any possibility of escape, as they shall never remove till Jerusalem be destroyed.

Matthew 24: 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

 Cross references:

Deut. 28:53 And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:

Deut. 28:55 So that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat: because he hath nothing left him in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee in all thy gates.

Deut. 28:57 And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.

 Josephus – Wars Book 6 -Chap.3  – para. 3,4,& 5 – . . . ANOTHER DESCRIPTION OF THE TERRIBLE FAMINE THAT WAS IN THE CITY;

3. Now of those that perished by famine in the city, the number was prodigious, and the miseries they underwent were unspeakable; for if so much as the shadow of any kind of food did any where appear, a war was commenced presently, and the dearest friends fell a fighting one with another about it, snatching from each other the most miserable supports of life. Nor would men believe that those who were dying had no food, but the robbers would search them when they were expiring, lest any one should have concealed food in their bosoms, and counterfeited dying; nay, these robbers gaped for want, and ran about stumbling and staggering along like mad dogs, and reeling against the doors of the houses like drunken men; they would also, in the great distress they were in, rush into the very same houses two or three times in one and the same day. Moreover, their hunger was so intolerable, that it obliged them to chew every thing, while they gathered such things as the most sordid animals would not touch, and endured to eat them; nor did they at length abstain from girdles and shoes; and the very leather which belonged to their shields they pulled off and gnawed: the very wisps of old hay became food to some; and some gathered up fibres, and sold a very small weight of them for four Attic [drachmae]. But why do I describe the shameless impudence that the famine brought on men in their eating inanimate things, while I am going to relate A MATTER OF FACT, the like to which no history relates, either among the Greeks or Barbarians . . .

4. There was a certain woman that dwelt beyond Jordan, her name was Mary; her father was Eleazar, of the village Bethezob, which signifies the house of Hyssop. She was eminent for her family and her wealth, and had fled away to Jerusalem with the rest of the multitude, and was with them besieged therein at this time. The other effects of this woman had been already seized upon, such I mean as she had brought with her out of Perea, and removed to the city. What she had treasured up besides, as also what food she had contrived to save, had been also carried off by the rapacious guards, who came every day running into her house for that purpose. This put the poor woman into a very great passion, and by the frequent reproaches and imprecations she east at these rapacious villains, she had provoked them to anger against her; but none of them, either out of the indignation she had raised against herself, or out of commiseration of her case, would take away her life; and if she found any food, she perceived her labors were for others, and not for herself; and it was now become impossible for her any way to find any more food, while the famine pierced through her very bowels and marrow, when also her passion was fired to a degree beyond the famine itself; nor did she consult with any thing but with her passion and the necessity she was in. She then attempted a most unnatural thing; and snatching up her son, who was a child SUCKING AT HER BREAST, she said, “O thou miserable infant! for whom shall I preserve thee in this war, this famine, and this sedition? As to the war with the Romans, if they preserve our lives, we must be slaves. This famine also will destroy us, even before that slavery comes upon us. Yet are these seditious rogues more terrible than both the other.Come on; be thou my food, and be thou a fury to these seditious varlets, and a by-word to the world, which is all that is now wanting to complete the calamities of us Jews.” As soon as she had said this, she slew her son, and then roasted him, and eat the one half of him, and kept the other half by her concealed. Upon this the seditious came in presently, and smelling the horrid scent of this food, they threatened her that they would cut her throat immediately if she did not show them what food she had gotten ready. She replied that she had saved a very fine portion of it for them, and withal uncovered what was left of her son. Hereupon they were seized with a horror and amazement of mind, and stood astonished at the sight, when she said to them, “This is mine own son, and what hath been done was mine own doing! Come, eat of this food; for I have eaten of it myself! Do not you pretend to be either more tender than a woman, or more compassionate than a mother; but if you be so scrupulous, and do abominate this my sacrifice, as I have eaten the one half, let the rest be reserved for me also.” After which those men went out trembling, being never so much aftrighted at any thing as they were at this, and with some difficulty they left the rest of that meat to the mother. Upon which the whole city was full of this horrid action immediately; and while every body laid this miserable case before their own eyes, they trembled, as if this unheard of action had been done by themselves. So those that were thus distressed by the famine were very desirous to die, and those already dead were esteemed happy, because they had not lived long enough either to hear or to see such miseries.

5. This sad instance was quickly told to the Romans, some of whom could not believe it, and others pitied the distress which the Jews were under; but there were many of them who were hereby induced to a more bitter hatred than ordinary against our nation. But for Caesar, he excused himself before God as to this matter, and said that he had proposed peace and liberty to the Jews, as well as an oblivion of all their former insolent practices; but that they, instead of concord, had chosen sedition; instead of peace, war; and before satiety and abundance, a famine. That they had begun with their own hands to burn down that temple which we have preserved hitherto; and that therefore they deserved to eat such food as this was. That, however, this horrid action of eating an own child ought to be covered with the overthrow of their very country itself, and men ought not to leave such a city upon the habitable earth to be seen by the sun, wherein mothers are thus fed, although such food be fitter for the fathers than for the mothers to eat of, since it is they that continue still in a state of war against us, after they have undergone such miseries as these. And at the same time that he said this, he reflected on the desperate condition these men must be in; nor could he expect that such men could be recovered to sobriety of mind, after they had endured those very sufferings, for the avoiding whereof it only was probable they might have repented.

Matthew 24: 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

 Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 20.   But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter] For the hardness of the season, the badness of the roads, the shortness of the days, and the length of the nights, will all be great impediments to your flight.  Rabbi Tanchum observes, “that the favour of God was particularly manifested in the destruction of the first temple, in not obliging the Jews to go out in the winter, but in the summer.”

