I. THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME “PALESTINE”
In Hebrew “p” and “ph” are the same letter. Originally Arabic had no letter “p.” Biblical Hebrew had no vowels, so in Hebrew “Philistia” (the Philistines homeland) and “Palestine” are the same word. In Hebrew Palestinian is pronounced Philistinian. According to the Bible, from the time of Abraham to near the time of the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem, Philistines (descendants of Noah’s son Ham, Genesis 10:6, 13-14 and I Chronicles 1:11-12 lived on the Mediterranean Coast north of Egypt, including part of the area now known as the Gaza. About the time the Babylonian Empire destroyed the temple in Jerusalem (2 Kings Ch.25) and took leading men of Judea into captivity in 586 BC, Philistines disappeared from history. “Wail, O gate; cry, O city; all Philistia, you are dissolved” (Isaiah 14:31a).
2. WHEN AND WHY WAS THE HOLY LAND FIRST CALLED PALESTINE?
During the Bar Kokhba rebellion (132AD-135AD), Rome killed almost 600,000 Jews and plowed Jerusalem, in fulfillment of Jeremiah 26:18, “Zion will be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem will become ruins.” Some 90% of Jewish people fled from Israel as prophesied by Moses, “the Lord will scatter you among the peoples” (Deut. 4:27; 28:64).
However, Isaiah prophesied that a remnant of Jewish people would remain in the Holy Land; “The Lord has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. Yet a tenth {of the children of Israel} will be in it. . . like an oak whose stump remains when it is felled; the holy seed is its stump” (Isaiah 6:12-13). Moses and Isaiah’s prophecies came true; Israel was scattered, the population dwindled, and the land became desolate. However, from the time the Children of Israel returned to the Promised Land from Egypt in 1476 BC until today (some 3,500 years), there has been a continuous Jewish presence in the Holy Land.
In 135AD, Rome renamed the Holy Land Syria-Palaestinae for the Philistines, who had disappeared from history some 700 years earlier. The Holy Land was called Palestine from 135AD until 1948. During WW1, British officials promised Faisal Hussein (of Arabia) the throne of Syria in exchange for supporting a Jewish State in Palestine. In March 1920, the General Syrian Congress confirmed Faisal as King. In April 1920, the League of Nations gave mandates to France over Syria, and to Britain over Palestine and Iraq. In July 1920, France ordered King Faisal and his Muslim forces out of Syria. To appease Faisal, the British removed Faisal’s brother Abdullah from the throne of Iraq and made Faisal King. Abdullah gathered forces to take Syria from the French. To prevent Abdullah from attacking the French, England gave Abdullah all of Palestine east of the Jordan River (78%). The United Nations voted to divide what remained of Palestine between Jews and Arabs. Arabs turned it down. On May 14, 1948, Israel declared an independent state and immediately U.S. President Truman recognized Israel as a sovereign nation. After 2000 years, Israel was a nation again in the Land promised to them by God. When God keeps promises to Israel, we know that He will keep His promises to us.
Immediately, 6 Arab nations attacked Israel. Jordan captured East Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria (the mountains of Israel), killing and driving out all Jews, taking their homes and land, renaming the heartland of Israel the “West Bank.” Egypt captured the Gaza strip.
3. THE HISTORY OF PALESTINE 1917 TO 1967AD
IN 1917 General Allenby and Allied Forces of World War I took Jerusalem. In 1920 the League of Nations voted to establish a homeland for Jews in Palestine, (a.k.a. the Holy Land and the Land of Israel).
IN 1922, to appease Abdullah for deposing him as King of Iraq the British gave him all of Palestine east of the Jordan River (78% of the land the League of Nations had authorized as a homeland for the Jews), forbidding Jews to live there, leaving only 22% of Palestine (the part west of the Jordan River) for a Jewish homeland.
IN 1947 The UN voted to divide the remaining 22% of the Jewish homeland between Jews and Arabs. The Arabs turned down the offer, and on May 1948, Israel declared independence.
IN 1948 Arab armies from six Muslim nations attacked Israel. Israel survived as a nation, but Egypt occupied Gaza and Jordan occupied the Old City of Jerusalem and much of Judea and Samaria (the heart of the homeland of the Jews), calling it the “West Bank” because it was west of the Jordan River. Egypt and Jordan deported all Jewish people from Gaza and the West Bank, confiscated their homes and businesses.
IN 1967 Arabs attacked Israel again. Israel won, returning Jewish-owned land in the West Bank and Gaza.
4. FOREIGN OCCUPIERS OF THE LAND OF ISRAEL (A.K.A. THE HOLY LAND & PROMISED LAND)
1476BC Israel returns to the Promised Land from Egypt (This is an approximate date)
1000BC Kingdom of Israel ruled by King David
960BC Israel divided into two Kingdoms, Judah (South) & Israel (North)
722BC Assyrian Empire (occupier) deported the Northern Kingdom of Israel and forced
Jerusalem to pay tribute (2Kings 18:13-16). The Assyrian King took Manasseh of
Judah into exile (2 Chronicles 33:11).
604BC Babylonian Empire (occupier) conquered Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
586BC Note: Philistines disappeared from history.
539BC Persian Empire (occupier)
322BC Alexander’s Empire (occupier)
319BC Seleucid Empire (occupier)
63BC Roman Empire (occupier)
135AD Note: Rome renamed Israel “Palestinae” after extinct Philistines
614AD Sassanian Empire (occupier)
638AD Islamic Empire (occupier)
1095AD Note: European Knights (occupied Jerusalem to protect Christians)
1150AD Islamic Empire (occupier)
1920AD British Empire (occupier)
1948 AD SOVEREIGN STATE OF ISRAEL RE-ESTABLISHED
5. A BRILLIANT DECEPTION
After the Islamic Empire lost two wars with Israel (1948 and 1956), failing to drive Israel out of the Holy Land, Islamic leaders formed a brilliant deception. As we said, Jews living in the Holy Land, who had been called Palestinians from 135 to 1948AD, won their independence and formed the State of Israel. “Palestine” ceased to exist in 1948!
The public has a short memory. So in 1964, 16 years AFTER ‘PALESTINE’ CEASED TO EXIST, Arabs of the Arab League created an organization called the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Although Arabs rejected the name Palestinian when the Holy Land was called Palestine, now 16 years later having failed to take Israel’s land in war, the Arab League chose to assume the name “Palestinian.”
On May 28 1964, the Arab League founded The National Covenant of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, creating the impression that Arabs are indigenous to Palestine. However, it was also important to reassure other Arabs that they were not abandoning the Arab Nation. In Article 11 of the PLO’s National Covenant they assured their brother Arabs that they continue to see themselves as members of the “Arab Nation” and that “at this stage of the struggle” their “Palestinian personality” is a “role” they are playing.
Article 11 of the National Covenant of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) says, “The Palestinian people firmly believe in Arab unity, and in order to ‘play its role’ in realizing this goal, it must , ‘at this stage of its struggle,’ preserve its Palestinian personality and all of its constituents. It must strengthen the consciousness of its existence and stand against any attempt or plan that may weaken or disintegrate its personality.” In other words, they wanted their brother Arabs to know that in order to add the Holy Land to the Islamic Empire they need to PRETEND to be Palestinians until all Israel is under Islamic domination!
6. A TANGLED WEB
In 1964 when Arabs BEGAN to call themselves “Palestinians,” most young Arab teens and adults did not remember the miraculous war of 1948, when Israel defeated the Islamic Empire, nor did they remember that Jews in the Holy Land were called “Palestinians” and Arabs were not. Thousands of Arabs too young to remember the facts sincerely believe themselves to be Palestinians. However, Hafez al-Assad, Arabic Muslim President of Syria [1971-2000], said to Yasser Arafat, then head of the PLO, “Don’t forget one thing—there is no Palestinian people and there is no Palestinian entity.” While Assad’s statement is the opposite of what is commonly believed, his words match the facts of history.
