Quite simple. Jesus walked in the flesh and thus showed himself to the world. His disciples wrote the Gospels and immediately dispersed to preach the Gospel to all the world until the day when the Gospel is to be spread to all the lands of earth, thus showing Jesus again to the world. And then the end shall come quickly and we shall all see the Lord face to face, once again showing Jesus to all.
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L
Your answer belies a simplistic and woody literal understanding of what Jesus was saying, he was not saying that the gospel had to be preached to every nook and cranny or remote island on the planet, his concern was mainly to the Jews spread throughout out the land.
Adam Clarke on Matt 24:14
Your reply does not take account of what Paul and Luke states below:
(Mat 24:14 KJV) 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.
No matter how you wish to understand in all the world - the facts from the letters in the NT tell us is that:
(Col 1:23 KJV) 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.
(Rom 1:8 KJV) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
(Rom 10:17 KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Rom 10:18 KJV) 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.
(Acts 2:5 KJV) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
There is no doubt that these devout men took the gospel back with them to every nation under heaven.
The end came in a little time after Paul was killed
Adam Clarke on Matt 24:14
Your reply does not take account of what Paul and Luke states below:
(Mat 24:14 KJV) 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.
No matter how you wish to understand in all the world - the facts from the letters in the NT tell us is that:
(Col 1:23 KJV) 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.
(Rom 1:8 KJV) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
(Rom 10:17 KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Rom 10:18 KJV) 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.
(Acts 2:5 KJV) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
There is no doubt that these devout men took the gospel back with them to every nation under heaven.
The end came in a little time after Paul was killed
The tongues of flame is confusing to many people. If you look at all the translations it says tongues LIKE fire or what seemed to be fire. Not literal fire.
Of course the HS and fire do go hand in hand. Moses talked to God through a burning bush. So to me the word "fire" isn't always a literal burning but a sign of Gods presence, and in many times fire is used to describe rebuke and Gods anger.
Of course the HS and fire do go hand in hand. Moses talked to God through a burning bush. So to me the word "fire" isn't always a literal burning but a sign of Gods presence, and in many times fire is used to describe rebuke and Gods anger.
Aye good points indeed! Burning bush is a good example indeed. For it was not some allegory or metaphorical burning bush. The Bible states the bush was on fire, but yet was not consumed. Seems to me this even surprised Moses enough to turn aside and behold this miracle. So what Moses saw was a literal flame upon the bush. Much the same what the Apostles saw was tongues as of fire. All of this is quite literal.
I liked your point on God's rebuke being described as fire. Indeed when the Lord shall rebuke this evil world once and for all it will be as a fervent heat so hot it will dissolve the heavens and the earth.
I liked your point on God's rebuke being described as fire. Indeed when the Lord shall rebuke this evil world once and for all it will be as a fervent heat so hot it will dissolve the heavens and the earth.
T
I never ever said Revelation is talking about technology. I will doubt the veracity of opinions from anyone regarding the Bible if they lack reading comprehension skills. If you can't discern the text of a man, then how will you the text of God?
A wise individual would go back and read and discern the comparisons and contrasts I distinctly made between the power of God versus the power of man: an attempt to get the reader to understand that a fully literal (not technological) manifestation of Revelations is very possible; though I said that it is obvious that some of Revelations is not literal, for in nearly every single way that God is not being literal, He immediately defines the visions as per the allowance He gave John.
It's plenty enough for anyone with a spiritual mind.
I see a lot of people claiming the Scripture is self evident, and yet the same are posting the opinions of early church patrons and recent preachers as extra evidence. I see a contradiction in the convictions of some. If Scripture is self evident, then use it. The number one way to be passionately wrong is to be regurgitating the words of others they themselves hold in high esteem, also knowing that others do the same or will upon being introduced to the individuals. For those who say there is no revelation beyond the current Bible, then why use the words of other men as if their words add merit to that which is perfect? If you call a thing perfect, use that!
And then you say that my simple deductions are not enough.
It does not take much effort to expose the devices of the blind who by their very nature are transparent to those without guile. Imagine watching a pack of naked blind men using their walking sticks and dogs to fend each other off of a soap box.
Yes. It looks that ridiculous.
A wise individual would go back and read and discern the comparisons and contrasts I distinctly made between the power of God versus the power of man: an attempt to get the reader to understand that a fully literal (not technological) manifestation of Revelations is very possible; though I said that it is obvious that some of Revelations is not literal, for in nearly every single way that God is not being literal, He immediately defines the visions as per the allowance He gave John.
It's plenty enough for anyone with a spiritual mind.
I see a lot of people claiming the Scripture is self evident, and yet the same are posting the opinions of early church patrons and recent preachers as extra evidence. I see a contradiction in the convictions of some. If Scripture is self evident, then use it. The number one way to be passionately wrong is to be regurgitating the words of others they themselves hold in high esteem, also knowing that others do the same or will upon being introduced to the individuals. For those who say there is no revelation beyond the current Bible, then why use the words of other men as if their words add merit to that which is perfect? If you call a thing perfect, use that!
And then you say that my simple deductions are not enough.
