White Lies, Black Truth – Where Do You Stand?

Many things in today’s world just aren’t what they seem. It’s the era of the “sophisticated lie.” Who can you truly believe? What is behind all this lying and duplicity?

The Founder of true Christianity said: “He that is faithful [honest] in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10).

He who would steal a postage stamp would likely steal money or other valuables also — if he got the chance!

A lie often has to be covered by several other lies, which have to be covered by yet more lies. Such an intricate web of duplicity is woven that it becomes almost impossible to discover the real truth.

Lying and stealing often go hand in hand. A person who steals will often need to lie to cover up his crime. Perhaps this is why the eighth commandment — “Thou shalt not steal” — is followed immediately by the commandment against bearing false witness (Deut. 5:19, 20). Elsewhere in the Pentateuch we read: “Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another” (Lev. 19:11).

Did God Create A Devil?

Is there a devil? Many people talk about the devil and Satan. Others scoff and say it’s just superstition and imagination. But is there a devil? According to most Christians the Bible is supposed to teach that the devil is “the god of this world.”

What does the Bible actually teach? To find out let’s look back to the very beginning in Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning God ….” God was before all. The next word in the King James version is “created.” “God created.” He created the heaven and the earth.

But the very next verse says this: “The earth was without form, and void.” The Hebrew words for “without form, and void” are tohu and bohu. Translated into English they mean chaotic, in confusion, waste, and empty.

When God created the heaven and the earth, did He create this earth originally in a state of confusion? Did He create it all topsy-turvy and chaotic?

World NOT Created in Chaos

We read in I Corinthians 14:33 that “God is NOT the author of confusion.” God is the author of peace. God is the author of order and of law.

Why would He create the earth in disorder and then have to straighten it out? That doesn’t make sense! One scholar points out that the Hebrew word for “created,” bara, used in Genesis 1:1, “implies that the creation was a perfect work.” That very word “created” implies a perfect and a beautiful order and system, not chaos or confusion!

The book of Job shows God talking with Job about the creation. God is saying to Job, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?” There is the implication here that Job had directed the building of some very great edifice — such as the great pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Job was righteous and somewhat proud of his accomplishments. God was whittling him down to humility by a comparison of accomplishments.

God continues, “Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened [margin, “sunk”]? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7.)

It is significant that the great pyramid is a building where the corner stone is not laid in the foundation, but the final stone to be laid — at the pinnacle. The “morning stars” are light-(truth-) bringing angels and archangels, according to Biblical interpretation of symbols. As creations of God, they also are referred to as “all the sons of God.” So this, too, implies a perfect and glorious creation of the earth.

What Is True Masculinity?

Some rules below that define true masculine traits and attitudes:

The strength, life and health of the Church depends largely on how men fulfill their roles as spiritual leaders.

•  The success of homes and marriages depends greatly on the quality of spiritual lives.

•  God has assigned and delegated profound and sobering responsibility.

•  If Christians fail in their roles as spiritual leaders, families will suffer and so will the character of the Church.

As we shall prove, God created man first and made him to be the head.

•  Under God’s rule, he has been made responsible.

•  Whether or not he succeeds, depends on how well he discharges his calling and duty.

•  NOTE: When a marriage crumbles, first and foremost  God holds the man accountable.

How do we define the meaning of true masculinity?

•  To describe the role that God intended for man to play.

•  To outline the job, calling and duties of a “real masculine leader.”

•  To disclose the awesome responsibility God envisioned for man when He created Adam.

Let’s first look at our mixed-up world today.

•  Newspapers, magazines, TV & the movies picture men as henpecked dolts, dominated and ruled over by women.

•  They are weak in moral, mental and physical character.

•  By abdicating their roles, they have forced women into unnatural leadership positions, producing frustration, resentment and shame.

This sad state of affairs was prophesied centuries ago.

A. Isa. 3:1-3 — “For behold, the Lord…doth take away… the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge…the captain of fifty, and the honorable man….”

•  The marginal reference for “the honorable man” renders this phrase as a man eminent in countenance.

•  This phrase indicates that .there would be a lack of men commanding respect (Soncino).

•  This has occurred today.

B. Isa. 3:4-5,12 — “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them.”

•  These verses again show men to be unqualified for true leadership or rule.

•  They are as unqualified as children to rule, and are effeminate like women. (JFB.)

•  The fact that children can exalt themselves illustrates the appalling lack of true masculine leadership.

C. Isa. 3:16-17 — “Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes… Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion.

•  These verses depict the state of mind of modern-day women.

•  Have they not become this way because men have relinquished their roles as leaders — a point so clearly emphasized throughout this chapter?

Clearly, in today’s world the majority of men have lost their spiritual fiber and courage and have taken on the soft, weak and effeminate characteristics of women.

A. I Cor. 6:9-10 — “Know ye not that the unrighteous… nor EFFEMINATE… shall inherit the Kingdom of God.”

B. How vital it is that men in God’s Church recapture the value and meaning of true masculinity.

Modern-day misconceptions of masculinity.

A. Before discussing the characteristics of a true masculine leader, let’s examine some false ideas and notions commonly held today.

B. What real masculinity is not:

•  A swaggering, super-confident macho type, like “The Fonz” on Happy Days.

•  A Schwarzenegger physique.

•  A strong and tough hero like Tarzan, Baretta, James Bond or Superman.

