Related Posts with Thumbnails

December 30, 2008

Human Clones?

Boy, I thought we'd all get a break for a week or two with Christmas and New Year's. Not sure why I thought that God's prophetic clock would stop ticking for awhile because the headlines continue to amaze me (these past few days more than ever!).

I came across
this eye-opening press release today. It seems one cloning group is in the headlines again after stating quite ambitiously, "We're ready to prove it!"

Those four words indicate that Dr. Brigitte Boisselier and her colleagues at
Clonaid are making a trip back into the public consciousness after a long hiatus. Their official goal? To legitimize the company’s cloning claims amidst much skepticism. Their unofficial goal? It is my belief that this is all a much more sinister and Satanic plot than the way it's being presented. You'll see why in a moment.

It was six years ago when Boisselier announced her company had produced the world’s first cloned baby and named her Eve. That claim, however, was subsequently dismissed by scientists for
lack of proof, and by some in the media for offering a trail of unproven claims and no proof of the cloned baby’s existence.

In fact, six years to the day after the birth of Baby Eve - - the first cloned child - - Dr. Brigitte Boisselier said Eve and other babies cloned by her company are growing up healthy and normal, and with no one invading their families' privacy.

Today, the head of the company founded by a religious sect whose members believe in space aliens, announced she is
“ready to facilitate the cloning of one or more additional individuals at a reduced rate, provided (the clients) would agree — under contract — to go public after being cloned.”

Her comments are equally eye-opening, and they should give all of us students of prophecy cause for concern.

"We've helped almost 100 families who were desperate to have a child. Our reward has been to see a number of cloned babies growing up normally, like any infant born through natural reproduction or through in vitro fertilization. We can give hope to infertile and homosexual couples, to people who've lost a beloved family member and to single men and women who want a child created exclusively from their own genes. And we can also help those who suffer from ailments that can be cured with their own stem cells."

In addition, Boisselier announced the team's 500th clone blastocyst.

"Back in early 2002 when we had our first human clone blastocysts, we needed an average of 30 human eggs to get one good blastocyst. Now, after seven years of practice, for every three eggs fused, we can repeatedly prepare one clone blastocyst. This is a milestone achievement."


Much to the displeasure of Clonaid officials, this latest search for free media coverage is likely to result in only a handful of skeptical articles about the company’s latest cloning claims just as before, most of which will be relegated to the “strange news” sections of the few news outlets who provide the matter any coverage at all.

Why? Well, let's just take a quick look at the Raelians - - the religious sect whose members believe in space aliens who founded the company Clonaid.

What do the Raelians believe?
This page gives a nice summary, but the very first statement at the top of the page says it all: "HUMAN SCIENTISTS FROM ANOTHER PLANET CREATED ALL LIFE ON EARTH USING DNA." Actually, I highly recommend that you take just a few minutes to check out this page because the manner in which this cult uses Christianity and the Bible to suit their needs is exactly how I'd imagine Satan and his demonic forces will utilize both to deceive the world.

Even so, putting that introductory loaded statement aside for a moment, there's one point I would like to highlight for our purposes, which is how,
"On the 13th of December 1973, French journalist Rael was contacted by a visitor from another planet, and asked to establish an Embassy to welcome these people back to Earth. We were the ones who designed all life on earth. You mistook us for gods. We were at the origin of your main religions. Now that you are mature enough to understand this, we would like to enter official contact through an embassy."

Hmmm, that's odd. What's fascinating to me about this story is that here we have yet another piece of news emerging that has to do with the whole "visitors-from-another-planet" meme (or, more appropriately, another story echoing the "Ancient Astronaut Theory" of evolution we recently touched upon in the "To Boldly Go Where Few Christians Have Gone Before" series connecting it all to the coming Great Deception and rise of the Antichrist) at the same time as when we've just looked at the existence of Fallen Angels and Nephilim (specifically their involvement in human affairs and the implications for us in these end times) as recorded not only in the pages of the Holy Bible, but throughout recorded history in non-religious sources as well.

What in the world (or out of this world) is going on here? Is this anything we should be concerned about? Are all of these threads connecting at precisely the right moment in history (the very moment that God Himself ordained) or, is this all just a crazy coincidence?

That remains to be seen, but I believe we should take notice and begin paying closer attention to all of this because an unimaginable evil is about to be unleashed upon the world to help usher in the fulfillment of greater last days prophecies. We know this because the Bible tells us so. I mean, there's simply no denying the fact that we've seen a definite increase in news stories (as well as works in TV/Film) that all point to some kind of "alien beings" visiting our planet in the ancient past, and having some kind of a role in the evolution of our species.

It's as if we're being bombarded with that message daily, and having the idea jammed down our throats. We need to ask ourselves why that is the case. Then, we need to take it all to our Lord under prayerful consideration, and allow the Holy Spirit lead us to the truth.

And one final note about how I believe we are to view this life. I think these people who engage the services of companies like Clonaid need to find a more realistic view of life.

Our culture desperately tries to postpone death. Vitamins, exercise, and new diets are ways we try to live as long as possible. Not that these things are bad! Our motive, however, is key.

For instance, knowing that our bodies are God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), we should take care of His dwelling, and since He has good works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), we should stay fit to complete His tasks. On the other hand, prolonging life for fear of dying isn't of God. Because Jesus died in our place, those who have faith in Him as Lord and Savior need not fear death. Once saved, we have assurance of a real place where we will live eternally in His presence.

The Bible teaches that fear isn't from God (2 Timothy 1:7). In fact, the apostle Paul assures us that, far from being a dreadful change, physical death actually leads believers home to be with the Lord forever (2 Corinthians 5:8). God already knows the duration of each person's life. With this in mind, how can we best prepare for what's next?

The first step is to receive Jesus as Savior through faith. Next, we should live a surrendered life and strive to walk according to His will. Furthermore, it is vital that believers fight the tendency to view this world as "home." If we become too comfortable here, finding our security and worth in earthly success, we won't be able to maintain an eternal perspective.

It is an inescapable fact that life on Earth is temporary. It would be foolish not to prepare for something inevitable. How can you best live so that you are ready when God decides it is time?

***UPDATE 12/30/08: Raelian's Mega-Orgy In Tel Aviv Cancelled Due To Public Pressure - - Found this article two days after writing this piece. Funny how that works some times. I don't know what to say about this except that I'm speechless. This cult could definitely become a BIG end times player in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.***

RECOMMENDED READING:
"To Boldly Go Where Few Christians Have Gone Before..."
TBG: Why The Reluctance?
TBG: What Are The Nephilim?
TBG: They Don't "Come In Peace"
TBG: The Great Deception

December 28, 2008

Rock 'N Blogroll

With everything that's going on in the world today (especially these past few days in the Middle East) it's absolutely critical that we have access to timely and accurate information not often distributed to us through the mainstream media about such affairs.

That being said, here's the latest addition to our Blogroll. It's called the The NEIN Blog and it's a supplemental effort to the Northeast Intelligence Network. I've actually referenced both here quite a bit recently, and it's because I trust their expert analysis above the rest. Their assessments of the geopolitical landscape is unparalleled given their "cut-to-the-chase,"politically incorrect approach to the news, which - - quite frankly - -is a welcomed breath of fresh air!

The NEIN Blog
From the very first post on that site back in 2007: "The NEIN Blog will present additional news on a variety of subjects. From daily Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) reports to near-real-time advisories. I'll invariably post some items which may, in all likelyhood, never see print in the so-called Main Stream Media (MSM). Some subject matter and/or commentary will include items directly related to Biblical prophecy (eschatology), as well as a plethora of other 'Signs of the Times' topics. The NEIN Blog is a work in progress which will evolve, expand, and improve over time; it will supplement my efforts at the Northeast Intelligence Network (http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/) as well as offer reader interactions with the subjects presented. Thanks for being here. Sean Osborne"

You might also notice that Sean is a regular reader who often adds his own unique insights to particular discussions that come up here. I'm glad to have him join this community of believers.

Please join me in welcoming him, and please support his efforts on his own website by visiting today.

December 27, 2008

Powder Keg In The Middle East

I wasn't planning on writing anything again until January 1, 2009, but promised that if major news occurred we would take the time to let the Look Up Fellowship community know about it.

However, being the astute individuals that you are, I'm sure that many of you have already heard about the major news coming out of the Middle East involving Israel and the Palestinians.

Here's a brief snapshot of some of today's headlines to bring you up to speed:

Bloodiest Day For Palestinians In 20 Years...

100 Targets Hit....

Israel Launches Air Strikes On Gaza, 145 Dead...

Arab World Slams Israel...

Escalate?

Hamas Threatens To Unleash 'Hell'

Obviously, this bears watching as things can change and escalate VERY QUICKLY in that part of the world.