It does not take much effort to expose the devices of the blind who by their very nature are transparent to those without guile. Imagine watching a pack of naked blind men using their walking sticks and dogs to fend each other off of a soap box.
Yes. It looks that ridiculous.
L
Not really - you just haven't come to terms with figurative usage of "heavens and earth" or how Peter and others used the Greek word stoicheion which is translated "elements" in most bibles with out any reference to the Greek.
(2 Pet 3:13 KJV) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(2 Pet 3:10 KJV) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Now it's commonly thought that Peter is speaking of a destruction of the physical earth and heavens - but here he is speaking symbolically of the 70AD destruction or Jerusalem and the old covenant system with it priesthood power.
How does Peter think of and understand the "element" and the "heavens and earth"?
(2 Pet 3:12 KJV) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements (stoicheion) shall melt with fervent heat?
(2 Pet 3:13 KJV) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Peter describes the heavens being on fire and the elements shall melt - is he speaking of the actual heavens and elements of the earth?
What is interesting to note is his use of the world elements - in the Greek the word is stoicheion
We find ii is used in only seven verses - twice in Peter's letter.
Col 2:8 KJV Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (stoicheion) of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:20 KJV Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments (stoicheion) of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Gal 4:3 KJV Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements (stoicheion) of the world:
Adam Clarke:
Gal 4:9 KJV But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements (stoicheion) whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Heb 5:12 KJV For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles (stoicheion) of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
As can be seen from the above the usages of stoicheion (elements) all have to do with religious principles/teachings or philosophy and not atoms or elements of the physical world or universe.
It's elementary my Dear Watson.
(2 Pet 3:13 KJV) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(2 Pet 3:10 KJV) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Now it's commonly thought that Peter is speaking of a destruction of the physical earth and heavens - but here he is speaking symbolically of the 70AD destruction or Jerusalem and the old covenant system with it priesthood power.
How does Peter think of and understand the "element" and the "heavens and earth"?
(2 Pet 3:12 KJV) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements (stoicheion) shall melt with fervent heat?
(2 Pet 3:13 KJV) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Peter describes the heavens being on fire and the elements shall melt - is he speaking of the actual heavens and elements of the earth?
What is interesting to note is his use of the world elements - in the Greek the word is stoicheion
We find ii is used in only seven verses - twice in Peter's letter.
Col 2:8 KJV Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (stoicheion) of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:20 KJV Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments (stoicheion) of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Gal 4:3 KJV Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements (stoicheion) of the world:
Adam Clarke:
Gal 4:9 KJV But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements (stoicheion) whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Heb 5:12 KJV For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles (stoicheion) of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
As can be seen from the above the usages of stoicheion (elements) all have to do with religious principles/teachings or philosophy and not atoms or elements of the physical world or universe.
It's elementary my Dear Watson.
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Stoicheion - New Testament Greek Lexicon - New American Standard
The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
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[TD="colspan: 2"]Definition[/TD]
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[/TR]
[/TABLE]
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[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"]NAS Word Usage - Total: 8
[/TD]
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[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"]elemental things 2, elementary principles 2, elementary* 1, elements 2, principles 1
[/TD]
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[/TABLE]
Seems elementary to me indeed that the elements which are the materials of the world and heavens shall perish by fire as the Lord's apostles and prophets have stated ere long ago. Seeing as all shall perish by fire though, I suppose even your ultra-technical approach is thus also true as the earth and heavens and all the works of man's hands shall perish by fire at the End of Days.
Really brother, why are you so opposed to th destruction of this accursed planet? Art thou as Jonah and you pity the gourd? That is no sin, for I have pitied the gourd too. Surely though ye should know this planet deserves destruction that the new heavens and the new earth may be created and all the righteous will dwell therein with Jesus forever. So this is not something to be feared at all, but rather, to be look forward to.
The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"]Definition[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"]
- any first thing, from which the others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise, an element, first principal
- the letters of the alphabet as the elements of speech, not however the written characters, but the spoken sounds
- the elements from which all things have come, the material causes of the universe
- the heavenly bodies, either as parts of the heavens or (as others think) because in them the elements of man, life and destiny were supposed to reside
- the elements, rudiments, primary and fundamental principles of any art, science, or discipline
- i.e. of mathematics, Euclid's geometry
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
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[TD="colspan: 2"]NAS Word Usage - Total: 8
[/TD]
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[TD="colspan: 2"]elemental things 2, elementary principles 2, elementary* 1, elements 2, principles 1
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Seems elementary to me indeed that the elements which are the materials of the world and heavens shall perish by fire as the Lord's apostles and prophets have stated ere long ago. Seeing as all shall perish by fire though, I suppose even your ultra-technical approach is thus also true as the earth and heavens and all the works of man's hands shall perish by fire at the End of Days.
Really brother, why are you so opposed to th destruction of this accursed planet? Art thou as Jonah and you pity the gourd? That is no sin, for I have pitied the gourd too. Surely though ye should know this planet deserves destruction that the new heavens and the new earth may be created and all the righteous will dwell therein with Jesus forever. So this is not something to be feared at all, but rather, to be look forward to.
L
Waxing a bit poetic there...