•  A suave, sophisticated playboy and modern-day swinger.

•  A crude and coarse pot-bellied drinker who swears and uses vulgar language.

•  The loud, boisterous, braggart who’s forever extolling his virtues and advertising himself.

•  One who is arrogant and fiercely competitive and feels that he must win at all costs.

•  The know-it-all who enjoys intimidating others.

•  The man who’s power hungry and who likes to control and order people around.

•  One who lays down the law and domineers, and rules his wife and children with an iron hand.

C. In general, the type who’s selfish, arrogant and vain and who likes to impress others with his knowledge, exploits and skills.

A profile of true masculinity.

A. True masculinity is playing the role that God intended.

Man was physically designed and created to be the head and leader.

•  He has broad shoulders, strong muscles, a sturdy build and is heavier.

•  He is generally taller than the woman so that she has to look up to him.

•  He is virile, rugged and robust, and was designed for action and hard work — to be the protector and provider.

•  He has a deeper voice.

•  He has coarse and hairy skin.

God gave him a masculine mentality to match his physical frame.

•  He likes a challenge.

•  He’s a planner with daring, aggressive and bold ambitions.

•  He’s a deep thinker who likes to tackle and conquer problems.

•  He enjoys rough and rugged activities that test his agility and strength.

•  In short, he is equipped both mentally and physically to be the dominate figure and to lead the woman.

By contrast, the woman was designed both physically  and mentally to assist the man.

•  She has a softer, more fragile and delicate body.

•  She is smaller in stature and in aptly described as the weaker vessel (I Peter 3:7).

•  Her natural interests (unless perverted) center around her home, family and general domestic duties.

•  She was created to be the man’s helpmeet and companion.

•  Since she was made from man, God instilled in her heart a desire to assist and please him.

Thus, the male was created, both physically and mentally, to lead the woman and be her head.

•  Gen. 2:18, 21-24 — “The woman was made for man.”

•  I Cor. 11:3, 8-9 — “Husband is head of the wife.”

The general characteristics of a masculine leader.

Is God-fearing and deeply converted.

•  His supreme desire is to walk with God and keep Him at the center of his life.

•  As he grows in God’s likeness, the natural qualities of true masculinity will emerge.

•  As he prays and studies, he will become more cognizant of his role and God-given responsibilities.

•  The negative traits of fear, shyness and inferiority will disappear.

•  Daily he should take on the masculine attributes of his elder Brother, Jesus Christ.

•  II. Cor. 3:18 — “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Has inner strength, character and stability.

•  He is unshakeable, unmoveable and deeply grounded in the truth.

•  He will not compromise his principles, yield to temptation, or break under pressure.

•  When trials beset him, he trusts God to the end.

•  This type of leader is respected by all and is known far and wide.

Is self-assured and confident.

•  This kind of confidence comes from faith in God and from a track record of experience and success.

•  It’s a distinct manly trait that carries with it an air of authority.

•  Such a man knows where he’s going and what he wants out of life.

•  The opposite sex feel’s secure in the presence of a man with this brand of confidence

Has purpose, drive and initiative.

•  He has mapped out his life and has established clear-cut goals — he knows where he’s headed.

•  With tenacity and vigor, he pushes himself to overcome all obstacles.

•  He does not allow himself to become discouraged, distracted or defeated — “can’t” and “impossible” are not a part of his normal vocabulary.

•  His total outlook is positive and upbeat and you sense that you’re in the presence of a “winner” — a man with a destiny.

Is decisive.

•  He has learned how to concentrate and use his mind to it’s fullest capacity.

•  He cuts through trivia and gets down to essentials — he doesn’t procrastinate.

•  This kind of leader tackles a problem head-on and doesn’t succumb to frustration and despair.

•  He is alert to opportunity and new doors God may open.

•  He’s not afraid to step out in faith and take a calculated risk.

•  The ability to stand up under pressure and make life and death decisions is a distinct masculine trait.

Practices self-control.

•  He disciplines his body, controls his time and dictates to circumstances.

•  He is tough on himself and has his life totally in hand.

•  Self-discipline is a hallmark.

•  “No” is one of his most powerful command words.

•  He has a clear set of priorities and puts first things first.

Is emotionally mature.

•  He controls his temper, disciplines his moods and monitors his overall attitude.

•  He can roll with the punches and bounce back from defeat.

•  This type of leader doesn’t need the constant reassurance, acceptance or recognition of people.

•  He can receive criticism without it destroying him.

•  He doesn’t whine, feel sorry for himself or seek the sympathy of others when his purposes have been thwarted.

•  You will rarely hear him complain about his aches and pains or general health.

Is law abiding, conscientious and responsible.

•  He doesn’t try to outsmart the IRS or rip off his neighbor in a business deal.

•  He is upright, sincere and always tells the truth.

•  He’s dependable — his word is his bond.

•  Being a responsible citizen, he promptly submits to the laws of the land and pays his bills on time.

•  In all areas of human relations, he fears God and reflects sterling character.

Uses common sense and good judgment.

•  He possesses an inner sense of knowing when to speak and how to act in almost every situation.

•  Has an ability to size up a problem and cut through to the answer.

•  He is big-minded, thinks long range and is able to grasp the best course of action when making decisions.

•  Has developed a sense of insight, wisdom and sound-mindedness.