For weeks, we've been feeling as though the Psalm 83 War and perhaps even the Gog-Magog War were both right around the corner, and that they could both happen instantly and without much warning.

Are we seeing the beginning of the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies? If so, and especially if things escalate beyond out wildest expectations in the region,
how much more significance does this story take on now?

Pray and stay close to the Lord.

December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours, I hope you have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!


I'll be taking some time off to be with family this next week to celebrate the holidays. You can plan on regular posts resuming on January 1, 2009 to kick off the New Year.

Of course, should something major happen between now and then you can expect to read about it here.

Once again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

December 24, 2008

Saint Nicholas

In 1897, Francis P. Church wrote a now famous editorial in which he told little Virginia O'Hanlon that indeed there was a Santa Claus. Church wrote in The New York Sun:

"Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished."


ST. NICHOLAS


Church's response was nothing short of the epitome of kindness and consideration. If you've never read it before (like me until today) then do yourself a favor and take a quick look. Now, what about this man we know as Saint Nick?

About AD 260 there was born a certain man named Nicholas who became well known for his generosity and his love of children. Raised in the city of Patara on the coast of what is now Turkey, Nicholas traveled to Palestine as a young man. He later became bishop of the nearby town of Myra. When Emperor Diocletian focused on persecuting Christians, Nicholas was tortured and imprisoned for his faith in Christ. According to tradition, Nicholas was released by Emperor Constantine and later attended the First Council of Nicea in AD 325.

Stories of Nicholas' generosity and kindness continued to spread long after his death. During the Middle Ages, Nicholas became patron saint of charitable fraternities and children, and legends sprouted about his feats of good will. After the Reformation, the legend of St. Nicholas died out everywhere except in Holland. When the Dutch Reformed Christians immigrated to the United States, they brought the traditions of "Sinterklaas" with them. St. Nicholas still rides into Dutch towns every November, dressed in his bishop's garb.


Later in Germany, St. Nicholas would traditionally arrive on his Feast Day, December 6th. A man dressed as St. Nick would go door to door loaded with a giant sack. He gave presents to those children who had been good during the year, but a lump of coal was the lot of bad children.

The visual image and personality of St. Nicholas changed during the years. His red outfit was derived from the red colors bishops wore, but he was often portrayed as tall and thin. The modern version of St. Nick as a plump cheery man originated in a series of Thomas Nast engravings in Harper'' Weekly during and after the American Civil War.


LIVING FOREVER


This is a season during which we remember that God sent His Son to earth to be born as a little human baby. The Creator of the universe was made subject to all the troubles and difficulties of this life and ultimately died for our sins. Because God gave us His Son, we all have access to eternal life with Him. There is no greater gift.

While Santa is often seen as a diversion that takes the focus off of Jesus Christ (and rightly so) the real St. Nicholas was no distraction. He was a man who served Jesus with his whole life.

Mr. Church was correct in his letter to little Virginia, though perhaps not in the way he intended. The original St. Nicholas, the man who loved children and cared for the poor, that man was real. That Nicholas does live and live forever - - for he was a follower of Jesus Christ.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Is There a Santa Claus?
St. Nicholas - Discovering The Truth About Santa Claus

Santa Theology

Dave Burchett wrote an excellent piece recently that was titled 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' Theology, in which he discussed that we are programmed from childhood to default to "performance theology."

Thus, it's called the “Santa-Claus-Is-Coming-To-Town-Theology” and don't think it hasn't had a significant impact on us - it has. Just think about it for a moment:

You better watch out
Better not cry
Better not pout
I am telling you why
Santa Claus is comin’ to town

He's making a list…checking it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
He sees you when your sleeping,
knows when your awake,
he knows when you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake.


Oh, he's watching! Waiting for you to screw up so you will get coal instead of a bicycle. You had better please him. And we teach our kids to put on the mask and be something they are not all because "Santa Claus is comin’ to town."

This omniscient being who is judging our every deed is coming to town, and we learn to do the dance early. Buck up, be good! Don't cry! Don't pout. Santa Claus is coming to town (© Copyright 2003, William Thrall, Bruce McNicol, John Lynch. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.).

He's absolutely right. The challenge for all of us is to not only "deprogram" ourselves from this mode of thinking, but to also ensure that we don't pass on an erroneous theology to our children.

As Burchett writes, "Ask any child this Christmas if they are being good and I will wager you will never hear this response. 'Well, to be honest, I am really struggling with the whole being nice thing. I have actually been pouty and I cried yesterday. It just isn’t working out this Christmas so I suspect the video game system will have to wait.'"

Exactly. That's the danger of allowing this deceptive form of theology to become rooted in your life. First, you subconsciously believe that your actions are what save you. Second, you learn to lie to yourself and fail to recognize your need to admit and repent of your sins.

Burchett hits home with a powerful analysis and cuts to the heart of the matter:

"Isn’t that too often how we view God? We had better not cry. Better not sin. I’m telling you why. Jesus is coming to town. He’s making a list and He is checking it not once or twice but every moment of every day. God knows if you’ve been bad or good so if you want to be healed or happy or prosperous you had better be good for goodness sake. If I do mess up I am scared to death that I will get a bad life or miss all that God has for me. So I put on the mask and try to be really good for Jesus. If I can fool those around me maybe, just maybe, I can fool God too. Satan sells the lie so convincingly. And we buy it for months and years and even decades. But God and Santa are very different in their approach. God does not keep a list. He is not impressed by our hernia inducing straining to control sin. What God sees is Jesus in Dave Burchett when I sin."

We are saved by grace and faith in Jesus Christ. Thank the Lord for grace!

RECOMMENDED READING:
"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" Theology

December 23, 2008

Of Frosty, Cynics, And Saints...

This commentary was originally published a little over a year ago on December 14, 2007 by Raiders News Network (RNN), but it is still applicable to today.

In fact, it's even more relevant today than ever before! More importantly, it reminded me of some important realities. I pray it has a similar impact on you, and those you share it with today.


Of Frosty, Cynics, And Saints...
By Jeffrey K. Radt
December 14, 2007


I understand perfectly well the pagan roots of annual Christmas celebrations and although I am not entirely comfortable with the fact that they are intertwined with an event that is so explicitly Christian, I welcome this holiday as the perfect opportunity to share God’s plan for humanity and His gift of salvation with my family.

There are only twelve days left until Christmas. We are only thirteen days into the month of December and I have already watched several versions of Frosty the Snowman with my two kids - - on 4 separate occasions.

My personal favorite is the one starring both him and Rudolph. I think it has something to do with Christmas in July. It was during this last showing when I noticed something that never caught my attention before.

More on that in a moment.

As I sat there watching this Christmas classic and reminiscing about my own childhood I wondered whether or not my own two kids (eyes glued to the television with a smile from ear to ear!) would someday find themselves twenty-five years from now doing the same thing.

I’ll be honest, given my beliefs and understanding of prophecy it was tough to envision such a time and experience for them. Obviously, no man can know the exact timing of Jesus’ return although we are told that we can discern the season.

Twenty-five years from now is a long time.

Think of all the things that have happened over the course of the past month that had a prophetic significance. Now, think of all the things that have happened over the course of this past year. If that does not give you pause nothing will.

Of course there will be some people reading this - - self-professed Christians I might add - - who will say I’m being “too negative” during a time that’s supposed to be filled with joy, peace, and happiness.

“What’s wrong with you? Are you really going to be so negative in front of your kids during Christmas?” some will ask.

My reply will be to simply ask them, “What’s so wrong with anticipating and expecting the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? What’s so negative about desiring His physical presence? Isn’t that the ultimate commandment?”

Besides, there is no better time to be mindful of His second coming than during the season for which we celebrate His first coming.


THE CYNICS


There are very few childhood experiences that are better than the feeling of anticipation that builds leading up to Christmas morning.

As kids, we spend so much time desiring a time when we will finally get that one new toy. As time inches closer and closer to that monumental day, we hope that we did not mislead ourselves into believing in something that was never going to happen.

Invariably, our fears are cast aside each and every year. As children, we were so happy on Christmas morning when we rushed down the stairs and looked under the tree to find we actually received the gift we have wanted and looked forward to for so many months.

Thinking back to those times I now have a new understanding of Jesus’ warning, “Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a child will certainly not enter it” (Mark 10:13-16).

I think it is safe to safe that every Christian loves Christmas.

I am becoming increasingly concerned, however, that not every Christian loves Jesus as much as they should. To put it another way, I fear that there are too many Christians who love this holiday more than they do His holy name.

Upon closer examination, I have found in my own sphere of influence that Christians fall into one of three categories of people. The first group is the cynics.

These are people who claim to be Bible believing Christians even though they will constantly snicker and sneer at any mention of Christianity, Jesus Christ, and the Bible let alone prophecy.