Neither on the Sabbath-day]  That you may not raise the indignation of the Jews by travelling on that day, and so suffer that death out of the city which you had endeavoured to escape from within.  Besides, on the Sabbath-days the Jews not only kept within doors, but the gates of all the cities and towns in every place were kept shut and barred; so that their flight should be on a Sabbath, they could not expect admission into any place of security in the land.

Cross references:

Neh. 13:18 –  Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. 19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. 20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. 21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sakethose days shall be shortened.

Josephus – Wars Book5 -Chap. 10 – para 5 – WHAT INTOLERABLE THINGS THOSE THAT STAYED BEHIND SUFFERED. . .

5. It is therefore impossible to go distinctly over every instance of these men’s iniquity. I shall therefore speak my mind here at once briefly: – That neither did any other city ever suffer such miseries, nor did any age ever breed a generation more fruitful in wickedness than this was, from the beginning of the world.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 21.   For then shall be great tribulation]  No history can furnish us with a parallel to the calamities and miseries of the Jews:-rapine, murder, famine, and pestilence within: fire and sword, and all the horrors of war, without.  Our Lord wept at the foresight of these calamities; and it is almost impossible for any humane person to read the relation of them in Josephus without weeping also.

William E Males: The famine, the seditions and the potential spread of the disease would have soon killed the Jews altogether, and this apart from the and war with Rome.  A quote from Titus, the Roman general, “We have certainly had God for our assistant in this war, and it was no other than God who ejected the Jews out of these fortifications; for what could the hands of men or any machines do towards overthrowing these towers?”

Matthew 24: 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.  24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  25 Behold, I have told you before.  26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

Josephus WAR- Book 2 – Chap. 13;

But there was an Egyptian false prophet that did the Jews more mischief than the former; for he was a cheat, and pretended to be a prophet also, and got together thirty thousand men that were deluded by him; these he led round about from the wilderness to the mount which was called the Mount of Olives, and was ready to break into Jerusalem by force from that place; and if he could but once conquer the Roman garrison and the people, he intended to domineer over them by the assistance of those guards of his that were to break into the city with him. But Felix prevented his attempt, and met him with his Roman soldiers, while all the people assisted him in his attack upon them, insomuch that when it came to a battle, the Egyptian ran away, with a few others, while the greatest part of those that were with him were either destroyed or taken alive; but the rest of the multitude were dispersed every one to their own homes, and there concealed themselves.

Cross references:

Acts21:38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

Josephus WAR Book 6- Chap 5 – para 2;

And now the Romans, judging that it was in vain to spare what was round about the holy house, burnt all those places, as also the remains of the cloisters and the gates, two excepted; the one on the east side, and the other on the south; both which, however, they burnt afterward. They also burnt down the treasury chambers, in which was an immense quantity of money, and an immense number of garments, and other precious goods there reposited; and, to speak all in a few words, there it was that the entire riches of the Jews were heaped up together, while the rich people had there built themselves chambers [to contain such furniture]. The soldiers also came to the rest of the cloisters that were in the outer [court of the] temple, whither the women and children, and a great mixed multitude of the people, fled, in number about six thousand. But before Caesar had determined any thing about these people, or given the commanders any orders relating to them, the soldiers were in such a rage, that they set that cloister on fire; by which means it came to pass that some of these were destroyed by throwing themselves down headlong, and some were burnt in the cloisters themselves. Nor did any one of them escape with his life. A false prophet was the occasion of these people’s destruction, who had made a public proclamation in the city that very day, that God commanded them to get upon the temple, and that there they should receive miraculous signs of their deliverance. Now there was then a great number of false prophets suborned by the tyrants to impose on the people, who denounced this to them, that they should wait for deliverance from God; and this was in order to keep them from deserting, and that they might be buoyed up above fear and care by such hopes. Now a man that is in adversity does easily comply with such promises; for when such a seducer makes him believe that he shall be delivered from those miseries which oppress him, then it is that the patient is full of hopes of such his deliverance.

Matthew 24: 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall  also the coming of the Son of man be.  28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

 Cross reference:

Deut. 28:49 The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Josephus – Wars Book 6 -Chap.2  – para. 1 – HOW TITUS MARCHED TO JERUSALEM, AND HOW HE WAS IN DANGER AS HE WAS TAKING A VIEW O THE CITY OF THE PLACE ALSO WHERE HE PITCHED HIS CAMP

NOW, as Titus was upon his march into the enemy’s country, the auxiliaries that were sent by the kings marched first, having all the other auxiliaries with them; after whom followed those that were to prepare the roads and measure out the camp; then came the commander’s baggage, and after that the other soldiers, who were completely armed to support them; then came Titus himself, having with him another select body; and then came the pikemen; after whom came the horse belonging to that legion. All these came before the engines; and after these engines came the tribunes and the leaders of the cohorts, with their select bodies; after these came the ensigns, with THE EAGLE; and before those ensigns came the trumpeters belonging to them; next these came the main body of the army in their ranks, every rank being six deep; the servants belonging to every legion came after these; and before these last their baggage; the mercenaries came last, and those that guarded them brought up the rear.

 Matthew 24: 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:  30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

 Josephus WARS Book 6 Chap. 6 – para 2&3;

Now there was then a great number of false prophets suborned by the tyrants to impose on the people, who denounced this to them, that they should wait for deliverance from God; and this was in order to keep them from deserting, and that they might be buoyed up above fear and care by such hopes. Now a man that is in adversity does easily comply with such promises; for when such a seducer makes him believe that he shall be delivered from those miseries which oppress him, then it is that the patient is full of hopes of such his deliverance.