There was no need to post the usages from the NAS bible - I already stated:
Not really - you just haven't come to terms with figurative usage of "heavens and earth" or how Peter and others used the Greek word stoicheion which is translated "elements" in most bibles with out any reference to the Greek.
The problem with using "elements" as a translation for stoicheion in Peter's letter is one would have to assume he was familiar the Greek philosophical usages of stoicheion by Empedocles and Socrates:
"It was Empedocles who established four ultimate elements which make all the structures in the world - fire, air, water, earth. Empedocles called these four elements "roots", which he also identified with the mythical names of Zeus, Hera, Nestis, and Aidoneus"
Source - wiki.
Now I find it hard to believe Peter would be familiar with Greek philosophy or use terminology associated with it - Paul may have been familiar with the Greek philosphers but as I've pointed out his use of stoicheion is not dealing with physical elements.
Now as I've said previously the phrase "heaven and earth" is used symbolically of the Jewish polity and priesthood and nation:
(Deu 32:1 KJV) Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
(Deu 32:2 KJV) My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Do you really think Moses was speaking to stars and dirt - heavens to murgatroid?
Moses is addressing the priesthood (heavens) and the people (earth):
(Mat 5:11 KJV) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
(Mat 5:12 KJV) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
(Mat 5:13 KJV) Ye are the salt of the earth...
Jesus is using similar phraseology - the physical earth does not require salt - but those people are being represented as a seasoning of a corrupt nation (earth).
(Isa 51:15 KJV) But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.
(Isa 51:16 KJV) And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
The putting "my words in they mouth" refers to the giving of the Law in Deuteronomy - Isa is nothing to do with the physical creation of the heavens and earth "Zion, thou art my people" is the creation of the covenant between God and Israel.
(Mat 24:34 KJV) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
(Mat 24:35 KJV) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
The heavens and earth of the old covenant did pass away in that generation.
There was no need to post the usages from the NAS bible - I already stated:
Not really - you just haven't come to terms with figurative usage of "heavens and earth" or how Peter and others used the Greek word stoicheion which is translated "elements" in most bibles with out any reference to the Greek.
The problem with using "elements" as a translation for stoicheion in Peter's letter is one would have to assume he was familiar the Greek philosophical usages of stoicheion by Empedocles and Socrates:
"It was Empedocles who established four ultimate elements which make all the structures in the world - fire, air, water, earth. Empedocles called these four elements "roots", which he also identified with the mythical names of Zeus, Hera, Nestis, and Aidoneus"
Source - wiki.
Now I find it hard to believe Peter would be familiar with Greek philosophy or use terminology associated with it - Paul may have been familiar with the Greek philosphers but as I've pointed out his use of stoicheion is not dealing with physical elements.
Now as I've said previously the phrase "heaven and earth" is used symbolically of the Jewish polity and priesthood and nation:
(Deu 32:1 KJV) Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
(Deu 32:2 KJV) My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Do you really think Moses was speaking to stars and dirt - heavens to murgatroid?
Moses is addressing the priesthood (heavens) and the people (earth):
(Mat 5:11 KJV) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
(Mat 5:12 KJV) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
(Mat 5:13 KJV) Ye are the salt of the earth...
Jesus is using similar phraseology - the physical earth does not require salt - but those people are being represented as a seasoning of a corrupt nation (earth).
(Isa 51:15 KJV) But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.
(Isa 51:16 KJV) And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
The putting "my words in they mouth" refers to the giving of the Law in Deuteronomy - Isa is nothing to do with the physical creation of the heavens and earth "Zion, thou art my people" is the creation of the covenant between God and Israel.
(Mat 24:34 KJV) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
(Mat 24:35 KJV) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
The heavens and earth of the old covenant did pass away in that generation.
Ah I think I see where you're mixed up.
1. Moses was addressing the earth and heavens indeed, Moses was addressing all the people of time. Even you and I today. These are some of Moses' last words. Therefore let us examine Moses' speech for greater context. Heh and I believe ye shall find it quite appropriate for the topic indeed. (And perhaps the other passages we shall read and discuss for fun and good learning tomorrow or tonight, but for this response I'll just go with this passage since it is rather lengthy.) Very good scripture reference indeed for study either way, so good pick!
Deuternomy 32
1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?
[SUP]7 [/SUP]Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]For the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
[SUP]12 [/SUP]So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;
[SUP]14 [/SUP]Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
[SUP]16 [/SUP]They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.
[SUP]19 [/SUP]And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
[SUP]22 [/SUP]For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
[SUP]24 [/SUP]They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:
[SUP]27 [/SUP]Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done all this.
[SUP]28 [/SUP]For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
[SUP]29 [/SUP]O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
[SUP]30 [/SUP]How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?
[SUP]31 [/SUP]For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.
[SUP]32 [/SUP]For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:
[SUP]33 [/SUP]Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.
[SUP]34 [/SUP]Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?
[SUP]35 [/SUP]To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
[SUP]36 [/SUP]For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.
[SUP]37 [/SUP]And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
[SUP]38 [/SUP]Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
[SUP]39 [/SUP]See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.
[SUP]40 [/SUP]For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
[SUP]41 [/SUP]If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
[SUP]42 [/SUP]I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.