Try having an honest discussion with them about such things and you are met with squirming, eye rolling, and a weird and palpable sense that they are truly uncomfortable. I am not entirely sure why a Christian would react that way, but they would rather not have any kind of religious conversation at all. Instead, they prefer to go through life as spiritual islands, isolated and alone with their own views and interpretations.

Another way to identify them is to apply the simple instruction found in Matthew 7:16 that “You will know them by their fruits.” These are the same people who claim to stand for the truth of the Bible (believing it is virtuous) even though they fall flat on their face when it comes time to defend their position. Why? Their outlook is scornfully and often habitually negative.

“Let’s face it,” they say, “the world has always been this way, will continue to be this way, and will actually continue to get worse. If it’s all inevitable anyways there’s nothing I can do for God to change any of that so what’s the point of getting myself all worked up?”

In demonstrating this tragically skewed view of reality they miss their calling in life and fail to grasp the full potential of a life lived in such a way to bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father.


THE SAINTS


The second group is the saints. We all know a saint or two. You might even be one yourself.

These are the "holier-than-thou" Christians or the type who can do no wrong. Rather than reaching out to family, friends, and strangers alike with compassion and genuine heart-felt desire they instead choose to look down on others who are not like them with disdain and contempt.

Hypocritical in every sense of being, these people believe that “being a Christian” is a social status and with it comes certain expectations - - even better - - privileges. They are the type of people who are never pleased as well as the type who you could never please.

They may be culture warriors, but they are fighting each battle with the wrong weapons and tactics. Worse, they blur the lines of appropriate Christian behavior believing that the end justifies the means, and in doing so they end up doing more harm than good.

In demonstrating this tragically skewed view of what it means to live the Christian life they miss their calling in life, and fail to grasp the full potential of a life lived in such a way to bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father.


THE FROSTYS


Back to Frosty.

We all know the story of how Frosty turns into a regular snowman whenever his magic hat is removed from his head. Simply put, take away that hat and the magic is gone as Frosty becomes a regular snowman who is indistinguishable from all the rest.

Keep the hat on his head and the magic is always there! In fact, after awhile, the hat loses its individuality and becomes a part of Frosty. They are one and the same. In other words, one helps to define the other.

The best and most endearing parts of these shows are the moments whenever Frosty has the hat placed back on his head and he shouts, “Happy Birthday!” to commemorate the day he is born again.

And so it happens that this beloved Christmas classic presents us with another reminder of the simplicity of salvation.

It also reminds me of our final group of Christians. I call this group the Frostys.

These are the people who either believe that you can lose your salvation (that eternal security does not exist) or they are the type who have made a decision for Christ, they have the Holy Spirit after being saved, but they deny the power thereof.

In other words, these are the people who say they are born-again Christians yet they continue to sin willfully and willingly when they know that their actions are blatantly sinful, and in contradiction to their proclaimed beliefs.

You will find them sitting at church on Sundays, but sinning like the devil Monday through Saturday often without any attempt to restrain themselves. In essence, they deny the power of the Gospel by living a life that is inconsistent with their public beliefs.

2 Timothy 3:5 is an adequate description for, “They have a form of godliness but they deny the power thereof.”

Unlike the classic cartoon, these Frostys are misled by believing that they can wear their Christianity like a magic hat whenever they choose to, and that their salvation is something that that they can put on and take off whenever they please depending on the circumstances.

In demonstrating this tragically skewed view of what it means to live the born-again Christian life they miss their calling and fail to grasp the full potential of a life lived in such a way to bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father.


WHO WE REALLY ARE


My grandfather is fond of saying that there are only two kinds of people in this world. You and me. As it turns out, all of us are a part of a much larger social club. I call this group the sinners.

We are all sinners in need of God’s saving grace. The only way to obtain His free and eternal gift is to repent of our sins, ask for forgiveness, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The one similarity between all three aforementioned groups? They believe in God, but they deny the power of the Gospel in their daily lives.

If Jesus Christ is not the LORD and MASTER of your life He is NOT your Savior as you claim. Anyone who is unwilling to let go and let God actually denies Jesus Christ and turns the grace of God into lasciviousness by telling the world with their words that they are saved while telling the world with their actions that you can be saved and still live like the world does.

Sure, they believe in God, but they are unwilling to surrender their lives to Him. Doing so would require them to let go and let God. It is a frightening proposition for anyone who is accustomed to being in control and doing things their way.

Besides, to give God full control and reign over your life would mean that you would have to face some harsh realities about yourself.

Even though we are a culture that promotes therapy, we are not willing to face the truth about ourselves because it would require that some serious changes are made. Instead, we prefer to be told only what we want to hear. Enter the prophesied apostasy.

We do not want to hear anything too tough, but something with just enough bite to make us feel as though we are doing something right without making us feel too badly about ourselves. I mean, after all, it is all about me, myself and I, right?


WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?


So, how does all of this connect back to Christmas and this holiday being the perfect opportunity to share God’s plan for humanity and His gift of salvation with my family?

God desires a personal relationship with us all, and one that is eternal. The only way we can enter into a relationship with Him is to become born-again. That simply means that we acknowledge our sinful ways, ask Him to forgive us, ask Him to save us from the consequences of those sins, and ultimately accept Him as not only our Savior, but now also our Lord and Master.

Faith in Jesus’ shed blood, His death and resurrection, and what it all means will release you from the bondage of sin. Jesus came to set the captives free. When the blood of Jesus is applied to your life all the shackles are loosed!

When I was in the world, I was an evil person with absolutely no care in the world how many thoughts and actions violated God’s view of how a life should be lived. I also had no idea that my ignorance and refusal to see the truth was ultimately keeping me from my full potential and destiny.

When I was in the world, the devil was the one who I served and who held me captive. When the blood of Jesus came, Jesus kicked the devil to the curb and took me to Himself. That is where I’ve remained ever since.

When I was a sinner, I was a straight up sinner. When I was saved, things changed - - dramatically! God saved me from my sins and from the power of my sins. I am no longer ruled by my flesh. I am a new creation in Christ, and the Holy Spirit gives me the ability to overcome the flesh.

I have been transformed by the renewing of my mind and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. I am far from being a perfect, sinless person (it will never happen!), but I am not accepting of my sin and saying I’m powerless against it any more because I am not.

I do not walk around sinning all the time like I used to. I serve God. When I do sin, I immediately ask God to forgive me and help me do better. When you are saved you become a saint who sometimes sins rather than remain as a sinner who sometimes acts like a saint.

The grace of God is powerful (what an understatement!). The book of Titus tells us that the grace that brings salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

There are real results too! The power of God is on my life. The peace of God is in my life. My family loves the Lord and is blessed of the Lord. I am constantly learning new things about God and His ways as He reveals Himself to me. My mind is on holiness.


LIKE A CHILD ON CHRISTMAS MORNING


Now that we have established how to establish a personal relationship with God how do we go about making it an eternal one as He desires?

As mentioned earlier, Jesus warned, “Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a child will certainly not enter it” (Mark 10:13-16).

But what does it mean to “welcome the kingdom of God like a little child”? In general, we take it to mean “to welcome the kingdom of God like a child welcomes it.” That corresponds to some other words of Jesus found in Matthew’s Gospel: “If you do not change your hearts and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

A child trusts without reflecting. Children cannot live without trusting those around them. Their trust is not a virtue; it is a vital reality. To encounter God, the best thing we have is our child’s heart that is spontaneously open, that dares simply to ask, that wants to be loved and expects that He will do what He says He will.

Welcoming a child means welcoming a promise. A child grows and develops. In the same way, the kingdom of God on earth is never a finished reality, but rather a promise, and an uncompleted growth process.

Children are also unpredictable. In the Gospel story, they arrive when they arrive, and in any case not at the right time for the disciples, but Jesus insists that they must be welcomed because they are there.

In the same way, we have to welcome God’s presence when it presents itself, whether it is the right time or not. We have to play the game.

Quite frankly, I do not understand how anyone who calls themselves a Christian can criticize those of us who are eagerly expecting His return.

Like a child on Christmas morning expecting their gift, I am merely eager to meet my Lord and Savior and I know that He is coming because He said that He would.

God must have wanted His followers to learn Bible prophecy because He dedicated almost 30 percent of His Scripture to it. Not only does prophecy teach us about future events, it also assures us that God keeps His word and His promises.

For example, the Old Testament features more than 100 prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. Through these prophecies (written long before Jesus came to fulfill them) we know that He was truly the Messiah since He fulfilled every single one of them.

Consider the fact that Jesus promised He would return physically to this earth five times more frequently than He promised to come the first time! Since His first coming is a historical fact of history, we can be at least five times as certain that He will come the second time!

Besides, these are easily the most exciting days to be alive, not just because of the breathtaking advances in technology and science, but because we twenty-first century Christians have more reason than any generation before us to believe that Christ will return to take us home to His Father’s house.