3. Thus were the miserable people persuaded by these deceivers, and such as belied God himself; while they did not attend nor give credit to the signs that were so evident, and did so plainly foretell their future desolation, but, like men infatuated, without either eyes to see or minds to consider, did not regard the denunciations that God made to them.Thus there was a star  resembling a sword, which stood over the city, and a comet, that continued a whole year. Thus also before the Jews’ rebellion, and before those commotions which preceded the war, when the people were come in great crowds to the feast of unleavened bread, on the eighth day of the month Xanthicus, [Nisan,] and at the ninth hour of the night, so great a light shone round the altar and the holy house, that it appeared to be bright day time; which lasted for half an hour. This light seemed to be a good sign to the unskillful, but was so interpreted by the sacred scribes, as to portend those events that followed immediately upon it. At the same festival also, a heifer, as she was led by the high priest to be sacrificed, brought forth a lamb in the midst of the temple. Moreover, the eastern gate of the inner  [court of the] temple, which was of brass, and vastly heavy, and had been with difficulty shut by twenty men, and rested upon a basis armed with iron, and had bolts fastened very deep into the firm floor, which was there made of one entire stone, was seen to be opened of its own accord about the sixth hour of the night. Now those that kept watch in the temple came hereupon running to the captain of the temple, and told him of it; who then came up thither, and not without great difficulty was able to shut the gate again. This also appeared to the vulgar to be a very happy prodigy, as if God did thereby open them the gate of happiness. But the men of learning understood it, that the security of their holy house was dissolved of its own accord, and that the gate was opened for the advantage of their enemies. So these publicly declared that the signal foreshowed the desolation that was coming upon them. Besides these, a few days after that feast, on the one and twentieth day of the month Artemisius, [Jyar,] a certain prodigious and incredible phenomenon appeared: I suppose the account of it would seem to be a fable, were it not related by those that saw it, and were not the events that followed it of so considerable a nature as to deserve such signals; for, before sun-setting, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armor were seen running about among the clouds, and surrounding of cities. Moreover, at that feast which we call Pentecost, as the priests were going by night into the inner [court of the temple,] as their custom was, to perform their sacred ministrations, they said that, in the first place, they felt a quaking, and heard a great noise, and after that they heard a sound as of a great multitude, saying, “Let us remove hence.”

 Matthew 24:31 And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

 Josephus WARS Book 6 – Chap 5 – para 3

Jesus, the son of Ananus, a plebeian and a husbandman, who, four years before the war began, and at a time when the city was in very great peace and prosperity, [I Thess. 5:13 – For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.]came to that feast whereon it is our custom for every one to make tabernacles to God in the temple, began on a sudden to cry aloud, “A voice from the east, a voice from the west, A VOICE FROM THE FOUR WINDS, a voice against Jerusalem and the holy house, a voice against the bridegrooms and the brides, and a voice against this whole people!” This was his cry, as he went about by day and by night, in all the lanes of the city. However, certain of the most eminent among the populace had great indignation at this dire cry of his, and took up the man, and gave him a great number of severe stripes; yet did not he either say any thing for himself, or any thing peculiar to those that chastised him, but still went on with the same words which he cried before. Hereupon our rulers, supposing, as the case proved to be, that this was a sort of divine fury in the man, brought him to the Roman procurator, where he was whipped till his bones were laid bare; yet he did not make any supplication for himself, nor shed any tears, but turning his voice to the most lamentable tone possible, at every stroke of the whip his answer was, “Woe, woe to Jerusalem!” And when Albinus (for he was then our procurator) asked him, Who he was? and whence he came? and why he uttered such words? he made no manner of reply to what he said, but still did not leave off his melancholy ditty, till Albinus took him to be a madman, and dismissed him. Now, during all the time that passed before the war began, this man did not go near any of the citizens, nor was seen by them while he said so; but he every day uttered these lamentable words, as if it were his premeditated vow, “Woe, woe to Jerusalem!” Nor did he give ill words to any of those that beat him every day, nor good words to those that gave him food; but this was his reply to all men, and indeed no other than a melancholy presage of what was to come. This cry of his was the loudest at the festivals; and he continued this ditty for seven years and five months, without growing hoarse, or being tired therewith, until the very time that he saw his presage in earnest fulfilled in our siege, when it ceased; for as he was going round upon the wall, he cried out with his utmost force, “Woe, woe to the city again, and to the people, and to the holy house!” And just as he added at the last, “Woe, woe to myself also!” there came a stone out of one of the engines, and smote him, and killed him immediately; and as he was uttering the very same presages he gave up the ghost.

Matthew 24:32  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:  33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.  34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.  35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

 William E Males:  Rome came, judgement came, like a flood.

Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Cross references

Luke 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

Job 39:27 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? 28 She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.  29 From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off.  30 Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.

Mt 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

Verse 37.  Where, Lord?] In what place shall all these dreadful evils fall? The answer our Lord gives in a figure, the application of which they are to make themselves. Where the dead carcass is, there will be the birds of prey-where the sin is, there will the punishment be. See ACC for Mt 24:28. Thither will the eagles (or vultures) be gathered together. The jackal or chakal is a devourer of dead bodies; and the vulture is not less so: it is very remarkable how suddenly these birds appear after the death of an animal in the open field, though a single one may not have been seen on the spot for a long period before.

 Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.  44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.  45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.  48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;  49 And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;  50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,  51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

America Series Part 3 – Come out of her My people . . .

Posted: May 26, 2011 in End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
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NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which includes more information and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

Revelation 13:1 And I stood on the sand of the sea, and I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns. And on its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads was the name of blasphemy.

Revelation 17:1-2,5,15 And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials came and talked with me, saying to me, Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot sitting on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and became drunk with the wine of her fornication, those inhabiting the earth. …And on her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots, and of The Abominations Of The Earth. …And he said unto me, The waters which you saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

When considering the United States of America, (unless they live in Alaska or Hawaii), most Americans readily think of the contiguous 48 adjoining states on the continent of North America, south of Canada and north of Mexico. So when asked what waters does America “sit on,” the first answer is usually the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and Gulf of Mexico.  Considering the Greek word that was translated “many” in verse two above for “many waters” has been translated in the New Testament 52 times as “great” and “much” 73 times, that would allow these three bodies of waters combined to qualify biblically as both “great” and “much” water; especially since just the Atlantic  and the Pacific make up approximately 76 percent of the world’s oceans and together cover over 45 percent of combined surface area of the planet: oceans, water and land.