German Chancellor Adolph Hitler, who murdered 6,000,000 Jews in the Holocaust (1942-1945), wrote, “The broad masses of a nation. . . more readily fall victims to the BIG LIE than the small lie, since they themselves often tell lies in little matters, but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods. It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts, which prove this to be so, may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying.” From Mein Kampf, dictated by Adolph Hitler to fellow prisoner Rudolph Hess in the Landsberg Prison in 1923, released in 1925, published by Reynal & Hitchcock, 1939.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Knowing what you believe and why you believe it. Part 2
In my last message to you, we showed you from the genealogy of Jesus Christ how that He was both a descendant of Abraham, the father and progenitor of the chosen nation, and King David--Israel's quintessential king and ruler in the Old Testament. To be the Messiah He had to be a descendant of Abraham in order to fulfill Genesis 12:3 (the One through Whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed). And He also had to be from King Daivd's line in order to fulfill God's promise to continue David's Messianic line and family forever(II Samuel 7:12-28; Psalm 89:3;132:11). This truth is seen in Matthew 1:1-2 and Luke 3:31,34. As Messiah, He would be the only One who could fulfill Genesis 3:15, the first and foundational prophecy of the Old Testament. In that prophecy was God's promise to defeat the serpent, Satan, and so redeem fallen man and restore him back to Himself. As we said in our last blog, the entire Old Testament is the unfolding story of that prophecy. Hence, the announcement to Mary in Nazareth Israel from the angel Gabriel was not made in a vacuum. Rather this announcement was delivered from the entire context of the Old Testament story. (See Luke 1:26-35 for Gabriel's announcement to Mary)
Today, I want to further show you from the Word of God how that Jesus Christ completely fulfills all the requirements of being the One true Messiah of Israel and the world. First, in Isaiah 7:14, the Holy Spirit makes it clear through the prophet that the Promised Seed of Genesis 3:15 would be born of a virgin, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and call His name Immanuel." (Immanuel means "God with us.") Luke 1:26-27 shows how that prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a VIRGIN espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the HOUSE OF DAVID; and the VIRGIN'S name was Mary."
Secondly, also from Isaiah, the Lord makes it clear that the Messiah would be divine or would be God in human form. Listen to these prophetic words concerning the Messiah from Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall rest upon His shoulders; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, the Prince of Peace." Now Luke 1:32 "He(Yeshua/Jesus, Messiah) shall be called the SON OF THE HIGHEST (Deity/Divine); and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David." The Promised Seed of Genesis 3:15 had to be born of a virgin according to Isaiah 7:14, and He had to be God according to Isaiah 9:6. Jesus' birth fulfilled both of these important prophecies. Now let me conclude today with one more Old Testament prophecy and how it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ the Messiah.
In the book of Micah, chapter 5 and verse 2 we read this amazing prophecy of where the Messiah would be born. "But you Bethlehem Ephratah, though you are the smallest among the tribes of Judah; out of you shall he come forth unto me who is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting." Now, if the mother and stepfather of Jesus were from Nazareth, how could He possibly fulfill this prophecy that said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? In Luke 2:1-7 the answer is given. "And it came to pass in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called BETHLEHEM; BECUSE HE WAS OF THE HOUSE AND LINEAGE OF DAVID; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered(or give birth). And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Another stunning prophecy from the Old Testament fulfilled in Jesus Christ proving that He was and is the Messiah!
He was from the lineage of Abraham and David; He was born of a virgin; He was born as the Divine Son of God(Deity); and He was born in the city of Bethlehem! Dear friends and believers in Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah, your faith is built on the sure and strong Word of God from Genesis to Revelation. This Christmas season let us rejoice in the more sure Word of prophecy that has been beautifully fulfilled in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "O holy night, when Christ the Savior was born."
Today, I want to further show you from the Word of God how that Jesus Christ completely fulfills all the requirements of being the One true Messiah of Israel and the world. First, in Isaiah 7:14, the Holy Spirit makes it clear through the prophet that the Promised Seed of Genesis 3:15 would be born of a virgin, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and call His name Immanuel." (Immanuel means "God with us.") Luke 1:26-27 shows how that prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a VIRGIN espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the HOUSE OF DAVID; and the VIRGIN'S name was Mary."
Secondly, also from Isaiah, the Lord makes it clear that the Messiah would be divine or would be God in human form. Listen to these prophetic words concerning the Messiah from Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall rest upon His shoulders; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, the Prince of Peace." Now Luke 1:32 "He(Yeshua/Jesus, Messiah) shall be called the SON OF THE HIGHEST (Deity/Divine); and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David." The Promised Seed of Genesis 3:15 had to be born of a virgin according to Isaiah 7:14, and He had to be God according to Isaiah 9:6. Jesus' birth fulfilled both of these important prophecies. Now let me conclude today with one more Old Testament prophecy and how it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ the Messiah.
In the book of Micah, chapter 5 and verse 2 we read this amazing prophecy of where the Messiah would be born. "But you Bethlehem Ephratah, though you are the smallest among the tribes of Judah; out of you shall he come forth unto me who is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting." Now, if the mother and stepfather of Jesus were from Nazareth, how could He possibly fulfill this prophecy that said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? In Luke 2:1-7 the answer is given. "And it came to pass in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called BETHLEHEM; BECUSE HE WAS OF THE HOUSE AND LINEAGE OF DAVID; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered(or give birth). And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Another stunning prophecy from the Old Testament fulfilled in Jesus Christ proving that He was and is the Messiah!
He was from the lineage of Abraham and David; He was born of a virgin; He was born as the Divine Son of God(Deity); and He was born in the city of Bethlehem! Dear friends and believers in Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah, your faith is built on the sure and strong Word of God from Genesis to Revelation. This Christmas season let us rejoice in the more sure Word of prophecy that has been beautifully fulfilled in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "O holy night, when Christ the Savior was born."
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Knowing what you believe and why you believe it. Part one.
The words that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary in the city of Nazareth over 2000 years ago(Luke 1:26-35) were not spoken in a vacuum. Rather they were spoken in the context that God had built for thousands of years, dating all the way back to Genesis 3:15. It was here that God made the prophetic promise to defeat Satan, the serpent, and so restore fallen man back to Himself. From that one promise, the entire Old Testament becomes the unfolding story that set the scene for that Word to be fulfilled. Let me show you how.
First God chose a man named Abraham. He would be the father of the faith, the progenitor and patriarch of the Jewish nation. So in that regard he is unique. From Abraham came Isaac whose name meant laughter because he was born to a man who was nearly a hundred years old and to a woman who was barren and had gone through the change of life. Next in line was Jacob whose name God changed to Israel. And to Israel were born twelve sons. These twelve sons became the nation of Israel. It was from this chosen nation that God chose the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10) and from the tribe of Judah He chose the family of David(II Samuel 7:12-28;Psalm 89:3;132:11) and from the family of David He chose a little girl named Mary from the northern town of Nazareth Israel through whom the Promised Seed of Genesis 3:15 would be born. It should be said here that as Abraham was unique as the father of the chosen nation, so King David held a unique place as the quintessential ruler of the chosen nation. Let me show you why that this is important and how it relates to the announcement that Gabriel made to Mary, and to your faith.
When you read the genealogy of Jesus Christ in both Matthew and Luke, you find that Jesus' ancestry and lineage are traced back to both Abraham and to David. This was absolutely necessary if Jesus were to be the true Messiah. He had to be a descendant of the father of the chosen nation as well as a descendant of the family of David. The Messiah had to be the one through whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed(Genesis 12:3) and also be the one who would fulfill God's promise to David that He would continue his house forever(11Samuel 7:12-28; Psalm 89:3;132:11). In Matthew's genealogy chapter 1:1-2, you will find this to be the fact. And this fact is also repeated in Luke's genealogy of Jesus in chapter 3:31,34. So it is clear from scripture that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah promised in the Word of God. He is both a descendant of Abraham and David. Consequently He is the only one uniquely qualified to fulfill Genesis 3:15! I will say more about this in my next blog.
One note before I close for today. The genealogies in both Matthew and Luke follow the family line of Joseph. Why? because Jewish genealogies always followed the family line of the man. Keep in mind two things. First, Mary was also from the same family line as Joseph. So this is actually her genealogy as well as Joseph's. Secondly Joseph, although just the step father of Jesus, was also chosen by God.