We are not the first generation to think like this, of course, for history reveals that many interpreted the events of their day as fulfillments of end-time prophecies. As Christian columnist Jack Kinsella points out in a recent column, “Bible prophecy tells us what to expect, but not exactly what to look for. That is an important distinction. God accomplishes His will according to His plan, not ours.”

Still, He desires that His children look forward to seeing Him. We are instructed to treat His second coming as though it were imminent. At least previous generations were studying the Bible in an attempt to properly discern the times. Many of them sincerely longed for Christ to end the moral corruption and deterioration of their age by ushering in His kingdom of righteousness.

Can the same be said for a majority of so-called Christians today? Is that not an event that we all should be longing for these days? If you are not eagerly anticipating His return then why are you even praying the Lord’s Prayer?

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.”

Ring a bell? If you do not believe in His second coming enough to anticipate and watch for it as He instructs that why are you praying for it?

If there is a true disconnect between what you truly believe and what you pray then all you are participating in is vain repetitions. That, my friend, is a much bigger problem demanding some serious introspection.

Welcoming God’s kingdom like we welcome a child means keeping alert and praying so that we can welcome it when it comes, always unexpectedly, whether at an opportune moment or not.

With 2008 right around the corner, the New Year is always a good time for new beginnings. I encourage you to start fresh and cultivate a spirit that longs for Him.

However, heed the words of Allan Redpath who said, “Before we can pray ‘Thy kingdom come,’ we must be willing to pray ‘my kingdom go.'"

December 21, 2008

FLASHBACK: "They All Slumbered And Slept..."

I just wanted to remind everyone that one VERY IMPORTANT commentary about the Rapture from 2 weeks ago highlighted this day - - December 21, 2008 - - as being quite significant.

"They All Slumbered And Slept..."

Why is this relevant? Because some of the scholars who contributed to the piece have specifically mentioned today - - the eve of Hanukkah - - as being a critical component of their interpretation of the prophetic timeline. You'll immediately know why when you connect the holiday with the Scripture/prophecy that's discussed.

I will admit that next to the Rosh Hashanah 2008 "non-event" from just last month I haven't been more excited about a single day in my life possibly being the actual Rapture of the Church then I am about today especially when you factor in the astronomical tetrad in the years 2014-2015 as discovered by U.S. Pastor Mark Biltz of El Shaddai Ministries (for only the third time in 2000 years, there will be a succession of total lunar eclipses on the feasts of Passover and Tabernacles in this Jewish years, including unusual solar eclipses!).

I guess we'll know for sure very soon. Make sure there's oil in your lamps my brothers and sisters - - just in case - - and keep looking up!

(EDITOR'S NOTE: On a side note, I simply must share this quick personal experience I just had because I have goosebumps right now! I'm writing this at 1:44am EST here on the U.S. East Coast. While writing tonight, I've been catching up on a few Charles Stanley sermon broadcasts I recorded over the past few weeks. What are the odds that as I write this post on the Rapture I hear Charles Stanley in the background reading 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 about the Rapture!?! Unbelievable especially when you consider this is the third of three recorded programs I have watched tonight so the timing had to be just right! Another sign perhaps that time is very short? Oh Lord, I hope so! MARANATHA!!!)

December 20, 2008

TMI? LOL

For those of you familiar with texting shorthand "TMI" stands for "Too Much Information," and I thought it was definitely appropriate for this post title today.

Here's a recent comment from Mandie...

"Hey JRed. I enjoy reading your posts, it's just that there are so many, and I never have time to read all of them! I have no idea how you even have the time to write all of them! My goodness!"

After a good laugh, I thought I would make a quick comment here just in case many of you have felt that same way lately. In fact, that has been a real concern of mine these past few weeks. Losing visitors due to the sheer breadth and scope of things written about in this space is not something I ever intended. I mean, it's all about bringing glory and honor to Yahweh, and the goal is to reach as many people around the world as possible (on a regular basis).

As I mentioned in a recent entry, it's almost as if I've been on fire these days - - I can't explain it - - and the Holy Spirit simply won't let me rest until I put these topics down into writings here so that I can publish them for circulation across the Internet! I'm amazed by how much has been written too, but I can tell you with certainty that it's not by my power, but by His and His alone!

Plus, this has only happened one other time in my life, but NEVER to this extent, which is why I truly believe that Yahweh is stirring the watchmen everywhere to sound the alarm. That's why I just couldn't be disobedient and ignore it all.

The good news is that things should be settling down quite a bit now especially with Christmas and New Year's coming. So, hopefully, that will give you all some time to catch up on things - - LOL! I even expanded the "Posts Displayed" settings so that the last 50 columns are shown on the Home Page (in case you missed anything or didn't have the time to read them when they first appeared).

I sincerely hope I didn't scare any of you away with TMI! LOL!

December 19, 2008

Oikos Evangelism

Church growth experts have called the kind of evangelism we read about in the New Testament "oikos evangelism" - - oikos being the Greek word for "house" or "household."

The Gospel message followed the lines of relationships - - one family member told another family member, then extended family, then neighbors. By word of mouth, the Gospel spread from one household to another.

In that system of evangelism, every person played a critical role. On the night of Jesus' birth, a lowly group of shepherds didn't know they would have a critical role to play in announcing the birth of the Messiah. After worshipping Him at the stable, they no doubt went throughout Bethlehem - house to house, friend to friend - - announcing the good news of what had happened that night.

Likewise, every Christian has been called to play a critical role in advancing the kingdom of God - - in a family, a neighborhood, a workplace, or a community. Look around at your "oikos." Have you accepted the role God has given you?

You may not have witnessed the birth of the Savior, but you might get to witness the rebirth of one to whom you introduce Him. Christians are in the world to be witnesses, and they must concentrate on their calling. In these end times, now more than ever, people are looking for answers. More importantly, they're looking for hope of better things to come. You can give them both when you time them about their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His plan for humanity!

All this being said, it is my belief that there's a definite reason why God has motivated me to write about the things that have appeared in this space over the past few weeks. I haven't asked any questions why (maybe I should), but I've had this feeling like I need to drop everything and focus all my attention on writing about these topics first before I do anything else. That's only happened to me one other time in my life.

Sure, there's always the chance that I might be "slightly off the mark" in my own interpretations, but something deep down inside (the Holy Spirit) is telling me we're on to something here especially given the fact that we have used the Bible to interpret the Bible. Besides, how else do you explain how He's inspired me and given me the ability to write 61 commentaries in just 3 weeks of December!?! Not by my power, but by His for sure.

It reminds me of those we hear from this time of year who reject the idea of a virgin birth. Rejecting the virgin birth is the equivalent of calling God a liar. The Bible is His revealed Word (2 Timothy 3:15). Suggesting one portion is false places the whole document under suspicion. Thus, when you consider some of the things we've looked at lately here - - ALL THINGS THAT EXIST IN THE PAGES OF THE HOLY BIBLE - - doesn't this truth apply to us and our recent studies as well?

No, I don't believe it's a coincidence that we find so much going on in our world at this specific moment in time. Aside from that, however, is the equally mind-blowing fact that it cannot be a coincidence that while the world spins out of control all around us we are also being given some truly beautiful revelations from the Holy Spirit as part of the unveiling, unsealing, increase of knowledge spoken of in Daniel - - Tom Horn and Steve Quayle's discoveries regarding the Nephilim/Giants, and the deceptive Alien Agenda; David Flynn's mathematical discoveries in his book on Newton's Unified Theory of Bible prophecy; Sue Bradley's analysis of ancient symbolism and it's role and effect in the modern world; a new understanding of the Antichrist and the Tribulation from Daniel 9:27; a new understanding of the Rapture and Gog-Magog War from Scripture; everything we've been looking at here lately.

Please take everything that you've read here (ESPECIALLY THE "HEAVIER" STUFF FROM THE PAST TWO WEEKS) under prayerful consideration. Perhaps you'll come to the same conclusions as I have, and have this nagging desire to want to shout what's just been revealed to you from the rooftops.

Then, practice "oikos evangelism" and begin to tell as many people as you can about this before it's too late.

Is Maitreya The Man Of Sin?

One of the first false Christs I remember reading about when I first began studying prophecy about 7 years ago was a man by the name of Maitreya.

Immediately, even despite my very limited understanding of prophecy and those concerning the Antichrist at the time, it was evident that this guy seemed to fit the profile perfectly.

Here's why (based on what little bit we've been told about Maitreya and what I knew at the time about the Antichrist from the Bible):

Maitreya is to appear at a time when catastrophic events are overtaking the earth.
The Antichrist to appear at a time when catastrophic events are overtaking the earth.

Maitreya to appear in connection with a major shift in the world's economy.
The global economy will be immediately affected by the preliminary events of Revelation. End-times Babylon (the world's superpower) will cease to function as the world's economic center (Revelation 18). The Antichrist will replace free-market capitalism with a single economic system connected with the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13), allowing no one to buy or sell without the mandatory Mark.