•  This is particularly true in the area of human relations — tactful, diplomatic and understanding.

Takes charge when necessary.

•  This does not mean he’s to usurp another’s authority.

•  It does mean he’s to have presence of mind in a difficult situation when an appointed leader is not present.

•  He feels a sense of responsibility guided by God’s Spirit to uphold the proper standards.

•  He keeps his cool and doesn’t fold in a crisis situation.

•  In dating he always takes the lead and demonstrates by his confident manner that he’s a protector and a haven of trust.

Maintains vigor, vitality and good health.

•  Keeps physically fit.

•  He watches his diet — avoids overeating and resists junk foods.

•  He has a regular program of exercise and gets sufficient sleep.

•  Knowing that stress destroys good health and peace of mind, he strives to maintain a positive mental attitude.

•  Masculinity does not mean developing big muscles, but it does involve maintaining good health.

Demonstrates self-respect.

•  Godly self-esteem is a trademark of true masculinity.

•  A leader must have it if he’s to win the respect of others.

•  Self-respect is a product of living a clean and wholesome life.

•  It’s a mature and inner confidence that comes from integrity and a clear conscience.

•  He displays an air of control and authority over his life and will have little trouble mastering any situation he may encounter.

•  Thus, others will look up to him and will place credence in his character.

A woman’s view of true masculinity.

A. What makes a man “masculine” to a woman?

B. What is it that makes him a leader and a “real” man?

C .What does her nature cry out for from him?

D. Listed below are some of the qualities that women look for and desire in their male counterparts.

A woman was created to want and need a leader.

•  First and foremost she wants him to be deeply converted.

•  To put God first and remind her to do likewise.

•  She wants him to be the head — to know his role and accept it.

•  To take charge because he knows he’s innately responsible for her welfare.

•  The masculine leader then is one she can trust, respect and look up to.

•  When he relinquishes his position as head, he causes her to become independent and aggressive — a role that buries her femininity and makes her miserable.

She finds certain physical qualities masculine.

•  She wants him to look like a man.

•  His hair should not be too long — a borderline haircut shows a borderline attitude.

•  His pants should not fit too tightly, nor his shirt be half unbuttoned.

•  He should have straight shoulders, a straight back, and be physically fit.

•  His voice should be lower and stronger.

•  His body movements should be distinctly masculine — not prissy, delicate or dainty.

•  He should be careful of hygiene, body odor and personal appearance.

She wants him to be tough and rugged.

•  A fragile, weak man is unappealing.

•  She is repulsed by tender hands, manicured fingernails and a frail body.

•  The kind of man she loves doesn’t mind getting grease on his hands or splinters in his fingers.

•  He can play the role of a mechanic, carpenter, handyman, etc.

•  He doesn’t shy away from hard work or difficult tasks — but tackles them head-on with confidence and gusto.

•  He’s not to be cruel and abusive, but to be master over his life and circumstances.

•  Strength — physical, mental and spiritual — should characterize his total personality.

She admires a man with confidence and inner strength.

•  A woman cannot respect a man who whines, moans and complains about his bad breaks in life.

•  He should carry himself as a man with pride — a confidence based on God, not on vanity or ego.

•  He’s a kind of man who walks with authority and purpose.

•  He’s aggressive and forceful, yet gentle and willing to listen.

•  In a woman’s eyes, inner strength is a major ingredient of masculinity.

She wants him to be responsible and protective of her.

•  To look after her safety and welfare.

•  To do little things to let her know he cares — opens the door for her, keeps her car in good repair, does the chores without being asked.

•  He gives counsel and guidance in helping her to make right decisions.

•  To take the lead in handling such problems as bill collectors, door-to-door salesman, and serious conflicts with the children.

•  This type of man is a real gentleman and shows his love and affection in a thousand little ways.

•  NOTE: In a dating situation, a God-fearing man will never try to seduce a woman or cause her to engage in a wrestling match to fight him off.  When he gets too physical, her respect for him plummets.

She wants him to lead her toward God’s Kingdom.

•  To be a tower of strength she can lean on and example she can follow.

•  She wants him to correct her in love and to encourage her to develop her full potential.

•  She needs his support in her role as wife and mother.

•  She wants him to keep her in line and not let her frustrations get out of control.

•  The kind of man she greatly respects is one who radiates the qualities of God’s Spirit, even though she may have no romantic interest in him whatsoever.

•  In the final analysis, God holds the husband responsible for the spiritual character of his home.

A brief description from a woman.

“To be a man is a role. It is a position given by God. ‘The head of every man is Christ; and the head of every woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God’ (I Cor. 11:3). This position is given by God for a purpose and a function. When a man fills this role, he becomes masculine. The more completely he fills this role, the more masculine qualities he’ll develop. If he allows a woman to dominate him (or if he is the type who would), he loses his masculinity.

“‘Your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you’ (Gen. 3:16). A woman looks for this leadership; it’s the key to what she finds masculine.

All the traits, qualities, and definitions of true masculinity create within her a desire to respond, to be led, to be the helpmeet God designed her to be.”

What, then, is true masculinity?

It is taking on the life, nature and character of God and Jesus Christ.