[SUP]43 [/SUP]Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
[SUP]44 [/SUP]And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun.
[SUP]45 [/SUP]And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:
[SUP]46 [/SUP]And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
[SUP]47 [/SUP]For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
[SUP]48 [/SUP]And the Lord spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying,
[SUP]49 [/SUP]Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:
[SUP]50 [/SUP]And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:
[SUP]51 [/SUP]Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of MeribahKadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.
[SUP]52 [/SUP]Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel.
1. Moses was addressing the earth and heavens indeed, Moses was addressing all the people of time. Even you and I today. These are some of Moses' last words. Therefore let us examine Moses' speech for greater context. Heh and I believe ye shall find it quite appropriate for the topic indeed. (And perhaps the other passages we shall read and discuss for fun and good learning tomorrow or tonight, but for this response I'll just go with this passage since it is rather lengthy.) Very good scripture reference indeed for study either way, so good pick!
Deuternomy 32
1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?
[SUP]7 [/SUP]Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]For the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
[SUP]12 [/SUP]So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;
[SUP]14 [/SUP]Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
[SUP]16 [/SUP]They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.
[SUP]19 [/SUP]And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
[SUP]22 [/SUP]For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
[SUP]24 [/SUP]They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:
[SUP]27 [/SUP]Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done all this.
[SUP]28 [/SUP]For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
[SUP]29 [/SUP]O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
[SUP]30 [/SUP]How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?
[SUP]31 [/SUP]For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.
[SUP]32 [/SUP]For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:
[SUP]33 [/SUP]Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.
[SUP]34 [/SUP]Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?
[SUP]35 [/SUP]To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
[SUP]36 [/SUP]For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.
[SUP]37 [/SUP]And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
[SUP]38 [/SUP]Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
[SUP]39 [/SUP]See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.
[SUP]40 [/SUP]For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
[SUP]41 [/SUP]If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
[SUP]42 [/SUP]I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.
[SUP]43 [/SUP]Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
[SUP]44 [/SUP]And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun.
[SUP]45 [/SUP]And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:
[SUP]46 [/SUP]And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
[SUP]47 [/SUP]For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
[SUP]48 [/SUP]And the Lord spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying,
[SUP]49 [/SUP]Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:
[SUP]50 [/SUP]And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:
[SUP]51 [/SUP]Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of MeribahKadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.
[SUP]52 [/SUP]Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel.
My point is Moses is literally talking to the heavens and earth as he saith and trully all heavens and earth hear his voice even unto today..
For the next quote from Jesus note this be a parable. Don't lose your saltiness though brother, you have picked good scriptures for analyses indeed!
Matthew 5
5 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
[SUP]19 [/SUP]Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
[SUP]22 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
[SUP]24 [/SUP]Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
[SUP]27 [/SUP]Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
[SUP]28 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
[SUP]29 [/SUP]And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[SUP]30 [/SUP]And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[SUP]31 [/SUP]It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
[SUP]32 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
[SUP]33 [/SUP]Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
[SUP]34 [/SUP]But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
[SUP]35 [/SUP]Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
[SUP]36 [/SUP]Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
[SUP]37 [/SUP]But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
[SUP]38 [/SUP]Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
[SUP]39 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
[SUP]40 [/SUP]And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
[SUP]41 [/SUP]And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
[SUP]42 [/SUP]Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
[SUP]43 [/SUP]Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
[SUP]44 [/SUP]But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
[SUP]45 [/SUP]That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
[SUP]46 [/SUP]For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
[SUP]47 [/SUP]And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
[SUP]48 [/SUP]Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
For the next quote from Jesus note this be a parable. Don't lose your saltiness though brother, you have picked good scriptures for analyses indeed!
Matthew 5
5 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
[SUP]19 [/SUP]Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
[SUP]22 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
[SUP]24 [/SUP]Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
[SUP]27 [/SUP]Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
[SUP]28 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
[SUP]29 [/SUP]And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[SUP]30 [/SUP]And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[SUP]31 [/SUP]It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
[SUP]32 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
[SUP]33 [/SUP]Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
[SUP]34 [/SUP]But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
[SUP]35 [/SUP]Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
[SUP]36 [/SUP]Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
[SUP]37 [/SUP]But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
[SUP]38 [/SUP]Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
[SUP]39 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
[SUP]40 [/SUP]And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
[SUP]41 [/SUP]And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
[SUP]42 [/SUP]Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
[SUP]43 [/SUP]Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
[SUP]44 [/SUP]But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
[SUP]45 [/SUP]That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
[SUP]46 [/SUP]For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
[SUP]47 [/SUP]And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
[SUP]48 [/SUP]Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
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Larry, Ive heard and read this interpitation and debate before.
Im no literalist, no scholar and barely spell correctly.
Even so, I tried to see truth in what you have presented here, and all I came to find was confusion.
Now, you may say this is simply because I cannot understand the literal meanings and translations of scripture.
But the thing is?
God is not a God of confusion, and in faith, I believe God will not fail to bring His children His truth through the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ is Lord come in the flesh.
I know He has never failed me, even if it seems simple at times.
in Jesus, God bless
pickles
Im no literalist, no scholar and barely spell correctly.
Even so, I tried to see truth in what you have presented here, and all I came to find was confusion.