I will give you more prophecies in my next blog that will prove that Jesus Christ is the on true Messiah, but today I would like to end with these thoughts. First and most important, Jesus Christ is more than just a man. He is the God-man. He is the Son of the one true and living God. That makes Him unique. No one else is like Him. Secondly, your faith is built upon the eternal truth of God's Word. It is a Word that was planned and carried out over thousands of years and fulfilled in the one true Messiah, Jesus Christ. Therefore, know that your faith is not some kind of blind faith. Rather it is the one true faith. It is this faith that has the power to save you not just for a lifetime but for all eternity. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! Shalom
First God chose a man named Abraham. He would be the father of the faith, the progenitor and patriarch of the Jewish nation. So in that regard he is unique. From Abraham came Isaac whose name meant laughter because he was born to a man who was nearly a hundred years old and to a woman who was barren and had gone through the change of life. Next in line was Jacob whose name God changed to Israel. And to Israel were born twelve sons. These twelve sons became the nation of Israel. It was from this chosen nation that God chose the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10) and from the tribe of Judah He chose the family of David(II Samuel 7:12-28;Psalm 89:3;132:11) and from the family of David He chose a little girl named Mary from the northern town of Nazareth Israel through whom the Promised Seed of Genesis 3:15 would be born. It should be said here that as Abraham was unique as the father of the chosen nation, so King David held a unique place as the quintessential ruler of the chosen nation. Let me show you why that this is important and how it relates to the announcement that Gabriel made to Mary, and to your faith.
When you read the genealogy of Jesus Christ in both Matthew and Luke, you find that Jesus' ancestry and lineage are traced back to both Abraham and to David. This was absolutely necessary if Jesus were to be the true Messiah. He had to be a descendant of the father of the chosen nation as well as a descendant of the family of David. The Messiah had to be the one through whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed(Genesis 12:3) and also be the one who would fulfill God's promise to David that He would continue his house forever(11Samuel 7:12-28; Psalm 89:3;132:11). In Matthew's genealogy chapter 1:1-2, you will find this to be the fact. And this fact is also repeated in Luke's genealogy of Jesus in chapter 3:31,34. So it is clear from scripture that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah promised in the Word of God. He is both a descendant of Abraham and David. Consequently He is the only one uniquely qualified to fulfill Genesis 3:15! I will say more about this in my next blog.
One note before I close for today. The genealogies in both Matthew and Luke follow the family line of Joseph. Why? because Jewish genealogies always followed the family line of the man. Keep in mind two things. First, Mary was also from the same family line as Joseph. So this is actually her genealogy as well as Joseph's. Secondly Joseph, although just the step father of Jesus, was also chosen by God.
I will give you more prophecies in my next blog that will prove that Jesus Christ is the on true Messiah, but today I would like to end with these thoughts. First and most important, Jesus Christ is more than just a man. He is the God-man. He is the Son of the one true and living God. That makes Him unique. No one else is like Him. Secondly, your faith is built upon the eternal truth of God's Word. It is a Word that was planned and carried out over thousands of years and fulfilled in the one true Messiah, Jesus Christ. Therefore, know that your faith is not some kind of blind faith. Rather it is the one true faith. It is this faith that has the power to save you not just for a lifetime but for all eternity. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! Shalom
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
"God's heart turning again toward Israel"
I want to take a few minutes now and give greater attention to the first of seven prophetic statements I presented to you in my last article. I will restate that prophetic statement and then explain it to you. (1) God is turning His heart back again to Israel in order to fulfill all things that are written in the scriptures. Since God is turning His heart toward Israel, if the Church is to fulfill her destiny, then she too must turn her heart toward Israel.
Let's begin by looking at a scripture that is overlooked or neglected by much of the Church today. Romans 11:25-27 says this, "For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant(unlearned) of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness IN PART has happened to Israel UNTIL the fullness of the Gentiles(non-Jewish peoples) should come in. v.26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written..." It is clear from this scripture that Israel's blindness to the Messiah is "IN PART." That means that it is not a total blindness that will last forever! It is a blindness that will exist only "UNTIL" the fullness of the Gentiles come in( when God is ready once again to deal with His chosen people Israel). Think of it this way. Two thousand years ago God began talking to the Church. He put Israel, as it were, on hold. But we are coming to the time when God is about to say to the Church, "I have had Israel on hold for a long time. And I am now ready to talk them again." So God clicks the phone and now He has Israel and the Church on three way. Forgive the example, but it is a simple way that I can illustrate the truth of God turning His heart back to Israel again.
I will now try and explain to you how this will work itself out in real time. THE ISSUE of the day is the controversy over the land of Israel. It will be this issue of the land that God will use to test the hearts of men, exposing that which would otherwise go unnoticed. Follow me close here. As God merges the natural and spiritual realms together (something that has always been a part of His eternal plan), natural and national Israel will become the focal point of this stunning merger. Consequently, God's covenant with natural and national Israel concerning the land (Please see Genesis 17:1-8) will FORCE men to make an outward decision, not only about Israel's right to the land, but also about God as well! This controversy over the land will be the dividing line not only among nations and individuals but also for the "Church." The true Church will discern and recognize the truth as God is once again turning His heart and His attention to Israel.
This merger of the natural and spiritual realms was very clearly illustrated and revealed in Jesus Christ--The God-man. He was both God and man, spiritual and natural. This divine truth is revealed through the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:10 "that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together IN ONE all things in Christ, both which are in HEAVEN and which are on EARTH--IN HIM." It was and is in the God-man, Christ Jesus, that men's hearts are exposed as to their relationship with God. Those who receive and accept Christ, the God-man, also receive and accept the living God. Those who reject the God-man also reject the only true and living God!
The spiritual is made real and understandable through the natural.
Likewise, as we draw closer to the time of the end, as God merges together the two realms of the natural and the spiritual through the fulfillment of His covenant of giving Israel the land, men's hearts will be exposed as to whether or not they have a relationship(not just a religion) with the living God. As natural and national Israel were the chosen people of God in the Old Testament, through whom the invisible, spiritual God, made Himself known to the world, so will He reveal Himself again at the end of the age through the Jewish people and the land of Israel. But this time the visible, physical Church will also be very much involved! (Another subject for later)
And it will be these two people-groups, Israel and the Church, who will be the target of the Red Dragon, Satan (naturally and physically revealed through the last world empire) in the closing days of history as we now know it (See Revelation 12:13-17).
There is a reason why the little country of Israel, about the size of New Jersey, is in the news 362 out of 365 days a year! The eternal God is making the land of Israel the focal point of the whole world as He is turning His heart and His focus again to the land of Israel and the Jewish people. This is where the mystery of God, the merging together of the natural and spiritual realms, will become a reality.
The true Church must NOW AWAKEN to this prophetic truth. The time of its fulfillment is at hand! Are you awake?
Shalom,
Jimmy Hammock
PS. Please read and re-read this article until its truth becomes revelation to you!
Let's begin by looking at a scripture that is overlooked or neglected by much of the Church today. Romans 11:25-27 says this, "For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant(unlearned) of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness IN PART has happened to Israel UNTIL the fullness of the Gentiles(non-Jewish peoples) should come in. v.26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written..." It is clear from this scripture that Israel's blindness to the Messiah is "IN PART." That means that it is not a total blindness that will last forever! It is a blindness that will exist only "UNTIL" the fullness of the Gentiles come in( when God is ready once again to deal with His chosen people Israel). Think of it this way. Two thousand years ago God began talking to the Church. He put Israel, as it were, on hold. But we are coming to the time when God is about to say to the Church, "I have had Israel on hold for a long time. And I am now ready to talk them again." So God clicks the phone and now He has Israel and the Church on three way. Forgive the example, but it is a simple way that I can illustrate the truth of God turning His heart back to Israel again.