Russia, China And Europe: The Prophecied Clash To Come!

http://www.newprophecy.net

Much of the framework of all prophecy is found in two prophetic books—the books of Daniel and Revelation. But only in Revelation do we find events of various other prophecies correlated in order of time sequence” It actually details events leading to the return of Jesus Christ; events symbolized by seven seals, seven trumpets and seven vials. before I begin, I will visually lay out the story flow of the Book of Revelation:

Book Of Revelation Story Flow

7 Seals:

1. False prophets
2. War
3. Famine
4. Pestilence – these first 4 seals are the 4 horsemen of (Rev. 6:1-8)
5. Tribulation – (Rev. 6:9-11)
6. Heavenly Signs – (Rev. 6:12-14)
7. 7 Trumpets – beginning of the Day of the Lord

• 1st trumpet – Injury to the earth – (Rev. 8:7)
  
• 2nd trumpet – Injury to the sea – (Rev. 8:8-9)
  
• 3rd trumpet – Injury to rivers – (Rev. 810-11)
  
• 4th trumpet – Injury to heavenly lights – (Rev. 8:12)
  
• 5th trumpet or 1st woe – attack of beast power – (Rev. 9:1-12)
• 6th trumpet or 2nd woe – Asian counter strike – (Rev. 9:13-19)
• 7th trumpet or third woe – Seven Last Plaques

1. Sores on those who accept the mark of the beast (Rev. 16:2)
2. Sea turns to blood and all sea creatures die (Rev. 16:3)
3. Rivers turn to blood (Rev. 16:4-7)
4. Sun scorches humanity (Rev. 16:8-9)
5. Beast’s seat of government afflicted (Rev. 16:10-11)
6. Euphrates dries up, armies gather at Armageddon (Joel 3:9-17, Rev. 16:12-16)
7. Great earthquake and hail (Rev. 16:17-21)
   

The  seven seals, seven trumpets and seven vials portray a progression of catastrophic plagues God will inflict on mankind. These three world shaking events summed up are:

1. The Great Tribulation
2. The heavenly signs in the sun and moon and stars (immediately following the Tribulation)
3. The Day of the Lord

So let’s break these down in order.

The Great Tribulation (the first of three world shaking events)

The first four seals in Revelation 6:1-8 are:

1. False religion
2. War
3. Famine
4. Pestilence

These lead to the fifth seal, the Great Tribulation—the time of Satan’s wrath – described in Revelation 6:9-11 and other prophecies. The Tribulation  will last for 2½ years.

The Heavenly Signs (the second of three world shaking events)

In Revelation 6:12-14 it says:

“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”

The heavenly signs signify the sixth seal of Revelation 6:12-14.

The Day Of The Lord (the third of three world shaking events)

This is the Day of the Lord—the time of God’s wrath, when God punishes mankind for their rebellion against Him and His government with plagues. Here he is trying to bring all sinners (who survive the previous disasters) to repentance (verses 15-17).

The Day of the Lord lasts for one year, but it is NOT the last year of the 3½-year period we read of, and is NOT a part of the Great Tribulation. It is a combination of the Great Tribulation, the Heavenly Signs and the Day of the Lord which collectively make up the 3½‑year period called “a time, and times, and half a time” (Revelation 12:14).

The beginning of the day of the Lord is at the opening of the seventh and final seal:

“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets” (Revelation 8:1-2).

These seven trumpet blasts occur after the seventh seal is opened during the Day of the Lord. They symbolize plagues sent from God as He intervenes in the affairs of mankind! This is the result of people refusing to listen to God and repent of their sins.

• The first four trumpet blasts of Rev. 8 destroy the environment, making living conditions on Earth unbearable.

• The fifth trumpet (also called the first woe) signifies world domination by a European beast power. Daniel 11:40 (speaking of the first woe) speaks of a clash (in this end time) between that European empire (the King of the North) and the King of the South, a radical Middle Eastern power (modern Iran).

Verses 40-41 speak of the Great Tribulation, when this European Beast Power will enter into the glorious land (called Israel today) and overthrow many nations. However, the spectacular military success of the beast power in the Middle East will be short lived:

“But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him …” (verse 44). If we see the modern nation of Israel as a reference point, we have to look north and east on a map, coming directly to Russia and China!

After destroying the radical Middle eastern power (King of the South), the beast power (King of the North), will be troubled by China and Russia in the east and north. This scripture is speaking of a massive clash between these two world superpowers, with the king of the north launching a preemptive strike against the Asian foe:

“Therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.”

This attack (the first woe of Rev. 9:1-11) is described as the beginning of all-out war between these two superpowers to determine world rule. The biblical language used is symbolic, because the apostle John had to use terminology of his day to describe technology of the future.

For example, verses 3 and 7-10 state that locusts “came upon the Earth with power in their tails like a scorpion.” This could merely be describing modern military helicopters firing missiles during an all out, five month military attack on the inhabitants of the earth. All is spearheaded by the devil, as verse 11 actually explains the king over these soldiers is Abaddon or Apollyon, which are names of Satan.

The Second Woe

Continuing in Revelation 9:

• The sixth trumpet of verses 12-13 (also called the second woe) sounds. Four angels are released specifically to amass an almost incomprehensibly large, 200-million-man army (verses 15-16).

Most Bible critics argue that it would be impossible to assemble an army this size. But the current population in China is over 1.3 billion. Russia has 142 million, India with 1.1 billion people has the fourth-largest army in the world. Japan, the nations of Southeast Asia, and the former Soviet republics could all be probable participants in this alliance. Adding up the populations, there will easily be a total approaching 3 billion people from which to make up an army of 200 million! It is hardly unrealistic to think these combined countries could not muster an army of 200 million men.