However, when we remember Alaska, we must also add the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea, the Chukchi Sea and the Beaufort Sea which rapidly increases the percentage. However, when we consider the foothold presence of American military has all over the world, we must agree that it sits on “many waters.”  With military often deployed in 130-150 countries and over 160,000 active-duty personnel serving outside the United States and its territories and an additional 110,000 deployed in various contingency operations, without question American troops are spread across the globe and is sitting on many waters. These statistics vary slightly year to year, but according to a Department of Defense report for 2008, no other nation in the world has such widespread global military presence.

According to The Center for Research and Globalization, an independent research organization, “The United States Military is currently deployed to more locations than it has been throughout history.” We must also recognize that not only does the U.S. have military presence all over the world; it also maintains diplomatic relations with almost every country as well. According to a June 29, 2009 report from the State Department, there are 192 countries in the world and except for Bhutan, Cuba, Iran and North Korea; the United States has diplomatic relations with them all.

Military Bases 3BW

American Presidential foreign policies since the end of World War II and the restoration of Israel has impacted the rest of the world possibly more than any other nation in history, saving Israel itself. For again, we must not lose sight of the direct correlation between the seven-headed beast and Israel, both which “was, is not, and yet is.”

Many may want to protest out of patriotism and love for country that the impact has not all been bad, and demand acknowledgement of all the good America has done throughout the world. We’ve led in missionary work, administered foreign aid, and often defended weaker nations against the tyrannical intrusion of more powerful neighboring countries.

However, let’s consider each of these points. First, it is the Church of Jesus Christ that has sent the missionaries into the entire world, not America. Certainly, many of them were American based churches, but not all. And the principle remains true, that “to whom much is given, much is required.” Therefore since per capita American Christians are more prosperous than those in other countries, it is only right that they would be giving more to promote the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. However, it would be wrong to attribute the obedient works of the Church to the policies of state; they are distinctly separate and should always remain definably so.

This brings us to the second point, that America has administered foreign aid, not only in times of crisis, but in some situations on consistent bases with some impoverished countries. Certainly, not only can charity flow through the powers of government, it very well should. However, there is too often a huge contrast between the so-called charitable practices of governments and true biblical charity.

Biblical charity is synonymous with love. This means the motive behind the giving aid to others is a selfless concern with no expectation of something in return, for charity “does not behave indecently, does not seek her own.” That isn’t to imply there shouldn’t be a measure of gratitude from the recipients, however, when so much has been given conditionally to those in dire conditions, gratitude is often swallowed up by the recipient’s awareness that they’re plight is actually being exploited to manipulate them into submission.  This can be seen in the expectancy of compliance of third world countries to align their own policies and/or to make strategic space available for the use and purpose of the greater.

The third point of defending weaker nations against the tyrannical intrusion of more powerful neighboring countries; this as well is often done out of self-serving motives. Se, the true test that many are too uncomfortable to admit is that true charity, the righteously motivated love and commitment for others, remains constant and unchangeable.

1st Corinthians 13:4 Charity has patience, is kind; charity is not envious, is not vain, is not puffed up;  5 does not behave indecently, does not seek her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil. 6 Charity does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth, 7 quietly covers all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. 8 Charity never fails.

That alone brings indictments against America for much of her foreign policies concerning our providing aid and defense for other countries, and especially towards Israel of late. For these reasons we need to acknowledge that the strategy of the adversary is first to mimic ways of God, though making promises he never intends to keep.

2nd Corinthians 11:14 Did not even Satan marvelously transform himself into an angel of light?  15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.

For these reasons, and more discussed in “Before the Conclusion of the Seventy Weeks,” prior to the fulfillment of Daniel’s vision concerning, “Thy people and the holy city,” it is revealed that the Eighth Beast, together with “the great harlot sitting on many waters,” is going to fall.

Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

After one of the angels who had the seven vials explained to John the mystery of “the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many water,” he sees another angel descend from heaven, but this one comes  with such great power and authority that the earth will be lightened with his glory. Now, whether this lighting of the earth is literal by the angel, or prophetic of something else correlated with the timing of his descent, we could only speculate. However, what we can be sure of is that the fall of Babylon the great into its perdition has begun at this time.

The motivation of God’s judgment against America is multi-faceted, but primarily it can be seen that because of the sins of America, this country “has become the habitation of devils.” The angel continues to declare that a deluge demonic power would ascend upon America as “unclean and hateful” birds in a “cage.” The use of the word “cage” might cause some conclude this implies their imprisonment, as the Greek word <phulake> translated here as “cage” in other scriptures has been translated “prison” or “prisons.” However, the same word has been translated “watch,” in the sense of keeping guard over that which has been committed to one’s care and oversight.

Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch <phulake> over their flock by night.

Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.  38 And if he shall come in the second watch <phulake>, or come in the third watch <phulake>, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Therefore a careful examination of the text conveys the idea of an assigned or conquered territory whereby devils and unclean spirits are given power to ensnare the inhabitants of the land through their corrupt and seductive deceptions. Thus their presence and workings are witnessed by their descriptions as unclean and hateful birds, creatures of opportunity seeking easy prey where they might consume every seed of truth not buried deep in the heart of the hearer. For these reasons this verse has been by some translations that Babylon is not a “cage” or “prison,” but rather a stronghold for devils.

“It has become a dwelling place of demons, a haunt of every foul spirit, a haunt of every foul and hateful bird” Revised Standard Version.