I will now try and explain to you how this will work itself out in real time. THE ISSUE of the day is the controversy over the land of Israel. It will be this issue of the land that God will use to test the hearts of men, exposing that which would otherwise go unnoticed. Follow me close here. As God merges the natural and spiritual realms together (something that has always been a part of His eternal plan), natural and national Israel will become the focal point of this stunning merger. Consequently, God's covenant with natural and national Israel concerning the land (Please see Genesis 17:1-8) will FORCE men to make an outward decision, not only about Israel's right to the land, but also about God as well! This controversy over the land will be the dividing line not only among nations and individuals but also for the "Church." The true Church will discern and recognize the truth as God is once again turning His heart and His attention to Israel.
This merger of the natural and spiritual realms was very clearly illustrated and revealed in Jesus Christ--The God-man. He was both God and man, spiritual and natural. This divine truth is revealed through the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:10 "that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together IN ONE all things in Christ, both which are in HEAVEN and which are on EARTH--IN HIM." It was and is in the God-man, Christ Jesus, that men's hearts are exposed as to their relationship with God. Those who receive and accept Christ, the God-man, also receive and accept the living God. Those who reject the God-man also reject the only true and living God!
The spiritual is made real and understandable through the natural.
Likewise, as we draw closer to the time of the end, as God merges together the two realms of the natural and the spiritual through the fulfillment of His covenant of giving Israel the land, men's hearts will be exposed as to whether or not they have a relationship(not just a religion) with the living God. As natural and national Israel were the chosen people of God in the Old Testament, through whom the invisible, spiritual God, made Himself known to the world, so will He reveal Himself again at the end of the age through the Jewish people and the land of Israel. But this time the visible, physical Church will also be very much involved! (Another subject for later)
And it will be these two people-groups, Israel and the Church, who will be the target of the Red Dragon, Satan (naturally and physically revealed through the last world empire) in the closing days of history as we now know it (See Revelation 12:13-17).
There is a reason why the little country of Israel, about the size of New Jersey, is in the news 362 out of 365 days a year! The eternal God is making the land of Israel the focal point of the whole world as He is turning His heart and His focus again to the land of Israel and the Jewish people. This is where the mystery of God, the merging together of the natural and spiritual realms, will become a reality.
The true Church must NOW AWAKEN to this prophetic truth. The time of its fulfillment is at hand! Are you awake?
Shalom,
Jimmy Hammock
PS. Please read and re-read this article until its truth becomes revelation to you!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Why Jerusalem?
THE CENTRAL PLACE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF JERUSALEM
We have recently spoken on the Lord’s controversy with His chosen and elect people. It is a controversy that will culminate at the conclusion of “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:24).
After Israel’s final suffering at the hands of her enemies—a suffering allowed by God to break off her pride and unbelief—the Lord Jesus will save the elect remnant. The combination of her suffering and the act of God’s mercy to her through Jesus will cause “all Israel to be saved” (Romans 11:26-27).
At this time God will also judge the nations that have attempted to annihilate the Jews/Israel
(Matthew 25:31-46).
Following the controversy of Zion and the conclusion of Jacob’s trouble will be the millennial reign of Jesus Christ—a world-wide reign from His headquarters in Jerusalem (Matthew 5:35; 23:37-39; Revelation 19:11-20:10).
Lets look now at the controversy of Zion with our focus being on the central place and significance of the city of Jerusalem.
1. In things pertaining to the Kingdom of God or the rule of God on the earth, all roads lead to the city of Jerusalem—the literal city of Jerusalem, Israel.
Psalm 122:6 says “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they will prosper that love you.” This scripture can be seen as an Old Testament equivalent of “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). I will show you why this is true as we go forward.
Isaiah 62:6-7 “I have set my watchmen upon your walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day or night; you that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent, and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”
These two scriptures make it clear that Jerusalem is central in God’s plans to rule and reign on the earth. Believers and intercessors need to lock in on this truth and ask the Lord for more revelation concerning it. What is important to God should be important to those who love Him.
2. Because of the importance of this city to God and to His plans, this city will become “a cup of stumbling to all people.” Let me explain.
Zechariah 12:3 “And in that day will I (God) make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for ALL people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered against it.”
Jerusalem will be the center of the coming storm. The dilemma of Jerusalem will become the complex problem of international politics that increasingly threatens world stability. And Jewish inflexibility over Jerusalem will be the trigger that ignites the prophetically anticipated resurgence of world-wide anti-Semitism.
Yet, it will be the issue of Jerusalem or the "unsolvable problem" of Zion that God will use to draw all nations into the final conflict that leads to Armageddon and the Day of The Lord.
The controversy of Zion is the age-old contention that has raged in both the heavens and on the earth concerning “the holy covenant.” The city of Jerusalem represents the place of God’s name and His divine rule on the earth.
In Matthew 5:35 Jesus referred to Jerusalem as the city of the great king. It is the city of God’s Messiah. Consequently, that is why “the nations rage and the people imagine a vain thing”
(Psalm 2).
3. The central issue on planet earth in the Last Days will be the final outworking of the quarrel that began in the tents of Abraham and will continue to escalate until the Second Return of the Prince of Peace from heaven—the Lord Jesus.!
It is the issue of the holy covenant that God made with Abraham and his descendants (the Jews) that leads to the question of divine election and sovereign rule. It is about God’s divine right as God to choose whom or what as He pleases!
It is precisely God’s choice that is causing the contention and controversy over Jerusalem, the Jews and the land. God’s choice and divine election of the Jews and the city of Jerusalem is really an issue about God’s authority and His right to rule (Kingdom of God).
It is this issue that God is using to offend humanistic reason (the natural man) as well as provoke “the powers of the air” (Satan and his cohorts).
This is about the wisdom of God revealed in the “rule of grace” that so completely opposes any notion that the right of promise and inheritance is in any way based on human qualification, virtue or merit.
The controversy of Zion, especially in the Last Days, is forcing the nations and the peoples of the world, as well as the church, to come to grips with the great questions of God.
What questions? God’s predestined purposes, His right to rule, His election of Israel, His covenant with the Jews concerning Jerusalem and the land.
Jerusalem will be the lightning rod that God is using in the Last Days to force the world to come to the place of decision concerning Him and His covenant with His chosen people Israel. And because Jerusalem will be the place of God’s rule/kingdom, it will also be the focal point of God confronting the spiritual and fallen powers of darkness. These powers that have deceived and manipulated governments, institutions and the nations will be broken through the judgments of God. And all of it will center on and around the battle for Jerusalem—“the controversy of Zion.”
That this one mountain (Zion) and this one city (Jerusalem) should be in such a spectacular spot-light and place of world-wide importance is truly miraculous!
At the end of the age, the city of Jerusalem and the Jews/Israel, because of nothing but the sovereign, electing grace of God, will be the ultimate offense to natural man and humanistic reasoning!
The world, because of its pride and unbelief, will “stumble” over what Jerusalem truly means in God’s divine purpose. And Jerusalem will also be the place of Satan’s greatest contention with God and with His purposes. For example. . .
Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem (Luke 13:33).
The Antichrist kills the two witnesses in Jerusalem (Revelation 11).
The Antichrist puts his palace there for 42 months (Daniel 11:45).
Why does the Antichrist so desire the city of Jerusalem? What is really behind his lust to possess that city?
The answer to the above question is found in Isaiah 14:13. Here we find that what is behind the Antichrist’s obsession with Jerusalem is Satan’s original envy of the Messiah ruling from the chosen city.
“For you (Satan) have said in your heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne
above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides
of the north” (Isaiah 14:13).
“The sides of the north” is a reference to the city of Jerusalem as described in Psalm 48:2 “Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.” At Jerusalem, God will confront both the nations and Satan's rebellion!
4. Making it a personal.
The natural impulse is to reject God’s sovereign choice—concerning anything. For example, let’s take our own standing and relationship with God.
The Bible basis for salvation is to recognize and accept that grace is wholly apart from works, that it is a gift from God and has nothing to do with human merit or worth.
Although God’s choice anticipates or foresees the necessity of a new heart (whether individual or nation) that is never its basis.
God’s election is based in the eternal predetermination of God through the everlasting covenant that guarantees the imputation of another kind of righteousness that is God’s alone and is through faith alone imputed in order to exclude any natural claim or merit.
What am I saying? At the time of the end, “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26) as a result of God’s grace! Her national salvation will be the same as our personal salvation: the free gift of God based on His eternal purpose and by His grace totally apart from works or merit.