Maitreya is predicted to establish a New World Religion, (despite the fact that Benjamin Creme often denies that Maitreya is here for that purpose).
The Antichrist will establish a single, mandatory religious system. Revelation 13:8. "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (Antichrist), whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Revelation 13:15, "as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."

Maitreya will be aided by the Master Jesus, who is predicted to soon take control of the Roman Catholic Church and lead Christianity to accept Maitreya as the Christ returned.
The Antichrist will be aided by the False Prophet, a spiritual leader, possibly to come from Rome, who will lead the world to worship the Antichrist.

Maitreya will play an important role in achieving peace in the Middle East.
The Antichrist will be instrumental in confirming a covenant with Israel that will bring peace and allow the Temple to be rebuilt. (NOTE: I have suggested that our understanding and interpretation of this aspect may be slightly skewed.)

Bible believers will reject Maitreya based on misunderstood scriptural warnings.
Bible believers will reject the Antichrist based on simple scriptural warnings that are almost impossible to misunderstand.

As if that weren't enough to set off spiritual bells and whistles and make your head spin, we find that his name in and of itself is also suspicious as this video will demonstrate:




Obviously, it's tough not to make the connection when both are so similar. So that begs the question, is Maitreya the man of sin?

He was (and I assume still is) a very curious figure. For starters, his true identity and everything else about him is aggressively protected by a man named Benjamin Creme, and an organization called Share International.

For three decades, they have decided to release information about this individual in a systematic fashion, and often only with one small "fact" at a time. He has been shrouded in secrecy since day one, and has only made a handful of public appearances.


WHY THE HECK SHOULD WE EVEN CARE?


I know it sounds like some description of a new television series set to debut in 2009 on the Sci-Fi Channel, but I can assure you that it's as real as real can be. Now, as for the people associated with all of this, who they claim to be, and what they believe? They're all purely delusional for we know the truth! The truth of the Word. This Maitreya - - whomever he is - - is not the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Even so, that doesn't mean that us Christians should ignore all of this. Why? Because they represent spiritual deception of the worst kind! In fact, they could very well be working to unveil the "man of perdition" himself! Is this Maitreya the prophesied man of sin? If he is, we better alert others, and make sure we get right with God ASAP because that would mean we know what's coming.

We've already made a good case, but let's use current events to investigate them further. They're all back in the news again after many have recalled what Benjamin Creme had said about 10 years ago
on the popular national radio talk show "Coast To Coast AM Show" with the legendary Art Bell. Basically, that Maitreya would not reveal himself to the world until the right geo-political forces existed (and he strongly hinted that there needed to be a global economic crisis first; much like the one we're experiencing now).

Obviously, those comments have raised some eyebrows in recent weeks. Yet, it was an ad that ran in a Wall Street Journal publication just a few days ago that announced that Maitreya will be "emerging" and doing a major U.S. television interview "shortly after Christmas." It was in the form of a Press Release posted on the Dow Jones & Company’s Market Watch website dated December 12, 2008, and it reads like something from a supermarket tabloid. Come to think of it, didn’t Rupert Murdoch just buy Dow Jones & Company not long ago? As mentioned, they also publish, among other things, the Wall Street Journal.

The financial collapse seems tailor made for desperate people to fall for these anti-Christ lies, but that the WSJ would lend credence by labeling it a "Christmas Miracle" (see the Press Release's headline) is astounding! Anyway, whether this speaks to the decline of a once great business publication or the growing power and influence of a coming world leader, only time will tell. Either way, it is clearly another ominous sign of the desperate times in which we live.

Here is
the text of the Share International Press Release including a screenshot:


According to the Press Release,
"in the very near future a large, bright star will appear in the sky visible to all throughout the world -- night and day. Unbelievable? Fantasy? No, a simple fact. Around a week later, Maitreya, the World Teacher for all humanity, will begin his open emergence and -- though not yet using the name Maitreya -- will be interviewed on a major US television program."

On the surface, that's significant because it would mimic Jesus Christ's own "emergence" into this world, with the whole Christmas Star a part of the story of His birth and all. We know that the Antichrist wants to mimic Jesus in every possible way that's imaginable as a form of mockery so this would definitely fit the bill.

But there's another layer to all of this that's much more sinister. Given this information (particularly the part about a bright object in the sky) and what we know about Maitreya, Share International, and anyone associated with either, we may want to start to take notice especially
after what we just looked at regarding the prophesied return of the Nephilim in the end times. First, some additional background info before assuming we know what this could mean for us and the world.


HOW TO CREATE A SAVIOR. HOW TO SELL A LIE.


Share International works in cooperation with The Hunger Project, based in San Francisco, and founded in 1977 by Werner Erhard, Founder of EST. Contrary to what many may think, The Hunger Project is not a charitable organization which feeds the poor. It is an organization which works to influence people's thinking toward redistribution of wealth, which is the very concept of socialism.

Apparently, Benjamin Creme has been called by the "Masters of Wisdom" to represent them and prepare the way for the "unveiling." So, he and others like him, are like modern-day John the Baptists for this new Christ.

In 1975, he was given the mission of announcing publicly the coming of Maitreya. At the time, Creme did not yet know precisely when that would occur and still does not. Well, at least he now knows that it will be "shortly after Christmas."

Who is Benjamin Creme? He is a 75-year old Scot, and a former artist. Since his childhood he has had an interest in "the esoteric", which is the "ageless wisdom" that has been transmitted by spiritual masters to occult initiates throughout time.



Who is the Maitreya? We are told by Creme that Maitreya’s the one expected by followers of all religions alike. He's the one that has been expected for generations by all of the major religions of the world. Creme points out that Christians know him as Jesus Christ, and expect his imminent return. Jews await him as their Messiah. Hindus look for the coming of Krishna; Buddhists expect him as Maitreya Buddha; and Muslims anticipate the Imam Mahdi or Messiah. Thus, he’s everything to everyone.

Creme says that Maitreya had spent the last 2,000 years in a “body of light” at a retreat in the Himalayas, but has now resurrected in a physical form that he "self-created," and that he lives and works in London. Many of Maitreya's messages are based around the idea of sharing and global cooperation.

The years and names will change, but one thing remains constant. All of these false Christs have one thing in common - they deceive people and ruin their lives physically and spiritually.

Still, the one that has made (is making) the most impact is Benjamen Creme’s New Age Christ Maitreya, who has had a coming out party for the last 30 years, and he’s widely regarded by New Agers and spiritual globalists alike, as the most likely to succeed.


Why is this latest Press Release significant? We are told that Maitreya will demonstrate His true identity on the "Day of Declaration." On that day, the international television networks will be linked together, and Maitreya will be invited to speak to the world, and reveal himself for the first time on a mass scale.

Furthermore, while we will supposedly see his face on television, each of us will hear his words telepathically - - in our own language - - as Maitreya simultaneously impresses the minds of all humanity. Even those who are not watching him on television will have this experience. On this day, humanity's shared experience of his profound love will cause hundreds of thousands of spontaneous healings to take place throughout the world.

Could this upcoming television interview be their Day of Declaration? Let's assume for a moment that he is the prophesied man of sin and think about what this might mean then for us and the rest of the world.

Now, here's where things get exciting for the faithful like you and me! Creme claims that Maitreya will make his public appearance through this occult Day of Declaration, when he will telepathically overshadow every human being on the Earth, and put forth his plan for humanity calling us to his service. Assuming he's the Antichrist, Biblically, there is only one moment in time when the Antichrist may actually do this. This Earth and every human being on it is the legal property of Satan, everyone except the individuals who have declared their allegiance to God and received His divine "seal of ownership" through acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 -
"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

Of course, this "one moment in time when the Antichrist (Maitreya) may actually do this" can only logically refer to the Rapture of the Church! In the moments after this event, every single person left on Earth will be the legal property of Satan, and the Antichrist could conceivably fulfill the prediction that Creme has made concerning Maitreya's Day of Declaration.

Prior to the Rapture, Satan has no way of violating God's "seal of ownership" and intruding into the minds of those who follow Him. Unless we consider Jesus' words in Mathew 24:24 that says, "for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and they shall give great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, also the chosen." So, unless we're looking at a direct fulfillment of Matthew 24:24, and assuming he is the man of sin, he could not telepathically reach out to every single individual on Earth until the moments immediately following the Rapture.

How incredible is all of this especially in light of our Rapture piece from just last week!?! Friends, we may not want to believe it (or we might want to take a "wait-and-see" cautious approach), but things seem to be lining up in a such a way that we must at least take notice and consider the possibility.