Now, you may say this is simply because I cannot understand the literal meanings and translations of scripture.
But the thing is?
God is not a God of confusion, and in faith, I believe God will not fail to bring His children His truth through the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ is Lord come in the flesh.
I know He has never failed me, even if it seems simple at times.
in Jesus, God bless
pickles
O
Many of us who carefully study these matters believe that Israel's once again being a nation in its ancient homeland, and with its ancient language, Hebrew, is a fulfillment of prophecy. I don't see how it can be otherwise. Israel has to be back in the land for the final prophecies to roll out as foretold. That nation is at the very heart of end-times things to come. The most profound prophecy in that regard is the fact that the Messiah - the returning Lord of Lords and King of Kings will set His throne atop Zion once He returns. That will be a dramatic topographically changed Mt. Moriah, with Christ's millennial temple set high above the city of Jerusalem.
But, before that happens, Israel will have to endure the time of "Jacob's trouble" (Jer. 30:7). It will be the worst time ever in history for that people, according to Jesus, himself. As a matter of fact, His prophecy indicates the same degree of horror for the whole world at that time. He said: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matt. 24:21). Zechariah the prophet foretold there would be an Israel and a Jerusalem during that period of tribulation. God spoke the following through His prophet: "And in that day will I 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 together against it" (Zech. 12:3).
Israel today is already the center of attention, and of much scorn from its neighbors and the rest of the world. As I often say when interviewed, no matter which way the news microphones and cameras turn to capture other stories, they always swing right back to Israel, Jerusalem, and the surrounding areas. That is because that region offers the greatest threat to spark thermonuclear conflagration. The Bible foretells that it WILL host the most horrific conflict of human history - Armageddon!
With that framework --that Israel is back in the land, which is surely a fulfilling of prophecy-- let us look at where things unfold from here on God's end-Times timeline.
While the storm clouds of apocalypse gather and approach, Christians attuned to God's whole word should watch, according to the Lord Jesus Christ. They should be aware of the elements of that approaching storm of tribulation. Things of society, cultures, in every endeavor of life, will, at the same time, seem to be business as usual. Times will be like the days of Noah and Lot at the moment of His next intervention into the affairs of humanity, according to Jesus. (Read Luke 17: 26-30.) It will be a catastrophic intervention. Jesus will step out on the clouds of glory and shout "Come up here!" (Rev. 4:1-2). All Christians - those who accept Christ's blood atonement for salvation (born-again believers) will instantly be with Jesus above the earth. (Read 1 Cor. 15: 51-55 and 1 Thes. 4:13-18.) Millions of people (those raptured) will vanish, will disappear from the planet before the astonished eyes of those left behind. Those who have gone to be with the Lord will be taken back to heaven, where He has prepared a place of eternal dwelling for them (Jn. 14:1-3). The bema judgment (to give rewards for service to the Lord while on earth) will take place. Crowns will be handed out to God's family. The marriage supper of the Lamb will occur (Christ's Bride made ready for the wedding), then the Wedding Feast (Revelation 19:9). Things on Planet Earth will be gearing up for the great end-time storm. God, the Holy Spirit, according to 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, will remove as restrainer during the times following the rapture.
The nations of earth will be in chaos. The turmoil will cause severe ramifications while governments seek to restore civil order and regain governmental and economic equilibrium. Profound shifts of power will likely take place, with the EU becoming the new superpower, absorbing America's power and authority, the U.S. having lost the most people in key places, thus having suffered the most loss of control. According to prophecy, one man will step forward to proffer a plan to quell the fears of war in the Middle East (Daniel 9:27). This prophecy correlates to Revelation 6: 2, with the rider on the white horse riding forth.
The great world leader will arrive just in time to look to be the shining knight on the white horse. He will have the answer to the looming all-out war in the Middle East. He will be able to sell a seven-year peace plan that is already available, apparently. Israel will agree to the covenant, as will her enemies, and, in effect, the whole world will accept the European leader's masterful sales pitch. But Israel's acceptance will fly in the face of God. This "covenant made with death and Hell," as it is called in Isaiah, chapter 28, will cause God's judgmental wrath to begin to fall.
The Gog-Magog attack prophesied by Ezekiel is one that is controversial, so far as to where it will fit into the end-times timeline is concerned. Some has the event just before or in conjunction with the rapture, while others believe it will happen right after the rapture or nearer the mid-point of the seven-year tribulation period. Russia is destined to present some of the most fearsome trials and tribulations for Israel. Gog, "chief prince of Rosh," is the leader of Russia described in Ezekiel 38 and 39. In ancient language, Gog means "leader." "Rosh" is the ancient name for the land of Russia. In the last days, Russia will be the leading nation of the Gog-Magog coalition of nations that will make a move against Israel and be defeated by a supernatural act of God. Persia (Iran) comes right along beside Russia, in prophetic parlance. According to Ezekiel 38:5, Iran will aid Russia in attacking Israel before or during the tribulation. Even now, Iran acts as a destabilizing force in the world.
The Lord will not allow the dark, satanic realm to go unchallenged. God will seal (protect from Satan and his minions) 144,000 Jewish men with the gospel message of Jesus Christ, the only way to salvation, redemption, and reconciliation to God, the Father. (Read Rev. 7: 3-8.) These will proclaim the gospel message throughout the world. Millions upon millions of people will hear the message and become Christians of the tribulation period.