Israel’s national salvation at the end of the age will be a miraculous and visible demonstration that salvation is wholly of the Lord, conferred on the basis of grace alone, through faith alone, by Christ alone. And this grace is on the basis of divine election.
Why election? Paul answers in Romans 9:11, “ For the children not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to ELECTION might stand, not of works, but of Him that calls.”
The promise is according to election because only the sovereign act of God choosing fully defines the nature of grace and is the basis on which it is given or not given. It is to whom He wills.
Therefore, Ishmael’s age-old contempt for the child of promise (Israel) touches the issue for the very basis of promise as well as the basis for the nature of grace. Ishmael could be saved, but only if he is willing to accept God’s choice and grace and do it God’s way.
Ishmael’s contempt is more for what God has chosen. It is the presumption that raises itself to contend with the divine right to choose, revealing a lack of humility and understanding about the utter ruin of sin and its only solution or remedy.
So then, the dilemma of Jerusalem and subsequently the so-called “Jewish problem” is designed to force the nations and the peoples to a consideration larger than Jerusalem itself: the question of the nature of righteousness as defined by election and grace as taught in the Word of God.
Therefore, in the divine genius and wisdom of the uncreated and transcendent God, the purpose of Jerusalem is to cause all nations and all people to consider the basis of righteousness as well as the truth of divine grace and election.
God has sovereignly chosen the city of Jerusalem to be “the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:35). It is the city where He will establish His Kingdom, and from this city the glory of His Kingdom will cover the entire earth. Further, He has elected to show His grace and mercy to the descendants of Abraham by giving them the land—including the city of Jerusalem to be ruled by a descendant of David—namely the Jewish Messiah.
It will be the contention of Satan as well as a rebellious world that will descend upon Jerusalem and the Jews in their protest of God’s election and sovereign choice of grace.
Also at the end of the age, those who call themselves Christians will find themselves choosing. To stand with Israel will be a choice to accept God’s right to rule; it will be a choice to put the Kingdom of God first, or not.
Choosing to love and support Israel, especially in the days ahead, will actually be a choice that will reflect where a person stands spiritually and in their relationship with God. The controversy of Zion is much bigger than most people think. The all-wise God is using it and will use it to divide the sheep from the goats, the pure from the impure, the unbelievers from the true believers. God will use the controversy of Zion/Jerusalem in the last days to not only save the remnant of Israel but to also purify His Bride before His return to this planet. The controversy of Zion will absolutely cause people to make a choice either for God or against Him. I say it again, what is happening and will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in the Last Days is much, much bigger than we know.
That is why we absolutely must pray and seek God for revelation concerning this issue. I do not believe that it is simply an option where we can take it or leave it. And remember, the more we know about what God knows, the more we are in the center of His perfect will. This will not only make us more complete and cause us to have a greater peace, but it will also make us more effective in bearing witness to the truth. It will help us to work more effeciently in seeing God’s Kingdom established on the earth.
I would suggest that a good place to start in doing the above is to begin praying Psalm 122:6 and Isaiah 62:6-7. Hopefully after what you have learned tonight and what the Spirit will reveal to you in the days ahead, you will be more motivated to pray and intercede in this way. You will begin to see Jerusalem and its importance as God does. His vision will become your vision. And as it does you will be walking in greater agreement with God and His end-time purposes.
Shalom
Shalom
*The above teaching is in large part due to an article from Reggie Kelly.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Revelation 12:1-6/ The Abomination of Desolation
In Revelation 12:1-6, there are three significant symbols . The first symbol is in v.1 "A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve (12) stars on her head." This woman is obviously the nation of Israel (See Genesis 37:9-11). The second symbol is in v.2 "She (the woman/Israel) was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth (pregnant with "the Seed of woman or with the first prophecy in the Bible, Genesis 3:15). This refers to Jesus Christ "...the male child who will rule all nations with an iron scepter..." The third symbol is found in v.3. "Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its head." This is Satan, the serpent in Genesis 3. Verses 4&5 reveal that the serpent tried to kill the male child(Jesus) before He could fulfill His mission. But Satan failed. Jesus laid down His life on the cross for the sins of mankind; He was raised from the dead, conquering death, hell and the grave for man; and then He ascended back into the glory of Heaven from the Mount of Olives(Acts 1:9-11).
This brings us to verse 6: "The woman(the nation of Israel) fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she will be taken care of for 1,260 days. It is this prophetic scripture concerning the woman(Israel) and the red dragon(Satan), at the time of the end, that we will focus on now as to how it pertains to "the Abomination of Desolation" (the 1,260 days). Let's begin with the seven-headed dragon with the seven crowns and ten horns on its head. The seven heads with the seven crowns represent the seven world empires through whom Satan has worked and will work in his attempt to destroy the woman(Israel). The first six of these empires have already come and gone. They are in order, 1. Egypt, 2. Assyria, 3. Babylon, 4. Medo-Persia, 5. Greece, and 6. Rome. Satan used each of these empires in his attempt to destroy the Jews. That is both Biblical and historical fact. That leaves one more head of the dragon, one more empire that the devil will work through in his attempt to annihilate the Jews. This will be the empire of the Antichrist, the man of sin and lawlessness. Satan will work through him to form the last world empire in his attempt to defeat God and His plan. Revelation 17:12 says that "The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast." Every time the word "beast" is used in the Book of the Revelation it refers to the Antichrist. The only exception is when it refers to the false prophet. This is so the believer will know that the false prophet, in spite of his deception, is also of the Antichrist. Verse 13 says "They( the ten kings) have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast(Antichrist). The "one hour" of v.12 refers to a short period of time, likely just a few years.
Now back to the 1,260 days of v.6. This time period is also referred to as 42 months ( Revelation 11:2) and three and one half years (Daniel7:25). God is making it clear that this time period is a literal time period and is not to be spiritualized! The 1,260 days is also "the great tribulation period." It is the last 3 1/2 years of the final seven years of this present age that will give way to the Millennial reign of Christ. It will be Satan's final attempt to annihilate Israel and defeat God. Listen to how Jeremiah describes it in Jeremiah 30:7 "How awful that day will be. No other will be like it. It will be the time of Jacobs/Israels trouble, but he will be saved out of it." Daniel 12:1-2 defines the 1260 days this way, "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people(Israel) will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then . But at that time your people(Israel), everyone found written in the book will be delivered." And Jesus spoke of the 1,260 days in Matthew 24:15 "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination of desolation' spoken of by Daniel the prophet let the reader understand." ( See Daniel 9:27) Jesus also said this about this time period in Matthew 24:21 For then (during the 1260 days; the last three and one half years of the Great Tribulation) there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now and never will be equaled again." In the middle of the seven year peace treaty made by the Antichrist with Israel, he will put an end to sacrifice and offering, and at the Temple(the rebuilt Jewish temple) he will set up the 'abomination of desolation' until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. He will declare himself to be God and will demand to be worshipped!
God spoke through Jeremiah, Daniel and His Son to tell us that Satan's final attempt to annihilate the Jews and defeat God will be the most horrific 1,260 days ever known on the earth! This means that Israel's most difficult days are not the holocaust but instead will be the suffering that is yet to come--the "time of Jacob's trouble"-the Great Tribulation-the time that begins with the 'abomination of desolation' at the hands of the Antichrist when he declares himself to be God and so breaks his seven year covenant with the Jews!
However, it will be at the conclusion of these days that the remnant of Jews will be saved as they turn their hearts to Jesus as their Messiah(Romans 11:25-27). Listen to these amazing words in Zechariah 12:10 "I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They (the Jews) will look on me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him(Jesus) as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one who grieves for a first born son."