BE PREPARED AND BE STRONG IN YOUR FAITH (JUST IN CASE)


Folks, this might finally be their move - - the one that was frustrated back in 1982 (Creme actually set things in motion to try and introduce Maitreya to the world on the very day that Israel celebrated its anniversary of becoming a nation in 1948 in an attempt to quell the violence that was occurring at the time) - - only this time it's for real! Just think about it for a minute. Sure, Christmas might well come and go this year without a miraculous star compelling us all to tune in to Maitreya’s big network television debut.

Even so, I find it VERY HARD TO BELIEVE that these guys would spend so much time, so much effort effort, and so much money over the past 30 years preparing for a non-event that would render everyone involved a complete laughingstock. Getting people to take them seriously after a fabulous faux pas like that might be a little tough to pull off don't you think?

I mean, their ENTIRE MOVEMENT depends on this "emergence" and "Day of Declaration" being a complete success does it not? Food for thought that we may be a lot closer to the fulfilment of end times prophecy than we think.

So, stay strong, stay in the Lord, and stay skeptical about Creme's Maitreya (whoever he turns out to be) and what is sure to be his well-received "solution" to our global economic problems.

Paul Proctor wrote it best
in a recent column he wrote about all of this: "What I find fascinating is that this Maitreya fellow seems to have a strangely similar 'share and save the world' agenda to that of Purpose Driven Pastor Rick Warren with his Global P.E.A.C.E. Plan and also President-elect Barack Obama with his Global Poverty Act and Universal Service Plan - - men who apparently have no aversion to working with any or all of the world religions or non-religions to save the planet - - which may explain, at least in part, why Warren is scheduled to lead the invocation at Obama’s upcoming inauguration." Please read his article in full because it proposes a very interesting theory to all of this.

Mike Oppenheimer also has an interesting and informative piece on this mysterious “World Teacher” titled
"Maitreya The Betrayer," along with a host of links to other related subjects that I have no hesitation recommending to my readers - - especially in light of this peculiar press release.
Could this be "the hour of temptation to come upon all that dwell on the face of the Earth?" For the record, let's remember that there is no Christ except Jesus. Another false Christ emerges as the pushers of this particular anti-Christ figure at at it again, as when they ran those full page ads in 1982 proclaiming "The Christ Is Now Here!"

That newspaper ad campaign in 1982 cost upwards of $500,000.00! Nobody spends that type of money without very serious intent, but "Christ" and/or "Messiah" he clearly is not. Be very careful with this bunch.
Constance Cumbey personally witnessed a large Detroit audience of hundreds of relatively sophisticated, and even wealthy people, go under Benjamin Creme's spell when he was promoting this same "Christ" back in 1981 there. Only upon witnessing that did she have any notion as to how Hitler had pulled off his bewitching of the German public - - mass hypnosis!

This bears watching given what we know about the Antichrist and False Prophet from what the Bible tells us. Plus, it's worth noting that if this report is true, it's the first time this individual has agreed to "introduce" himself to the world on a mass scale despite 30 years of silence, only 1 public appearance (to a small group in the remote parts of Nairobi, Kenya), and after being shrouded in secrecy all this time.

That should also tell us all we need to know about the times we are living in. If false Christs think now is a good time to show themselves then they must see the same signs that we students of prophecy are trying to alert the world to.

As Mike Oppenhiemer writes in his article on this subject, "Truth will never change, just as the God who gave it. In the New Age truth is relative so it can be whatever one wants."

It's time to be prepared, for anything can occur as we are now deep in the time of deception. He’s at the door so look up for our redemption is coming! The Tribulation comes for those who reject the Christian message of Jesus Christ, but the hope of the true Jesus is there for the Christian.

Do not be fearful, be hopeful.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 - "Let no one deceive you by any means, for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition."

***UPDATE 1/22/2009: Bright Star Heralds The Emergence Of Maitreya The World Teacher : Thanks to an Anonymous visitor for bringing this to my attention yesterday in our Comments section. Friends, this is MAJOR news because it's like I've said before, I find it VERY HARD TO BELIEVE that these guys would spend so much time, so much effort effort, and so much money over the past 30 years preparing for a non-event that would render everyone involved a complete laughingstock. Getting people to take them seriously after a fabulous faux pas like that might be a little tough to pull off don't you think? I mean, their ENTIRE MOVEMENT depends on this "emergence" and "Day of Declaration" being a complete success does it not? Food for thought that we may be a lot closer to the fulfilment of end times prophecy than we think. So, stay strong, stay in the Lord, and stay skeptical about Creme's Maitreya (whoever he turns out to be), and what is sure to be his well-received "solution" to our global economic problems. Oh yeah, those promoting this Antichrist figure are even becoming bold in their claim that "In the very near future, people everywhere will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary and significant sign, the like of which has been manifested only once before, at the birth of Jesus. Then, according to Christian teaching, a star appeared in the heavens and led three wise men from the East to the birthplace of Jesus. Soon, once again, a star-like luminary of brilliant power will be seen around the world. What does this mean? How is it possible? The answer lies in the fact that this mysterious event is a sign, and heralds the beginning of Maitreya's open mission. Soon after the sign appears in our skies, Maitreya will give His first media interview on American television." God help us.***

RECOMMENDED READING:
Maitreya The Betrayer
The New Age Religion: Brought To Us By The "Ascended Masters"
The "Ascended Masters" Are The Fallen Angels
AUDIO: Creme's 1998 Interview With Art Bell
Maitreya Rising?
False Christs Emerge

The Watchmen

No, not the new blockbuster film called The Watchmen from Hollywood, but those who are actively watching events around the world and seeing the fulfillment of Bible prophecy as well as the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

That got me thinking about the word "watch" and all the places where it shows up in the Bible. My investigation led me to one verse in particular from the Book of Luke.

Luke 21:36 -
"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

There's that whole pesky idea again of us having to always pray so that we may be counted worthy to escape what's about to be unleashed upon the world.

I'm still having a tough time trying to figure out what this all means, and if it in any way correlates to Jesus' admission that only few will make it since he will turn away many who thought they were secure, but that's a discussion for another day.

Anyway, back to Luke 21:36, I came across an excellent piece by The Berean. Through no effort of my own (other than by taking the time to read the analysis), it seems I found the answers I was looking for!

In our day, "watch" has lost much of its original power. Is there anything more passive than watching television? We live in a spectator nation. We watch movies, news, the markets, and sporting events. Watching has become an activity that puts us on the sidelines and not on the field of battle, an idea foreign to the original meaning of the word.

At the time of the King James translators, "watch" emphasized the carefulness, attention, and vigilance in the way a soldier kept alert for any sign of enemy movement. That's important for us to remember as students of prophecy.

A concept that has more meaning to us today can be found in the word "overcome." This word implies that we watch ourselves to spot our problems, do battle with them, and conquer them. "Overcome" better communicates the battle we have joined (Romans 12:21; 1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 21:7).

If we watch ourselves spiritually, we are not just watching our human nature, but doing battle with it. We are not just watching the world and its influences as they bombard us, but fighting against them. We are not just watching Satan's devices as they toy with us, but defending ourselves against them. In other words, "watch" as originally intended covers the entire process of overcoming that is our calling. We are to be identifying the problems, engaging them, and putting them to flight (Revelation 3:2; 16:15; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8).

Therefore, "overcome," more clearly than "watch," communicates to someone living today what Luke 21:36 says we should be doing as we near the end of the age. The premier end-time book, Revelation, repeatedly emphasizes that overcoming is "job one" for us (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 12:11; 21:7).

Luke 21:36 suggests that those who alertly overcome and pray always are those that may be counted worthy to escape and stand before Christ in God's Kingdom. In verse 36, Christ ties together all He has said throughout the chapter. If we do not neglect the spiritual (verses 34-35), and instead watch and pray always, we can "escape all these things" (verses 7-33) and enter God's Kingdom.

Luke 21 is a chapter about the end time, and in verse 36, we have spiritual instruction directly from Jesus to anyone living during that time. He is telling us how to escape the final effects of the turmoil that is ahead, and to enter God's Kingdom. This, therefore, becomes an extremely powerful verse in helping us to understand exactly what we should be concentrating on at this time. It is a roadmap to safety and salvation.

What if someone told us where to find two tickets, which if purchased by us, would grant us escape from the end-time tumult and entrance into God's Kingdom? What price would we pay? Two such "tickets" exist, and we have the wherewithal to purchase them. Luke 21:36 shows us the two tickets. One is the "watch/overcome" ticket and the other is the "pray always" ticket. If we choose to be lackadaisical about overcoming or prayer, are missing either ticket, or have only a partial ticket, we will likely be required to "buy" those same two tickets at a very dear price in the Tribulation.

The Bible states quite a few "formulas" for producing certain things. We need to understand that none of these formulas stands on its own. They fit into a whole that includes other factors supplied from other instruction found elsewhere in Scripture. However, there are formulas, and then, there are formulas. Those that Jesus gives tend to be "trunk of the tree" formulas. They must be our base, and then we can stack other instruction on them.