Two Jewish men will be placed during this period for preaching then Gospel, and for pointing the finger of judgment if repentance isn't forthcoming. No one knows for sure who these men will be, but there seems good evidence that at least one of them will be Elijah, the Old Testament prophet whom God took up from earth in a fiery whirlwind. The Satanic governmental regime will seek to kill these men, but will not be able to do so until God allows. Anyone who tries to kill them will, in like manner, be killed, according to the prophetic Word. Finally, the regime will be able to kill them. There dead bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three days, then they will be resurrected to life, and will lift into the sky before the astonished eyes of their murderers and of the whole world.
The great world leader , who confirmed the seven-year peace covenant, convincing Israel and its enemies to rely on him and his regime to keep the peace, will be struck with a deadly head wound. But, he will resurrect, supposedly, from death. He will, following this, in what I believe will be a false resurrection (possibly following the defeat of the Gog-Magog forces), suddenly walk into the Jewish temple atop Mt. Moriah at Jerusalem and declare himself to be God. He will demand worship from all of the world's inhabitants. (Read 2 Thes. Chapter 2 and Revelation, chapter 13.) He is then revealed as Antichrist, the son of perdition, the man of sin. He will cause all to accept his mark or be cut out of the economic system - all buying and selling. He will order all killed, who will not worship him. The chief method of death dealing will be beheading. His partner in the satanic duo will point all worship to the beast - Antichrist. The false prophet will be AntiChrist's John the Baptist figure.
Jesus forewarned the Jews who will occupy Jerusalem at the time of AntiChrist's revelation to flee to the mountains. (Read Matthew chapter 24, and Revelation, chapter 12.) This era, the mid-way point of the seven-year tribulation era, will begin the time of Jacob's trouble (Jer. 30: 7) - a time Jesus says will be the worst time of all history (Matt 24: 21). Antichrist will begin the greatest genocide ever to be visited upon the planet.
AntiChrist's regime will cause all to give worship to the beast, the Revelation 13 term for Antichrist. He will apparently set up some sort of idol, before which all must bow. This will likely be done by the image of himself being telecast in some way to all the world. (Read Revelation chapter 13.) His regime will consist of 10 kingdoms, whose newly crowned kings (political leaders of the region) will give all of their authority and power to Antichrist. We might be seeing the formative months and years of the formation of this 10-kingdom development with the various trading blocs beginning to form. The European Union seems to be the prototype for those that will follow. The North American Union (NAU) that seems to be underway in development, bringing America, Canada, and Mexico together in an economic trading bloc, appears to be one such "kingdom" in the making. Antichrist will bring together one world government, one world economy, and one world religion, to some extent - for a brief time, at least. This is a Babylonian-type system that will all but enslave the entire world.
The Babylonian system will actually be an extension of the revived Roman Empire. This was prophesied in Daniel, chapters 2, 7, 9, and 11, as well as in Revelation, chapter 13. Ancient Babylon's and the ancient Roman Empire's influence upon this end-time regime of hell on earth are described in Revelation, chapters 17 and 18. God will completely destroy the chief city of the end time Babylon in one hour, the Bible prophesies in Revelation, chapter 18.
China, today, is a growing economic and military behemoth. It exerts hegemony over its neighbors of the Orient. The Bible predicts a day during the tribulation when the "kings of the east" will march across the dried-up Euphrates River to do battle at Armageddon. This juggernaut will consist of 200 million troops, all, prophecy seems to indicate, demon possessed, while they cross the area of the Euphrates. (Read Revelation, Chapters 9 and 16.) All Meet at Armageddon - The kings of the east march toward a rendezvous with all other nations of the world. God says this about this meeting: "For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land" (Joel 3: 10-2). (Also, read Rev. 16:16, and Rev. 19: 17-18.)
Just as the battle is becoming so violent that it threatens the end of all people and animals on earth, the black clouds of apocalypse unroll like a scroll, and brilliant light from heaven's core breaks through, revealing the King of kings and His armies and myriads of angelic hosts. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (Rev. 19:11-15).
The conquering Creator of all things will establish His earthly throne atop Mt. Moriah, which will be supernaturally reconfigured from topographical renovations made for the millennium. All the nations of the world will come before the Lord Jesus Christ. (Read about the sheep-goats judgment in Matthew, chapter 25.) Those people who have made it alive through the seven-year tribulation will either be believers or unbelievers. Believers will be ushered into Christ's 1,000-year reign on earth, while unbelievers will be cast into everlasting darkness, the Scripture prophesies.
The millennial reign of Christ will begin, a time during which the false prophet and the beast (Antichrist), the first to be thrown into the lake of fire, will begin to serve their eternal sentences. Satan will be confined in the bottomless pit, and there will be none of his minions to torment and tempt the millennial earth-dwellers. It will be a time much like the times of Eden, with the earth restored to its pristine beauty. (Read Rev. 20-10.) After the 1,000 years, the devil will be released from the pit for a short space of time. He will lead millions of those who have been born during the millennium in an assault on Christ at Jerusalem. God will send down fire and consume them all. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire. The lost dead will be resurrected (their eternal bodies joined to their souls), and all will stand before the great white throne of Christ to be judged. All will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. (Read Rev. 20:10-15.) God "Jesus Christ" will remake the heavens and the earth in preparation for everlasting, ever-growing ecstasy in God's presence. (Read Rev. 20:16-22: 16.)