Let me conclude today with these thoughts. Iran is developing a nuclear weapon and it is pointed at Israel; the Arab uprising in the Middle East is uniting all of Islam against Israel; the foundational peace agreement signed between Egypt and Israel in 1979 was broken just recently when for the first time in 30 years Israel's embassy in Egypt was attacked; just a couple of weeks ago Turkey--the long time "friend" of Israel expelled Israel's ambassador and cut off trade over the flotilla incident that happened in the waters off of Gaza just a little over a year ago; and just last week the Palestinians applied for statehood at the United Nations--a statehood that is to be had at Israel's expense! What am I saying? I am saying that the "time of Jacob's/Israel's trouble" may be closer than we think! So what are we to do? We as the Church are to love, support and pray for Israel. Now is the time for the Last Day Church to allow God to prepare them to be the "Corrie Ten Boom," "the Hiding Place" "the place prepared in the wilderness" by God to take care of Israel when they need us; to take care of "the least of these"(Matthew 25) when the worst antisemitism that has ever been is launched by the Antichrist when the "abomination of desolation" begins. God's heart is turning to Israel once again. Will you allow your heart to become one with His? Will you also turn your heart to Israel in these Last Days? To do so is to put yourself in the center of God's perfect will. It is to "seek first the Kingdom." And the result will be that all that you need will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Shalom (Gen.12:1-3)
This brings us to verse 6: "The woman(the nation of Israel) fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she will be taken care of for 1,260 days. It is this prophetic scripture concerning the woman(Israel) and the red dragon(Satan), at the time of the end, that we will focus on now as to how it pertains to "the Abomination of Desolation" (the 1,260 days). Let's begin with the seven-headed dragon with the seven crowns and ten horns on its head. The seven heads with the seven crowns represent the seven world empires through whom Satan has worked and will work in his attempt to destroy the woman(Israel). The first six of these empires have already come and gone. They are in order, 1. Egypt, 2. Assyria, 3. Babylon, 4. Medo-Persia, 5. Greece, and 6. Rome. Satan used each of these empires in his attempt to destroy the Jews. That is both Biblical and historical fact. That leaves one more head of the dragon, one more empire that the devil will work through in his attempt to annihilate the Jews. This will be the empire of the Antichrist, the man of sin and lawlessness. Satan will work through him to form the last world empire in his attempt to defeat God and His plan. Revelation 17:12 says that "The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast." Every time the word "beast" is used in the Book of the Revelation it refers to the Antichrist. The only exception is when it refers to the false prophet. This is so the believer will know that the false prophet, in spite of his deception, is also of the Antichrist. Verse 13 says "They( the ten kings) have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast(Antichrist). The "one hour" of v.12 refers to a short period of time, likely just a few years.
Now back to the 1,260 days of v.6. This time period is also referred to as 42 months ( Revelation 11:2) and three and one half years (Daniel7:25). God is making it clear that this time period is a literal time period and is not to be spiritualized! The 1,260 days is also "the great tribulation period." It is the last 3 1/2 years of the final seven years of this present age that will give way to the Millennial reign of Christ. It will be Satan's final attempt to annihilate Israel and defeat God. Listen to how Jeremiah describes it in Jeremiah 30:7 "How awful that day will be. No other will be like it. It will be the time of Jacobs/Israels trouble, but he will be saved out of it." Daniel 12:1-2 defines the 1260 days this way, "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people(Israel) will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then . But at that time your people(Israel), everyone found written in the book will be delivered." And Jesus spoke of the 1,260 days in Matthew 24:15 "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination of desolation' spoken of by Daniel the prophet let the reader understand." ( See Daniel 9:27) Jesus also said this about this time period in Matthew 24:21 For then (during the 1260 days; the last three and one half years of the Great Tribulation) there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now and never will be equaled again." In the middle of the seven year peace treaty made by the Antichrist with Israel, he will put an end to sacrifice and offering, and at the Temple(the rebuilt Jewish temple) he will set up the 'abomination of desolation' until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. He will declare himself to be God and will demand to be worshipped!
God spoke through Jeremiah, Daniel and His Son to tell us that Satan's final attempt to annihilate the Jews and defeat God will be the most horrific 1,260 days ever known on the earth! This means that Israel's most difficult days are not the holocaust but instead will be the suffering that is yet to come--the "time of Jacob's trouble"-the Great Tribulation-the time that begins with the 'abomination of desolation' at the hands of the Antichrist when he declares himself to be God and so breaks his seven year covenant with the Jews!
However, it will be at the conclusion of these days that the remnant of Jews will be saved as they turn their hearts to Jesus as their Messiah(Romans 11:25-27). Listen to these amazing words in Zechariah 12:10 "I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They (the Jews) will look on me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him(Jesus) as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one who grieves for a first born son."
Let me conclude today with these thoughts. Iran is developing a nuclear weapon and it is pointed at Israel; the Arab uprising in the Middle East is uniting all of Islam against Israel; the foundational peace agreement signed between Egypt and Israel in 1979 was broken just recently when for the first time in 30 years Israel's embassy in Egypt was attacked; just a couple of weeks ago Turkey--the long time "friend" of Israel expelled Israel's ambassador and cut off trade over the flotilla incident that happened in the waters off of Gaza just a little over a year ago; and just last week the Palestinians applied for statehood at the United Nations--a statehood that is to be had at Israel's expense! What am I saying? I am saying that the "time of Jacob's/Israel's trouble" may be closer than we think! So what are we to do? We as the Church are to love, support and pray for Israel. Now is the time for the Last Day Church to allow God to prepare them to be the "Corrie Ten Boom," "the Hiding Place" "the place prepared in the wilderness" by God to take care of Israel when they need us; to take care of "the least of these"(Matthew 25) when the worst antisemitism that has ever been is launched by the Antichrist when the "abomination of desolation" begins. God's heart is turning to Israel once again. Will you allow your heart to become one with His? Will you also turn your heart to Israel in these Last Days? To do so is to put yourself in the center of God's perfect will. It is to "seek first the Kingdom." And the result will be that all that you need will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Shalom (Gen.12:1-3)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Time-line in 2012
Just a quick word about the time-line for 2012. As I have said for weeks, 2012 will be a year when the prophetic pages will begin to really turn quickly. Many things that have been written and prophesied will begin to come to pass. It will truly be a remarkable year. But I don't want anyone to think that at 12:01 AM on January 1st everything is going to explode. Actually I believe that we will be several months deep into 2012 before things really do begin to happen. However, once they do begin, they will happen very quickly, one after the other. Consequently, it is imperative that we are walking with the Spirit and are doing what He tells us to do. Between now and next year is the time to "get prepared." Don't worry about what "being prepared" my mean. The Lord will make it so clear that you couldn't miss it if you tried. He loves you and will not leave you in the dark. Also, as the Lord reveals things to me I will pass them along to you via this blog. So stay tuned. It truly is the most exciting time ever to be alive!
Today I would like to share a prophetic word with you that I read on another blog. It is on the money. The site is blog.dougaddison.com. I will also post it on my facebook page. Shalom on Israel and the Church.
Today I would like to share a prophetic word with you that I read on another blog. It is on the money. The site is blog.dougaddison.com. I will also post it on my facebook page. Shalom on Israel and the Church.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Mystery of Israel
As the nation of Israel missed the mystery of the Gospel, many in the Church are in danger of missing the mystery of Israel in the end-times. Simply said, God's end-time plans include the covenant nation and people of Israel. This is the clear teaching of the Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 11. In Romans 11:25 the Word of God tells us "that blindness in PART has happened to Israel UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles come in." In the time of the end, God will once again turn His attention to Israel. All the promises that He made to His chosen nation will be fulfilled. God's reputation is at stake, and He will do what He said He would do. Now, the question is this: what will it look like when God once again turns toward Israel? There are two things that will help us answer this question. First is the "controversy of Zion" as recorded in Isaiah 34:8. Secondly is "the time of Jacob's trouble" spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 30:7.
Let me start by defining these two biblical subjects. The "controversy of Zion" can be defined as the continuing natural and spiritual conflict over the city of Jerusalem; the past, present and future land of Israel; and the Jewish people whose ancient history and prophetic destiny are inseparably linked. "The time of Jacob's trouble" refers to the end of the age where the Jewish people will suffer intensely but also be gloriously restored. It is the time of "trouble" that will lay the controversy to rest when God restores the Kingdom to Israel and at the same time judges the nations that came against her. Failure to understand and embrace this truth will be a grave error for those in the world and for those in the church. The Apostle Paul warned of this danger for the Church in Romans 11:20-21. We would do well to heed that warning.