Joel 2:4 also speaks of this Asiatic force (there called God’s army) during what is titled an event in the Day of the Eternal. It is actually God who will inspire it to wreak havoc on the European beast power with a counterattack and obliterate it. The end result is the death of “the third part of men” (Revelation 9:15). Of course such a scenario has never transpired and it takes the awesome destructive power of modern super-weapons to achieve such carnage.

Babylon Falls

Jeremiah 50 also adds details to this story, now calling the political-religious system of the King of the North by the name of Babylon, though historically it was known as the “Holy” Roman Empire.

In verse 3, God says He will bring a nation out of the North which will make it desolate. Again, the massive Asiatic counterattack will overwhelm the beast power. This is the second woe.

And verse 9 states that it will be an assembly o many nations, which could only be Russia and China, along with various other nations which will join this power bloc. The devastating collapse of the Babylonian system, the beast power, is further described in Revelation 18:2-19.

These Russians and Chinese armies will be ruthless. To “slay the third part of men”, there can be no doubt that they will attack with nuclear weapons! In verse 15, God says this act is His vengeance, because the people of this beast power have sinned against him (Revelation 18:5-6). Revelation 18 and Jeremiah 50:29 show that Babylon is destroyed in the space of one hour!

Unbelievably, the last two verses of Revelation 9  reveal just how hard-headed and stubborn man can be, even after such severe correction, as those not killed continue on with their lives, unrepentant of their idol worship, their murders, fornication, thefts and so on (verses 20-21). Even after most of the Earth’s population has been personally afflicted by nuclear war and complete destruction, they still are not willing to turn to God and His law!

The Third Woe

Revelation 11:14-15 now speaks of the third woe. Two of the three woes are complete and after that, the kingdoms of this world are to become God’s Kingdom. Christ will return, and God’s government will again take over the Earth.

But even after all the destruction, verse 18 says the nations will be angry and wrathful toward Christ. Can you believe that? And now what’s left of the beast power and of Asia will actually gather to fight against Christ at the last trumpet. This battle is described in great detail throughout Revelation 15 and 16.

The final trumpet blast is divided into seven vials of God’s wrath—the last seven plagues (Revelation 15:1, 6), sent upon mankind because of their hard-headedness. In Revelation 16:12, God dries up the Euphrates River to prepare the way for these armies to gather near Jerusalem (in a place called Armageddon, verse 16). There they will turn their attention toward their one common enemy—the King of kings—Jesus Christ.

There is wonderfully good news in the midst of all these horrors. Both of these armies will gather at Armageddon to fight each other, but will end up fighting Christ at His Second Coming! The armies will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them (Revelation 17:12-14). The conclusion of that battle will mark the beginning of a new, peaceful age for the whole Earth!

Ezekiel’s Prophecy

Ezekiel also tells us about yet another burst of rebellion to spring from northeast of Jerusalem, with the Millennium only just begun. As unbelievable as it sounds, the people of Asia will muster their forces for one final attempt to overthrow Christ’s rule!

Reading Ezekiel chapter 34, we find that, after the Day of the Lord, God will gather His sheep—those enslaved Israelites left alive after the Day of the Lord—and rescue them from captivity. This is when God will remove the spiritual blindness from their eyes and they will seek God’s ways. God’s Kingdom will be set up to finally establish lasting peace (Isaiah 11:11; Romans 11:25-26; Micah 4:2-3).

Dozens of prophecies refer to the end-time descendants of Israel being scattered around the world during the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. But Ezekiel 36 pictures the remnant of Israel returning to the land God originally promised them, to one place.

Ezekiel 37:15 begins to speak of Israel and Judah as two sticks united together after Christ’s return. God will take them from among the heathen and make them one nation (verse 22), with a resurrected, spirit-born King David being king over Israel (verse 24).

Chapter 37 also  speaks of a prophecy referred to as the valley of dry bones. Much of it pictures a literal fleshly resurrection of those who had long since died, never knowing the truth. This resurrection occurs at the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ.

What happens to Gog and Magog (the Asiatic Nations)?

The Russians and Chinese are used to punish the beast power just before Christ returns, but as a result, they too become proud and haughty, therefore needing correction from God. He even tells these nations to prepare for a coming battle with Him (verse 7), after Christ’s return. God prophecies against Gog and Magog , stating that His anger is against them (Ezekiel 38:2-3).

How do we know this? Notice that verse 8 says Israel has been “brought back from the sword.” Here the people of Israel are dwelling peacefully (verse 11). It is the remnant of the Asiatic hordes of the battle of Armageddon (who were not killed) which descend upon the glorious land a short time after it has been occupied by the re-gathered Israelites. It will only be a land of villages at this point early on in the Millennium. Gog and Magog will see how God has blessed His people and will target the people of Israel as easy spoil in a blessed and undefended land!

Now think about this, because it really makes the mind reel. Even after Christ returns, there will not be peace immediately. There will still exist those who haven’t submitted to God’s law and government. They will learn the “hard way” that God’s system is fair and equitable and that they must submit to it to be blessed. Imagine, having to force people to be happy.