But, before that happens, Israel will have to endure the time of "Jacob's trouble" (Jer. 30:7). It will be the worst time ever in history for that people, according to Jesus, himself. As a matter of fact, His prophecy indicates the same degree of horror for the whole world at that time. He said: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matt. 24:21). Zechariah the prophet foretold there would be an Israel and a Jerusalem during that period of tribulation. God spoke the following through His prophet: "And in that day will I 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 together against it" (Zech. 12:3).
Israel today is already the center of attention, and of much scorn from its neighbors and the rest of the world. As I often say when interviewed, no matter which way the news microphones and cameras turn to capture other stories, they always swing right back to Israel, Jerusalem, and the surrounding areas. That is because that region offers the greatest threat to spark thermonuclear conflagration. The Bible foretells that it WILL host the most horrific conflict of human history - Armageddon!
With that framework --that Israel is back in the land, which is surely a fulfilling of prophecy-- let us look at where things unfold from here on God's end-Times timeline.
While the storm clouds of apocalypse gather and approach, Christians attuned to God's whole word should watch, according to the Lord Jesus Christ. They should be aware of the elements of that approaching storm of tribulation. Things of society, cultures, in every endeavor of life, will, at the same time, seem to be business as usual. Times will be like the days of Noah and Lot at the moment of His next intervention into the affairs of humanity, according to Jesus. (Read Luke 17: 26-30.) It will be a catastrophic intervention. Jesus will step out on the clouds of glory and shout "Come up here!" (Rev. 4:1-2). All Christians - those who accept Christ's blood atonement for salvation (born-again believers) will instantly be with Jesus above the earth. (Read 1 Cor. 15: 51-55 and 1 Thes. 4:13-18.) Millions of people (those raptured) will vanish, will disappear from the planet before the astonished eyes of those left behind. Those who have gone to be with the Lord will be taken back to heaven, where He has prepared a place of eternal dwelling for them (Jn. 14:1-3). The bema judgment (to give rewards for service to the Lord while on earth) will take place. Crowns will be handed out to God's family. The marriage supper of the Lamb will occur (Christ's Bride made ready for the wedding), then the Wedding Feast (Revelation 19:9). Things on Planet Earth will be gearing up for the great end-time storm. God, the Holy Spirit, according to 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, will remove as restrainer during the times following the rapture.
The nations of earth will be in chaos. The turmoil will cause severe ramifications while governments seek to restore civil order and regain governmental and economic equilibrium. Profound shifts of power will likely take place, with the EU becoming the new superpower, absorbing America's power and authority, the U.S. having lost the most people in key places, thus having suffered the most loss of control. According to prophecy, one man will step forward to proffer a plan to quell the fears of war in the Middle East (Daniel 9:27). This prophecy correlates to Revelation 6: 2, with the rider on the white horse riding forth.
The great world leader will arrive just in time to look to be the shining knight on the white horse. He will have the answer to the looming all-out war in the Middle East. He will be able to sell a seven-year peace plan that is already available, apparently. Israel will agree to the covenant, as will her enemies, and, in effect, the whole world will accept the European leader's masterful sales pitch. But Israel's acceptance will fly in the face of God. This "covenant made with death and Hell," as it is called in Isaiah, chapter 28, will cause God's judgmental wrath to begin to fall.
The Gog-Magog attack prophesied by Ezekiel is one that is controversial, so far as to where it will fit into the end-times timeline is concerned. Some has the event just before or in conjunction with the rapture, while others believe it will happen right after the rapture or nearer the mid-point of the seven-year tribulation period. Russia is destined to present some of the most fearsome trials and tribulations for Israel. Gog, "chief prince of Rosh," is the leader of Russia described in Ezekiel 38 and 39. In ancient language, Gog means "leader." "Rosh" is the ancient name for the land of Russia. In the last days, Russia will be the leading nation of the Gog-Magog coalition of nations that will make a move against Israel and be defeated by a supernatural act of God. Persia (Iran) comes right along beside Russia, in prophetic parlance. According to Ezekiel 38:5, Iran will aid Russia in attacking Israel before or during the tribulation. Even now, Iran acts as a destabilizing force in the world.
The Lord will not allow the dark, satanic realm to go unchallenged. God will seal (protect from Satan and his minions) 144,000 Jewish men with the gospel message of Jesus Christ, the only way to salvation, redemption, and reconciliation to God, the Father. (Read Rev. 7: 3-8.) These will proclaim the gospel message throughout the world. Millions upon millions of people will hear the message and become Christians of the tribulation period.