“. . . is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird.” American Standard Version.

“. . .  she has come to destruction and has become a place of evil spirits, and of every unclean spirit, and a hole for every unclean and hated bird.” Bible in Basic English.

“. . .  has become the habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hated bird.” Darby Translation.

“. . .  she became a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird.” Young’s Literal Translation.

“Now she is a dwelling-place of demons, A stronghold of every foul spirit, A stronghold of every foul and hateful bird.” Montgomery’s New Testament.

“She has become an abode of demons, a stronghold of every wicked spirit, a stronghold of every foul and hateful bird.” Twentieth Century New Testament.

“. . . has become a home for demons and a stronghold for every kind of foul spirit and for every kind of foul and hateful bird.” Weymouth’s New Testament.

The proclamation of the angel is simple, spiritual Babylon has fallen and been conquered and has therefore become the dwelling place and stronghold of fallen angels and demons. Prayer has been removed from public schools, students and teachers are being forbidden to publicly express their faith, reed their Bibles, or display Christian symbols, as the Ten Commandments are being outlawed and forbidden to be displayed in government buildings. Hidden from the eyes of the public flow rivers of innocent blood in sewers under cities all across the nation from the sacrifice of the unborn being slaughtered in abortion mills across the land, their carcasses sold or discarded in dumpsters. At the same time an ever-increasing number of disabled citizens, veterans, and aging parents are being banished into nursing homes under the guise of giving them “proper care,” robbing them of the love and honor God specifically commanded. So really, what could God do to intervene for such a nation when leaders in both the churches and government compromised and surrender everything to powers of darkness just as surely as did Adam? . . . and yet people love and fight for it to be so.

One hardly needs to labor to establish evidence to the increasing profane and malicious elements of the diverse cultures which brazenly contend openly with pride and arrogance against morality in America. Having now reached sixty years of age, I can remember stories from my youth about homosexuality existing, lurking out there yet for the most part still barely seen in society. Its existence and practices brought a sense of revulsion to contemplate that the evident natural order of a society’s continuance which depended upon a healthy family environment could be so polluted with such vile inordinate affections. The thought of one’s father having no affection for your mother, or even for other women, but rather lusting after another man was inconceivable.

I remember as a child hearing of the most profane indulgences of immorality and homosexuality, that a man would utilize what was of divine design for procreation (to which all nature bears witness was for the planting of life-bearing seed into a womb) and seek to be enjoined to another male through that orifice which bodily waste is discharged – such a thought was so revolting I was near certain it was only a myth cruelly designed to scare children.  Yet now today the American armed forces are actively training its leaders on what to tolerate or discipline regarding public displays of affection by openly homosexual recruits as well as the Navy now allowing chaplains to perform same sex marriages in military chapels.

It really isn’t necessary to labor through the “hateful bird” aspect of verse 2, for this is a country that has truly perfected its ability to hate in so many ways, that there has even been legislation for “hate crimes.” Surely many of the readers will have similar stories to tell like my own, where having grown up in Miami we experienced race riots in school between “the whites and the blacks.” My early years were overly exposed to a spirit of hatred that was not necessarily learned at home.  Add to that the influx of Cubans and Haitians in to Miami taking over local communities, and there was a prevailing amount of resentment and hatred on all sides. So much so, many lifelong residents left south Florida half-jokingly saying, “Will the last American-to leave please bring the flag.” When my time in the Air Force required my Cuban-wife and I to move to Idaho, we were both taken back by the extreme prejudice and hatred towards the local Indian populace. It just seems that it did not matter where you go, people apparently need to hate someone.

Having witnessed so much hatred I would normally be inclined to embrace the “hate crime” concept. However, it seems that the enforcement of it is prejudicially favorable to certain groups and is not equitably enforced for all. It would almost seem as if both the law and its enforcement were actually designed as a weapon of retaliation to be utilized by those who have risen to power to force their own immoral itinerary upon the rest of society.

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 waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

This verse is one of the primary reasons why I reject the theory that Eight Beast is the Roman Catholic Church. Where have all the “merchants of the earth waxed rich through the abundance of her [i.e. The Vatican or Catholicism’s] delicacies?” Seriously, the Catholic Church has not made anyone rich except those who have sold access to indulgences because of its own materialism and gluttonous spirit. But all the nations of the world with all their merchants have become extremely wealthy by their catering to the great consumer nation of the world, America where there is an unquenchable craving for materialism, fashion, entertainment and pleasures.

The mentality of entitlement has saturated all age groups and cultural backgrounds nowadays so much that the good old-time work ethic is virtually extinct. That doesn’t mean that nobody is willing to work, but rather that too many are working much harder at not working, seeking how to get as much as possible in exchange for minimal effort. The idea of true “fair trade,” meaning rendering a fair hard day’s work for a fair day’s wage has practically disappeared. America has become the habitation of embezzlers and purloiners; people who feel they deserved to be paid simply because they have to wake up and go to work and cannot just go and do the things they would rather do . . . and now here we are trillions and trillions of dollars in debt, and still spending with no end in sight.

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

The Bible teaches us that as Christians we are called to be separate from the world and to withdraw from the vain, dead “camp” of religiosity. If we are truly seeking to worship God in spirit and truth while perfecting holiness in the fear of God, then we must be distinct. However, I believe this call to “come out from among her” will soon become as necessary to literally obey geographically as it is to apply it to our lives daily spiritually. Yes, one day we might need to literally separate from this country’s social, economic, and religious systems if we are to successfully press into the Kingdom of our God and seek first His righteousness, for this is a warning to “come out” to escape those judgments ready to befall the Eight Beast as it falls headlong into perdition.  To me this call is equivalent to these following passages admonishing believers of old-

Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance; He will render unto her a recompense.

Jeremiah 51:45 My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.