Yet that is exactly what the Bible says God does. Only one sixth of those who come to attack Israel will live through the battle, even though the y have been pre-warned (Ezekiel 39:7). The number of dead will be incalculable, and the people of Israel will be called upon to bury the fallen fighters. “And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land” (verse 12).

According to Ezekiel 38 and 39, this is the last great rebellion this Earth will experience for 1,000 years! Then, at the end of the Millennium when Satan is loosed for a little season, and there will be another—Revelation 20:7-9. Through both of these, God will not only defend and deliver His people, but He will prove that He fights and wins our battles for us.

God will make sure that His wrath is felt and witnessed throughout all the Earth (Ezekiel 38:18-20). He will have the nations of Gog and Magog destroy themselves (verse 21). Only through  blood, pain and suffering will God finally have all skeptics—those who do not accept Christ’s rule; those who do not know God, come to the understanding that He is the Eternal.

And here’s the rub. God wants us to choose life, not death! He does not like to see anyone suffer. Only those who stand with God now in complete obedience will not have to suffer in the future.

The Spiritual Significance Of Numbers

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Numbers are used in Scripture, not merely as in Nature, with supernatural design, but with spiritual significance, which may be summarized as follow. (The whole subject may be studied in Dr. Bullinger’s work on Number in Appendix 10 from the Companion Bible).

One – denotes unity, and commencement.  The first occurrences of words or utterances denote their essential significance, in interpretation.  Words that occur only once, in the originals, are emphatic and important.  First day, Light.  The first occurrences of all important words and expressions are noted in the margin.

Two – denotes difference.  If two different persons agree in testimony it is conclusive.  Otherwise two implies opposition, enmity, and division, as was the work of the Second day.  Compare the use of the word “double” applied to “heart”, “tongue”, “mind”, etc.

Three – denotes completeness, as three lines complete a plane figure.  Hence, three is significant of Divine perfection and completeness.  The third day completes the fundamentals of creation-work.  The fourth, fifth, and sixth days are the counterpart and repetition of the first, second, and third, and correspond respectively.  (See the structure of Gen. 1, p. 3.)  The number, three, includes resurrection also; for on the third day the earth rose up out of the deep, and the fruit rose up out of the earth.

Four – denotes creative works (3+1), and always has reference to the material creation, as pertaining to the earth, and things “under the sun”, and things terrestrial.

Five – denotes Divine grace.  It is 4+1.  It is God adding His gifts and blessing to the works of His hands.  The Heb. Ha’aretz (the earth), by “Gematria” (i.e.  the addition of the numerical value of the letters together) is a multiple of four, while Hashamayim (the heavens) is a multiple of five.  The Gematria of Caris (charis), the Greek for Grace, is also a multiple of five.  It is the leading factor in the Tabernacle measurements.

Six – denotes the human number.  Man was created on the sixth day; and this first occurrence of the number makes it (and all multiples of it) the hall-mark of all connected with man.  He works six days.  The hours of his day are a multiple of six.  Athaliah usurped the throne of Judah six years.  The great men who have stood out in defiance of God (Goliath and Nebuchadnezzar and Antichrist) are all emphatically marked by this number.

Seven – denotes spiritual perfection.  It is the number or hall-mark of the Holy Spirit’s work.  He is the Author of God’s Word, and seven is stamped on it as the water-mark is seen in the manufacture of paper.  He is the Author and Giver of life; and seven is the number which regulates every period of Incubation and Gestation, in insects, birds, animals, and man.

Eight – denotes resurrection, regeneration; a new beginning or commencement.  The eighth is a new first.  Hence the octave in music, color, days of the week, etc.  It is the number which has to do with the LORD, Who rose on the eighth, or new “first-day”.  This is, therefore, the Dominical number.  By Gematria (see above), ‘JJjjIhsous (Jesus) makes the number 888.  It, or its multiple is impressed on all that has to do with the Lord’s Names, the Lord’s People, the Lord’s works.

Nine – denotes Finality of judgment.  It is 3×3, the product o 989 f Divine completeness.  The number nine, or its factors or multiples, is seen in all cases when judgment is the subject.

Ten – denotes Ordinal perfection.  Another new first; after the ninth digit, when numeration commences anew.

Eleven – denotes disorder, disorganization, because it is one short of the number twelve (see below).

Twelve – denotes Governmental perfection.  It is the number of factor of all numbers connected with government :  whether by Tribes or Apostles, or in measurements of time, or in things which have to do with government in the heavens and the earth.

Thirteen – denotes rebellion, apostasy, defection, dis-integration, revolution, &c.  The first occurrence fixes this (Gen. 14:4); and the second confirms it (Gen. 17:25).  It, and its multiples, are seen in all numbers, and in the Gematria (see above) of all names and passages that are associated with rebellion, &c.

Seventeen – denotes a combination of spirit and order (10+7).  It is the seventh prime number (as 13 is the sixth prime number).

Other numbers follow the laws which govern the smaller, as being their factors, sums, products or multiples :  e.g.  24 is 12×2, a higher form of 12.

25 = 52.     Grace intensified.
27 = 33.     Divinity intensified.
28 = 7×4.    Spiritual perfection in connection with the earth.
29 = 33.     Intensifying of Divine judgment.
30 = 3×10.  Divine perfection, applied to order.
40 = 10×4.  Divine order applied to earthly things.  Hence, the number of probation.