These "trunk of the tree" formulas not only form a foundation that supports everything else, but they also give direction and boundaries for what and how we can add to them. Once a builder lays a foundation for a small, three-bedroom house, it automatically limits what he can and cannot construct on it. Consequently, we cannot build a beautiful spiritual temple on the wrong foundation. Luke 21:36 is an integral part of the right foundation for those of us living at the end.
As we have seen, in Luke 21:36, Christ reveals that the roles of watching - - or paying careful attention to overcoming - - and praying always are vital to our Christian lives at this time.

Thanks Berean! I couldn't have said it any better myself! Amazing how God consistently leads us to the truth if we genuinely pursue it. His grace in providing this wisdom to me at a time when I have been craving it is a true blessing indeed!

Watch. Overcome. Pray.

Another Win For Yahweh And Jesus!

Score 1 for Christianity and 0 for Islam. Another win for Yahweh and Jesus!

The Islamic nations whose leaders want Christianity criminalized - - yes, you read that correctly - - sustained a severe blow at the United Nations today when the momentum on their religion "anti-defamation" proposal suddenly shifted.

WND previously reported on the plan that has been in the works since 1999, sponsored by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The "anti-defamation" law was proposed ostensibly to protect religions from criticism and attack. However, the plan mentions only Islam as needing protection.


Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the
American Center for Law and Justice, has assembled a petition opposing the plan that has been signed by about 400,000 people already. Sekulow said the effect of the proposal would be to intimidate anyone in the world from criticizing radical Islam.

While the proposal has been modified to try to appeal to Western nations, including drafts that would have made it criminal to "defame another religion," only Islam is mentioned by name.

A U.S. Ambassador told a Fox News blogger, "The resolution could criminalize free speech."
Fox News religion contributor Lauren Green continued, "But you say, 'That can’t happen,' or 'that would be ludicrous.' The fact is, it's already happening. Christians and other minority religions in predominantly Islamic areas or countries are being persecuted to barbaric levels. Reports from Nairobi, Kenya, say that one aid worker was beheaded in September for converting from Islam to Christianity; the Iranian government has already passed a bill calling for execution on the basis of apostasy (anyone converting from Islam to another religion), and of course we've seen the violence that erupted over the Danish cartoon of the prophet Mohammed."

Sekulow said today's U.N. General Assembly vote, which was 86 yes, 53 no and 42 abstentions, was a dramatic shift from the vote from one year ago, which was 108 yes, 51 no, and 25 abstentions.

Because of the circuitous route to adoption in the labyrinth of the U.N., a General Assembly vote such as today's does not automatically mean adoption. Nor does it mean the proposal will disappear.

Still, any time religious persecution is defeated we must be grateful and give thanks in prayer. At the same time, the fact that this is even open for serious discussion and debate should be ANOTHER CLEAR SIGN OF THE TIMES who refuse to take their head out of the sand and recognize that the hour is late.

The vote also followed by just days a lawsuit filed against the Federal Reserve for a financial bailout plan that provided funding to AIG, which has announced a special program of Shariah-compliant products and services inside the United States.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Support Plummets For Plan To Criminalize Christianity

The Oak Tree And Acorn Prophecy

Today, I want to try to explain my perspective on why understanding symbolism is important especially to those who study prophecy.

Let's face it, symbolism is an integral part of prophecy. It is used throughout the Bible, but definitely a key component to prophecy. What would the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation be without the use of symbols? Thus, it behooves us to try to understand the role that symbolism has played throughout the course of history as well as the vital role it continues to play today. The Secret Sun blog has something to say about it
here and also here.

Surely, there are some people out there who will say that any serious study of symbolism in relation to the Bible and its prophecies is one big load of crap. Not only that, they think it may rightly be considered heresy since they feel it really is deceptive and keeps us from studying and thinking about what they say is really important.

While that's obviously an important question to consider and ask ourselves (let alone take to the Lord in prayer), another important question we should be asking ourselves is whether or not this is EXACTLY what Satan wants us to believe to keep us from searching for God and developing a deeper relationship with Him through a search for the truth.

I mean, after all, who are we to decide what's "important" and what's "not important" when it comes to God and His Word as found in the Holy Bible? It's either all or nothing. We can't simply pick and choose for ourselves. It doesn't work that way.

Yes, Christianity is a "revealed religion," it’s not an
esoteric religion. The Bible speaks for itself and the Spirit leads us to understanding of it. For these reasons alone, these people suggest that to study things like symbolism, to give them an important role in all of this, is to pervert the Bible. Again, I get what they're saying and we should consider that possibility. At the same time, why did God put so much symbolism in His Holy Bible especially pertaining to the end times if it was "heresy" and unimportant?

We're the ONLY creatures on the planet that use symbols in reference to something else. We use symbols for absolutely EVERYTHING the mind can conceive of. Is it any wonder then that God in His infinite wisdom decided to wrap His prophecies for the end times in a similar language? However, I believe He always intended for us to reach the same conclusions, but on our own accord, by our own efforts, and through our own thirst for the knowledge of the truth (obtained only through aggressively seeking Him and studying His Word), instead of solely relying on others to interpret things for us and doing the work we were meant to do.

If you have not seen this video I recommend viewing it, but remember - believe nothing and research everything for yourself to test and verify. Then, prayerfully consider what you have discovered. For those Christians who have continued to keep their "eyes wide shut" this well thought out video should serve as a good primer.

Again, we must ask ourselves why God cloaked Bible prophecies in symbols?

Luke 8:10 - "And He said, 'To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'"

Many of the apocalyptic prophecies were given while the prophets were in a hostile foreign land. Perhaps one reason God cloaked the prophecies in symbols was to protect the messages. Take some time to view this video in parts or from beginning to end so that you can continue with today's column holding a better understanding of symbolism and it's active and powerful presence in our daily lives as well as its key role in understanding prophecy.





A, B, C - ACORNS, BEES, SEE WHAT'S NEXT?



A hat tip to The 2012 Apocalypse for this bizarre story. Looks like we can add acorns to the list that includes bees as "Things-In-Nature-That-Seem-To-Be-Disappearing," and not only that, but at an alarming and inexplicable rate these days.


This report at the Washington Post claims the problem is widespread, from Kansas to Nova Scotia. Here are some excerpts:

"The idea seemed too crazy to Rod Simmons, a measured, careful field botanist. Naturalists in Arlington County couldn't find any acorns. None. No hickory nuts, either. Then he went out to look for himself. He came up with nothing. Nothing crunched underfoot. Nothing hit him on the head."

"Then calls started coming in about crazy squirrels. Starving, skinny squirrels eating garbage, inhaling bird feed, greedily demolishing pumpkins. Squirrels boldly scampering into the road. And a lot more calls about squirrel roadkill."

"But Simmons really got spooked when he was teaching a class on identifying oak and hickory trees late last month. For 2 1/2 miles, Simmons and other naturalists hiked through Northern Virginia oak and hickory forests. They sifted through leaves on the ground, dug in the dirt and peered into the tree canopies. Nothing."

"Zell began to do some research. He found Internet discussion groups, including one on Topix called 'No acorns this year,' reporting the same thing from as far away as the Midwest up through New England and Nova Scotia. 'We live in Glenwood Landing, N.Y., and don't have any acorns this year. Really weird,' wrote one. 'None in Kansas either! Curiouser and curiouser.' Jennifer Klepper of Annapolis even blogged about it."

"Last spring was so wet, he reasoned, perhaps the pollen was washed out of the air and down storm drains before it had time to do its work. Ed Zimmer, regional forester for the Virginia Department of Forestry, doesn't buy that. 'It would have to be Noah's flood kind of rain for me to believe that. Forty days of constant rain,' he said." (MY NOTE: interesting use of a biblical account within this news story, no?)

It's an extremely weird story much like similar reports of honeybee colonies disappearing and killing millions of bees. I learned that the issue with the bees first began in 2004, and $15 billion in U.S. crops each year are dependent upon bees for pollination.

Unfortunately, I have nothing substantial to add to this except to say that I just think it's more proof that God is using nature to reveal Himself to us just as He uses everything else in this world to try and get our attention. You better believe I'll be looking for acorns myself here in Buffalo, NY the next time I'm outside!

I tried to find statistics that were equally eye-popping for this acorn story, but came up empty.
All I could find of significance was that Oaks live forever (sometimes as long as 200 years or more!), and that when they eventually die it's usually from natural causes and from an infection from within. Also, Oak trees in Marin County (which is north of San Francisco, CA) are dying at a rate that has reached epidemic proportions, and scientists still don't know the cause of this. Oaks, which typically take a year or so to die from infections, have been reported to die in just two to three weeks. Such massive die back of live Oaks has never been reported in California, and a severe environmental crisis is expected in the months and years to come.