I know some believe this to be the rapture call, Christ’s coming and stealing away His bride, but I am persuaded it is a call of obedience intended to prove the hearts of the wheat living among the apostate tares. It is an admonishment to “come out from among them” as a final witness against them, that they have gone too far and now their judgment is imminently hanging in the balances, as they are found to be wanting. Prayerfully consider the words of Jesus when He sent forth the seventy giving them power to be witnesses of the Kingdom of God having come unto man.

Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,  11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.  15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.  16 He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me.

Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

This I am persuaded will be one of the last and greatest godly witness to unbelievers in the America, that the body of Christ is hereby being called to perform the same faith as father Abraham, to leave their natural country trusting God who has prepared for them a City with no end. Please hear me when I say this, there is no survivalist mentality in this coming out, no seeking to save our own lives, no trusting in the wisdom of man, or the strength of the flesh or confidence in silver and gold; just simple obedience for the glory of His Name alone. This call is to be a testimony and witness against them, similar to the faith of Noah in his days, of whom scriptures says he condemned the world to its destruction by his own obedience, or that of just Lot who left all his possessions obediently fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah.

I have met many who are sincerely preparing for the hard times they know are coming to America, but with most it is in the wisdom of their flesh. Many are hording up silver and gold trusting in its earthly worth, stockpiling food, buying guns and ammo and are ready to fight in order to survive and to keep what is theirs. What does any man have that is truly his? Or when did God ever deliver His people through filthy mammon or the arm of the flesh? HOWEVER, please do not take that as a blanketing statement against wise preparation done in obedience to the Spirits leading, rather as a warning to be careful of where your confidence is and to scrutinize the motives of your heart, for regardless of peace or war, whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised.

Zephaniah 1:14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hastes greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,  16 A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.  17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy: for He shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Even now judgment is sweeping our land, but for all this they will not hear and will not see.

Revelation 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.  7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.  8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

America has sinned and for decades God has been faithful to reward her greatly according to her works that she might repent. There are many, many examples that can be given, as God correlates many of His judgments with the actions of our nation against His holy land, often times within a twenty-four hour period-or less. Ever since President Bush Sr. introduced to the world the “New World Order” with his plans to bring peace by dividing the heritage of Abraham with God’s enemies. Time and space prohibits cataloging every detail, though I hope to be permitted to submit a list I prepared for a men’s prayer breakfast mostly from William Koenig’s excellent book Eye to Eye.  The following are truly only a minute drop in the bucket.

  • On October 18, 1991- the administration of Senior President Bush sends letter of invitation to each participant of the Middle East Peace Conference in Madrid, Spain to introduce the “Land for Peace” concept. Consequently, on October 20, 1991 the Oakland Hills Firestorm, the East Bay Hills Fire, and the Tunnel Fire erupt and ultimately killed 25 people and injured 150 others. At least 1,520 acres were destroyed including 3,354 single-family dwellings and 437 apartment/condominium units resulting in an economic loss estimated at $1.5 billion.
  • On October 30 – November 2, 1991- the Madrid Middle East Peace Conference transpires while the Perfect Storm, also known as the No-Name Storm develops and moves up along the east coast and into President Bush’s home in Kennebunkport Maine where the windows are blown out as 30 foot waves hurl 100 pound stones into his living room – Total damage estimated to be $208 million with 12 deaths. Worst storm in 100 years,
  • Between February 18-25, 1993- having already has been to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon, U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher of the Clinton administration visits Israel in an attempt to reopen the Arab-Israeli negotiations. Consequently, on February 26, 1993 the World Trade Center bombing occurs with $750 million in damage.
  • On March 2, 1992- having been granted an audience with President Clinton, PLO Chairman Arafat arrived in Washing D.C. for requested meeting to protest Israel building housing units in East Jerusalem. Consequently, on March 1-2, 1997 severe weather conditions developed causing Mississippi and Ohio flooding and tornadoes. President Clinton’s home state of Arkansas was devastated by tornadoes with a total of 67 dead ( 26 in Arkansas) and an estimated $1 billion damages. On March 4 the New York Times headline read “In storm’s wake, grief and shock” and was adjacent to photo of President Clinton and Chairman Arafat with caption reading “President Clinton rebukes Israel.”
  • On September 24, 1998- President Clinton announced meeting with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu and PLO Chairman Arafat. The purpose of the meeting was to pressure Israel to give up 13% of land. Consequently, on September 24-28, Hurricane George develops in Gulf of Mexico on the 24th and makes landfall in three days later with 110 mph winds, heavy rains and extensive flooding resulting in an estimated $5.9 billion damages.  Hurricane George dissipated when Arafat left the U.S.
  • Next year September 13, 1999- is the first meeting between Israel Foreign Minister and PLO official to work out Palestinian State borders. Between September 7-17 Hurricane Floyd grows into a monstrous storm on Sept. 13th causing the greatest evacuation in U.S. history. Total estimated $6 billion in damages.
  • March 31, 2001- President George W. Bush Jr. welcomes both Egyptian President Mubarak and Jordanian King Abdullah II to the White House. Their purpose was to persuade him to be more aggressive in Middle East talks and to continue pressure and support the “Land for Peace” initiative. Consequently, on the same day a Chinese fighter “bumps” into a highly technical U.S. reconnaissance plane and forces its 24 member crew to make an emergency landing in China.
  •  August 25 – September 10, 2001- according to an article in the Washington Post, President Bush, Secretary Powell, and Ambassador to Israel, Daniel Kurtzer together with cooperation with the Saudis worked on the most comprehensive plan concerning “Land for Peace” proposal which was scheduled to be delivered by Secretary Powell on September 24th to Israel.  Consequently, on September 11, Terrorist reportedly used 2 airplanes to attack the World Trade Center towers in New York City and supposedly a 3rd was used to attack the Pentagon, while a 4th plane which was intended for the White House has its debris scattered in Pennsylvania leaving almost 3000 dead and $40 billion in damages.
  •  On November 7, 2002- President Bush hosted a dinner at the beginning of Ramadan for Arab Ambassadors. The President publicly honors the Koran and Islam by saying, “We see in Islam a religion that traces its origins back to God’s call on Abraham. We share your belief in God’s justice and your insistence on man’s moral responsibility.” Consequently, on November 9-11, 88 Tornadoes ripped through 7 states; some are category F-4 with 200 mph winds, one of the worst November outbreaks on record. Quoting Weather.com, “Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year and just about anywhere in the world. However, the unique geography of the United States helps to produce some of the most favorable conditions for their development. The months with the greatest number of tornadoes overall are April, May, and June, but tornadoes can and do occur during any month of the year. Tornado seasons vary in different parts of the United States. In the Southeast, the peak season for tornadoes is February through April. In the northern Plains, tornadoes are most likely to develop from June through August.” Therefore these 88 tornadoes in November stand out significantly as “acts of God.”
  • On January 31, 2003- Secretary Powell states President Bush would become more involved in Israeli-Palestine talks, laboring towards the goal of a Palestinian state by 2005. Consequently, on February 1, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart directly above Palestine, Texas, while re-entering the earth’s atmosphere. This was the first time an Israeli was included on board as a member of the shuttle mission.