The four perfect numbers, 3, 7, 10, and 12, have for their product the remarkable number 2,520.  It is the Least Common Multiple of the ten digits governing all numeration; and can, therefore, be divided by each of the nine digits, without a remainder.  It is the number of chronological perfection (7×360).

Progressive Fascism: The New American Way?

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Although this is a blog about religion, we have to face the fact that politics play a huge part in the subject. God talks about the governments of man, intervenes in their ways and tells us that ultimately, He will overthrow all of man’s governments and will rule all by His government of love.

So I found a great little blog post at Ceo4aday that talks about the modern fascist frame of mind in light of the fall of wall street, government intervention (restructuring) of huge American private companies, and limited choices to consumers. While I don’t necessarily agree with all points of the article, today we are indeed witnessing a lot of  “theatrical presentations as the state reaches deep into the lives of its citizens molding their values, limiting their choices and transforming their society for the good of the state.”

The author speaks about an America that is in peril, subject to a leftist liberal (read fascist) state which will enforce their promised clean air at the expense of a lower standard of life.

The American voter has received what he asked for, but the end result may be a big shock. Instead of looking to God in time of need, tens of millions childishly voted for what they thought was their physical Messiah. But they will be gravely disappointed as the slick message of hope and change — big talk, glowing write-ups and high expectations — leads to unexpected and unpleasant results. Hang on, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Why Homosexuality Destroys God's Gospel

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Given today’s liberal climate of pandering to homosexual conduct as normal behaviour, I doubt this post will be popular with the “politically correct” elite. But then again, the truth is seldom popular. Witness Jesus Christ, who was killed for  bringing the message of His Father. Yes, many seemed to believe “on” Christ, but only 120 “believed” Him – that is, they obeyed. Today also, many profess to believe in Christ, adore Christ, worship the name of Christ – yet who listens to or obeys God? Man has the audacity to actually do away with the 10 Commandments, when there is no clear scripture authorizing such a move.

Is this the end time?

It’s pretty hard to wrap your mind around a subject like the end time, when everything seems to be well in your world. North America still has a high standard of living and has enjoyed one for almost a century. However, all that is slowly coming to an end. The entire world seems to be in a financial free fall, but as this is mentioned, many seem to shrug it off as a concern that will right itself again. It’s just another cyclical event, right? Wrong! No one has ever seen the likes of what we are facing today. The experts admit they are dumbfounded and speechless. They don’t know what is going on because history has no precedent. It’s very easy to be casual about things such as these, but we are now witnessing the outer edge of the coming storm, prophecied in your Bible.

In Gen. 6:13, during the time of Noah, God said the end of all flesh was near. And so it is again, as we face another end –  the coming Tribulation as prophecied in the book of Revelation. Anyone with a little foresight should be able to recognize that this world’s problems cannot be solved by man. Yet no one wants to listen to God. There is very little humbleness in this world, and the Bible says mankind will experience destruction just short of destroying all humanity (Matt. 24).

Peter warns about homosexuality

“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly” (II Pet. 2:6).

This warning was not for the first century Church, but rather the end time, about which Christ prophecied that “no flesh” would be saved alive if He did not return. Peter was inspired to write about this end time sick  Sodom-and-Gomorrah world.

So what is Sodomy? It is abnormal sexual intercourse between people. This was practiced widely in Sodom, known for some of the most vile sins ever committed by men. Today we have become so sophisticated that sodomy, or homosexuality,  is regarded as good, rather than the abomination God says it is (Rom. 1:22-23).

The Bible is clear in its condemnation of this lifestyle (Is. 1:10, 3:9, Jer. 23:14), and of the certainty of those sinners being severely punished (Is. 13:9, Jer. 49:18, Lam. 4:6).

Like Sodom of old, the scripture says we declare our sin as Sodom and hide it not. Today’s society is proud of the fact that it has collectively come out of the closet. The entire lifestyle is taught early on in school to be tolerated and any opposing views are squashed as being intolerant.

The most important thing on the minds of many people is the drive to legitimize and legalize homosexual marriage. People think if they can get caught up in their evil desires, they can forget about reality and about what God says. Yet, God gave us specific New Testament example in Peter (and Jude) about what happens if a city or nation is polluted with homosexuality. It is going to be destroyed the same way that depraved Sodom and Gomorrah were.

The twisting of the human mind

The sin of sodomy is the utmost twisting the human mind. God is NOT pleased about people being defiled in such a way. And that is exactly what it is – a defilement. God calls it an uncleanness – a dishonouring of the human body (Rom. 1:14).

Now it’s funny that most professing Christianity believe in the New Testament, yet here are specific warnings from God and even churches that claim to represent Jesus Christ openly advocate homosexuality – saying the Bible is silent on the issue, or worse, approves of it.

Let’s be real honest in our evaluation of this behaviour – it is not neither loving nor balanced; solid or sound minded. It is a depraved conduct – period. I understand that more and more courts of the land are approving of it, but they are defying the living God! They have pushed and pressured young, impressionable minds to accept this sick lifestyle and now “the whole head is sick (Is. 1:5).

The antithesis of hope!

Homosexual marriage is the antithesis of real hope. Why? because rather than being a “freedom,” it destroys families. Family is the most sacred of all institutions. When a family obeys God it produces strong, beautiful children which will amaze you. These are the backbone of nations. When families fall apart, nations fall.