Two Jewish men will be placed during this period for preaching then Gospel, and for pointing the finger of judgment if repentance isn't forthcoming. No one knows for sure who these men will be, but there seems good evidence that at least one of them will be Elijah, the Old Testament prophet whom God took up from earth in a fiery whirlwind. The Satanic governmental regime will seek to kill these men, but will not be able to do so until God allows. Anyone who tries to kill them will, in like manner, be killed, according to the prophetic Word. Finally, the regime will be able to kill them. There dead bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three days, then they will be resurrected to life, and will lift into the sky before the astonished eyes of their murderers and of the whole world.
The great world leader , who confirmed the seven-year peace covenant, convincing Israel and its enemies to rely on him and his regime to keep the peace, will be struck with a deadly head wound. But, he will resurrect, supposedly, from death. He will, following this, in what I believe will be a false resurrection (possibly following the defeat of the Gog-Magog forces), suddenly walk into the Jewish temple atop Mt. Moriah at Jerusalem and declare himself to be God. He will demand worship from all of the world's inhabitants. (Read 2 Thes. Chapter 2 and Revelation, chapter 13.) He is then revealed as Antichrist, the son of perdition, the man of sin. He will cause all to accept his mark or be cut out of the economic system - all buying and selling. He will order all killed, who will not worship him. The chief method of death dealing will be beheading. His partner in the satanic duo will point all worship to the beast - Antichrist. The false prophet will be AntiChrist's John the Baptist figure.
Jesus forewarned the Jews who will occupy Jerusalem at the time of AntiChrist's revelation to flee to the mountains. (Read Matthew chapter 24, and Revelation, chapter 12.) This era, the mid-way point of the seven-year tribulation era, will begin the time of Jacob's trouble (Jer. 30: 7) - a time Jesus says will be the worst time of all history (Matt 24: 21). Antichrist will begin the greatest genocide ever to be visited upon the planet.
AntiChrist's regime will cause all to give worship to the beast, the Revelation 13 term for Antichrist. He will apparently set up some sort of idol, before which all must bow. This will likely be done by the image of himself being telecast in some way to all the world. (Read Revelation chapter 13.) His regime will consist of 10 kingdoms, whose newly crowned kings (political leaders of the region) will give all of their authority and power to Antichrist. We might be seeing the formative months and years of the formation of this 10-kingdom development with the various trading blocs beginning to form. The European Union seems to be the prototype for those that will follow. The North American Union (NAU) that seems to be underway in development, bringing America, Canada, and Mexico together in an economic trading bloc, appears to be one such "kingdom" in the making. Antichrist will bring together one world government, one world economy, and one world religion, to some extent - for a brief time, at least. This is a Babylonian-type system that will all but enslave the entire world.
The Babylonian system will actually be an extension of the revived Roman Empire. This was prophesied in Daniel, chapters 2, 7, 9, and 11, as well as in Revelation, chapter 13. Ancient Babylon's and the ancient Roman Empire's influence upon this end-time regime of hell on earth are described in Revelation, chapters 17 and 18. God will completely destroy the chief city of the end time Babylon in one hour, the Bible prophesies in Revelation, chapter 18.
China, today, is a growing economic and military behemoth. It exerts hegemony over its neighbors of the Orient. The Bible predicts a day during the tribulation when the "kings of the east" will march across the dried-up Euphrates River to do battle at Armageddon. This juggernaut will consist of 200 million troops, all, prophecy seems to indicate, demon possessed, while they cross the area of the Euphrates. (Read Revelation, Chapters 9 and 16.) All Meet at Armageddon - The kings of the east march toward a rendezvous with all other nations of the world. God says this about this meeting: "For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land" (Joel 3: 10-2). (Also, read Rev. 16:16, and Rev. 19: 17-18.)
Just as the battle is becoming so violent that it threatens the end of all people and animals on earth, the black clouds of apocalypse unroll like a scroll, and brilliant light from heaven's core breaks through, revealing the King of kings and His armies and myriads of angelic hosts. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (Rev. 19:11-15).
The conquering Creator of all things will establish His earthly throne atop Mt. Moriah, which will be supernaturally reconfigured from topographical renovations made for the millennium. All the nations of the world will come before the Lord Jesus Christ. (Read about the sheep-goats judgment in Matthew, chapter 25.) Those people who have made it alive through the seven-year tribulation will either be believers or unbelievers. Believers will be ushered into Christ's 1,000-year reign on earth, while unbelievers will be cast into everlasting darkness, the Scripture prophesies.
The millennial reign of Christ will begin, a time during which the false prophet and the beast (Antichrist), the first to be thrown into the lake of fire, will begin to serve their eternal sentences. Satan will be confined in the bottomless pit, and there will be none of his minions to torment and tempt the millennial earth-dwellers. It will be a time much like the times of Eden, with the earth restored to its pristine beauty. (Read Rev. 20-10.) After the 1,000 years, the devil will be released from the pit for a short space of time. He will lead millions of those who have been born during the millennium in an assault on Christ at Jerusalem. God will send down fire and consume them all. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire. The lost dead will be resurrected (their eternal bodies joined to their souls), and all will stand before the great white throne of Christ to be judged. All will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. (Read Rev. 20:10-15.) God "Jesus Christ" will remake the heavens and the earth in preparation for everlasting, ever-growing ecstasy in God's presence. (Read Rev. 20:16-22: 16.)