So then, Israel's greatest glory as well as her greatest suffering is yet future. We can all rejoice in Israel's future glory, but what about her future suffering? Will the Church be there to share in her suffering when it comes? Unfortunately, in Nazi Germany the Church failed to be there when the Jews were in great need. But what about the next Holocaust, "the time of Jacobs's trouble," Israel's most intense time of suffering ever? That question is yet to be answered, but it will be. When the Antichrist rages against Israel at the time of the "Desolation of Abomination" (Matthew 24:15ff) and she is shattered and scattered to the nations, will the Church be there for her? Will the church be there when anti-Semitism explodes exponentially on a worldwide scale? Will the Church be "Corrie ten Boom" and the "Hiding Place" that will love and take care of the Jewish people?
I feel that a big part of my calling is to awaken the Church to this truth. It is my conviction that as the Lord is turning His heart toward Israel in these last days so will those in the Church who are in tune with His heart do likewise. Is there a yes in your spirit to this word? Will you be a part of the Church that will love and care for Israel in the day of her suffering? My prayer is that as you become more prophetically awakened to the mystery of Israel in these last days, your love and burden for her will grow.
I'll close with these thoughts. With the so-called Arab uprising continuing in the Middle East, and with the most recent events of Turkey and Egypt turning away from Israel, it begs the question of just how close we may be to "the time of Jacob's trouble." How close might we be to the time that the prophets saw when Israel would go through the worst suffering in her entire history? I believe it could be at the doors. All the more reason for the Church to be fully awake and ready to bless God's chosen people. At the same time, let us also keep in mind of how close we are to realizing the greatest days ever on this planet--the golden days of the reign of the Messiah when both restored Israel and the Church will rule and reign with the Lord for a thousand years!
Wake up Church, let us hear the voice of the Spirit and follow after what God is doing in these days of days. We are almost there! Shalom on both Israel and the Last Days Church!
Let me start by defining these two biblical subjects. The "controversy of Zion" can be defined as the continuing natural and spiritual conflict over the city of Jerusalem; the past, present and future land of Israel; and the Jewish people whose ancient history and prophetic destiny are inseparably linked. "The time of Jacob's trouble" refers to the end of the age where the Jewish people will suffer intensely but also be gloriously restored. It is the time of "trouble" that will lay the controversy to rest when God restores the Kingdom to Israel and at the same time judges the nations that came against her. Failure to understand and embrace this truth will be a grave error for those in the world and for those in the church. The Apostle Paul warned of this danger for the Church in Romans 11:20-21. We would do well to heed that warning.
So then, Israel's greatest glory as well as her greatest suffering is yet future. We can all rejoice in Israel's future glory, but what about her future suffering? Will the Church be there to share in her suffering when it comes? Unfortunately, in Nazi Germany the Church failed to be there when the Jews were in great need. But what about the next Holocaust, "the time of Jacobs's trouble," Israel's most intense time of suffering ever? That question is yet to be answered, but it will be. When the Antichrist rages against Israel at the time of the "Desolation of Abomination" (Matthew 24:15ff) and she is shattered and scattered to the nations, will the Church be there for her? Will the church be there when anti-Semitism explodes exponentially on a worldwide scale? Will the Church be "Corrie ten Boom" and the "Hiding Place" that will love and take care of the Jewish people?
I feel that a big part of my calling is to awaken the Church to this truth. It is my conviction that as the Lord is turning His heart toward Israel in these last days so will those in the Church who are in tune with His heart do likewise. Is there a yes in your spirit to this word? Will you be a part of the Church that will love and care for Israel in the day of her suffering? My prayer is that as you become more prophetically awakened to the mystery of Israel in these last days, your love and burden for her will grow.
I'll close with these thoughts. With the so-called Arab uprising continuing in the Middle East, and with the most recent events of Turkey and Egypt turning away from Israel, it begs the question of just how close we may be to "the time of Jacob's trouble." How close might we be to the time that the prophets saw when Israel would go through the worst suffering in her entire history? I believe it could be at the doors. All the more reason for the Church to be fully awake and ready to bless God's chosen people. At the same time, let us also keep in mind of how close we are to realizing the greatest days ever on this planet--the golden days of the reign of the Messiah when both restored Israel and the Church will rule and reign with the Lord for a thousand years!
Wake up Church, let us hear the voice of the Spirit and follow after what God is doing in these days of days. We are almost there! Shalom on both Israel and the Last Days Church!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Next Move is Gods: Part 2
In preparation for the coming move of God, the Holy Spirit is at work transforming the Church into a vessel of honor that will be able to steward God's Kingdom power with humility and wisdom. Part of this transforming work, as we have stated in previous blogs, will be to discover the gifts that God has placed within you "for such a time as this." And once you know what those gifts are, the Spirit will work with you and in you to mature those gifts which are to be manifested for His glory and for the establishment of His Kingdom. Also, as part this process, the Holy Spirit will wisely and lovingly be
removing from your life anything that would hinder this "gift discovery and maturity." Allow me to use an example from what happened at the conclusion of our Wednesday night service to illustrate this truth.
During the service on Wednesday night, the Holy Spirit dropped a word in my heart about the need for His Church to be free from any generational curses that may be attached to our life. For example, I have an Indian background. This would mean that my life and family would be susceptible to the animistic religion of my ancestors, which would include falsehood and superstition. It doesn't mean that I or my family are involved in falsehood or superstition, but only that we are vulnerable to it. I do believe that demonic spirits follow generational curses to keep God's people from fulfilling their destinies. Hence the need to break all generational curses in the name of Jesus Christ. That is what we did at the conclusion of our service. And it was amazing the spiritual victory that came when the enemy was brought into the light, exposed and defeated by the Spirit's authority.
It was also during this ministry time that the Lord began to identify other curses that people were dealing with. One curse/spirit that was identified was a curse or spirit of abuse. This kind of spirit usually works through the words and actions of a family member in order to manipulate and control another person. Associated with this kind of spirit is fear and insecurity. The person is beat
down and is made to feel afraid, unworthy, and useless. And this is the enemy's goal in rendering them ineffective as a Christian. But as this curse/spirit was brought into the light, prayer was offered up and authority was taken over this curse/spirit in the name of Jesus Christ! And the room was filled with victory! Hear me friend, there is power in the name of Jesus Christ. Everyone who was present in that meeting knew that something powerful and significant had taken place. Something had been cleared out of the way so that the Lord could do what needs to be done. A believer cannot know and operate fully in the gifts of the Spirit as long as he or she is bound by some curse or spirit!
As I close this word today, I want to help you apply this powerful truth to your life. Right now, I ask the Holy Spirit to begin revealing to you any generational curses that may be effecting your life. Think of your mother or father, grandmother or grandfather. Was there any curse, any besetting sin like drunkenness or adultery that plagued your family? Wait before the Lord for just a moment. Ask the
Holy Spirit to reveal to you any generational curse to which you may be vulnerable. Don't be afraid. Rather be honest, knowing that God desires to set you free and make you ready for what He has planned for your life. Once you have identified any curse, take authority over it and break its power over you in the name of Jesus Christ! I am praying for you even as I write these words. Once you have done this, stand in faith and expect God to reveal to you the gift or gifts that He has placed within you. God wants you free because He loves you and because He desires for you to fulfill your destiny upon
this earth. If you need further ministry or would like to communicate with me, please feel free to drop me an email at warriorofgod@bellsouth.net. I will keep any communication completely confidential. Please know that I am praying for you as you pursue His perfect and complete will for your life. Friend, the last four months of this year could be some of the most important months in your life. Submit to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to do in you everything that needs to be done. Please don't be afraid. As I have always said, the one Man that you can trust with your life is the One who has nail scares in His hands.
More will be coming in future blogs. Please continue to follow what God is saying to you. And be sure to test everything and hold fast to that which is good. Shalom on the people of God.
removing from your life anything that would hinder this "gift discovery and maturity." Allow me to use an example from what happened at the conclusion of our Wednesday night service to illustrate this truth.