It is noteworthy that the Space Shuttle Columbia had the appearance of a shooting star or meteorite when it disintegrated upon re-entry. This was witness worldwide as it was being telecast and shown live. However, shooting stars and comets are often considered bad omens, and therefore this event I consider to be a reliable witness to the verse in Revelation 16:10, which speaks of how “the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.” Such terminology could be an accurate description of the results of a nuclear detonation over Babylon, the original capital of Chaldea. This makes it all the more noteworthy here when we consider that the seat and capital of America is the District of Columbia.

This pattern has continued into Obama’s administration as easily witnessed last April 19, 2010 when Israel celebrated its independence. Gallups stated in the narration on a video, “On April the 19th, Fox News reports that the U.S. will no longer automatically support Israel in the United Nations.” April 20th, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explodes. Since then we have been witnessing record drought and fires, record flooding displacing thousands, tornadoes setting new records in strength and intensity and cost of lives and damages, while the whole earth is quaking . . . and for all this the wicked still will not seek God, repent or amend their ways.

Therefore, all these judgments have been as it were blows of the axe being laid to the root of the tree.

Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

As it was with Babylon of old, the sins and pride has overtaken it. The rebellion steadfast too long, and now judgment is certain and the tree condemned. As with the cutting down of any tree, there comes a time when the axe-man can stop striking the tree, for its strength is broken and ready to fall. All the axe-man needs to do is lay his hand against the tree and push and it descent begins with what seems almost slow motion as it soon comes crashing down.

It cannot be ignored when considering “the axe is laid unto the root of the tree,” that America has experienced profoundly noteworthy events with significant trees that I would assert are prophetic symbolism to her fate. First, on February 19, 2011, a Colorado Spruce which served as the National Christmas Tree, planted in 1978 in the Ellipse south of the White House was snapped by high winds, leaving only a broken stump standing.

Daniel 4:11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:  12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches.

Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; 26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar was brought low.  Consider the prophetic significance these old photographs of New York City from old National Geographic magazines.

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The next noteworthy events regarding significant trees began on September 11, 2001, when a steel beam falling from one of the collapsing towers struck a sycamore growing a St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City and destroyed it. Later the tree’s root system was then casted and eerily recreated to serve as memorial to the 911 event in New York City. The original stump with its remaining roots was treated for preservation to be displayed in the churchyard at St. Paul’s. This church is literally the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan.

What makes all this overwhelmingly important is that America’s first president, George Washington, commenced his office of presidency by escorting on foot the Vice President and all members of the Senate and House of Representatives to St. Paul’s Chapel for the purpose of dedicating America to both God’s sovereign care and service. It was there upon bent knees with solemn prayer that the leaders of America humbled themselves and asked for God’s favor and blessing to be upon this nation. It is at that very moment that little parcel ground, next to where the Twin Towers would later be built and where America was dedicated, became perhaps the most hallowed ground in all America, an undeniable landmark of profound significance to our nation.

Therefore, reconsider again words spoken by Senator Tom Daschle the very next day on 9-12 as he stood before the house, God and the world and stated, “America will emerge from this tragedy as we have emerged from all adversity – united and strong. Nothing … nothing can replace the losses of those who have suffered. I know there is only the smallest measure of inspiration that can be taken from this devastation. But there is a passage in the Bible from Isaiah that speaks to all of us at times like 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.’”

And so the sycamore tree that was destroyed when the World Trade Center collapsed was replaced in November 2003 with a 20-foot Norway spruce that was called the “Tree of Hope.”  However, though the tree was very ceremoniously planted with a crane and a public reading again of Isaiah 9:10, it too has withered, died and been removed. However this event has been kept quiet and is virtually unknown to many sleeping Americans.

According to the Rabbi Cahn, the author of The Harbinger, “The keepers of the Tree of Hope did everything they could to save the withering tree. They even changed the soil in which it grew. But no matter what they did, the tree continued to wither away and die. Finally, in the spring of this year, the tree planted in the place of the fallen sycamore of Ground Zero, the symbol of a rising America, was uprooted. … The seventh harbinger is no more.”

So, America’s Tree of Hope planted defiantly in the face of God’s judgments on the most hallowed ground of America, where she was birthed as a nation and dedicated to God, has withered and died, been uprooted and destroy.

Revelation 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.  8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.  9  And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,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 your judgment come. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee.