Now many will argue that they have seen strong homosexual marriages with adopted children, which function better than some traditional families. That may be true, but it misses the entire point. Marriage and family are a God-plane relationship. It prepares us to enter our marriage with Jesus Christ. God is our Father, Jesus Christ is the Husband of the bride (God’s firstfruits) and the entire world will be likened as children in the God family. It is a family gospel.

Satan is the author of the “queer” movement. He understands that he will be deposed when Jesus Christ returns, that he has no opportunity in the family of God. He wants to obliterate family – destroy marriage and blot it out forever. He is the motivator behind the same sex marriage movement which is defying God to His face.

Anciently, when two angels visited Sodom in the guise of physical men, the perverted male population wanted to have sexual relations with them. They were so full of lust, that even as they were struck blind, they kept coming. Just as there was no  reasoning with such deviant minds then, so there is no reasoning with the homosexual movement today. There is no knowledge of God with them, so they have been given over to a reprobate [vain, empty, worthless – Strong’s # 96] mind (Rom. 1:28).

If you understand the gospel of God – which is about the family of God – you will understand the magnitude of this sin. We are now witnessing the destruction of the gospel of God – the good news of the coming family of God. Satan is desperately trying to blot out this hope from mankind by twisting and distorting the very foundation of family. But God turned Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes as an example and warning to us of what will happen if we turn wholesale to this sin. And as a nation, we have!

There is no greater physical warning in the Bible than this. God didn’t spare the sinning angels, nor the sinners in Noah’s day. Neither did He spare Sodom and Gomorrah.  We are living in such societies today and  God does not spare people who commit such vile sins. Think about it. Haven’t most people been dulled to homosexuality and other immorality in this world?

“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin…(II Pet. 2:14). They are hooked on sin like heroin – like the homosexuals in Gen. 19. Their willpower is destroyed.

The homosexual movement promises liberty, but they themselves are the servants of corruption (II Pet. 2:19). They never talk about God’s “law of liberty,” in Jam. 1:25. They offer a false freedom – a lawless liberty, which is really slavery. They talk about love, but it is a shallow, meaningless love not grounded in the law of God.

Homosexuality is NOT freedom, because it destroys the law of God and the gospel of God. It is part of the pornographic market which rakes in billions annually. And we need to call it what it is. First, homosexuals are not queer or gay, because those words soften or add legitimacy  – they are sodomites – as God calls them.

Some will say that this type of post is hateful, but the opposite is true. We are to love the sinner and yet hate the sin and I abide by that principle. I have nothing against people themselves, but I can’t condone the lifestyle.  Anyone who thinks our present problems are unrelated to the filth and degeneration present in society today is not thinking clearly. These problems will only intensify, they will not go away.  There will not be an economic upturn anymore – this is it – we have crested the hill and the way down is before us. God is now judging our nations for turning their backs on Him.

What an ugly picture leading to the greatest time of suffering ever in mankind’s history – the Tribulation – as described in the book of Revelation. Yes, that’s the same book no religion teaches about because of its perceived bad news. And contrary to scoffers, that won’t make it go away. In fact, God knew such attitudes would prevail today:

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts (II Pet. 3:3).

Lange’s Commentary says this is referring to “the last of the last days.” So many will come in the spirit of scoffing and cursing (Ps. 109:16-17). What is causing this mass exodus away from God? Satan has been cast down and demons are racing about like mad dogs stirring up rage, clothing all in a scoffing spirit. It’s an ugly picture, but just like in the time of Noah, they refuse to listen, which actually fulfills prophecy.

There is good news though. Jesus Christ is returning and will overthrow the governments of this world, installing God’s government of peace and justice. Right and proper conduct will be taught from the basis of the law of God and the result will be true happiness.

Are Christians Allowed To Participate In Armed Conduct?

The Bible does not condone any participation in the armed forces, whether combative or non-combative. While it is true that ancient Israel fought in many wars, they did not do so with God’s approval. Yes, you read that right! There was simply no need to fight because God promised unequivocally to protect Israel from all their enemies in exchange for their obedience:

“If thou shalt indeed obey, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries” (Exod. 23:22).

God wanted Israel to rely on Him solely for protection. He specifically led them around the land of the Philistines because He did not want them even to see war, much less participate in it (Exod. 13:17). The choice to participate in war was made by the Israelites themselves, not by God.

In one account, God protected the Israelites from a million-man Ethiopian army because King Asa relied on His protection. There was absolutely no need to fight. But even so, King Asa did not continue to rely on Him. He hired an ally—the Kingdom of Syria (II Chron. 16:1-3). Here’s what God thought of the situation:

“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa King of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the King of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, He delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” (II Chron. 16:7-9).

Of course, some will point out the fact that there were times when God instructed Israel to take lives by force. But, did God do wrong, in using the Israelites to drive out these murderous pagan nations? No, because God alone has the right to take human life, since He alone is the giver of life. Israel was war-determined and because of their faithlessness and disobedience, God used them as His instrument in taking life. Israel had chosen the way of sin in going to war. Even then, they could have changed their decision.

Christians should remember that the commandments state: “Thou shalt not kill.” A true Christian of God is a citizen of the Kingdom of God, and no longer a citizen of their own country. They are considered “strangers and sojourners.” Being led by a government that is fighting a war means they are led by that physical government, rather than following the government of God Almighty. If man followed God’s law of love, there would be no war.