A TRULY REMARKABLE CREATION FROM OUR CREATOR!


On second thought, eureka! If nothing else, perhaps this whole phenomenon is to be viewed as being very symbolic to us or, what I mean to say is that we might be able to take something very important from this story. Think of it as the "Oak Tree And Acorn Prophecy" in that there's definitely a message here for us to consider when you take a close look at this particular part of creation that God gave to us.

First, you have to ask yourself whether or not you believe that God can and does speak to us through His creation. I believe that He does this daily through nature; revealing Himself to us wherever we might go. We see it in the dependable cycles of the seasons for instance. So, if God does use His creation to reveal Himself to us, and to get our attention then perhaps we should spend a little more time considering what He could be telling us here with the Oak trees and acorns.

There are over 600 varieties of Oaks, ranging over a vast geographical area. Although thousands upon thousands of acorns are produced annually, very few of these ultimately manage to evolve into an Oak tree. As mentioned, some Oak trees can live well over 200 years, which is why they've historically been equated to symbols of strength and endurance. These concepts weren't lost upon various cultures or the arts either.



The poet
Alfred Tennyson wrote,

"Live thy life,
Young and old,
Like yon Oak,
Bright in spring,
Living gold."

The writer Shirley Ann Grau wrote, "Oak trees come out of acorns, no matter how unlikely that seems. An acorn is just a tree's way back into the ground. For another try. Another trip through. One life for another". According to E. F. Schumacher, "Our ordinary mind always tries to persuade us that we are nothing but acorns and that our greatest happiness will be to become bigger, fatter, shinier acorns; but that is of interest only to pigs. Our faith gives us knowledge of something better: that we can become Oak trees." Other famous sayings include, "Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow" and, "Every majestic Oak tree was once a nut who stood his ground."

It held a place of special importance with the English later as the whole edifice of their Empire rested ultimately on the majestic Oak; nearly all of the ships that made them such a great naval power were constructed of Oak wood. The iron used for their weapons was also smelted using Oak wood. Churches and other buildings were constructed out of Oak. Oak wood was also used and is still considered the best medium for ageing Scotch whiskey. Oak bark has medicinal value and was used also in tanning and dyeing. Oak acorns provided food for animals as well as humans; it is also a source for tannin and oil.

Yet, when we look at the mythological and religious connotations associated with the Oak tree a more sinister pattern emerges. The question is, should that concern us?


OAK TREES HAVE HISTORIC, MYTHOLOGICAL, AND RELIGIOUS ROOTS


For thousands of years, indigenous people all over the world have attributed magical properties to trees, which are said to have particular personalities along with healing powers and messages for us. The Oak tree is one of the most famous of magical trees, and is considered sacred in many parts of the world. It has been associated with the "World Tree," and creation myths in which the first human was born from its leaves.

In
Celtic mythology it is "the tree of doors," believed to be a gateway between worlds, or a place where portals could be erected. In Norse mythology, the Oak was sacred to the thunder god, Thor. Some scholars speculate that this is because the Oak, as the largest tree in northern Europe, was the one most often struck by lightning. Thor's Oak was a sacred tree of the Germanic Chatti tribe. Its destruction marked the Christianisation of the heathen tribes by the Franks. In Classical mythology the Oak was a symbol of Zeus and his sacred tree. An example is the oracle of Dodona, which in prehistory consisted solely of a holy Oak.

The druids favored the mighty Oak as it was believed to impart divine knowledge. The leaves of the Oak whispered secrets, and the acorns were considered magical. When eaten, the acorns would give magical powers and the gifts of prophecy.

Buddha allegedly sat down under a Bodhi tree (Oak tree?) and meditated until he found enlightenment and produced the Four Noble Truths.

Oakland, California. The area was called "encinal" by the original Spanish colonizers, a word which means "Oak grove," and the origin of the city's name. It was so dubbed, because of a large stand of Oak forest that differentiated it from the surrounding region. The Oak is a common symbol of strength and endurance and has been chosen as the national tree of England, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, the United States, Basque Country, Wales and Serbia. Oak leaves also symbolize rank in the United States Armed Forces.

But what about it's place in the Holy Bible? The oak is mentioned over 60 times in the Bible! In Genesis 18, the majestic Oak tree is designated as the tree under which Abraham greeted two angels and supposedly God Himself, all disguised as travelers. The Oak tree at Shechem is the site where Jacob buries the foreign gods of his people (Genesis 35:4). In addition, Joshua erects a stone under an Oak tree as the first covenant of the Lord (Joshua 24,25). But let's take an even closer look at where this tree shows up in Scripture to see if it can give us any pertinent information.
The Hill of Bashan celebrated for the Oak tree (Isaiah 2:13).

The Oak tree is described as strong (Amos 2:9), thick spreading (2 Samuel 18:9; Ezekiel 6:13), and casting its leaves in winter (Isaiah 6:13).

The Tyrian made oars of Oak (Ezekiel 27:6).

Idolaters often made idols out of Oak (Isaiah 44:14).

The ancients often rested under the Oak (Judges 6:11; Judges 6:19; 1 Kings 13:14), buried their dead under the Oak (Genesis 35:8; 1 Chronicles 10:12), erected monuments under the Oak (Joshua 24:26), and performed idolatrous rites under the Oak (Isaiah 1:29; Isaiah 57:5; Ezekiel 6:13; Hosea 4:13).

Absalom in his flight is intercepted by, and suspended from an Oak tree (2 Samuel 18:9-10; 2 Samuel 18:14).

Jacob buried his family idols under an Oak tree (Isaiah 2:13; Zechariah 11:2).

Fading, of the wicked under judgments likened to the life and death of an Oak tree (Isaiah 1:30).

Clearly, the mighty Oak and its acorns have been held in high esteem for centuries. Isn't it fascinating then to consider the symbolic if not prophetic implications of today's news story?

And why not? Even the greatest myths and legends hold elements of truth, and once you throw the Holy Bible into the mix and add a distinct spiritual connection things move from lore to legitimacy.


SO WHAT IS THIS OAK TREE AND ACORN PROPHECY?


Simply put, I don't think it's absurd to assume that there's something to be said about the relationship between the sudden and unexpected death of Oak trees along with the sudden disappearance of acorns, and the sudden decline (and soon to be unexpected death?) of the United States given where we are on the prophetic timeline.

Now, think about the nature (no pun intended) and tone of the subject matter presented here over the past few weeks, and you have a what I see as being yet another clear warning to America - - the world's mighty Oak (a symbol of international strength and endurance for just over 200 years). It can't be a coincidence, can it?

Once you include some of the things we find the Oak tree associated with in the Bible the correlation crystallizes a bit. I mean, consider that many of these references have to do with idols and idol worship. Others have to do with judgment administered upon the wicked and unrepentant. Plus, where do many of these references to the Oak tree show up in the Bible - - Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Zechariah - - all books that are clearly provide us with prophecies for these end times!

The coup de gras for me was when I learned about a connection between the Israeli Temple Institute and the Oak tree. Apparently, they recently held
the first "crimson worm" harvest in 2,000 years to prepare priestly garments in preparation for the rebuilding of the Temple!

Is all of this a mere coincidence too?

Another blogger recently wrote that if a person has enough time they'll find "connections" and "signs" where there aren't any. Where some see paranoia and delusions, I see passion and determination to seek out and understand the truth. There's no shame in that.

Besides, as always, I believe the Bible is the ultimate authority that tells us all we need to know on this subject.

Exodus 20:4 -
"Thou shalt not make for yourself a graven image..."

Perhaps symbolism is one way God speaks to the world today. If so, it would explain its presence throughout the Bible (particularly in the prophetic literature) as well as His command to us here to be mindful that we do not create "a graven image" (a symbol) for ourselves.

If you're the type of person who believes that the order the Ten Commandments were given to us is indicative of how significant they are to God (a moral hierarchy of sorts) then it's equally fascinating to note that this commandment comes before "Thou shalt not kill..."

Personally, I'm not quite sure what it all means right, but that was never my main intent since I just wanted to point out some of the odd connections I was seeing in all of this. Whatever the case may be, I definitely don't think it's a good thing or a good sign for us. The Oak tree is attached to far more negative dare I say evil symbolism than good so there you go.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot! Did I mention that the infamous 1917 Fatima Virgin Mary appearances and prophecies took place directly over an Oak tree in Portugal?

Like I said, whatever the case may be I don't think all this Oak tree stuff is a good sign.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Acorn Watchers Wonder What Happened To Crop
Global Warning
Scientists Find Clue In Mystery Of The Vanishing Bees

The Incredible Oak Tree
The Oak Tree In The Bible
Are You Kidding Me? So They'll Be Used To Push Concept Of Carbon Credits?
Oak Tree Lore

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Walgreens Printable Coupons