The next verse in this passage is the scariest pertaining to judgment of America’s imminent fall –

Revelation 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

This is not just the power grid being crippled and taken out, leaving people sitting in dark, powerless houses. It is far worse than that, no more light of the Gospel, no more the voice of Christ the bridegroom being heard pleading with men to repent, no more is the church, the bride with her watchmen crying out “Repent, ” warning  “This is the way, walk ye in it.” The time is at hand when Christ will once again say the time is fulfilled, it is over . . . it will be too late.

Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  12 And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  14 Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

 Awake!

Awake, you sleeper! Awake! Arise and make yourself ready! It’s time to put aside those childish pursuits and your endless musing with vanities. Awake, I say! Do you not realize the time in which you are privileged to live? Now more than ever can the sound of the bridegroom’s coming be heard. Surely He draws near. The need to purify yourself has grown greater, for the time allotted has grown shorter. The dark of night has already conquered the eastern horizon as the sun glow fades in the west. The king had long ago sent out His invitation. He proclaimed to all, “COME!”

Yes come and make haste! Don’t you know that if you refuse to comply with the King that His anger will be kindled against you? Yet in His longsuffering He says, “Come! Come to the greatest of all feasts! There is food, wine, and much song and dance. Joyful dance to celebrate the wedding of all weddings. Come and attend My wedding.”

The bridegroom has long been ready, yet He has patiently waited. He has waited for you! Arise therefore you sleeper! So much remains for you to do. TODAY you must prepare. Set aside simplicity and mature! Strive to increase your knowledge and understanding so you may be completely resolved to live your life solely for the King of kings! Rise up and cast out reservation and hesitation, these are foes that have hindered and killed countless before you. Arise! Answer His call! It is your only reasonable response . . .

“Awake thou that sleepest, arise from the dead, Christ shall give thee light.

Awake to righteousness and sin not.

For some [of you] have not the [intimate] knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”

(Ephesians 6:14, I Corinthians 15:34)

Live for Jesus Christ The Resurrected King!

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Obama advisor calls for a military invasion of Israel

Posted: March 26, 2011 in America, End Times, Prophecy
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“Samantha Power is the Special Assistant to President Obama.  She has his ear and advises him on foreign policy, amongst other things.  In a video newly discovered, she states that the United States should spend “billions” on a “new” Palestinian state, while putting troops on the ground to support that effort.”

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I doubt many will believe it . . . though a man declares it unto you.

Posted: March 3, 2011 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Wake Up!
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Hab 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

The above verse is a response of God to Habakkuk the prophet when he cry out to the Lord wondering when He would move in judgment against the wicked.

Hab 1:2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto Thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save! 3 Why dost Thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

Habakkuk felt as if it was taking forever for God to move against the wicked and to come and save His people. Listen Church, God knows the fate of His people are secure, for they have entrusted their lives unto Him, however for the wicked, their judgment is final and eternal. Therefore the Lord is longsuffering and allowing His goodness to be known in that His judgments and wrath tarries because once it is unleashed the consequences are eternal. It is simple and true, God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But people are slow to believe, especially when there are so many deceivers and false “ministers of righteousness” keeping the foolish from repenting and embracing truth, false witnesses who are anointed and sent by that fallen angel of light. As true as it was back in the Garden of Eden, false doctrines of devil are sent to stir up pride and covetousness, misdirect simpletons and to cause procrastination in the hearts of the foolish. Such truth has been witnessed by all the prophets and seen in the religious leaders in Jesus’ days. Look around and you can see it is still abounding everywhere.

Nonetheless, God’s love, mercy and grace cause His wrath to tarry as long as possible, extending the opportunity for all to repent and live – before His judgment becomes final. If only people had ears to hear and eyes to see, because God sends sign after sign and warning after warning. But because of their hard hearts loving darkness rather than light, they cannot see and foolishly cast the words of God behind them and run with their itchy ears to eagerly embrace those who prophesy lies unto them. That is why many years after Habakkuk’s days Paul utters once again his words to the Jews warning them of the judgment and destruction that God was about to visit upon them again. Arrogantly they would not listen this time either.

Ac 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

Well, it’s been just a little over 26 years ago since one day when I left a job early and headed for home. On the way I pulled over at convenient  place to fish for a bit with a friend who worked for me. After a while, feeling heavy in my heart I went back to the truck. Sitting there in the passenger side of the truck praying, I grabbed a Bible and randomly flipped it open to Jeremiah 26. While reading the verses  there was a strong conviction that this was somehow applicable to my own country, the church within her and for me too. I prayed, closed the Bible and went home to my family to finish up the day.

After dinner and taking care of other evening obligations I grabbed a house Bible, went to the couch for some quiet time and flipped it open. One more I found myself in the same exact chapter, two different times, same day, two different Bibles, both opening to same place. Never before had that happen to me, never again afterwards. For the second time the Lord was convicting me that the time would come when His bride and watchmen in this country would have to stand up and “diminish not a word” of the judgment God was going to bring forth upon America. The very thought terrorized me then and as it does today as well, but not as much as my fear of the judgments which are righteous and true of my holy Father.

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Dwelling in the Secret Place

Posted: February 27, 2011 in Coffee House, Devotionals, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Uncategorized, Wake Up!
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So often as believers we are content to dwell in the world with our belief system, thinking that it is sufficient. We know our scriptures, go to our church, busy ourselves with other things that we truly believe to benign, indulging in leisures and entertainments . . . all while the time we need to purchase necessary oil for our lamps and eye salve for true godly vision is quickly slipping away.

We must be found to be in Christ, not just a church. We must have true works of faith which bear witness to our love for God. We need to be godly, not just good. We must be holy as He is holy and not merely moral, for if we are not in Him then all our “good works” are worthless, reprobate, and actually witness against us because we knew the truth and did not truly live in Him.

Re 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

 

Live for the King
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