During the service on Wednesday night, the Holy Spirit dropped a word in my heart about the need for His Church to be free from any generational curses that may be attached to our life. For example, I have an Indian background. This would mean that my life and family would be susceptible to the animistic religion of my ancestors, which would include falsehood and superstition. It doesn't mean that I or my family are involved in falsehood or superstition, but only that we are vulnerable to it. I do believe that demonic spirits follow generational curses to keep God's people from fulfilling their destinies. Hence the need to break all generational curses in the name of Jesus Christ. That is what we did at the conclusion of our service. And it was amazing the spiritual victory that came when the enemy was brought into the light, exposed and defeated by the Spirit's authority.
It was also during this ministry time that the Lord began to identify other curses that people were dealing with. One curse/spirit that was identified was a curse or spirit of abuse. This kind of spirit usually works through the words and actions of a family member in order to manipulate and control another person. Associated with this kind of spirit is fear and insecurity. The person is beat
down and is made to feel afraid, unworthy, and useless. And this is the enemy's goal in rendering them ineffective as a Christian. But as this curse/spirit was brought into the light, prayer was offered up and authority was taken over this curse/spirit in the name of Jesus Christ! And the room was filled with victory! Hear me friend, there is power in the name of Jesus Christ. Everyone who was present in that meeting knew that something powerful and significant had taken place. Something had been cleared out of the way so that the Lord could do what needs to be done. A believer cannot know and operate fully in the gifts of the Spirit as long as he or she is bound by some curse or spirit!
As I close this word today, I want to help you apply this powerful truth to your life. Right now, I ask the Holy Spirit to begin revealing to you any generational curses that may be effecting your life. Think of your mother or father, grandmother or grandfather. Was there any curse, any besetting sin like drunkenness or adultery that plagued your family? Wait before the Lord for just a moment. Ask the
Holy Spirit to reveal to you any generational curse to which you may be vulnerable. Don't be afraid. Rather be honest, knowing that God desires to set you free and make you ready for what He has planned for your life. Once you have identified any curse, take authority over it and break its power over you in the name of Jesus Christ! I am praying for you even as I write these words. Once you have done this, stand in faith and expect God to reveal to you the gift or gifts that He has placed within you. God wants you free because He loves you and because He desires for you to fulfill your destiny upon
this earth. If you need further ministry or would like to communicate with me, please feel free to drop me an email at warriorofgod@bellsouth.net. I will keep any communication completely confidential. Please know that I am praying for you as you pursue His perfect and complete will for your life. Friend, the last four months of this year could be some of the most important months in your life. Submit to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to do in you everything that needs to be done. Please don't be afraid. As I have always said, the one Man that you can trust with your life is the One who has nail scares in His hands.
More will be coming in future blogs. Please continue to follow what God is saying to you. And be sure to test everything and hold fast to that which is good. Shalom on the people of God.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Next Move is Gods
In a recent post, I spoke of a prophetic word that the Lord gave me back in November of 2010. That word consisted of four parts: 1. Change has already happened in the heavens, 2. This change will be emphatically manifested on the earth, 3. The next move is Gods, 4. Divine connections will be made. Today I would like to focus on number three, "The next move is Gods." Specifically I want to concentrate on God moving in power with signs, wonders and miracles. I can see the day when football stadiums will be filled with people, not to see a ball game but to witness and experience the power of God. It is my conviction that only stadiums like Legion Field, Bryant Denny Stadium and Jordan Hare will be big enough to hold the crowds who have come not to see a man but have come to be in the tangible presence of God! We have seen what man can do. We are now at the door of seeing what God can do.
And as the scripture says, "nothing will be impossible with God." Allow yourself to look with me prophetically at the time when people will be talking about what God is doing. He is healing the sick; He is delivering the demonically possessed; He is causing blind eyes to be opened; He is raising the dead! Imagine football stadiums filled with hurting and sick people being set free by the power of God! What a day and time this will be. As the world grows darker and darker, the light of God shines brighter and brighter in and through the Church. What will be the impact and result of this coming move of God?
I believe this next and final move of God will produce two amazing results. First there will be the greatest harvest that the Church has ever seen. My conviction is that millions will be swept into the Kingdom of God. Secondly, I believe that this will help provoke many in Israel to turn their eyes to Messiah Jesus for the first time in 2000 years. This will truly be an unprecedented time in world history. It will be an awakening in the Church and also an awakening in Israel! And all of this going on as the world becomes more evil and even darker. The best of times and the worst of times. But a time that you and I were created for by the Creator.
So the question is this: What then should we do? First, we should be humble and obedient to the Lord. Make yourself available to Him. Ask Him, sincerely, to reveal His purposes and plans for your life. As I said in a recent post, over the next four months believe that God will show you the gifts that He has placed within you and then expect Him to help you mature in those gifts. This will help prepare
you for God's next move. A few months ago on a Sunday morning, while preaching, God spoke a prophetic word to me. That word was this: you are not what you need to be now, but you will be what you need to be then. I believe that "then" begins in earnest in 2012! Be encouraged. God wants you to be in the center of His will more than you want to be in the center of His will! Just trust and obey.
I will conclude today with these thoughts. May I suggest that you consider incorporating the following into your prayer time. Each day when I pray, I ask the Lord to prepare the Church to be a vessel of honor in these last days. Why? so that He will have a vessel that can steward His power with humility and wisdom. It will be through this kind of vessel that the great harvest will come in and through whom Israel will be provoked to seek their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Please hear me friends. It doesn't matter where you have been and how many mistakes you may have made. God has taken care of your past. What He is interested in is your future. Will you open your heart to Him? Will you allow Him to make you a vessel of honor in these last days? All He needs is your yes. Is there a yes in your spirit to the Voice of the Lord? If there is, you can still fulfill your destiny upon this earth. You can be a part of the greatest days ever. You can be a part of the fulfillment of prophecy. Shalom on the people of God.
Stay tuned for the follow-up word that will be posted in the next few days.
And as the scripture says, "nothing will be impossible with God." Allow yourself to look with me prophetically at the time when people will be talking about what God is doing. He is healing the sick; He is delivering the demonically possessed; He is causing blind eyes to be opened; He is raising the dead! Imagine football stadiums filled with hurting and sick people being set free by the power of God! What a day and time this will be. As the world grows darker and darker, the light of God shines brighter and brighter in and through the Church. What will be the impact and result of this coming move of God?
I believe this next and final move of God will produce two amazing results. First there will be the greatest harvest that the Church has ever seen. My conviction is that millions will be swept into the Kingdom of God. Secondly, I believe that this will help provoke many in Israel to turn their eyes to Messiah Jesus for the first time in 2000 years. This will truly be an unprecedented time in world history. It will be an awakening in the Church and also an awakening in Israel! And all of this going on as the world becomes more evil and even darker. The best of times and the worst of times. But a time that you and I were created for by the Creator.
So the question is this: What then should we do? First, we should be humble and obedient to the Lord. Make yourself available to Him. Ask Him, sincerely, to reveal His purposes and plans for your life. As I said in a recent post, over the next four months believe that God will show you the gifts that He has placed within you and then expect Him to help you mature in those gifts. This will help prepare
you for God's next move. A few months ago on a Sunday morning, while preaching, God spoke a prophetic word to me. That word was this: you are not what you need to be now, but you will be what you need to be then. I believe that "then" begins in earnest in 2012! Be encouraged. God wants you to be in the center of His will more than you want to be in the center of His will! Just trust and obey.
I will conclude today with these thoughts. May I suggest that you consider incorporating the following into your prayer time. Each day when I pray, I ask the Lord to prepare the Church to be a vessel of honor in these last days. Why? so that He will have a vessel that can steward His power with humility and wisdom. It will be through this kind of vessel that the great harvest will come in and through whom Israel will be provoked to seek their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Please hear me friends. It doesn't matter where you have been and how many mistakes you may have made. God has taken care of your past. What He is interested in is your future. Will you open your heart to Him? Will you allow Him to make you a vessel of honor in these last days? All He needs is your yes. Is there a yes in your spirit to the Voice of the Lord? If there is, you can still fulfill your destiny upon this earth. You can be a part of the greatest days ever. You can be a part of the fulfillment of prophecy. Shalom on the people of God.
Stay tuned for the follow-up word that will be posted in the next few days.
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